Interview tips: answering difficult interview questions

from changeboard.com

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The difference between being hired and being rejected is in how you answer those tricky questions we all fear.

The interview stage is for you to prove that you’re the best person for the position. Everything you say is a chance to market yourself effectively.

So what are some of the toughest questions to answer? Being aware of them will allow you to rehearse, giving you peace of mind that you’re ready for anything your interviewer throws your way.

Here are some questions you should expect and prep for…

Answering tricky questions…

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Tell me about yourself.

This may come across as a friendly ice-breaker, but it’s not the time to recite your whole life story.

What the employer is actually interested in is your working style, if you’re right for the organisation and if you’ll fit in with the culture.

Top Tip: Investigate the company to find out anything you can about the working culture – do you fit in?

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Your best response:

Tailor your answers to what you know about the company.

If you know the role requires a lot of teamwork, then mention how you thrive when collaborating with others.

Mention your core skills, your interests, and what you enjoy about the career path you’ve taken.

Top Tip: Include relevant information; don’t tell them your life story.

Tell me about yourself.

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Your instinct might be to claim that you’re perfect, but this will make you come across as overconfident and cocky.

Be honest about your weaknesses. They’ll be more impressed by a candidate who recognises their weaknesses and is prepared to address them than one who believes they are faultless. Top Tip: Try to turn a negative into a positive.

What’s your biggest weakness?

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Your best response:

Choose a responsibility from the job description you feel you could improve on and say what actions you’re currently taking to develop the skill.

Not comfortable with Microsoft Office? Mention that you’ve been researching online courses for the program.

Top Tip: Show them that you have plenty of potential for growth as well as an amazing existing skillset.

What’s your biggest weakness?

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Why are you looking to move jobs?

Don’t fall into the trap of bad-mouthing your current employer. This reflects poorly on your professionalism.

It will make your interviewer question what you might say about them down the road if you decide to leave.

Top Tip: While explaining why it’s no longer for you, show diplomacy by emphasising the positive aspects of your current job.

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Your best response:

Keep your answer short and sweet. Instead of focusing on what you don’t like about your current or last role, talk about what makes you the perfect fit for this position.

If you say: “I want more of a challenge,” be prepared to answer their follow-up questions about what a new challenge would look like for you at this stage in your career.

Top Tip: Be prepared for any follow-up questions they may ask you.

Why are you looking to move jobs?

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Why do you want this job?

Ask yourself why you want to work there:

Is the salary attractive?

Are you interested in the position?

Does the culture appeal to you?

Are there opportunities for growth?

Top Tip: Honesty is the best policy.

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Your best response:

Avoid answers like: “Because I would be good at it.”

Incorporate your skillset into your answer, and outline how your experience will help the organisation.

Don’t be afraid to mention how this job will benefit you. Does it give you more responsibility or fit with your career goals?

Top Tip: Create an answer that demonstrates how hiring you would be good for you and the business.

Why do you want this job?

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Do you have any questions?

Your interview isn’t just about you impressing your interviewers, it’s also about if the role and organisation is a good fit for you.

Take some time to prepare your questions in advance.

Top Tip: Identify what would influence your decision to take the job, and ask questions based on that.

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Your best response:

What are the team dynamics like?

What are you like to work for?

What are the key competencies you’re looking for in an employee?

Do you have any reservations about my skills or experience?

Top Tip: Have a variety of questions ready in case some of them get answered over the course of the interview.

Do you have any questions?

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The interview process doesn’t have to be a scary experience.

If you’re prepared to answer the tough questions, you’ll be able to show the employer how you can add value to their organisation.

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Need some final tips and finishing touches?

In Part 4 of this series, we’ll outline the little touches that will help you stand out from the competition and raise your chances of getting hired.

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For more tips…

… on interview success and applications as well as the

latest HR Jobs, go to:

www.changeboard.com