Tough Interview Questions and How to Answer Them

Tough Interview Questions and How to Answer Them

Finding a job in these tough economic times is not easy. Job hunting can be quite stressful. Fear of the unknown is the norm until the time of the interview. Do everything you can to prepare including taking into account those tough interview questions.


First of all is the question “Tell Me about Yourself”? This is a hard one because there are many answers. Please don’t talk about your hobbies and family. Take this opportunity to talk about your experience and accomplishments. Take care to talk about things that are relevant to the position you are applying for.


Another big question always asked is “Why Should I Hire You”? The best answer is because you believe that you are the best candidate for the position. Show your confidence in yourself and your abilities. A job interview is competitive and gives you the chance to showcase your talents. Tell your prospective employer about makes you different from the other candidates.


A question that is not popular but is necessary is “What is Your Greatest Weakness”? This is the question that might very well be the hardest to answer. The most common mistake that most candidates make is taking a constructive aspect and trying to turn it into a weakness. For example, taking your assigned tasks is not truly a weakness and making it to look like a weakness defeats the basis for the question. Be candid about what your weakness is and how you are addressing it and trying to conquer this weakness. Answering this question honestly displays willingness to grow and what company doesn’t want an honest person as part of the team.


And then the question is “Are You a Team Player”? This question is easily mistaken as a simple yes/no question. The obvious answer is yes but be prepared to offer some good examples on how you work well with others. Talk about past experiences both in work and if you are a recent graduate in your school setting. This question often leads to questions about how you deal with differences of opinions in the workplace so be ready for that.


Maybe one of the hardest questions to answer is “How Do You Handle Conflict with a Supervisor”? This is always a tough question to answer. The easiest way to answer is to treat the conflict with a supervisor as you would with anyone else that you work with. Discuss having a mature conversation with your supervisor. Perhaps the most important thing that your prospective employer may be looking for is that you will always be respectful and not cause a scene.