Answering Tough Interview Questions
Posted in Interview Questions
Many job candidates fear interviews because they dread having to face answering very tough questions. The only way to lessen that fear is good preparation to build up some confidence. Here are the more common tough interview questions and a guide on how you may be able to answer them more effectively.
"Tell me about yourself?"
This is quite a common question ask in most interviews but still may be quite tough to answer for some people. It is usually not a question that would have you tell about your life history. The best way to answer it is by giving a good summary of your education, job qualifications and experience. Focus on the information about yourself that may be related to the job you are applying for.
"Where do you see yourself in 5 years?"
This question is usually put forward by hiring managers in order to determine if you are applying for the job for the long term or if whether the job might just be a temporary gig. Most companies would want to have employees that would stay with them for the long haul. In answering this question, focus on how you see yourself growing within the company and possibly go up the ranks if provided with the opportunity.
"How would others describe you?"
The best way to answer this question is by getting feedback from your bosses and colleagues beforehand. Faking your answer just won't do since it can be easy for hiring managers to contact your former bosses and colleagues who may just be a phone call away. Just try to answer as honestly as possible without trying to put your own reputation down.
"What are your weaknesses?"
The best way to answer this tough question is by not answering it in its strict literal sense. Of course, weaknesses not related to the job would not be worth mentioning. Not mentioning any weaknesses at all may imply that you're just plain lying. Try to answer this question by citing a skill area that you haven't fully utilized yet but may have the opportunity to improve on the job you are applying for. Try to emphasize on how such skills can become assets that the company may later on benefit from.
"Why did you leave your former job?"
This question may lead you to sometimes provide an answer that would put a previous employer in a bad light. Try to answer the question in a way that would have you avoid badmouthing a former employer. Focus on how your set of skills doesn't seem to match the needs of your former employer and cite the reasons how you might be able to fit better in this new job.
