Tough interview questions: Tough interview questions and how to answer them - SEEK (2024)
You’re going to make a success of that interview. That’s because you’ve practiced every imaginable question they could throw at you – including the curly ones. To prepare, practice answers to these five tough interview questions:
If your colleagues were here how would they describe you? Employers want to know about your interpersonal skills. Are you a people person? Make sure you include both your communication skills and also other strengths and above all sound sure. You could say: “colleagues tell me that I’m a great listener and good team builder. They would also say that I’m a tireless worker, I plan well and am flexible and tolerant.” Remember to be professional. Your new employer really doesn’t need to know that you’ve downed a yard glass with colleagues or danced on the tables.
Your CV contains several gaps. Can you explain why?Are there gaps in your CV? If so, you need to consider before the interview how you are going to explain them. It’s best to tell the truth – but add a positive spin if you can. If, for example, you took a year out to travel the world, then tell your employer that. Present it in a positive light. “I needed to get the wanderlust urge out of my blood and my experiences gave me perspective on my career. Now I’m ready to knuckle down and put my heart and soul into this job.” If you were made redundant, explain that it was a last in first out policy and you weren’t singled out or that your entire department was closed. While discussing your gaps try to avoid the words “unemployed” or “ill”. It’s better to say that you were a full-time parent, studying, or looking after a relative during the gap in your employment. Did you do an online course in that time? Or were you consulting or running your own business – however small - in that time?
What are the key trends in this industry?Job hunters who do their homework are more likely to land the role. It’s easy to answer this question – by reading up in advance about the organisation. You’ll earn Brownie points if you know what the trends and the challenges in the industry are. You can find this out by Googling the organisation, reading newspaper articles, and digesting the annual report.
What do you think the greatest challenges of this job you’re applying for are?This is one of those questions where you draw the interviewer off the scent and highlight some of your best qualities. For example, you could say: “the biggest challenge will be getting to know the members of the team. I’m used to working with a large and diverse team and thrive on finding the best in my colleagues.” Or: “the biggest challenge in this job is keeping pace with technological change in this industry. This is also the most rewarding aspect of this industry for me.”
What’s your real weakness?You’ve just given a veiled strength when asked what your weaknesses are. But your interviewer calls your bluff and says: “but what are your real weaknesses”. Be prepared with a weakness that you have a workaround for. “My weakness is that I’m new in this field and have a lot to learn. I’m dealing with this by signing up for the industry exams and I have found myself a mentor.”
Got those sorted? Now click herefor five even tougher interview questions.
You've just given a veiled strength when asked what your weaknesses are. But your interviewer calls your bluff and says: ‘but what are your real weaknesses’.
The STAR method is a structured manner of responding to a behavioral-based interview question by discussing the specific situation, task, action, and result of the situation you are describing.
Detail your job and responsibility to overcome the challenge. Detail the steps you took to rectify the issue. Talk about the "action" you took to overcome the situation. Explain your thought process for choosing the actions you did, being as specific as possible.
A: When answering, focus on your relevant skills, experience, and achievements that make you the best fit for the role.You should hire me because I am a hard worker who wants to help your company succeed. I have the skills and experience needed for the job, and I am eager to learn and grow with your team .
The CAR method is an interview technique that will help you create effective stories about your work accomplishments and impress hiring managers throughout the interview process. The CAR method—Challenge, Action, Result—should be an essential part of your interview preparation.
The best way to answer "Tell me about yourself" is with a brief highlight-summary of your experience, your education, the value you bring to an employer, and the reason you're looking forward to learning more about this next job and the opportunity to work with them.
These are the brands with the world's hardest job interviews
Apple. Apple has always been a tough company to work for, especially under the late Steve Jobs, who was a meticulous perfectionist who would have it his way or no way. ...
'Tell me how you handled a difficult situation' is one of the most challenging and common questions you may get asked in an interview. An effective way of answering this question is to give a truthful answer that outlines how you overcame a particular scenario.
Introduction: My name is Domingo Moore, I am a attractive, gorgeous, funny, jolly, spotless, nice, fantastic person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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