Congratulations, you have successfully made it through the initial stages of the hiring process and have been invited to an interview for a job you’re interested in. However, the interview is not the end goal, but rather just the beginning of the next phase. During the interview, you can expect the hiring manager or interviewer to ask challenging questions that are designed to evaluate your abilities, experience, and fit for the role. If you struggle to provide compelling responses to these questions, your chances of being hired could be jeopardized.

Hiring managers ask tough interview questions to assess potential candidates and narrow down the pool of applicants. These questions are aimed at identifying the best candidate for the position based on a variety of factors such as skills, experience, and personality traits. To be well-prepared for the interview, it’s important to anticipate and practice answering these challenging questions in advance. This will help you to feel more confident and ready to showcase your strengths, accomplishments, and qualifications in a compelling and concise manner. Taking the time to prepare for tough interview questions can make a big difference in your chances of landing the job.

What is your greatest weakness?

This is a common interview question that can be difficult to answer. It’s important to approach this question thoughtfully and honestly, while still positioning yourself as a strong candidate.

One approach is to identify a genuine weakness that you have, but also demonstrate that you are taking steps to improve it. For example, you could say something like, “One weakness of mine is public speaking. However, I have been actively working to improve my skills by taking courses, practicing in front of small groups, and seeking feedback from colleagues.”

Another approach is to discuss a weakness that is not central to the role you’re applying for. For example, if you’re applying for an analytical role, you could say that your weakness is in creative writing. This shows self-awareness without casting doubt on your qualifications for the position.

Whichever approach you choose, be sure to provide specific examples and demonstrate a willingness to learn and improve. Avoid clichés like “I’m a perfectionist” or “I work too hard,” as they can come across as insincere or unhelpful. Remember, the goal is to position yourself as a qualified candidate who is capable of growth and self-improvement.

No matter what your answer is, make sure you impress upon the hiring manager that you’re taking steps to improve.

Bad answers:

• “I’m late all the time.”
• “I’ve been fired before.”
• “I find it hard to work with really opinionated people.”

Great answers:

• “Although I am very adept at analytical tasks and have a strong aptitude for working with numbers, I am currently focusing on improving my writing skills.”
• “I have realized that in the past, I have taken on more responsibilities than I can handle, so I am working on improving my time management skills and ensuring that I fully understand the requirements of any additional tasks before committing to them.”

Why should we hire you?

Interview questions can be daunting, but it’s important to approach them with confidence and preparation. When faced with a difficult question such as “What sets you apart from other candidates?”, job search strategist Jenny Foss suggests that the key is to focus on your unique strengths and attributes.

To craft an effective answer, it’s important to start by reviewing the job description and identifying the key requirements of the role. This will allow you to tailor your response and highlight the skills and experiences that make you a strong fit for the position.

In addition to demonstrating that you have the skills and experience necessary for the role, it’s also important to convey your enthusiasm and passion for the job. Hiring managers want to know that you are genuinely interested in the opportunity and that you are motivated to make a positive contribution to the company.

Ultimately, tying your strengths and attributes to the requirements of the job description is a must. This will help you stand out from other candidates and demonstrate that you are the best person for the job. By taking the time to prepare and practice your response to tough interview questions, you can approach the interview with confidence and increase your chances of landing the job.

Bad answers:

• “Because I’m the greatest.”
• “Because I’m really passionate about it.”
• “Because I would make a fantastic employee.”

Great answers:

• “Based on the job description, it seems that having project management experience and technical proficiency is essential for this position. Let me share with you how I have honed these abilities in my past roles.”
• “The figures I have achieved at my current position demonstrate my commitment to achieving results. They provide an illustration of the kind of success you can anticipate from me.”

What’s something that you didn’t like about your last job?

During a job interview, it’s important to maintain a positive attitude and refrain from speaking negatively about past employers, even if the experience was unpleasant. According to job search strategist Jenny Foss, it’s never a good idea to badmouth a former boss or complain about issues such as poor leadership or excessive workload. This type of negativity can create the impression that you are difficult to work with or lack professionalism.

Instead of dwelling on negative experiences, it’s better to focus on a specific challenge that you faced in your previous role and how you overcame it. By sharing a circumstance that made success more difficult without placing blame on others, you can demonstrate your problem-solving skills and resilience in the face of adversity.

When discussing a challenging situation, it’s important to highlight the actions you took to address the problem and the positive outcome that resulted from your efforts. This approach can showcase your ability to think creatively and adapt to changing circumstances, which are highly valued by employers.

Overall, the key is to stay positive and professional during the interview process. By refraining from negativity and focusing on your strengths and problem-solving abilities, you can make a strong impression on the hiring manager and increase your chances of landing the job.

Bad answers:

• “My boss was an idiot.”
• “It offered me zero work-life balance.”
• “I hated the culture.”

Great answers:

• “I enjoyed working with my colleagues and the variety of projects and responsibilities that came with my role. However, one difficulty I encountered was the frequent changes to project timelines and parameters without prior notice, which made it more challenging to complete tasks successfully.”
• “I had the opportunity to collaborate with individuals from various departments, which allowed me to gain extensive knowledge and experience. Nevertheless, it was challenging because my manager was not directly involved in overseeing my work or providing feedback or guidance.”

Why do you want this job?

During a job interview, it’s essential to communicate your interest in the company and the specific job you’re applying for. Job search strategist Jenny Foss notes that hiring managers want to know why you applied for their job opening and understand the reasoning behind your application. It’s important to demonstrate that you have a genuine interest in the role and are not just blindly sending out job applications.

Career coach Kathy Caprino emphasizes that your response to this question should address three crucial elements: how your skills align with the position requirements, why you are enthusiastic about the job, and how you will fit into the company’s culture. By emphasizing your relevant skills and demonstrating your passion for the role and the organization, you can make a compelling case for why you’re the best fit for the job. Additionally, by addressing how you fit into the company’s culture, you can demonstrate that you are not only qualified for the role but also a good match for the organization’s values and work environment.

Bad answers:

• “Because I need a paycheck.”
• “Because I heard there’s free lunch.”
• “Because your office is close to my house.”

Great answers:

• “I am enthusiastic about this position because it offers ample opportunities to utilize my advanced computer skills. I am committed to continuing my professional development in a growing organization, and I believe that there are long-term opportunities here that align with my career goals.”
• “I am particularly drawn to this organization because its priorities align with my own values of ethics, teamwork, and effectiveness. For me, it is crucial to work in an environment where individuals collaborate effectively as a team. I see that reflected in this company’s culture, and I am confident that my skills and experience align with the company’s needs. Additionally, the shared values and community interests make me want to work here more than anywhere else.”

How do you deal with conflict with a co-worker?

It is common for co-workers to disagree with each other, but during an interview, it is important to showcase how you can handle such situations. According to Caprino, it is important to demonstrate that you have excellent communication and listening skills, empathy to understand the other person’s perspective, and the ability to problem-solve effectively. Additionally, you should be able to rebuild and strengthen working relationships, which is essential for achieving success at work.

Bad answers:

• “When my co-worker was taking credit for my ideas, I decided to have a conversation with them to better understand their perspective and work towards a resolution that worked for both of us. I also brought the issue to my boss to ensure fair credit was given to everyone involved in the project.”
• “I had difficulty working with a co-worker whose personality clashed with mine. I took the initiative to have a conversation with them to better understand their communication style and how we could work better together. Through open and honest communication, we were able to resolve our differences and work more effectively as a team.”

Great answers:

• “In the event of a disagreement with a co-worker, I prefer to handle it privately by requesting a meeting with them. During the meeting, I actively listen to their concerns and try to understand their perspective. Then, I work collaboratively with them to find a mutually agreeable solution.”
• “My approach to resolving conflicts at work involves collaboration and finding solutions together. For instance, when a colleague repeatedly missed deadlines, I talked to them and together, we identified the root cause of the issue and improved the workflow system to prevent future delays.”