How to Answer Difficult Interview Questions

The most common difficult interview questions are those that ask you to identify poor work habits, reveal issues with past supervisors or rationalize periods of unemployment.  Honesty is essential but hiring managers are more willing to overlook qualification gaps if you are prepared, positive and confident.

Be Prepared.

Start by assembling answers to the most common interview questions that come up during interviews.  Here are the most common questions our visitors have encountered:

• Tell me about yourself
• What do you know about our company?
• Why do you want to work for us?
• Why should we hire you?
• Why did you leave your last job?
• Where do you see yourself in ten years?
• What’s your biggest professional weakness?
• How do you handle conflict with managers or employees?
• Describe a professional problem you have had, and how you solved it
• Why have you changed jobs so frequently?
• It’s been a long time since you were last employed—why is that?
• You seem to be overqualified—why do you want this job?

After you've compiled a list, rehearse your answers. But don't bring a script to read to the interview.  During an interview, you’re not being tested only on what you say—how you say it is also important. Rehearsing your answers with a friend or in front of the mirror are both effective, and will help you come across more personable and honest.

Be Positive and Confident.

Being positive about qualification gaps will sometimes require creative thinking. It’s hard to answer “Why did you leave your last job?” in a positive fashion if you were fired for misconduct, for example.

In most situations, you can reframe a seemingly negative answer in a way that will shine a more favorable light on you. For example, you might answer the previous question by saying “My last position was not a fit because I disagreed with the company policy in some matters. This was something that surfaced after having accepted the position. I do understand that one of my duties in performing any job is to do so according to company policy and I consider it to be my responsibility to stay informed of my employer's expectations at all times”.

Another aspect of being positive is answering questions in a way that demonstrates how you can benefit your employer. For example, when faced with the question “Why do you want this job?” it’s best to answer in terms of the skills you can bring to the company rather than how the job will benefit you personally.  If you can, back up your claims with concrete examples.

Still Stuck?  Try using the "The Job Interview Secret". 

Also, please review our Free Interview Tips section.  If you need more help, please consider using a Career Counselor.