Being ready to answer the basic interview questions employers dish out, as well as the more challenging questions, is important when preparing for a job interview. Typical tough interview questions may vary extensively between industries or fields of work, yet several questions are commonly used to learn more about you as a candidate. Here are a couple of tips on how to tackle tough interview questions, along with a few examples of tough interview questions with suggestions on how to answer them.
Remain Calm
First and foremost, it is essential to remain calm during stressful interviews. If you don’t know the answer to a difficult question, that is okay! Many times, hiring managers are asking tricky questions to get a sense of how you think through problems. That being said, it is recommended to take your time and to think aloud while formulating your answer.
Be Prepared
In order to master an interview, it is suggested that you come prepared. Not only should you already have a strong resume built, but you should also do some research on the company you are interviewing with. Glancing through the company profile, along with the organization’s mission statement and recent achievements in the company would be good places to start to get basic information on the company. By doing so, you are letting the employer know that you have an actual interest in the organization. In addition, preparing for an interview by reviewing commonly asked questions beforehand can make the interview process go by much swifter. Below are a few questions employers are likely to ask, along with strategies on how to go about answering them.
“Tell me about a time you overcame an obstacle”
In order to understand how you deal with difficulties in the workplace, employers ask this question. When answering a broad question like this, Indeed.com recommends utilizing the STAR method, which involves providing a brief summary of the situation, your role in the situation, the action you put in place to resolve the issue, and how the issue was resolved as a result.
“What are your biggest weaknesses?”
You may find it difficult to answer this question, especially if you had anticipated that you would be discussing the strengths and capabilities you possess. When an interviewer asks “What is your greatest weakness,” they typically want to know whether you have a healthy level of self-awareness and whether you can be open and honest. In answering this question, it is important to provide examples that do not hinder your ability to perform well in a role, that are relatable and fixable, and that showcase how you were able to turn a weakness into a strength through real-world experience.
“Why should we hire you?”
This question is significant to securing your interview, as it allows you the opportunity to differentiate yourself from other candidates the employer may be interviewing. Explaining and emphasizing how your experiences, skills, and characteristics make you the top fit for the job can help seal the deal.