subject: Tough Interview Questions: Find What You Ought To Know [print this page] It is never easy to sit through a job interview; knowing that you are on your own, to make the people sitting in front want you at their company. Preparation and understanding is key of course, but there are always tough interview questions that can completely throw things and have us struggling for word. Here is a quick guide to some of the trickier ones, and what to consider before answering.
What are you like as a person?: An extremely difficult question to answer, but not one that is asking for a blow by blow account of your life. Concentrate on the core competencies for the role, and have a coherent answer in mind which would cover off all these bases.
Why should we hire you?: Here the panel is looking for reasons you believe make you good for the job. Give an answer that will separate you from the other candidates; what is there in particular that you have done previously that would impress them?
What are your life ambitions: This is your chance to sell yourself to the company, and list achievable goals you have in mind. Look at the job you have applied for, and the natural ladder progressions this encompasses; lay out how you intend to reach the next senior position and how you will go about it.
How do you work in a team?: Again, examples are necessary here with regard to past successes. Whether calling on performances at work or college, all are good, as long as you can demonstrate how your support of a team was key; not leadership of that team.
Why is conflict important?: Here you should call upon your experiences of how conflicting situations have been successfully resolved; with you as a key player. Explain, quickly, how the conflict developed, but focus on the positives.
Do you have any weakness?: This needs to be answered positively, advising not just that you recognize personal failings, but how you work to correct them. Saying such things as working too hard, or taking on too much are not recommended here.
These are only a few of the tough interview questions which are likely to come up. It is likely you have already been asked question in a similar vein before. If this the case, look back on those and consider them. If you were successful at interview, ask the interviewer why that was the case. If you were not successful, hopefully you will have received feedback to help make your performance better in the future.
