5 Tips on How to Handle Tough Interview Questions

Brian was frustrated. He had gone for many interviews, but the tough questions always froze. “Tell me about a time.” “What’s your biggest weakness?” “Why should we hire you?”

After months of receiving rejection emails, he decided to seek help. Mary Amondo, one of our interview coaching experts, had a one-on-one session with him.

He was taken through on how he should handle the tough questions. When he went to his next interview, things had changed. He walked into his next interview with confidence and finally landed the job.

Do you struggle with tough interview questions like Brian? You’re not alone.

In this article, I will take you through how to answer the tough questions with confidence

1. Pause Before You Answer

Feel like you have to answer immediately? You don’t. Take a second to think. A short pause is better than rushing into an answer that doesn’t make sense. You can even say, “That’s a great question. Let me think about it.” This gives you time to structure your response.

2. Use the STAR Method

For questions like “Tell me about a time,” use the STAR method:

• Situation: What was the problem?
• Task: What was your role?
• Action: What did you do?
• Result: What was the result?

For example: “My team at my former company had a tight deadline. As a leader, I realigned tasks, and we met the deadline.” Simple and straightforward!

3. Approach the ‘Weakness’ Question Sensibly

Most individuals will tell you that they are “perfectionists” when asked this question. Well, this is a cliche. Instead, say something relatable.

For example: “I couldn’t speak in public, but I took a public speaking course, and now I’m more confident.”

This shows that you’re making an effort to improve yourself, which the employer will be glad to hear.

4. “Why Should We Hire You?”

This is not the time to be shy but a time to sell yourself and show how your skills fit the company’s requirements.

Example: “I can increase your web profile and customer base through my social media expertise.”

This shows that you are willing to learn.

5. Practice, But Be Yourself

Practice your interview questions, but do not read word by word. Just do it in a conversational tone, not like a memorized speech.

Conclusion

Interviews do not have to be scary. Now you can go confidently and go home with an offer using these tips.

Desire to improve interviewing skills? Give our interview coaching services a shot and you’ll ace your next interview just as Brian did!

Read Also>>>5 Effective Strategies to Prepare and Win An Interview