How to Answer the 8 HARDEST Interview Questions | Job Interview Tips

Summary

In this video, career coach Cassandra provides valuable advice on answering some of the most challenging job interview questions. She discusses how to tackle tricky questions like riddles, why you're leaving your current job, handling failure, and navigating conflicts at work. Cassandra emphasizes the importance of staying positive, explaining your thought process, and focusing on growth in your answers. She also offers tips on framing your weaknesses, mistakes, and personal background to present yourself as a confident, prepared candidate ready for the next career step.

Takeaways

• 😀 Riddle-style questions in interviews are often more about your thought process than finding the right answer. Share your reasoning and don't be afraid to ask clarifying questions.
• 😀 Asking for clarification during an interview can be a sign of confidence and critical thinking. It's okay to ask for more details before providing an answer.
• 😀 When explaining why you're leaving your current job, focus on the positive aspects of the new opportunity, not the negatives of your past job.
• 😀 When asked if you're willing to fail, always say yes, but be sure to provide context on what failure looks like for you and how you're willing to handle it.
• 😀 Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to answer questions about conflicts at work. Highlight the outcome and resolution to demonstrate your problem-solving skills.
• 😀 If you don't have a conflict at work to share, it's okay to use examples from other areas of your life, like school or volunteer work, as long as they show you can handle conflict.
• 😀 Avoid bad-mouthing past managers when asked about conflicts or disagreements. Stay professional and focus on your own role in resolving the situation.
• 😀 When discussing your greatest weakness, choose something relevant but not crucial to the job. Show how you're actively working to improve it.
• 😀 For the question about mistakes, give an example of a mistake you've made and explain what you learned and how you corrected it for future success.
• 😀 When asked to 'tell me about yourself,' focus on your recent work experience and how it aligns with the job you're applying for. Avoid sharing irrelevant personal details unless asked.

Q & A

What are the hardest questions to answer in a job interview?

The hardest questions to answer are often the riddle-type questions, like those Google is known for. These questions test your thought process rather than your ability to give the right answer. An example is calculating how many pennies would be stacked to reach the height of the Empire State Building.

How should you approach answering a riddle-style interview question?

You should focus on explaining your thought process out loud. It's important to break down your approach step by step, even if you're unsure of the final answer. Asking for clarifications, like the height of the building or other key details, can also demonstrate problem-solving skills.

How can you handle being asked why you are leaving your current position?

Instead of focusing on negative reasons for leaving, you should highlight the positives of the new job. Explain how the position offers opportunities for growth and aligns with your career trajectory. Focus on forward-looking, positive reasons for the move.

What should you do if you're asked if you're willing to fail in a job interview?

You should confidently answer 'yes,' but also elaborate on what failure means to you in a professional context. Be sure to explain how you view safe failure within manageable risks and how it contributes to learning and innovation in your work.

How can you effectively answer a question about a past conflict at work?

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to describe the conflict. Be sure to highlight how you resolved the issue, the positive outcome, and how you handled the situation constructively. You can also use non-work-related examples if necessary.

How should you respond if asked about a time you didn't get along with a manager?

Avoid badmouthing the manager. Instead, focus on a situation where you had a disagreement, and explain how you resolved the issue professionally. Emphasize your ability to work through challenges while maintaining respect and professionalism.

How do you answer the question about your greatest weakness?

Choose a real weakness that is not critical to the position you’re applying for and show how you are actively working on improving it. Avoid generic answers like being a 'workaholic' and instead focus on something genuine, along with steps you’ve taken to address it.

What should you consider when answering 'What have you learned from your mistakes' in an interview?

Pick a mistake that is not directly related to the role but still shows growth. Explain what you learned from the mistake and how you've implemented strategies to avoid repeating it. The goal is to show that you can learn from challenges and improve your performance.

What is the best way to answer the question 'Tell me about yourself' in an interview?

Focus on your professional history and the skills you’ve gained, especially those relevant to the job you're applying for. Avoid going into personal hobbies unless specifically asked. Keep your answer concise and centered on your career journey and how it prepares you for this role.

Why is it important to ask clarifying questions during an interview?

Asking clarifying questions shows that you are engaged and thoughtful. It also demonstrates problem-solving skills, as it indicates that you are carefully considering the details of the task or scenario before jumping to a conclusion.