It's a well-known fact that interviews can make even the most confident people cringe. The thought of having to sit in front of a stranger and convince them that you're the best candidate for the job can make our palms sweat. But what if they're trying to catch you? How to answer tricky interview questions?
ContentHow to answer the question “Tell me about yourself”How to answer tricky interview questions: Where do you see yourself in a year? How to answer tricky interview questions: What is your greatest weakness?How to answer the question “What are your strengths?”How to answer tricky interview questions: Describe a time when you failedHow to answer the question “Why should we hire you?”How to answer tricky interview questions: Why did you leave your last job?How to answer the question “What are your salary expectations?”
WomanEL will share the secrets of career experts that will help you not to fall face down in the mud next time.
How to answer the question “Tell me about yourself”
We put this question at the top of our list for a reason. Many experts agree that it’s a tough one to answer. “This open-ended question can feel overwhelming. And candidates don’t know where to start or what to share,” says Sam Price, director of recruiting.
Price recommends focusing on your professional history. “Start with your current position, highlight a key achievement and relate it to your career aspirations. Be concise and relevant,” she advises.
How to answer tricky interview questions: Where do you see yourself in a year?
“One of the questions that I think can make a lot of candidates question is, ‘Where do you see yourself in a year or even 10 years?’ The reality is that not everyone has a perfectly crafted plan for the future. And that’s okay,” says Sophie Attwood, founder of SA Communications. “What you really need to reveal in your answer is your enthusiasm, drive and ambition.”
“Instead of saying, ‘I’m not sure,’ say, ‘I see myself as a successful team leader’ or ‘I strive to inspire others to achieve their goals,” says Attwood. “These responses demonstrate a proactive mindset and a desire to make a meaningful contribution. And this is much more important than thinking through all the details of your future.
How to answer tricky interview questions: what is your biggest weakness?
This is also a tough question to answer. “Be honest but strategically cautious,” Price advises. “Choose a real but manageable weakness and show how you’re addressing it.”
For example, “I used to have a hard time delegating because I wanted everything to be done perfectly. But I learned to trust my team and focus on mentoring, which has improved my team’s productivity and my leadership skills.”
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How to answer the question “What are your strengths?”
Again, it’s a balance between being authentic and not coming across as arrogant. And this is especially difficult for women. “Women often struggle with self-presentation, sometimes downplaying their strengths or attributing success to others,” says Price. This can be especially awkward if you’re not used to talking confidently about your abilities.”
By supporting your strengths with examples, you’ll show how they translate into real value. And it’ll be easier to talk about them without feeling like you’re bragging.”
“Think of your strengths as tools you use in the workplace. Accompany each strength with a tangible example of how you've used it to achieve results,” advises Price.
For example, “I'm good at building strong relationships with clients and stakeholders that consistently lead to repeat business. In my last position, my ability to build trust helped secure a multi-year contract with a key client.”
How to answer tricky interview questions: describe a time when you failed
“Nobody “I don't like to talk about failure. But it's an opportunity to emphasize your resilience and learning process,” says career expert Oliver Sidwell.
Sidwell recommends using the STAR method:
- Situation: State the situation.
- Task: Explain your role.
- Action: Describe what you did to solve the problem.
- Result: Focus on the outcome and what you learned.
“For example, you might say, ‘During my internship, I underestimated the time needed for an important presentation, which led to me rushing through my preparation. I learned the importance of managing my time and planning ahead. Since then, I’ve been using tools like Asana to manage my projects, which has greatly improved my productivity.’”
How to answer the question “Why should we hire you?”
“For many women, this can be particularly difficult because of societal norms that discourage self-promotion,” says Price. “Women may downplay their accomplishments for fear of appearing boastful, even though research shows that they are often just as qualified as their male counterparts, and often much more so.”
“Try to frame your answer in a way that reflects the value you bring to the role,” says Price. “Relate your skills and experience to the job requirements and connect them to the company’s success.”
Practice saying your statements out loud with confidence: They’re not bragging, but stating the facts about why you’re a great fit for the role. If this feels unnatural, think of it as advocating for your future, not just “selling” your current self.”
How to answer tricky interview questions: why did you leave your last job?
“This question is not easy, because it requires honesty,” says Employment Hero CEO Kevin Fitzgerald. “Questions like these dig into our self-awareness and force us to reflect on our past, goals, and weaknesses.”
“Respond positively and don’t criticize your former employer,” advises Price. “Also, remember that you don’t have to explain your personal life preferences to anyone if you don’t want to share them.
Make your response professional and future-oriented. For example, say something like, “I’ve gained valuable experience in my current role. But I’m looking for opportunities that better align with my long-term career goals, such as developing leadership skills or working on larger projects.”
How to answer the question “What are your salary expectations?”
Last but not least. There’s something uniquely awkward about discussing money. “It’s a topic that usually gets a lot of flak,” says negotiation expert Florence Rolland. “It’s a sensitive subject, and no one wants to be underestimated.”
“To answer this question professionally, be prepared,” Rolland says. “Research the salary range for your industry and make sure it’s listed in the job posting. You can mention that you’re open to negotiation and would like to learn more about the full benefits package. This shows your flexibility and opens the door for further discussion.”
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