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

1 Stay Calm

When an unexpected question comes your way, maintaining your composure is crucial. Take a deep breath and give yourself a moment to think. Remember, it's perfectly acceptable to pause before answering—it shows you're considering the question thoughtfully. Use this time to quickly organize your thoughts. If the question is unclear, don't hesitate to ask for clarification. This doesn't show ignorance; rather, it demonstrates your willingness to engage deeply with the question and ensures you understand what's being asked before you respond.

2 Listen Carefully

Active listening is vital when dealing with challenging questions. Ensure you understand the question by paying close attention to what the interviewer is asking. Sometimes, the stress of an interview can cause you to misinterpret a question, leading to an off-target answer. If necessary, repeat the question back to the interviewer in your own words to confirm your understanding. This can also buy you a little extra time to formulate your response and shows that you're attentive and detail-oriented.

3 Think Aloud

For complex or problem-solving questions, it's beneficial to think aloud. This allows the interviewer to follow your thought process, demonstrating how you approach and break down a complicated issue. Explain each step as you work through the problem, even if you're not entirely sure of the final answer. This can be particularly impressive in public administration roles, where analytical thinking and decision-making are key competencies. Your goal is to show that you can navigate through uncertainty with a logical and systematic approach.

4 Use Examples

Drawing from your past experiences can be a powerful way to answer tough questions. Relate the challenging question to a similar situation you've encountered in your professional life. By providing a concrete example, you not only answer the question but also give evidence of your skills in action. This technique can be especially effective in public administration interviews, where practical experience is highly valued. It demonstrates not only that you've faced difficult situations before but also that you've overcome them successfully.

5 Stay Positive

Even if a question catches you completely off guard, maintain a positive attitude. Avoid showing frustration or negativity. Instead, use this opportunity to demonstrate your adaptability and positive outlook. In public administration, the ability to stay positive in the face of challenges is a valuable trait. If you don't know the answer, it's better to admit it honestly and state your eagerness to learn or find out, rather than trying to bluff your way through.

6 Wrap Up Smartly

If you've addressed the question to the best of your ability, know when to stop talking. Rambling can detract from a well-considered response. Summarize your main points briefly if necessary, and signal that you've finished your answer with a conclusive statement. This not only shows confidence in your response but also demonstrates your communication skills—essential in any public administration role. Ending on a strong note can leave a lasting impression, even if the question initially caught you off balance.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?