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7 Difficult interview questions & how to answer them 1

7 Difficult interview questions & how to answer them

Have you been dreading going to a job interview? Of course, interviewers ask tricky questions directed at seeing how well you handle pressure. More than just being able to answer the question, they want to see how well you can adapt to unexpected situations. This will test your ability to think creatively on the spot.

Recruiters want to see your problem-solving skills, flexibility, and adaptability. Depending on the situation, they might ask you to handle a hypothetical scenario or present a past experience where you encountered a crisis. Most times, a question will throw you off if it’s worded in an unexpected way. Be ready to think fast, roll with the punches and make creative connections when you answer.

Worried about answering difficult interview questions? Don’t even sweat it: we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’re going to go over some of the tough interview questions recruiters often ask and offer some helpful tips on how to tackle them.   

1. How do you feel about working overtime?

No matter what your personal feelings about overtime might be, you need to present a positive image of yourself and how you will respond as an employee when posed with this question. Demonstrate that you are flexible and willing to work additional hours, but emphasize that it depends on the need and the circumstances. Share your flexibility in your scheduling – but avoid committing yourself fully without knowing all of the details first.

2. How would your friends describe you?

The person asking this question is likely looking for more than just a list of words you’d use to describe yourself. The hiring manager wants to learn about your personality, strengths, and weaknesses. This is a question typically asked in a social setting. They don’t want to hear about your work ethic or skillset here but about your personality and character. In order for you to answer this question correctly, you need to take some time to consider your traits before an interview.

Go through your past roles and think about how you were perceived by others in the team. What would they say about what it was like to work with you? Try and think of three words that sum up all of these characteristics. For example: “I am very organized, I am always willing to help others and I am always happy”.

3. What can you offer us that someone else cannot?

The interviewer is looking for a unique selling point from you, your USP. This is normally something that you have learned from your previous life experiences, such as a skill or a talent. If you don’t have any skills or talents then this is the time to start learning some! You can say things like: “I can bring innovative ideas to the table”, or “I’m willing to put 100% effort into everything I do”, or even something simple like “I am organized and reliable”. You’ll also want to back up your answer with specific examples of times when your skills and abilities helped you excel on the job, either at your current company or a past position.

4. What motivates you to work hard?

Before you go ahead and say – ‘making money’ stop and consider this. When employers ask this question, they want to know what inspires you in the workplace. What drives you to do your very best? This is an opportunity for you to talk about what gets you excited about life, whether that’s a special activity or project. You can also discuss your desire to learn new skills and grow as a person. The key here is not to be vague but instead to provide specific examples of things that motivate you and make you want to give it your all.

5. Why did you leave your last job?

You don’t want your interviewer to think that you left because of something negative you did or that you couldn’t get along with your boss or coworkers. You also don’t want to say anything negative about your previous employer.

The best way to approach this question is not to make it sound like a big deal. If you have been laid off, keep it simple, and don’t go into long explanations about why your position was eliminated or why it was unfair. If there were problems at the job, try to keep the focus on yourself and what you learned from them. Say something like, “I had a wonderful experience there. I learned a lot about how things work in an office environment and how to work with different types of people. But I know that I need more responsibilities than what my position offered, so when I saw this job posting, I thought it would be a great fit for me because my skills would match well.

6. How long do you plan to work here?

A good answer is: “As long as the company will have me.” Sure, it’s a bit of a smooth answer but it’s true. You’re there to do a job, and if that job is still available and you like it, why leave? It’s a good way to show your loyalty and commitment to your employer. 

Be honest about where you see yourself in the short and long-term, but not say anything that makes it seem like you’re not planning on staying with the company for a while. If you do, they may think they’re just going to be training someone who will use the skills they learn at their company and take them somewhere else.


7. What would you do if you disagreed with your boss?

This is a classic question and one that most people often dread. The interviewer is looking for an answer in which you’ve thought about the situation before, have a plan of action, and can demonstrate your ability to be a team player. A good response might be: “First, I’d try to understand the bigger picture and what my boss was trying to achieve. If I still disagreed after doing that, I’d ask for a private meeting with my boss and explain why I didn’t think the decision was right. Then I’d offer some suggestions.

This response shows that you’re thinking about the entire situation and considering how your actions will affect other people on your team. It also shows that you’re willing to compromise and not just stick to your guns without considering other perspectives.

8. Where do you see yourself five years from now?

The worst thing you can do is to waffle or say something cliché like “I’m not sure” or “I hope I’ll be here!” You need to have a solid answer that ties into your career goals, regardless of whether they align with where the company is headed. If you’re going for a long-term role, then mention how you’d like to progress through the company, moving from this role on to other roles within the organization or up through the levels of responsibility. For example: “I’d like to progress into a project management role in the future.

Make sure that you refer back to your own experience and skills when discussing how you’d see yourself progressing in the future. 

9. Do you have any questions for me?

This question will almost always come up toward the end of your interview. And while it’s not a difficult question, the problem is many candidates have trouble coming up with questions for the interviewer. Use it as an opportunity to demonstrate that you’re a thoughtful candidate who is excited about the position and eager to learn more. Here are some suggestions for questions that might help you in the long run:

  • What does a typical day look like in this role?
  • How would you describe the company culture?
  • What’s the most important thing I should accomplish in the first 30 days? The first 90 days?
  • What would be expected of me in this role?
  • Who are some people I’d be working with on a daily basis? What are their roles within the company?
  • How would you describe your ideal candidate for this position?

Preparing for an interview can be nerve-wracking. However, difficult interview questions don’t need to faze you – they’re a welcome opportunity to prove your hard work and worth. Don’t fret! These answers to difficult interview questions will help seal the deal on your next job.

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Sharanya Rao

Sharanya Rao

Content Marketing Strategist at Talent500. Innately curious about things in general. A strategic planner who loves to make lives easier. An optimist holding on dearly to a glass half-full.

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