3 Challenging Interview Questions |
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Interviews are always stressful. It's so hard not to feel as though you are being interrogated. The interviewer comes armed with a list of questions, all designed to find out who you are and what sort of employee you would make. The truth is that an interview is more of a business discussion and your answers should reflect that attitude. One of the biggest mistakes you can make in a job interview is to answer the questions briefly, without giving up too much information, as though you were being charged with a crime.
With so much pressure riding on the interview, it's easy to let nerves get the best of you and make you behave like a robot or a stammering fool. To prevent this, you can think about some of the more complex interview questions and try to come up with good answers before the interview. Write down the key point and try to memorize them so that even under fire, you will be able to hit the main items.
Here are 3 challenging interview questions to practice with:
Describe how you solved a work or school problem - This question is tough if you haven't prepared for it. It's hard to think of a specific example off the top of your head. Instead, prepare ahead of time by thinking about a situation that shows your process. Employers are interested in finding out how you problem solve. Use this opportunity to showcase your skills and your professionalism.
Describe a time when you messed up? - Don't make the mistake of claiming that you never mess up or trying to turn a strength into a weakness. Employers don't fall for that. Instead, think of a situation where you made a small mistake that was easily fixed. Talk more about the lesson you learned and how you have put the lesson into practice, perhaps even making you more effective in the process.
How does this position compare with others you're applying for? - This question is usually a tactic designed to find out what other irons you have in the fire or an attempt to gather information about the competition. The best way to answer this is to say that you have interviewed with a few companies and leave it at that. Don't give out information about other companies, it will only serve to make you look bad. Instead, bring the conversation back to the opportunities with the company you interviewing with.
What other interview questions have you heard? Are there any that stand out as particularly tricky? Please share your thoughts in the comments.
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Comments
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Posted by: Pauline B
Your article gives food for thought. I have been asked "How does your current job descriptions fits in with this job?when trying to change your profession.
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Posted by: Nancy B
One question I've had that was really hard to answer on the spot is, Have you ever had any problems or disagreements with your boss or supervisor? If so, what happened and how did you handle it? What did you do about it?Also, I get asked what my strengths and my weaknesses are. The weakness question is the toughest to answer! I usually try to sway the discussion back to my strengths as soon as possible, or talk about how my strengths compensate for or help minimize any weaknesses I might have. I think in the end, the interviewer has no clear idea what my weaknesses are. Is that a good thing?
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Posted by: Carol K
In response to this interview question: An interview that had asked me to tell them a little about myself.I always ask them if they want a personal or professional response. They usually want a professional response. But don't be afraid to ask.
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Posted by: Kenneth B
I had an interview ask me recently what my key management accomplishments were. I rattled off something about working with integrity, respecting employee contributions, and supporting teamwork. However, it was a question I had not been asked before and wish I had been better prepared to answer.
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Posted by: Harry C
I think you are right on. I just had an interview and the three questions you mentioned were asked of me. Preparation is very important and to stay a step ahead of the interviewer.
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Posted by: Rita S
I always have trouble when an interviewer asks me to name a weakness. How do others answer that question?Jennifer C, I think they want to know about your previous experience and why you think you deserve the position.Gwendolyn B, I think they want you to tell them why you think you deserve the position over other applicants.
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Posted by: Kristen D
I've been laid off since Dec. 2008. Due to medical reasons, I wasn't able to search for a job until now (04/2012). In short, I've been at home taking care of family appointments, cleaning, home upkeep, etc. How do I explain this on a resume and/or during an interview?
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Posted by: Diane M
Giving examples of good answers would have been helpful. These interview questions are choking me up, and I feel I'm still not answering them intelligently. "talk about a situation where you made a mistake, who did it affect and how did you remedy it". This question must have an underlying answer the interviewer wants to trip you up on.
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Posted by: Jennifer C
I had an interview that had asked me to tell them a little about myself. Unfortunately, I did not know how to answer that question. I was unsure if they want to know a more personal level of an answer or if they wanted more of a professional answer. What do you think they want from that question?
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Posted by: Gwendolyn B
This one I get all the time so what is that you can bring to this company?
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