Tough Interview Questions

A great number of interviewers often incorporate a few offbeat questions when scrutinizing a possible hire. They may do this for various reasons: to see how well you respond to stress, think on your feet, or even challenge you. Some employers may simply enjoy watching an interviewee sweat. Because it is an off-tangent question, you probably were not able to prepare for it – these questions can tackle almost anything.

The basic thing to remember when encountering such a question is that you should not let it get to you. Do not freeze like the proverbial deer in front of oncoming headlights – just buy some time to give yourself an opportunity to think. Breathe deeply, smile, and ponder the question. Some dead air is preferable to just giving an answer off the top of your head. Do not try too hard to sound intellectual or be too flippant at the same time. The worst case is that you may not be able to think of an answer, so try and ask if you could address the query later on. You will still, at least, have points for grace under pressure. If the idea strikes you, attempt to turn your answer into one related to the job, although this is something that most interviewers may not expect.

Above all, keep in mind that one can only ‘forecast’ and prepare for the interview Q and A to a certain degree. There is no way to know about all the questions an interviewer can possibly ask. Simply knowing that the unexpected should be, well, expected will give you more confidence. Forewarned is forearmed, as they say. Do not freak out, answer as calmly and as logically as you can, and this may give you the edge over other applicants and get you that coveted job.

I have an interview, what are they going to ask me?!  Answering tough interview questions is a frightening prospect when a job is hanging in the balance.  It doesn’t have to be that scary, preparation will get you a long way.  But what about answering the tough interview questions that come from out of nowhere?

How do you answer questions like “if you could have lunch with anyone, alive or dead, who would it be and why?”  Much of answering these questions involves assessing your ability to think on your feet.  Be prepared to answer that without much thought.

You should choose your hero and explain why they are your hero.  It does not necessarily have to relate to the position, it will give an interviewer insight into your personality.  There is no wrong answer to that question.

One of the toughest and most common questions is “where do you see yourself in 5 years?”  You must always answer that question with respect to the company you’re interviewing with.  Be specific if possible.  Be careful not to threaten the person interviewing you.  Read that as “where do you want to be?”  Your answer may help you move through the ranks.

You must be honest.  Many people are comfortable in their role and don’t want more than that.  Employers also like that answer as they don’t want to have to fill a position every year or two.  There are lots of great resources available, check some out and be prepared.

Dress for Interview Success

Dressing to impress at your job interview is the most important thing you can do.  Your potential employer will make a decision about you on that alone.  You have 60 seconds to make a good first impression.  What you wear is vitally important to your job search.

In this respect, is conservative always better?  No, not always.  When dressing to impress at your job interview, you must first decide what your industry’s standard is.  Is it a conservative standard or does using some current flair help you?  In most situations a business suit is the most appropriate choice.

Men’s and women’s business suits should be solid color for first interviews.  Both should use a coordinating color shirt or blouse and matching shoes.  The shoes should be in good condition without worn heels and scuff marks.

Depending on the industry the shirt or blouse should be current and fashionable.  You can go bolder in retail or fashion merchandising industries and understated in industries that are more conservative.

You must have a full understanding of what the industry standard is.  Most often if there is a casual day at your potential employer’s office on the day of your interview, they will tell you that.  That does not mean that you should wear jeans.

Always dress better than you think you need to.  Be cautious with bright colors and hems.  You want them to remember you for your talent, not your clothes.  You only have one chance at a first impression, don’t blow it by dressing inappropriately.