How To Answer Really Tough Interview Questions

Master Tough Weakness Interview Questions

I talk about the dreaded weakness interview all the time because it's a job interview killer. So I am going to show you how to master several tough interview questions. But they are not just any tough interview questions. They are tied to a weakness interview approach. Remember a weakness interview is a part of the interview designed to show your weakness (duh moment I know).

When I say weakness I mean sudden changes in your body movements and the tone of your answers etc. The point is to answer the question in the coolest calmest tone possible. And don't change your body movements. A skilled interviewer will be looking for sudden shifts in your behavior. Thats why it is called a weakness interview.

Below are several examples of questions and how to master answering them

How would you handle the situation if your boss gave you conflicting instructions with the department head? As I said before don't show any changes in your body or voice tone. Then answer truthfully. From my experience I would answer this by letting the interviewer know that I would take every step to make sure the communication is clear. What that means is that you must avoid a dangerous situation that could arise between your department head and supervisor. Because if your department head and supervisor are not communicating it could spell disaster. Clarity between the three of you is key. And that is what you should communicate in the interview.

How would you handle the situation if your about to handle an important deadline? The easiest answer is to let them know that you would communicate to your supervisors your focus on this priority. And then cut off all distractions. That gives your interviewer a methodical view into your thinking. Or at the very least show that you in fact are thinking (laughing).

How would you prioritize and handle a last minute request? My suggested answer here would be to ask the interviewer who the request is coming from. You want to interviewer to know that your thinking. If the last minute request is not from a direct supervisor for instance a department head. I would alert the department head of my current priorities set by my supervisor. Then ask for advice from the department head on how to handle. Also I would tactfully mention to the department head a need to be in communication with my supervisor. That way they are on the same page about any priority changes. If it is my supervisor directly coming to me with a last minute request I would have him or her reconfirm the realignment of priorities and then assess the time needed to finish. Then get the job done.

What were some of the characteristics you did not like about your last boss and job? Answer that you "wouldn't say you didn't like them but thought they were challenges" then explain why and always keep it professional.

Do you prefer being a team leader or team member? All depends on the type of position your interviewing for at the company. A leadership position means you should always focus on the fact that your a leader. So focus on being a team leader. But if this inst a specific executive VP position etc. Then I would express the advantages of both. As a team leader it allows you to grow the team and your skills and provide a great service to the company. As a team member it allows you some direct opportunities to learn from the leadership style of others.

As you see these can get really tricky and the scary part is your reaction. The most important thing you can do is prepare. Your level of expectation and preparation will get you closer to any job.

by: Scott Maxwell

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