Interview questions can vary depending on the company and position you are applying for. However, here are five commonly considered difficult interview questions and some tips on how to answer them effectively:
Tell us about yourself.
This question is often asked as an icebreaker, but it can be difficult to know where to start. The best approach is to give a brief overview of your professional background and experience, highlighting your relevant skills and achievements. Try to keep your answer concise and focused on your professional persona. It’s also helpful to mention your passion or interests outside of work, but only briefly and if it’s relevant to the role you’re interviewing for. In essence, keep your response to under two minutes or you might talk them out of considering you.
ACTUAL INTERVIEW FAIL: I once interviewed a man who spent 20 minutes on this as the first question–and no, we didn’t offer him the position)
Why do you want to work for our company?
To answer this question effectively, you need to research the company beforehand and understand its values, culture, and mission. Explain what it is about the company that resonates with you and how you believe you can contribute to its success. Make sure to mention specific aspects of the company, such as its products, services, or industry position, that appeal to you and why. Be honest if you see the position as part of your career progression or dream job.
ACTUAL INTERVIEW FAIL: A candidate asked more about opportunity for promotion, than the position they were interviewed for. The hiring manager needs someone who wants to do this job, not the next job. Promotions is always possible or you can seek employment elsewhere.
What is your greatest weakness?
This question can be tricky because you don’t want to reveal a significant weakness that would disqualify you from the position. A good strategy is to choose a minor weakness that is not critical to the job requirements and describe how you’re working to improve it. Also, mention how you have addressed it in the past and what steps you are taking to develop it further. For example, you can say you struggle with learning piano, or being patient and to solve this you are making some kind of effort.
ACTUAL INTERVIEW FAIL: A candidate once stated that being on time was their greatest weakness. And no, they were not hired as a result.
How do you handle stress and pressure?
Employers want to know how you manage stress because many jobs come with tight deadlines, high-pressure situations, and difficult challenges. It’s best to provide an example of a stressful situation you’ve faced in the past and explain how you dealt with it. Describe the steps you took to manage the stress and how you overcame any obstacles. It’s also important to highlight any stress-management techniques you use, such as exercise, mindfulness, or delegating tasks.
ACTUAL INTERVIEW FAIL: A candidate for a security position once gushed numerous company secrets from her previous position as a way demonstrate the stress she endured. While the secrets were essentially office gossip, it didn’t take long to image how such a person would perform in a role of high trust–and no they were not offered the position.
What are your salary expectations?
This question can be difficult to answer because you don’t want to undervalue your worth or price yourself out of the job. It’s best to do some research beforehand to understand the typical salary range for the position and industry. You can also ask the interviewer about the company’s compensation structure and what they typically offer for this type of position. Then, give a range of your salary expectations that aligns with your research and your experience and qualifications. However, it is best to say, “I’d prefer to discuss that when you’re ready to make an offer, as I wish to include the benefits as part of my calculations.”
ACTUAL INTERVIEW FAIL: Asking for a high salary as a negotiation tactic. This can be offensive and off putting–and could instantly take you out of the running.
Alternative Tactic: Let the company present an offer, and then write a negotiation letter stating that you like the company, are ready to make an immediate contribution, but feel your experience and education warrants a higher salary number. Companies expect some negotiation, and if you are only asking for $5,000 to $10,000 more per year, you will most likely get it, or at least the most they can give. That is one letter that could bring you more than your next few raises over the coming years–so use this tactic!