How to Answer the 7 Hardest Interview Questions
Forewarned is prepared, which is why we’ve compiled a list of 7 tricky questions that hiring managers love to use, and that interviewees sometimes stumble upon. Here it is in comprehensive form, so read on to find out what employees are asking for in a job interview and how to strategically answer them.
1. Why do you think you will be successful in this job?
Here, you’re asked to match your skill sets to the attributes needed to get the job done. This is an explicit question. Why are you suitable for this particular job, unlike any other?
Advice – Thoroughly research your employer and the details of the job you are applying for as this will save the day. It will allow you to match your interests, experience and skills with the company and the job title.
2. Give an example of a time when you handled a major crisis.
This question is similar to “Can you give an example when you had to deal with pressure or an uncomfortable situation?”
Advice – Take a trip down memory lane. You may find it easier to answer if you think about your study, experience, travel, and extracurricular activities and think about a time when you had to deal with an unexpected problem.
3. What is your biggest weakness?
The problem with this question is that they ask you about your limitations, when your instinct, during an interview, is to keep your imperfections as hidden as possible.
Advice – Here you must play strategically with the words and frame your answer in a way that puts a positive spin on it.
An alternative way to approach this answer is to think about the likely downside of your greatest strength.
4. Where do you hope to be in five years?
This is another question that asks you to show your leniency in your chosen career path and employer research. You have to appear enthusiastic, but not arrogant.
Advice – Specific details will impress an interviewer. Therefore, tailor your answer to reflect the industry, your experience, skills, and the nature of an organization.
5. Have you ever had a bad experience with an employer?
Recruiters ask those questions to see how you handle when they put you on the spot to produce an honest answer. Remember, this is your test in which you must present a diplomatic response.
Advice – Whether you describe the sensitive situation or evade the question, don’t attack your previous employer in your answer. Also, make sure you don’t incriminate yourself while answering.
6. How do you prioritize tasks and manage your time?
The purpose of this question is that the recruiter wants to know your strategies for organizing.
Advice – Regardless of the methods you use to prioritize your tasks and manage your time, you must be prepared to describe it.
7. What motivates you?
The hidden agenda behind this question is to know what you do well and what you enjoy doing.
Advice – Your answer should be based on an example from your work experience, studies or extracurricular activities that make the case that you would be immensely motivated by the job for which you are being interviewed.
Here are seven tough job interview questions and answers that 1 in 3 recruiters ask a candidate.