How to Answer Tough Interview Questions
STEP 1 – Divide your interview preparation into 3 interview question types
There are 3 different types of interview question: Motivational, Behavioral and Research.
Motivational interview questions include: “Tell me about yourself?”, “Why do you want to work for our company?”, and “Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?” These are the easiest of questions to prepare for, simply because you know they are coming!
The second type (behavioral) are the toughest and require an in-depth response that uses the STAR interview technique (see STEP 2 below).
Finally, the Research-based type of interview question assesses your knowledge of their company (see STEP 3 below).
STEP 2 – Use the STAR technique
The STAR technique is a simple, yet brilliant way to answer the tough behavioural/situational type of interview questions. These questions are usually asked by the panel in the following manner:
“Describe a time when you…”
“Explain a situation you were in when you…”
“Tell me about a time when you…”
The important thing to remember here is, you have to answer the questions with a specific situation you were in, and the most effective way to structure your answers is by formatting them using SITUATION, TASK, ACTION and RESULT.
STEP 3 – Research-based interview question responses
I can pretty much guarantee that during your interview, you will be asked questions such as:
“Tell me what you know about our company?”
“Having read the job description, which parts of the role will you find the toughest?”
On that basis, it is really important you spend time studying their organization and also taking the time to read through the job description and person specification.
To make sure you are fully prepared for your interview, Richard McMunn has compiled his top 21 GREAT ANSWERS TO TOUGH INTERVIEW QUESTIONS guide, which you can download and start studying within 2 minutes time from now!
RICHARD MCMUNN’S 5 TOP INTERVIEW TIPS!
Over the years, Richard McMunn has helped literally thousands of people from around the world to successfully pass their job interviews. Below, he has provided you with his top 5 tips for interview success to make sure you ACE YOUR INTERVIEW!
INTERVIEW TIP #1 – Use You Interview Preparation Time Wisely
I see it time and time again, people worry or panic about their upcoming interview. The truth is, there really is no need to panic. During your interview preparation, prepare answers to the common types of interview questions and also make sure you practice a mock interview (see tip 5 below).
INTERVIEW TIP #2 – Overcoming Interview Nerves.
Having nerves prior to, and during your interview, is normal. The interview panel will expect a certain amount of nerves and they will take these into account when interviewing you. However, there are a couple of things to remember:
(i). The interview is your opportunity to shine and there is absolutely no point in worrying.
(ii). You have nothing to lose by being confident and giving it your all. The worst that can happen is, you don’t get the job, and you then simply apply for another one and start over. Be yourself, have confidence in your abilities and go for it!
INTERVIEW TIP #3 – Dress to Impress and Work on Interview Technique
Answering the interview questions forms only a small part of the assessable criteria. The interview panel have to like you, and your interpersonal skills will count for a lot! So, even if you can’t answer an interview questions, your personality might make up for it. On that basis, make an effort and dress smart for your interview.
INTERVIEW TIP #4 – Good Manners go a LONG WAY!
Good manners are not that commonplace in society these days. However, they can go a long way to impressing the interview panel. Focus on a firm handshake, don’t sit down in the interview chair until invited to do so, and most importantly, smile during your interview.
INTERVIEW TIP #5 – Carry Out a MOCK INTERVIEW
Prior to your interview, carry out a mock interview and practice all of the interview questions on this page – I promise if you do, you will be far better prepared than the vast majority of candidates. Good luck!
Sample Interview Questions: Colleague Relationships
Q1. Tell me about a time when you didn’t get on with a work colleague?
What not to say:
Don’t say it was their fault and that they were the ones who had the problem, not you.
What to say:
Do say you looked at this as an opportunity to build bridges and resolve the situation with a positive outcome to the benefit of the company.
SAMPLE ANSWER
“In a previous job I can remember a member of staff within the office taking a dislike to me for some reason. He appeared to not involve me during conversations, and when I tried to contribute, he dismissed my views and opinions.”
Whilst it wasn’t a pleasant situation to be in, I knew I had to be the one who resolved it. I started out by trying to speak to him on a one-to-one basis and would sit with him during coffee and lunch breaks. I would always talk to him positively and ask how he was and what he had been getting up to at weekends. He was continually cold towards me, and so I decided to ask him outright whether there was an issue.
As soon as I confronted him on the issue, his attitude changed. Although he didn’t say it directly, I felt he knew he hadn’t been particularly nice towards me. However, since that day we have got on really well and our relationship has progressed to the point that we have met up for a coffee on a couple of occasions outside of work.
This has been beneficial to the team, because we can now work together more productively on important projects. Whenever a negative situation occurs, I will always try my hardest to turn it into a positive one.”
List of Tough Interview Questions!
Below is Richard’s list of TOUGH interview questions that you need to prepare for, if you are to pass any interview. The reason these questions are so tough is because they are designed to make you think, long and hard, about your own experience and situation! Take a pen and start preparing for each and every one of these tough interview questions – the more prepared you are, the better your chances of success.
- Tell me about a time when you didn’t get on with a work colleague?
- What are you most criticized about at work?
- What area did you have to improve on during your last appraisal?
- Describe a time when you failed in a work situation?
- Describe a time when you changed how you did something following feedback from someone else?
- Who’s the worst boss you’ve ever had?
- How do you think your co-workers would describe you, both good and bad?
- What’s the first thing you would do in this job if you are successful?
- What’s your biggest weaknesses?
- Describe a time when you failed whilst working as part of a team?
- Why do you want to leave your current job?
- Why are there some gaps in your employment?
- Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?
- Describe a time when you concentrated for a long period?
- Describe a time when you solved a difficult problem?
- Tell me about yourself and why you are a match for the job description?
- What’s the most challenging thing you have ever done at work?
- What is the biggest mistake you have ever made?
- Describe a time when you failed to reach a goal you set yourself?
- How do you handle stress at work?
- Describe a time when you solved a difficult problem whilst at work?
- What do you know about our company, our products and services?
- Explain a situation where you had to communicate a difficult message to a group of people?
- What’s your biggest regret in life?
- What’s the last piece of personal development work you undertook?
- Describe a time when you dealt with a difficult or frustrated customer?
- What did you most dislike about your last job?
FAQ
How do you answer the 10 hardest interview questions?
- Story Highlights.
- “Tell me about yourself” is the perfect moment to toot your own horn.
- Always ask for feedback from your colleagues to gauge your performance.
- Don’t badmouth a boss or give a laundry list of reasons for leaving your last job.
What are the top 20 interview questions and answers?
- 20 Most Common Interview Questions and Best Answers. …
- Tell me about yourself. …
- What were your responsibilities? …
- What did you like or dislike about your previous job? …
- What were your starting and final levels of compensation? …
- What major challenges and problems did you face?
