The 7 hardest interview questions with answers

Interviews can sometimes be anxiety-inducing situations that give even the most confident applicants butterflies in their stomachs. This thirty-minute discussion with the employer will test your skills and experience to the maximum. You need to be able to think quickly on your feet and deflect tricky questions about your salary with ease. Today, we will talk about seven interview questions and how you can answer them.

1. "Tell me about yourself."

This is perhaps the most common interview question of them all. Almost every candidate who has ever been to an interview has been asked this question by the employer. The intent behind the question is to identify the candidate's strongest points. Therefore, when you give your answer, avoid repeating the content of your resume. Summarize your employment history and mention how your skills fit the job description perfectly.

2. "What is your greatest weakness?"

This question aims to get a deeper look into the weaknesses and the personality of the candidate. Replying, “I’m a perfectionist,” will get you labeled as a narcissist by the interviewer. Instead of trying to make your weaknesses look impressive, strive to give an honest answer. Talk about one of your genuine weaknesses and how you are working towards fixing it.

3. "Describe a time when you faced a conflict at work and how you handled it."

This is a behavioral interview question that can reveal a lot about how you maintain your cool during difficult situations. When answering the question, highlight your excellent conflict-resolution skills. Try to pick an instance that speaks to your communication and problem-solving skills. Highlight any steps that you took or suggested to make the situation better.

4. "Where do you see yourself in five years?"

You will be revealing the trajectory of your career and your long-term career goals with the answer. While it is tempting to say, “I want to sit on your chair in five years,” avoid doing so. It would make you seem arrogant and full of yourself. Instead, talk about your future plans with enthusiasm. However, if you are planning to leave the company after a short stint, it is better not to mention that in your answer.

5. "Why should we hire you over other candidates?"

This question is an indication for you to start selling yourself like crazy to the interviewer. Talk about how you possess a unique skill set that the company will benefit from. Show an example of a giant professional win from a similar role in your career and tell the interviewer that you can do the same for them. Better yet, pinpoint a challenge of the business and explain the steps you would take to solve that issue.

6. "Tell me about a project that didn't go as planned and how you handled it."

Not every person can handle defeat well. This question will test your sportsmanship and your ability to adapt to difficult situations. You can also sell your excellent problem-solving skills with your answer. Walk the interviewer through the sudden challenges that arose during your project. Show them how you analyzed the situation and solved the problems on the go.

7. "How do you handle criticism?"

“Not so well,” is not the answer to this question. Criticism is an essential part of your professional growth. Show the interviewer how you have improved yourself with feedback. Talk about your last performance review. Mention a fault that your manager pointed out and the steps that you took to improve yourself.

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