Ten Tough Interview Questions and

Ten Great Answers

The best way to prepare yourself for the interview is to know what may be coming and practice for it
in advance. Fear of the unknown can only exist when there is an unknown. Take the time to
understand some of the "standards" when it comes to interviewing questions.
The following are some of the most difficult questions you will face in the course of your job
interviews. Some questions may seem rather simple on the surfacesuch as "Tell me about
yourself"but these questions can have a variety of answers. The more open ended the question,
the wider the variation in the answers. Once you have become practiced in your interviewing skills,
you will find that you can use almost any question as a launching pad for a particular topic or
compelling story.
Others are classic interview questions, such as "What is your greatest weakness?" Questions most
people answer improperly. In this case, the standard textbook answer for the "greatest weakness"
question is to provide a veiled positive such as: "I work too much. I just work and work and work."
Wrong. Either you are lying or, worse yet, you are telling the truth, in which case you define working
too much as a weakness and really do not want to work much at all.
The following answers are provided to give you a new perspective on how to answer tough interview
questions. They are not there for you to lift from the page and insert into your next interview. They
are provided for you to use as the basic structure for formulating your own answers. While the
specifics of each reply may not apply to you, try to follow the basic structure of the answer from the
perspective of the interviewer. Answer the questions behaviorally, with specific examples that show
that clear evidence backs up what you are saying about yourself. Always provide information that
shows you want to become the very best _____ for the company and that you have specifically
prepared yourself to become exactly that. They want to be sold. They are waiting to be sold. Don't
disappoint them!

1. Tell me about yourself.

It seems like an easy interview question. It's open ended. I can talk about whatever I want from the
birth canal forward. Right?
Wrong. What the hiring manager really wants is a quick, two- to three-minute snapshot of who you
are and why you're the best candidate for this position.
So as you answer this question, talk about what you've done to prepare yourself to be the very best
candidate for the position. Use an example or two to back it up. Then ask if they would like more
details. If they do, keep giving them example after example of your background and experience.
Always point back to an example when you have the opportunity.

"Tell me about yourself" does not mean tell me everything. Just tell me what makes you the best.

2. Why should I hire you?

The easy answer is that you are the best person for the job. And don't be afraid to say so. But then
back it up with what specifically differentiates you.
For example: "You should hire me because I'm the best person for the job. I realize that there are
likely other candidates who also have the ability to do this job. Yet I bring an additional quality that
makes me the best person for the jobmy passion for excellence. I am passionately committed to
producing truly world class results. For example"
Are you the best person for the job? Show it by your passionate examples.

3. What is your long-range objective?

The key is to focus on your achievable objectives and what you are doing to reach those objectives.
For example: "Within five years, I would like to become the very best accountant your company has
on staff. I want to work toward becoming the expert that others rely upon. And in doing so, I feel I'll
be fully prepared to take on any greater responsibilities which might be presented in the long term.
For example, here is what I'm presently doing to prepare myself"
Then go on to show by your examples what you are doing to reach your goals and objectives.

4. How has your education prepared you for your

career?
This is a broad question and you need to focus on the behavioral examples in your educational
background which specifically align to the required competencies for the career.
An example: "My education has focused on not only the learning the fundamentals, but also on the
practical application of the information learned within those classes. For example, I played a lead
role in a class project where we gathered and analyzed best practice data from this industry. Let me
tell you more about the results"
Focus on behavioral examples supporting the key competencies for the career. Then ask if they
would like to hear more examples.

5. Are you a team player?

Almost everyone says yes to this question. But it is not just a yes/no question. You need to provide
behavioral examples to back up your answer.
A sample answer: "Yes, I'm very much a team player. In fact, I've had opportunities in my work,
school and athletics to develop my skills as a team player. For example, on a recent project"

Emphasize teamwork behavioral examples and focus on your openness to diversity of backgrounds.
Talk about the strength of the team above the individual. And note that this question may be used as
a lead in to questions around how you handle conflict within a team, so be prepared.

6. Have you ever had a conflict with a boss or

professor? How was it resolved?
Note that if you say no, most interviewers will keep drilling deeper to find a conflict. The key is how
you behaviorally reacted to conflict and what you did to resolve it.
For example: "Yes, I have had conflicts in the past. Never major ones, but there have been
disagreements that needed to be resolved. I've found that when conflict occurs, it helps to fully
understand the other persons perspective, so I take time to listen to their point of view, then I seek to
work out a collaborative solution. For example"
Focus your answer on the behavioral process for resolving the conflict and working collaboratively.

7. What is your greatest weakness?

Most career books tell you to select a strength and present it as a weakness. Such as: "I work too
much. I just work and work and work." Wrong. First of all, using a strength and presenting it as a
weakness is deceiving. Second, it misses the point of the question.
You should select a weakness that you have been actively working to overcome. For example: "I
have had trouble in the past with planning and prioritization. However, I'm now taking steps to correct
this. I just started using a pocket planner" then show them your planner and how you are using it.
Talk about a true weakness and show what you are doing to overcome it.

8. If I were to ask your professors (or your boss) to

describe you, what would they say?
This is a threat of reference check question. Do not wait for the interview to know the answer. Ask
any prior bosses or professors in advance. And if they're willing to provide a positive reference, ask
them for a letter of recommendation.
Then you can answer the question like this:
"I believe she would say I'm a very energetic person, that I'm results oriented and one of the best
people she has ever worked with. Actually, I know she would say that, because those are her very
words. May I show you her letter of recommendation?"
So be prepared in advance with your letters of recommendation.

9. What qualities do you feel a successful manager

should have?
Focus on two words: leadership and vision. Then tell of how that leadership and vision translated
into your personal delivered results.
Here is a sample of how to respond: "The key quality in a successful manager should be leadership
the ability to be the visionary for the people who are working under them. The person who can set
the course and direction for subordinates, keeping them focused on what is most important for
delivering the highest priority results. The highest calling of a true leader is inspiring others to reach
the highest of their abilities. I'd like to tell you about a person whom I consider to be a true leader"
Then give an example of someone who has touched your life and how their impact has helped in
your personal development.

10. If you had to live your life over again, what one
thing would you change?
Focus on a key turning point in your life or missed opportunity. Yet also tie it forward to what you are
doing to still seek to make that change.
For example: "Although I'm overall very happy with where I'm at in my life, the one aspect I likely
would have changed would be focusing earlier on my chosen career. I had a great internship this
past year and look forward to more experience in the field. I simply wish I would have focused here
earlier. For example, I learned on my recent internship" then provide examples.
Stay focused on positive direction in your life and back it up with examples.

In reviewing these responses, please remember that they are only examples. Please do not
rehearse them verbatim or adopt them as your own. They are meant to stir your creative juices and
get you thinking about how to properly answer the broader range of questions that you will face.

Question # 1: 'Tell me something about yourself'

Recruiters call this question T-MAY because it is one of the toughest questions for applicants. If
you answer it correctly, you can get a second interview or perhaps even a job offer. Take this
opportunity to share your positive accomplishments at school. For instance, tell the hiring officer that
you contributed heavily to the growth of your school organizations business contacts as its finance
head. This will let a potential employer know that you have the leadership potential that companies
are looking for.

Question # 2: 'Discuss a previous situation wherein you have to resolve a

problem?'

Many recruiters ask this question to determine an applicants behavior in specific situations. Hiring
managers would love to hear something concrete because it lets them predict your future actions in
a stressful environment. For instance, you could say that you increased the number of members of
your school organization by 50 percent by placing the application booth where most students pass
by during lunch. Prospective employers are looking for fresh graduates who have the potential to
translate their school accomplishments into the real world.
Question # 3: 'What is your ideal employer?'

Instead of dropping a company name or describing a boss, share the ideal working relationship
bosses love. For instance, you could say that you would love to work with a manager who is upfront
and honest when pointing out mistakes and achievements. Apart from that, you could also say that
you want an organization that tells you exactly what you have to do to get a promotion or salary
raise.
Question # 4: 'Tell us your strengths and weaknesses'

Most companies would frame this differently, but at the end of the day, they want to know how your
strengths would contribute positively to the company. For instance, if you are applying as a
programmer, you can say that your detail-oriented approach helped you tremendously during your
internship. Tell the recruiting officer that you spotted errors in coding that other interns missed. Be
specific because companies want tangible skills that can be applied to the job.
To know how to answer interview questions regarding weakness, on the other hand, tell the
interviewer that you are trying to improve your knowledge on programming by taking online classes.
Employers know you are just a fresh grad, so they have realistic expectations about your abilities.
Question # 5: 'When can you start?'

Employers ask this question to test applicants if they know what they are getting themselves into. It
may sound ridiculous, but many fresh graduates actually say I dont know in response to this. If you
really want the job, ask the recruiting officer when the company needs you. Better yet, tell them you
need at least two weeks to complete employment requirements.
Question # 6: 'Tell us a situation wherein you led a team?'

Often considered a competency-based question, recruiters throw this to fresh graduates to know
how well they plan and organize while guiding the work of other people. Knowing your ability to
handle collaborative work shows your potential leadership skills, which will be a core competency in
your career. To answer this question, tell the hiring personnel how you handled an event in school.
For example, you could say you led a young entrepreneurs club event wherein you had to monitor
the performance of your other team members. Be sure to explain what valuable lessons you learned
and how you plan to use them in the position you are applying for.
Question # 7: 'Where do you see yourself in five years?'

Recruiter ask this question to know if you intend to stay within the organization for the long haul.
Remember, recruiting costs money, so employers want to know if you are a worthy investment.

Perhaps you can say that you intend to have a supervisory role while taking in more responsibility.
Discuss how interested you are in the industry where the company belongs. Share any big ideas that
you have which you believe will create ripples in the industry.
Question #8: 'Do you have any pending applications with other companies?'

Although this question may sound awkward and even peculiar to some job seekers, most recruiters
will ask this especially to fresh graduates. To answer this question, simply say that other companies
have shown interest, but you prioritize the company that is interviewing you.
Question # 9: Why did you choose your school and course?'

There are many ways to answer this question, but at the end of the day, you have to show that you
ended up choosing the school and course based on sound judgment, planning, and logical
reasoning. You could say that you chose University A and Course B because it has the highest
passing rate in the country for Accountants. You can also add that you believe that the program will
give you the best chance of reaching your career aspirations.
Question # 1o: What has been your greatest achievement?'

This is a tough question whether you are a fresh graduate or not. You will look pretty impressive if
you can mention an achievement that will make you stand out. For instance, you could say that you
won the Best in Leadership award as a student. You can also say that you were a consistent honor
student every semester.
Final thoughts

Although most recent graduates consider themselves disadvantaged as far as work experience is
concerned, you have to remember that all applicants are gauged based on two thingsintegrity and
sincerity. If you are qualified, enthusiastic, and willing to learn, you have a big chance of getting hired
even with zero work experience.

Forewarned is forearmed, which is why we've compiled a list of the key tricky interview questions
that recruiters love to use and candidates sometimes stumble over. Here it is in full, so read on to find
out what employers are really asking and pick up tactics for giving answers that show you in the best
possible light.

What is your biggest weakness?

The problem with this question is that youre being asked about your shortcomings, when your
instinct, in an interview situation, is to keep your flaws as well hidden as possible. What you need to
do is to frame your answer to as to give it a positive spin.
Strengths and weaknesses can be different sides of the same coin, so another way to approach this
question is to think about how you overcome the potential downside of your greatest strength. For
example, if youre a natural teamworker, is it difficult for you to cope with conflict or assume
leadership abilities? How do you cope with this?

Read possible answers to the job interview question, What is your biggest
weakness?

Why do you think you will be successful in this job?

This isnt an invitation to boast you are being asked to match your strengths to the qualities needed
to do the job. Dont forget, its a very specific question. Why are you suited to this job, as opposed to
any other? Thorough employer research will save the day, as it will enable you to match your skills,
interests and experience to the job role and the company.

What do employers really mean when they ask, Why do you think you will
you be successful in this job?

Have you ever had a bad experience with an employer?

Graduate recruiters use some questions as much to see how you cope when youre put on the spot as
to elicit a truthful answer. This question is a test of your ability to think on your feet and come up
with a diplomatic response. Whether you sidestep the question by saying youve always got on well
with your employers, or describe a tricky situation youve experienced that highlights your potential,
you need to avoid attacking your previous employers. Also, take care not to incriminate yourself.

How should you answer the question, Have you ever had a bad
experience with an employer?

Give an example of a time when you handled a major crisis.

Feel free to reframe the question. This is similar to asking Can you give an example of a time when
you had to cope with a difficult situation? or Give an example of a time when you had to cope
under pressure. However, crisis is a much stronger, more emotive word. You may find it easier to
give an example if you think back through your work experience, study, extracurricular activities and
travel and come up with a time when you had to cope with an unexpected problem.

Find out how not to reply to the question, Give an example of a time when
you handled a major crisis.

Where do you expect to be in five years time?

This is another question that allows you to show off your employer research and your understanding
of your chosen career path. Youll want to come across as enthusiastic, but not arrogant. Tailor your
response to reflect the nature of the organisation, the sector, and your own experiences and skills.
Specific details will impress.

So how should you tackle the question, Where do you expect to be in five
years time?'

What motivates you?

You are particularly likely to be asked about your motivation in a strengths-based interview, which
focuses on what you enjoy doing and what you do well. Your answer should draw on an example
from your extracurricular activities, work experience or studies that suggests you would be strongly
motivated by the job you are applying for.

What recruiters really want to know when they ask, What motivates you?

How do you manage your time and prioritise tasks?

When a recruiter asks how you manage your time, dont just give an example of a time when you did
this successfully. Your interviewer wants to know your tactics and strategies for getting yourself
organised, so whatever approach you use to prioritising and listing your tasks, you should be ready to
describe it.

Find out how to talk about your time management techniques in your
graduate job interviews

Give an example of a time when you showed initiative.

If an interviewer asks you to describe a situation in which you showed initiative, avoid giving an
example of an idea you had but never put into action. Its much better to talk about a time when you
not only came up with a solution to a problem but also acted on it. Then you can explain the effect
your decision had when you put it into practice.

How to show your interviewer you can take the initiative and turn
inspiration into success
Give an example of your lateral thinking.
Lateral thinking is the ability to use your imagination to look at a problem in a fresh way and come
up with a new solution. Companies prize employees with lateral thinking skills because without
them, they cant innovate and create new products. Think about times when youve been faced with
real-life problems and have somehow managed to overcome them. Chances are your solution
involved an original, creative approach, and thats what employers want to find out about.

How to identify great examples of your lateral thinking that you can use in
graduate job interviews