No matter how prepared you are as a job seeker, there is always going to be the prospect of being asked tough interview questions. This is especially true when companies are looking for ways to identify the top job candidates available. Difficult or odd interview questions are often thrown in to stump candidates in order to evaluate their ability to think on their toes.
How will you answer tough questions during your next interview? Here are some examples of tough interview questions you may be asked, and how to ace them! If possible, ask for the complete job description before the interview to help you prepare. If you are working with a financial recruiter or staffing agency, you most often will be able to obtain this information on the job requirements.
Why did you leave your last job?
This can be a tricky one, particularly if you were terminated or if you left for a negative reason. The best course of action is to be as brief as possible, but be truthful. Do not say anything negative about your former boss, co-workers or company. And never lie about the situation – that might work in the short term, but will come back to haunt you in the long run.
Are you looking to change careers?
If you have applied for a job that is unrelated to your work history, or if you have been with your current employer for a short time, it can appear that you are a job hopper of sorts. It’ important to state that you are always learning as a professional and find that you are open to new experiences. Prior to the interview, consider your skills that are transferrable and show how you can use your past experiences to bring value to this job.
How would your peers describe you?
Think about how you have interacted with your co-workers in the past. Share some positive experiences, and be sure to add that you are viewed as trustworthy, reliable, knowledgeable, and a real team player. When talking about completing a team project, don’t take all the credit. Explain your role and compliment your team members.
What are your weaknesses?
Be careful with this interview question. You will want to share some things that you may find yourself to be somewhat weak in, but here’s the trick – make them actually positive traits. For example, you are honest to a fault, or you are so organized your co-workers tease you.
Why should we hire you?
Very often, an employer will come right out and say they have other candidates, so why should they consider you for the job? Try to show some passion for the industry here, and be sure to state that you are dedicated to exceeding expectations and learning all you can to be the best employee for this open position. Back these statements up by providing facts and examples from your working experience.
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