5 Tough Interview Questions and How to Tackle Them
New year, new job? Perhaps this resonates with you, and you’ve found yourself job searching as 2023 has just begun. The start of a new year often signifies change and growth, both personally and professionally for many people. If you’re one of the many working professionals who’ve begun the job search process recently, you know that it takes time, effort, and careful preparation. Seeking a change in your career means updating your resume, writing cover letters, completing applications, and preparing for interviews. Each step presents its own challenges, but many individuals find interview preparation to be the most daunting. However, with the right tools, it doesn’t have to be. The best way to prepare for an interview is to anticipate tough questions you may be asked. Here are five common tough interview questions, and how to tackle them with ease.
“The Personality Test”: This classic question usually posed at the start of an interview often takes the form of “Tell me about yourself” or “How would you describe yourself?” Interviewees tend to inaccurately assume that this is the time to talk shop. However, remember that, a) the hiring manager has your resume and knows your qualifications, and b) you’ll likely have ample opportunity to expand on your working experience later on in the conversation. So, use this question to show who you are as an individual. You’re a human being, not just a working robot; show them that.
“The Achilles Heel”: It’s easy to discuss what makes you a great employee. But, what about your shortcomings? When asked about your greatest weakness(es), be specific. It helps to give a small example of how this weakness affected your work, and then describe what you’ve done to improve upon it. Hiring managers can sniff out authenticity, so being candid about your ‘working-related gaps’ is key.
“The Big Why”: Another classic question interviewers like to ask is “Why are you right for this position?” When crafting your answer, be sure to focus less on why you want the job, and more on how you will be an asset to the company should they hire you. This is the perfect time to highlight any soft skills you possess that would add value to the role. Whether you are a master communicator, a stellar public speaker, or a standout team player, use this question to underscore your unique talents.
“The Tattletale” : You’re looking for a new job for a reason, of course, and hiring managers and recruiters want to have some insight as to why. Sometimes this question is posed as “Why are you looking for a new job?'“ but it can also be presented as “What do you dislike about your current position?” These questions can be tough, as you want to ensure you are honest without showing any kind of bitterness or resentment towards your current employment situation. One great way to approach these kinds of inquiries is to simply focus on why the role isn’t a great fit for you or why it isn’t fulfilling your career goals. Avoid throwing anyone or any company under the bus, and keep it simple.
“The Dictionary”: Hiring managers and recruiters frequently ask candidates questions requiring them to define a term. Most often, they ask interviewees “How do you define success?” This is your opportunity to both provide an example of your personal successes at work, but also to showcase that you’ve done your homework on the company and its goals. Use this question to toot your own horn, and also to expand on how you’d use your unique talents and experiences to be successful specifically in this role at this company.
Interview preparation can certainly be anxiety-inducing, but adequately preparing for potential tough questions is a great way to ease some of those jitters. Interested in gaining more interview tips and access to updated job openings? Join our mailing list today.
