Ever sat in an interview and thought, “What kind of question is that?”

I’ve been there, and in this episode, Paddy and I break down two of the trickiest (and silliest) interview questions you’ll probably face. We role-play the wrong ways to answer them, then show you how to sound smart while saying almost nothing. We also share the sneaky phrases and safe motivators that can help you survive these moments without looking clueless. If you’ve ever wondered what to say when they ask, “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” this one’s for you.

IN THIS EPISODE

(00:00) Do you feel like every CEO’s vision sounds the same? Wait till you hear this.

(02:35) The “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” trap, and how to (not) fall for it

(05:55) Want the job? Here’s how sucking up might just backfire

(09:40) The gold-standard answer that sounds smart but says nothing

(11:40) How to sound hot and cold at the same time in your interview

(14:25) What REALLY motivates you? (Careful, they don’t want the truth)

(19:20) “I’m a Zen monk in a suit.” The ultimate corporate interview hack

(23:50) Can you really fake purpose in an interview? Watch this trick

(27:25) The final cheat codes you’ll wish you knew before your next interview

Rahul Phondke

Rahul Phondke has been a prolific writer of humour columns since his childhood days which ended sometime last year. People are still wondering how this happened. He turned to writing humour at an early age in an effort to find some meaning to the angst of life, which he found almost immediately after his first two cans of beer. Based in Singapore, he is extremely sought after by the locals …unfortunately most of whom happen to be the police. He is an active member on Facebook and can be easily reached…unless he happens to owe you moneyConnect with Rahul at  https://www.linkedin.com/in/rahul-phondke-522a17

Paddy Rangappa

Paddy Rangappa has worked in marketing for more than twenty-six years. After over a decade in Procter & Gamble in India, Indonesia, and Singapore, he became vice president, brand development for McDonald’s in Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa (APMEA) and developed strategies to significantly grow breakfast, beverages, and desserts, especially the McCafé brand, across APMEA. Outside work, Paddy is an avid tennis player and a freelance writer. He has also taught Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) to senior undergraduates and MBA students at the Singapore Management University (SMU). He is the author of Been There Bungled That and Spark.

Connect with Paddy at https://www.linkedin.com/in/paddyrangappa/

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About the Show

The Jest Business is a podcast that pokes fun at the wild world of corporate speak and boardroom absurdities. Hosted by Paddy Rangappa and Rahul Phondke, it’s where business meets banter—with a healthy dose of self-deprecating humour. From buzzwords to bloopers, we decode jargon, laugh at leadership, and challenge the serious side of success. If you’ve ever sat through a strategy meeting and thought, Wait, what did that mean?—this one’s for you.