Five Hard Interview Questions and How to Answer Them

Five Hard Interview Questions and How to Answer Them

If you have been invited to a job interview, congratulations! It is your chance to shine and to create a positive impression of yourself as a potential co-worker. No pressure.;

Let's face it, interviews can be nerve-wracking. Preparation is key if you are going to deliver a solid performance. It is best not to have to think on your feet too much. It always pays to prepare by anticipating what will be discussed and practising your answers. Here are five hard interview questions with suggested answering strategies:

1. Tell me a bit about yourself.

One of the biggest reasons employers like interviews is that they not only assess your skills; they unveil your inner spark, your driving force. Hence, an interview will often start or end with some very broad, open questions about your background, interests and career goals. These will probably include questions like: “What motivated you to apply for this role?” or “Where do you see yourself in five years?”.

These types of questions are meant to unveil your passions and motives… and, ideally how these are congruent with the expertise and experience you can bring to the role. The best answers will highlight relevant skills you can bring to the job you are interviewing for. These professional experiences do not have to come from the same type of position. For example, instead of just mentioning your customer service experience, highlight how resolving challenging customer issues fuelled your passion for building meaningful connections and navigating complex situations. This shift from "what you did" to "why you did it" reveals your intrinsic motivation. Think about how your previous experience involved working with people, solving tricky business problems or making a social impact.

Ideally, your answer will also show how the role aligns with your own values. For instance, if you are applying for a teaching position, you could highlight your belief in the importance of education and anything about the school you admire, such as its program of extracurricular activities. Avoid negative remarks about your current employer and sources of extrinsic motivation, such as money or benefits - unless it is part of a salary negotiation.

 

2. How did you resolve a particular problem in the past?

Behavioural questions require candidates to provide examples of the past actions they took to manage situations. For instance: “Tell me about when you received a serious customer complaint. What actions did you take, and what was the outcome?” Their objective is to predict how candidates will behave in similar situations. However, they also want to see how honest you are. They want to see the authentic you. Do you crumble under pressure or rise to the occasion? Do you take the initiative or wait for instructions? Do you prioritise people or processes? Honesty paints a far more revealing picture than any embellished anecdote.

Here are some bullet points on how to embrace honesty and answer the question.

• Acknowledge Your Lack of Experience: Don't panic if you haven't faced a replica of the scenario. Be upfront and say, "While I haven't directly encountered that specific situation, I have dealt with..." This shows self-awareness and adaptability.
• Highlight Transferable Skills: Then, bridge the gap! Draw parallels from past experiences where you demonstrated relevant skills like problem-solving, communication, or conflict resolution. Remember, the interviewer wants evidence of your potential, not a carbon copy of the question.
• Focus on Your Thought Process: Walk the interviewer through your thought process. What questions would you ask? What information would you gather? What potential solutions would you consider? This showcases your critical thinking and analytical skills, even without a directly matching experience.
• Embrace Growth: Don't shy away from mentioning mistakes or learning experiences. A misstep handled honestly with proactive learning demonstrates resilience and a growth mindset, two qualities any employer values.

Remember, your authenticity may be what sets you apart. Embracing honesty in behavioural questions builds trust, reveals your true potential, and showcases the kind of employee you truly are.

 

3. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Interviewers will often ask about what you see as your greatest strengths and weaknesses. Everyone hates this question.

The strengths part of this question enables you to highlight your knowledge and skills most relevant for the role, i.e. do not list traits. Ideally, paint a picture of past victories, where your relevant knowledge and skills overcame challenges. As much as possible, provide examples of specific accomplishments that illustrate these capabilities.

The weaknesses can be addressed by framing “weaknesses” as professional aspirations. Remember, this question is not about perfection; it's about potential. Embrace your unique blend of skills and aspirations. Nevertheless, it is a good idea to focus on a non-essential capability for the role in which you would like to gain experience. For instance, if you are not a confident public speaker but recognise it as necessary for your long-term career, you could say it is a skill you would like to work on.

By expressing willingness to receive further training and development, you can leave a much more positive impression than simply listing your shortcomings.

 

 

 

 

4. What are your salary expectations?

Pay negotiations will usually happen in earnest after an offer has been made, but increasingly the subject will come up during the interview.

Before the interview, research typical pay for your position and experience level. Glassdoor is a good resource for this. This information will equip you with a solid range to consider. If the job description is silent on salary, politely ask the interviewer about the budgeted range.

Know your worth, guard your past: Disclosing your current salary can limit your upward negotiation. If asked, you can politely deflect with phrases like, "My compensation for my previous role falls within the market range for my experience." or "I'm focusing on the exciting opportunities this position offers, and I'm confident we can reach a mutually agreeable compensation package."

By being informed and strategic, you can confidently navigate salary discussions and land a fair offer!

 

6. Do you have any questions for me?

At the end of the interview, the interviewer will usually invite the candidate to ask their own questions, but even if they don’t, it is usually best to not scuttle out with a nervous "thank you." This is your chance to shine one last time by asking smart questions that show your initiative, interest, and fit with the company. Thoughtfully selected questions can leave a positive, lasting impression.

Here are some pointers on how to ace the Q&A round:

• Clarify anything hazy: Unsure about daily tasks or reporting lines? This is your chance to get the details.
• Do your research and ask specifics: Impress them with knowledge of their clients, projects, or recent news. Ask about specific initiatives or challenges they're facing.
• Assess the culture: Go beyond the job description. Ask about team dynamics, typical workdays, and what they value most in their colleagues.
• Show your long-term vision: Ask about plans, growth opportunities, or training programs. This demonstrates your commitment and ambition.
• Always close with "next steps": Ask about the timeline for the hiring process and reiterate your interest in the role.

Bonus tip: Prepare a few backup questions in case they answer your first ones quickly.

Remember, the interview is a two-way learning process. Use this time to decide if the company and role align with your values and career goals. Don't be afraid to walk away if it's not the right fit.

By taking control of the Q&A round, you leave a lasting impression and make an informed decision about your next career move. Good luck!

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