How To Handle Tough Interview Questions

Many employers now use behavior-based interview questions to learn more about a candidate’s past experience as a predictor of future performance. These behavioral interview questions are usually the “hard” interview questions that interviewers use as a method to determine whether or not a candidate is a good fit for an open position.

While you can’t predict every question you’ll be asked during an interview, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with some of the more common tough interview questions.

1. What is your biggest weakness?

There really isn’t an easy answer to this tough interview question, but it helps to be honest with the interviewer. No one is perfect, and if we’re being honest, there are some things we can all improve on. Try not to provide too much damaging information such as the inability to get to work on time or at all. This is definitely a loaded question, so tread lightly, but maybe mention an area you’re working to improve.

2. How do you cope with stress?

A man answers a job interview question Bigstock:

Interviewers are generally looking for an answer that shows You can manage multiple priorities and projects at the same time. An answer that states that stress is a natural part of life and that you feel prepared to handle the challenges of the job and balance them with the rest of your life may be the answer that gets you the job.

3. Tell me about a time when you made the wrong/wrong decision

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The interviewer is probably less concerned with the actual decision, but rather how did you handle the situation and the outcome?. This question asks about your problem-solving skills and ability to fix a problem.

4. Questions about honesty, loyalty and good judgment

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Employers want to hire ethical people with integrity, so don’t feel like you’ve been thrown a curveball if the interviewer asks you a tough interview question about whether or not you’ve ever lied or faced an ethical dilemma. As is the case in many situations, Honesty is the best policy when answering these questions.

5. Tell me about yourself

A hiring manager asks a job candidate a question during a virtual job interview Bigstock:

This seemingly easy interview question is more difficult than it may seem for many candidates. This is easy to do if you have a prepared and practiced “elevator speech” that includes a few highlights from your career history. This is an opportunity Highlight your best career achievementsso use this question if you are asked in an interview.

6. Questions about former bosses and colleagues

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Sometimes the interviewer will ask what you didn’t like about a previous boss or colleague. These questions are asked to measure how well do you work with others?so be diplomatic in your answer and don’t throw anyone under the bus with negativity.

Another great way to prepare for difficult interview questions is to ask your friends about the weirdest and most inappropriate questions they’ve been asked. You might be surprised what kind of answers you get.

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This article was originally published on an earlier date.

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