HOW TO ANSWER THE 10 HARDEST JOB INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

JUN 9, 2014
Reboot IllinoisWhether you’ve been on numerous interviews throughout your career, or are a job market newbie, thinking of how to answer the inevitable hardball questions might have you tossing and turning the night before.You many not encounter every one of these questions, but if you do have an upcoming job interview or know someone that does, responding the right way and being prepared for all of them could improve your chances of receiving an offer.

Here’s how to answer the 10 toughest job interview questions, according to Forbes.

1. Tell me a little about yourself?

This is likely to be the first question during an interview. The most important thing you can do is keep your answer short, no more than two minutes. Don’t go on about irrelevant personal information or cover everything that’s in your resume. As Forbes notes, stick to four topics:

1. Early years
2. Education
3. Work history
4. Most recent job experience

2. Why should I hire you?

This is not only one of the most overlooked questions, but also one job applicants are often unprepared for because they don’t do their homework about the company. Before the interview, make sure you review the job description closely, as well as the skills, knowledge and qualifications it requires. The answer you give should draw on past experiences and situations where you utilized the skills that the employer is seeking.

3. What would your last employer say about you?

Keep in mind, a potential employer will probably reach out to references or supervisors from your previous job. Make sure your answer is on par with what your supervisor would say. Hopefully you didn’t burn bridges, but even something negative can be turned into a positive. For example, if your supervisor were to characterize you as impatient, explain how timeliness and meeting deadlines was a high priority for you.

4. Please explain this gap in your work history?

The economy hasn’t been very kind, especially to the long-term unemployed. While your interviewer may be understanding, companies typically prefer candidates who are employed elsewhere and have the most up-to-date skills in the marketplace. If you have been unemployed for a while, respond to this question by making clear you spent the time productively. Whether you cared after family members, freelanced or did volunteer work, just don’t give off the impression you’ve been slumped on the couch watching TV or surfing the Internet while looking for a job.

5. What would you change about your last job?

Your interviewer may ask you this or something along the lines of “why do you want to move on.” Be careful not to make snide remarks about your previous employer, supervisor or colleagues. Even if you despised your last job, it will just make you look bad. Any answer should also show you are someone who can confront issues as they arise and turn problems into solutions. Instead of bashing your last gig, say you want to do something more challenging, the technology there was outdated or another “safe scapegoat.”

6. Explain what you did in a situation where your team was in disagreement?

Interviews often beget questions regarding difficulties you may have encountered in the past and how you were able to overcome them. This is the best way for them to determine you might behave in the future. Respond by clearly explaining the situation, disagreement, actions you took to reach an accord and the end result.

7. Tell me about the biggest risk you’ve ever taken?

While this question would be reserved for only some positions, a good answer would show examples of where you failed and got back on your feet, as well as risky decisions that led to successful outcomes.

8. How would you explain something complicated to a child?

Answering this one depends on what the company does. The whole point is to show the interviewer you have an adaptable and competent grasp of whatever it is they do. Be sure to research the industry and know what you’re saying, especially if the position is highly technical with a lot of jargon.

9. What did you do in a situation where old solutions no longer worked?

By asking this question, the interviewer is trying to gauge how knowledgeable and pragmatic you are today. Coat your answer with new, creative solutions that can solve problems and transpire into results. Study the industry’s methodology and latest technology for ideas.

10. Describe a time where a supervisor disputed a decision you made?

Any answer should showcase your humility and ability to take the lead. Be sure to stress what you learned from the situation.

Next article: Good-paying Illinois jobs that don’t require a four-year degree

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Kevin Hoffman is a Reboot Illinois staff writer who graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in journalism, political science and international studies. He believes keeping citizens informed and politicians in check is the best way to improve Illinois and bring about common sense reform.  Follow us on Facebook.