Did you land an interview for your dream job after years of hard work? Now comes the hard part: interview prep. In addition to researching the company and refreshing yourself on your qualifications, you should think about how to respond to interview questions. While some will be routine, like “Tell me about yourself,” others might be designed to be unexpected to see how well you handle pressure. Here are a few examples of these tricky interview questions, along with some tips on how to answer them effectively.
This is a common interview question, so avoid generic answers like “paying attention to detail” or “constantly thinking about ways to improve work processes,” which is likely how a lot of candidates will answer. Research by Harvard Business Review found that candidates that seemed authentic were 26% more likely to be offered a position. Not to mention being yourself is less draining.
With that in mind, the best way to answer is to be sincere and then follow up with how you work on that challenge. For example, “I sometimes find it challenging to contribute in meetings when the agenda and outcome aren’t clear. To make sure I understand my role, I’ll ask questions early in the discussion or talk with the meeting organizer in advance.” By being honest and addressing relatable issues, you can differentiate yourself as a candidate.
This interview question assesses your creativity and problem-solving speed. To make it easier, be specific and focus on the everyday challenges you navigate; this approach can prevent rambling and highlight your ability to find a quick, practical solution.
A strong response could be, “I’ve had good luck focusing on reducing the impact of a problem if it can’t be solved right away. Last year, I faced unreliable internet at my hotel during a work trip. To make sure my meeting schedule wasn’t interrupted, I used my phone’s hotspot as a backup. Later, I addressed the internet issue with the hotel staff who pointed me to a nearby workspace with reliable internet for future calls.”
By sharing a specific example that shows your adaptable problem-solving approach, you demonstrate your ability to think quickly and find effective solutions.
During interviews, avoid venting about previous co-workers, discussing personal problems, or complaining about work hours. These topics can reflect negatively on your attitude, teamwork skills, and judgment. Instead, focus on a relatable example, preferably one that shows that you handle frustrations effectively.
“I was working on a team project and the deadline was closing in, so emotions were high. During a critical phase, I received feedback that caught me off guard and made me feel like my dedication wasn’t being fully recognized. Instead of letting my emotions take over, I processed my feelings privately. Then, I asked for a one-on-one conversation with my colleague to get their perspective. Having the conversation rather than dwelling on the comment ultimately improved my product.
This question is all about understanding your long-term goals and commitment. It also gives the employer an idea of your potential for growth and leadership. So, how should you respond? Keep it real and align it with the company’s values.
For example, if you see yourself as a future manager, you can say, “In 3 years, I’d love to lead a [department] team and use my leadership skills to drive the company’s success.” But hey, if you’re not keen on a management role, be honest! You can say something like, “I want to be a dedicated team member who makes a significant impact on projects like x, y, and z in the next 3 years.”
Asking the employer about their career progression plan is a smart move too. It shows your interest in growing within the company. And definitely bring your own questions to the interview. It demonstrates your enthusiasm for the job.
Interview nerves kick in when you don’t know what personalities or questions you’ll face. My best advice is to be real and think before you speak. You can’t prepare for everything, but if you want a confidence boost, focus on your perspective and how you would answer both common and unexpected questions.