Best answers to the hardest questions at the co-op board interview
The good news? You've cleared the initial hurdles of buying a co-op and gotten to the board interview. The bad news? A few wrong answers could undo your nascent deal. Following are a few of the thorniest questions (you can check out more here)—and the most diplomatic responses you can offer:
Question: Why are you downsizing?
Best answer: Focus on space, not money. A co-op board would rather hear that you need a smaller apartment because the kids have all moved out, and not that you’re trying to trim expenses (which, to a co-op board, is code for “we’re short on money”).
Question: How do you like your job?
Best answer: Act upbeat without disclosing too much info. You want to give the impression that you’re happily, gainfully and securely employed, so if you suddenly find yourself on the verge of revealing your true feelings about your boss, think again.
Question: What do you do in your spare time?
Best answer: This is not the time to detail your plans to take up the clarinet. Instead, experts suggest you keep it clean, keep it simple, and keep it quiet. Bottom line: Be friendly and direct but not overly chatty or revealing. The more you talk, the greater the likelihood of divulging TMI—which may end up working against, not for, you.
For more board interview prep, read "9 curveball co-op board interview questions (and how to answer them)."
Related:
Nailing the co-op board interview
