Interview questions can vary depending on the company and position you are applying for. However, here are five commonly considered difficult interview questions and some tips on how to answer them effectively:
- Tell me about yourself.
This question is often asked as an icebreaker, but it can be difficult to know where to start. The best approach is to give a brief overview of your professional background and experience, highlighting your relevant skills and achievements. Try to keep your answer concise and focused on your professional persona. It’s also helpful to mention your passion or interests outside of work, but only briefly and if it’s relevant to the role you’re interviewing for.
- Why do you want to work for our company?
To answer this question effectively, you need to research the company beforehand and understand its values, culture, and mission. Explain what it is about the company that resonates with you and how you believe you can contribute to its success. Make sure to mention specific aspects of the company, such as its products, services, or industry position, that appeal to you and why.
- What is your greatest weakness?
This question can be tricky because you don’t want to reveal a significant weakness that would disqualify you from the position. A good strategy is to choose a minor weakness that is not critical to the job requirements and describe how you’re working to improve it. Also, mention how you have addressed it in the past and what steps you are taking to develop it further.
- How do you handle stress and pressure?
Employers want to know how you manage stress because many jobs come with tight deadlines, high-pressure situations, and difficult challenges. It’s best to provide an example of a stressful situation you’ve faced in the past and explain how you dealt with it. Describe the steps you took to manage the stress and how you overcame any obstacles. It’s also important to highlight any stress-management techniques you use, such as exercise, mindfulness, or delegating tasks.
- What are your salary expectations?
This question can be difficult to answer because you don’t want to undervalue your worth or price yourself out of the job. It’s best to do some research beforehand to understand the typical salary range for the position and industry. You can also ask the interviewer about the company’s compensation structure and what they typically offer for this type of position. Then, give a range of your salary expectations that align with your research and are reasonable based on your experience and qualifications.