What do you do if you're faced with challenging interview questions?

Some helpful pointers to deal with Challenging question : ?? Research: Understand the question thoroughly. Explore similar scenarios to frame your response effectively. ??? Practice: Rehearse your answer aloud or with a friend to refine your delivery and boost confidence. ??♂? Stay Calm: Take a deep breath to compose yourself. Don't rush; it's okay to take a moment to collect your thoughts. ?? Structure: Organize your thoughts logically. Use frameworks like STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for clarity. ?? Engage: If unsure, seek clarification or ask for a moment to gather your thoughts. It shows initiative and professionalism. ???? Be Authentic: Be honest about what you know and don't know. Authenticity resonates with interviewers.

One of the questions that I was asked at my first interview after graduating from college was concerning a certain piece of software that I had never worked with before. Despite the fact that I was experiencing a surge of panic, I allowed myself to take a deep breath, wait for a second, and then admitted that I was not familiar with that particular programme. On the other hand, I emphasised my capacity for rapid learning and my readiness to adjust to innovations in technology. Through my honesty and composure, I was able to regain control of the situation and demonstrate my adaptability.

Definitely take a beat. Give yourself a second to get past the heart rate increase and the shallow breathing phase. Count to ten, intentionally. Then think about what they're actually asking. Often the most challenging questions are the ones where they ask you for examples, but the question is asking for an example you didn't think of. That's jarring. However, in many cases you can steer the answer towards the example you did practice, or adapt it. Most examples we put together have many dimensions we can talk about. The most important thing though, is to not freak out... you've got this.

Sometimes, a question might seem complex or ambiguous. Don't be afraid to ask for clarification! In a recent interview, I wasn't sure if the interviewer was asking about a specific project management methodology or my general approach. I politely asked for a few details to ensure I was addressing the question accurately. This showed my active listening skills and desire to provide a precise response.

The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is a great way to structure your answers to behavioral questions. During an interview for a marketing role, one of my coachee was asked about a time he handled a challenging client. He used STAR to describe the situation (unrealistic client expectations), his tasks (researching alternative options, presenting data-driven solutions), the actions he took (communicating clearly, negotiating a compromise), and the positive results (satisfied client, successful campaign launch).

You will have the opportunity to exhibit your talents in action if you are asked challenging interview questions. In response to a question about a period when one of my mentee encountered a challenge, he mentioned a project in which the initial strategy produced results that were not anticipated. In his presentation, he highlighted the ways in which he utilised my his analytical skills to recognise the problem, his problem-solving skills to devise a new strategy, and his communication skills to ensure that stakeholders were kept informed. In order to demonstrate your resiliency and resourcefulness, it is important to highlight how you overcome a challenge.

While it's important to frame your experiences positively, honesty is crucial. In an leadership conference, I was asked about a time I disagreed with a decision. I admitted to respectfully voicing my concerns, offering alternative solutions, and ultimately supporting the final decision. This showcased my ability to collaborate effectively even when viewpoints differ.

Even when discussing challenges, conclude your answer on a positive note. After detailing my experience handling a demanding client, I mentioned the valuable lessons learned about patience and clear communication. Ending on a positive takeaway demonstrates your growth mindset and ability to learn from experiences.