Answer These 15 Frequently Asked Thorny Interview Questions Like a Pro
- Tell me a bit about yourself
Recruiters often ask this question to start the interview. Rather than dive straight into the heart of the matter. Your interviewer asks you to introduce yourself.
Since this is such a general question, what he wants to know is “how well are you able to express yourself?”
While there are several ways to answer this question, we recommend that you provide a brief overview of your career by covering topics such as your recent jobs, skills, and certifications.
You can finish your answer by giving your interviewer a brief overview of your personal hobbies, but without this becoming the main element of your answer.
The best way to prepare for this question? Prepare a short professional biography (1 minute or less).
You will be amazed at how practical it will be for you. It is likely, when you have finished reading it, that one of the points you mentioned will be found in the next question to be asked by your interviewer.
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What aspect of this job interests you?
With this question, your interviewer tries to measure:
- a) your enthusiasm for the job.
- b) if you have read and understood the job description.
The best way to respond is to take over the role or responsibilities found in the job description.
If you have a blank and can’t remember the details of the job, you will not be wrong if you say you want “the opportunity to use [name of one of your skills]”.
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What are your main strengths?
You will most likely lose this question if you try to gauge your interviewer to tell him what he wants to hear.
Your best option is to be honest. You cannot build an answer for your interviewer without having repercussions.
Also, you risk failing if you do not keep your word once you are hired.
While it is ideal to choose specific skills that match the job, your strengths may as well be simple and suitable for any kind of job.
Some of these universal strengths include: working effectively despite deadlines, strong communication skills and punctuality.
It is always good to have these skills, no matter what job is on the table.
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What are your main weaknesses?
Unlike the previous question, this can be difficult, since you cannot reveal anything too damaging that will cause the employer to withdraw his offer.
In this case, too much honesty can be problematic. For example, you could find yourself in a bad spot if you say you are prone to procrastinate and not meet deadlines. Instead, try to talk about the positive reviews you’ve been subjected to in the past and the corrective measures that prompted you to make them.
Always be sure to point out how you are trying to correct a problem.
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What do you know about the business?
This interview question is clearly aimed at checking whether you have done your homework.
Show your enthusiasm by learning about the company before your interview.
It’s likely that your interviewer isn’t asking too many specific questions, so all you need to do is go to the company’s website and do a quick Google search.
Simply mentioning the most recent news, such as a change in management, an important event for the company, or the recent launch of a product, could earn you the first star in the eyes of your interviewer and demonstrate that you have mastered your folder.
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Why should we hire you?
This question is an ideal opportunity to highlight your skills that are very relevant to the job you are seeking.
It is even better if you can point out something that sets you apart from others in your field.
Avoid responses that focus on your little person, like “I always wanted to work for you” or “this job will help boost my career”. Instead, focus on the value you have to offer.
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What sets you apart from other candidates?
It is likely that most of the candidates interviewed have very comparable skills, so this question is only a variation of the previous question.
Your approach to responding should be the same: highlight your skills and explain the value you will bring to the business.
An effective strategy is to highlight here your certifications and your interdisciplinary skills which are not the norm in the industry.
Be sure to explain the reasons why they make you a better candidate for the job.
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Describe a conflict you were involved in and how it was resolved
One of the most feared and difficult interview questions on this list.
It is difficult for two reasons.
First, it requires you to tell the facts right away.
Second, it could reveal a weakness that you would rather avoid.
It may seem logical, but the best way to answer this question is to describe a conflict that has ended happily, ideally a conflict for which you were responsible.
For example, you and your boss disagree on how to approach a new customer. In the end, you present a revised strategy that represents a compromise based on aspects of the two visions.
In this story, you highlight your positive traits, such as your ability to collaborate and your team spirit.
Remember, however, not to disparage and choose a conflict that presents your previous work in a hostile light.
You will never leave a good impression if you try to destroy others to look good!
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What kind of boss do you want?
When an interviewer asks this question, they are probably trying to check if you fit in with the structure of the company and its current leaders.
What should you answer? Be honest without going into too much detail. You never know who will be the leaders with whom you will be called upon to collaborate.
Limit yourself to the aspects that are always positive, such as fairness, listening skills, aptitudes, intelligence, etc.
Most managers like to believe that they embody these traits, so there is no risk that you will run afoul of your potential boss.
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Where do you imagine yourself in 5 or 10 years?
The purpose of this question is to determine if the job you are applying for fits your long-term career plan.
Will you be gone in a few months?
Do you have unrealistic expectations about the future of the role?
To answer this question, as with many other interview questions, be honest. If you are hoping for a higher or managerial position, say so, but be realistic.
Most interviewers will appreciate your ambition. After all, five years is a long time.
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Why are you leaving your current job?
If you leave for a trivial reason, for example, to try to get a higher position or to get closer to the house, be honest and say so.
This may be riskier if you have been fired or laid off. Even in such a case, honesty is the best policy, since your interviewer may contact the management of your previous employer. But remember to conclude on a positive note and explain that you have learned from your mistakes.
Never speak ill of your previous or current employers. No matter how much you hate the job and no matter if your boss was a real bully, always be professional.
You will be amazed at how small the world is when you are looking for a job. A negative attitude can lead you to believe that you are a difficult person and suddenly lead to the withdrawal of an offer.
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How do your colleagues describe you?
This question gives you an incredible opportunity to sell yourself to the point where you might seem to be bragging.
For example, it should be stated during an interview that you are working hard, but it is even better when the comment comes from a colleague.
Remember the comments you really received from colleagues and customers.
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What do your salary expectations look like?
You do not want to freeze at a specific salary at this stage.
Therefore, give a comfortable beach, which will represent a starting point for your employer while leaving you the necessary leeway to negotiate before signing your signature on a possible contract.
In doing so, you also return the ball to the court of your prospective employer. It is he who must present you with a convincing offer that meets your expectations.
Remember, this is only the first stage of negotiations. You are not required to accept the first offer.
It is also important to find out about wages before your interview.
Compare the salaries of a few companies before arriving at an amount.
Also, remember that salaries vary depending on where you live and your years of experience.
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How do you react to criticism?
Like other conflict resolution questions, this interview question requires you to express yourself on a subject that can often make you uncomfortable.
No one likes criticism, but this is a reality that we have to face in the workplace.
Fortunately, there is only one acceptable way to answer this question.
See it constructively, not personally. Even better if you remember a case where you came under criticism that you saw as a possibility for growth.
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would you like to ask me questions?
Too many job seekers breathe a sigh of relief when they hear this question believing they have emerged unscathed from the interview.
They are happy to be finished and want to shake hands with their interviewer as soon as possible and say goodbye.
By doing so, they are missing a superb opportunity. This question represents your last chance to show your enthusiasm for the job and that you are a hard worker.
If you answered no, you might appear disinterested.
You don’t know which question to ask? Here are a few examples:
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- What does a normal workday or week look like for this position?
- What can you tell me about this position that did not appear in the job description?
- How do you measure success in this position?
- What aspects of working for this company do you enjoy the most?
- How would you describe the office culture?
- What do you think are the main challenges for this position?
- What will happen to this position in the next few years?
There is no doubt that these are just some of the difficult interview questions that you will need to answer throughout your career.
The best way to answer any interview question (whether it appears on this list) is to prepare yourself.
Interview questions usually fall into one of the following three categories.
- They relate to the business,
- Your work experiences
- What you bring to the table.
If you are ready to answer questions on these three topics, you will be able to answer any questions you may have.
Remember that the purpose of the interviews is to find the right combination of employer and employee.
Interviewers want your success as much as you do. They’re not there to trip you up or lure you. They just want to convince themselves that they are hiring the right person! Be honest and you are already on the right track.
