Tackling tough questions in interviews can seem daunting but when prepared, combined with the correct mindset you can manage them. In this guide we cover tactics for responding to tricky questions in a stress-free manner.
1. Can You Tell Me About Yourself ?
The interview opens on a simple question. However, many candidates find it difficult to maintain the right balance between professional and personal information.
How to Answer : Concentrate on your career journey, focusing on accomplishments and skills that demonstrate your suitability for this job. End with why you’re excited about the role.
Example : “The last five years I have been growing digital marketing experience with highly successful brand visibility elevating campaigns. I would like to bring this knowledge to your team.”
2. What’s Your Biggest Weakness ?
This question is designed to check on your self-awareness and improvement capacity.
How to Answer : Bring in a genuine weakness that you are working towards. Avoid clichés such as “I’m a perfectionist” etc.
Example : “I used to find it hard to let go of tasks but I’ve trained my team and focus on strategic planning now.”
3. Why Should We Hire You ?
This is a test on your confidence about what you know concerning the role.
How to Answer : Stress on the skills that are unique to you and how they match with the needs of the company.
Example : “My project management track record and my ability to work through every challenge that comes my way.”
4. Can you describe a time when you failed and what you did about it ?
Employers appreciate candidates who can learn from their mistakes.
How to Answer : Tell a specific incident, focus on what was learnt and demonstrate how you have carried that forward.
Example: “In my past work, I underestimated project timelines. But since then, I have gotten better at planning and communicating to set the right expectations.”
5. Where do you see yourself in five years time ?
This is a check on your ambitions and if they align with those of the company.
How to Answer: Explain your goal and objective that you want to achieve in the future and how this job will connect to your goal.
Example: They plan their career advancement within the company, actively participate in business processes as leaders and contributors to strategic projects.
Approaches to Dealing with Difficult Questions
Pause Before Answering: Pause before responding, so that your mind focuses on your response to the ad.
Practice the STAR Method: Answer in Situation, Task, Action, Result format.
Be Honest: People tend to trust sites that are genuine and reliable.
Research the Role: Getting to know the requirements of the job can help in answering questions in the best way possible.
Stay Positive: In any case, refrain from negative words, and speak only of possibilities and learning when discussing difficulties and obstacles.
Bonus Tips for Success
Mock Interviews: Rehearse with another person like a friend or a mentor in order to get better at your answers.
Body Language: Stand rigid, collectively with the message to achieve a status of confidence and make eye contact.
Ask for Feedback: In case, discuss with the interviewers to find ways which can be useful for the future interviews.
Conclusion
Challenging interview questions actually put you in a position to test your skills, strength and your ability to reason. If you are given time to think of good answers and if you maintain confidence, then those moments can actually be advantages. Always keep in mind that an interview is always an opportunity to gain knowledge. Good luck!
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