Be warned, sometimes your toughest job interview question won’t sound so tough. While you may think it’s just small talk it’s actually a test and opportunity for you to shine.

But the bottom line is preparation. Some questions are easy, some hard, but they all become easy when you are anticipating them and prepared.

Take some time to think through all questions you may get, then rehearse your responses over and over. This will make a huge difference in how well you “sell” yourself and how confident you feel.

But let’s talk today about the toughest, and perhaps, most import job interview question.

The Question Revealed

So, what’s the toughest job interview question?

“So, tell me what you know about our office?”

While it may seem harmless or inconsequential, a lot of interviewers simply aren’t prepared to answer it very well or at all. Shrugging your shoulders that you don’t know or simply saying you don’t know much may not seem like a big deal… but it is.

It’s a missed opportunity and really not that hard to give them what they REALLY want.

This interview question isn’t really meant to trick you. And not every interviewer will even ask it, but many (if not most) do so come prepared with the RIGHT answer.

What is the right answer? The right answer to this interview question is, of course, unique to each and every interviewer that asks.

What do they want from me?

I tell clients to find two or three things YOU find interesting or can connect with or relate to about an employer, position, of office.

Ultimately, interviewers want anything that is something. Does that make sense?

They want to know you took the time to learn about them, who they are, things that they do, people that they serve. It’s not so much what you share, it’s that you share something relevant. Something you couldn’t possibly have guessed or known without having done your homework.

Not Homework!

Ahhh, homework! No one has time for it. But interview preparation homework shouldn’t overwhelm you. Start with just some simple research on their website and social media accounts to see if something unique pops up. Of course, the more you learn about an office the better, and more prepared you will be for the interview.

You see, even beyond this one question, “What do you know about our office?” there will be other questions where you can insert bits of information you pick up on in your research. Maybe you’ll learn that they participate in a community health fair and because you have done it previously you have ideas of how to maximize those events.

Example Responses for Toughest Dental Hygiene Job Interview Question

“I’ve learned through talking with one or two friends who used to be patients that your office is great about staying on schedule and that you are particularly good with kids. One of my friends just raves about your office and how nice everyone is. I think I already have some great connections to your office.”

“I found online that the patient reviews are excellent – you have done well at creating a great experience for people. Your website, in fact, talks about how important it is that you put patients first. I align perfectly with that value as it’s always been my focus as well.”

“I love the fact that you have kept your office so modern and comfortable. Even from the pictures on your website, I could see that it sets a mood that helps me relax being here and I am sure for others as well.”

So, as job opportunities open up and you land interviews, do a little bit of homework. That’s one more way you can stand out. One more way to land a great a job.

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Doug Perry is an expert resume writer and job search coach. He and his wife, Tracie, who is a dental hygienist, created GetHiredRDH in response to the challenging dental hygiene job market and have helped thousands of dental hygienists through tips and individual services. If you need individual help, click here to contact Doug.