Job Interview Hacks: Handling Difficult Questions

During a job interview, you may encounter difficult questions that catch you off guard or make you uncomfortable.

This episode will provide you with strategies for handling these types of questions with confidence and professionalism.

Addressing Employment Gaps

If you have gaps in your employment history, the interviewer may ask about them.

It's important to be honest about why these gaps exist while also emphasizing any relevant skills or experience you gained during that time.

For example, if you took time off to care for a family member, you could say:

"I took a break from my career to care for a family member. During that time, I developed strong organizational and multitasking skills that would benefit me in this position."

Explaining Negative Past Experiences

If you've had negative experiences with past employers or coworkers, it can be difficult to discuss them without sounding bitter or defensive.

The key is to remain professional and focus on what you learned from those experiences.

For example, if you were let go from a previous job, you could say

"I was let go from my last job due to budget cuts. While it was a difficult experience, it taught me the importance of staying adaptable and continually developing my skills."

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Handling Illegal Questions

Interviewers are not allowed to ask questions that pertain to your personal life, such as your age, marital status, or religion.

If you're asked an illegal question, it's important to handle it tactfully while still asserting your rights.

You can respond by saying something like:

"I prefer not to answer that question, as it does not pertain to my qualifications for the position."

You can also redirect the conversation back to your skills and experience.

Dealing with Behavioral Questions

Behavioral questions are designed to gauge how you would handle certain situations in the workplace.

They often begin with phrases like "tell me about a time when" or "give me an example of."

When answering behavioral questions, use the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result.

Describe the situation, explain what task you were assigned, detail the actions you took to complete the task, and share the positive outcome that resulted from your efforts.

Responding to Salary Questions

Salary negotiation can be uncomfortable, especially when it comes up during the interview process.

If the interviewer asks about your salary expectations, it's important to do your research beforehand and provide a reasonable range based on industry standards and your experience level.

You can say something like:

"Based on my research and experience, I would expect a salary in the range of X to Y."

Remember to remain flexible and open to negotiation.

Handling difficult interview questions can be challenging, but it's important to remain calm and professional.

By preparing thoughtful and honest responses, redirecting illegal questions, and using the STAR method for behavioral questions, you can impress the interviewer and increase your chances of landing the job.

To Sum it Up

Handling difficult interview questions can be challenging, but it's important to remain professional and composed.

Be honest when discussing gaps or negative experiences in your employment history, redirect illegal questions back to your qualifications for the position, and use the STAR method to showcase your skills and experience when responding to behavioral questions.