How to Answer Tough Interview Questions: 10 Proven Tips and Tricks

 

Before an interview, you might be well-prepared — you've read the job description and conducted thorough research about the organization you want to work for. 

Fast forward to interview day. The recruiter starts asking questions, and you begin answering them confidently. Then, a question comes up that catches you off guard. 

No matter how fully prepared you are for an interview, certain questions might be asked during an interview that could throw you off. It’s important to note that interview questions go beyond the usual "Tell me about yourself" and other common questions. 

The real question is: What are those difficult interview questions that can either make your interview a success or cause you to falter?

This article will cover some of the most difficult interview questions and how to effectively respond to them.

10 Commonly Challenging Interview Questions and How to Answer Them

Even the best-prepared candidates can struggle with some interview questions. These questions are designed to assess your critical thinking, self-awareness, and ability to handle pressure. While they may appear straightforward, your responses can reveal a lot about your skills and personality. 

1. Why did you leave your last job?

This is a difficult question that many interviewers ask. It is commonly used to determine why you left your former employment and how you may effectively explain your decisions. 

While it may appear to be an opportunity to explain what happened, you must avoid insulting your previous company or colleagues, as well as detailing how poorly you were paid. Instead, consider how leaving was an opportunity to improve your skills, take on new challenges, or pursue your purpose-driven ambitions.

Example:

Don’t Say: I left my last job because the manager had poor communication skills and could hardly resolve issues without fighting with workers.

Or "The work environment was toxic, and coworkers were not motivating one another." "We were overworked and undervalued."

Correct Answer:

I am currently looking for a new opportunity, and this position at the "ABC" firm is a perfect fit. After five years of building websites for various organizations, I realized I needed a new beginning and the opportunity to work with new companies that had fresh concepts. I believe my experience will be more useful in such a setting.

My former job was rewarding; I worked on challenging projects that provided me with in-depth knowledge of my profession. As a web designer, my goal is to develop visually appealing websites that serve the needs of clients and businesses. I am thrilled to work with clients to better understand their needs and preferences.

2. How do you manage stress?

Interviewers ask this question to learn about how you handle stress, pressure, and challenging situations. It demonstrates your resilience and ability to face deadlines and disappointments.

The question may be stated differently at times, such as: "How do you handle work pressure?" "How do you handle conflict?" Alternatively, "How do you manage stress?"

When responding, you should exhibit your ability to recognize stress, maintain self-awareness, and prioritize duties. Avoid providing a poor image of how you handle stress.

Correct Answer

I see stress as a natural aspect of the job, and I manage it well. One crucial lesson I've learned is that stress management requires finding a balance and being proactive. In my former position, I worked on a project with a tight deadline while juggling other responsibilities. 

I prioritized the project and gave specific duties to my teammates. By focusing on the most important issues, we finished the assignment on schedule and exceeded expectations, earning an additional tip from my boss.

3. What makes you unique?

This question is frequently asked to analyze the unique talents and attributes you possess that set you apart from other candidates.

Telling the interviewer about general qualities such as being "hardworking" will not distinguish you. Highlight specific abilities, personal attributes, previous experiences, and accomplishments that will benefit the organization.

Don't say: "I am a hardworking individual." I am committed to making a progressive influence in any activity I do, which distinguishes me."

Correct Answer

What distinguishes me is my enthusiasm for my work and dedication to results. For example, in my previous role, I contributed to increased sales through creative marketing efforts. I put effort into my job, which has resulted in multiple awards. I am convinced that my skills will help increase your company's turnover.

4. What is your biggest weakness?

One of the most common misconceptions applicants make while answering this question is replying "I don't have any weaknesses" or "I am very good at what I do." This is never true. Everyone has areas for improvement, and identifying them demonstrates self-awareness.

Correct Answer

I am an introvert who finds it difficult to interact with large groups of people or speak publicly. However, I've been striving to enhance my communication skills through online classes, and I've noticed an improvement in my ability to engage comfortably in group settings. 

However, I understand that feedback is critical for personal and professional development, and I am making an effort to improve this skill by being more thoughtful and constructive in my approach.

NB: Avoid stating that your weakness is important to the function, such as "I can't work in a team" or "I don't know how to multi-task," as they are critical qualities for practically any profession.

5. What is your biggest strength?

When an interviewer asks this question, they want to know what distinct value you provide to the company. This question can be tough, and many candidates answer it incorrectly by simply declaring a strength without offering proof.

Identify strengths that are directly relevant to the role you're applying for and highlight transferable skills such as being committed, proactive, disciplined, flexible, and detail-oriented, among others.

To effectively demonstrate these strengths, use the CARL method—Context, Action, Result, and Learning. Begin by describing the context or situation where you applied your strength, then explain the action you took, the results of that action, and finally, what you learned from the experience.

Correct Answer:

My strength is my attention to detail and dedication to producing high-quality solutions. In a recent project, my colleague and I tried to make improvements to a process that was causing inefficiencies. I researched, developed, and executed a solution to streamline operations and increase efficiency.

This project exhibited my capacity to communicate, think critically, and achieve meaningful results. I am enthusiastic to apply these talents to future initiatives at your organization.

6. What are your Career goals?

This question is often asked to determine what motivates you, how eager you are to learn, and whether your ambitions are consistent with the company's aims. It also helps the interviewer determine whether you are focused and structured in your career path.

Recruiters appreciate applicants who are willing to learn on the job, so highlight your eagerness to do so. Highlight your current talents, areas for improvement, and how you want to specialize and advance to a senior job over time. Provide a detailed and concise response.

 

Correct Answer 

I have a range of career goals. In the short term, my primary goal is to join this organization and excel in the role. I also aim to continuously grow in this position by acquiring new skills and knowledge. To support this, I plan to pursue additional courses to further enhance my expertise and performance.

In the long term, my goal is to advance to a senior position within the company, where I can contribute to its strategic objectives and serve as a mentor to new team members. I also look forward to building relationships with like-minded professionals, who will not only be colleagues but also a supportive network.

7. Why should we hire you?

Recruiters ask this question to see if you're a good fit for the position and have the relevant skills, experience, and qualifications.

To respond effectively, carefully research the job description and tailor your response to the exact skills and attributes the firm seeks. Demonstrate that you have done your research and highlight how your background qualifies you as the best candidate. 

Emphasize that hiring you would provide a significant return on their investment. Make sure to highlight your particular strengths, how they distinguish you from other candidates, and how you can add value to the organization.

Don't forget to communicate your enthusiasm and passion for the role, as this shows real interest. And reinforce your achievements in previous roles.

Correct Answer

My skills align with the job description, making me the ideal candidate for this position. Hiring me would provide an excellent return on your investment. In past roles, I collaborated with teams to improve key performance indicators (KPIs) that had previously underperformed, such as content SEO. 

Through targeted techniques, I enhanced SEO performance by 60%. I'm delighted to bring my experience to your company, where I can work with your team to improve the organization's online visibility. I'm passionate about lifelong learning and personal development, and I'm excited to help increase the company's awareness while honing my talents on the job.

8. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

This question is frequently asked to see whether you see yourself with the organization in the long run and whether you are dedicated to staying. Employers want to know if you're looking for opportunities that correspond with their aims, rather than simply bouncing from one position to the next.

When responding, tailor your answer to the company. Show how you aim to learn and grow in your role, contribute to the company's success, and advance to a higher position over time. While it is crucial to show ambition and avoid seeming overly excited, some recruiters may see this as a red flag.

Correct answer

In five years, I picture myself continuing to work for your firm, having established myself as a trustworthy and dependable member of staff. I strive to constantly improve my skills and performance to contribute effectively to the company's success. I regard myself as an expert in the role, fully committed to the company's ideals and culture.

Whether I am still in the same position or have risen to a higher level, I will aim to be a positive ambassador of the firm and a role model for new team members. My ultimate goal is to assist the organization achieve its goals while also growing with it.

9. What are your Salary expectations?

You: My salary expectations is N200,000.

This is not a good response because it limits negotiation flexibility and may undervalue your worth. It is preferable to specify a salary range depending on your experience and industry standards. Do some research on sites like Glassdoor or Payscale to learn about normal pay ranges for your role and location.

When asked this question, highlight your talents, accomplishments, and experience to validate your range. Offering a range allows for negotiating while ensuring the price falls within your acceptable range.

Correct Answer

Based on my 5 years of experience, my salary range is between N200,000 and N300,000. In my previous role, I helped increase sales by 60% through targeted marketing efforts. I believe I can bring similar results to your company, particularly in improving your social media engagement to boost sales. I’m open to discussing the details and finding a mutually beneficial agreement.

10. Do you have any Questions?

When asked this question, many candidates make the mistake of responding with "No, I don't have any questions" or "I'm perfectly fine." Please avoid these responses at all costs. They convey the idea that you did not research the organization or are uninterested in the position.

Asking questions displays your interest, curiosity, and extensive preparation. Focus on questions that will help you grasp the corporate culture, role requirements, and how you can contribute to the team.

Correct Answer

Yes, I do…

Work Culture Questions

• Can you explain the day-to-day working conditions here?
• How does the organization promote employee growth and professional development?
• What attributes do you search for in new teammates.

Role-specific Questions:

• What are the team's major difficulties, and how would this role assist address them?
• What are the team's short and long-term goals, and how does this role fit into them?
• How does the organization remain ahead of industry trends and promote innovation?

Hiring Concerns Questions:

• What are your concerns regarding my qualifications and experience?
• Are there any areas that you believe I could improve?
• How do you believe my previous experiences will help?

Ace Your Interview Like a Pro

Some interview questions may seem tough, but with preparation, they become much easier. The key is to practice and stay confident. Tools like Google’s Interview Warmup allow you to simulate mock interviews, helping you refine your responses. 

Practice your answers but keep them natural, stay positive, maintain good posture and eye contact., research the company, and ask questions. With these strategies, you can tackle any interview with confidence and professionalism.