17 tough interview questions & how to answer them like a pro.

Hiring managers often try to gear the interview towards a specific role. However, they’ll still follow a classic style to test you. They stick to a set of questions because they’re so revealing. They help the interviewer figure what really makes you tick. That’s why, they fit in, no matter the job.

We’ve singled out 17 difficult interview questions that might throw you off. In this article, we hand you over the strategies to tackle each on effectively. If you’ve struggled with these questions in the past, you can move on from that anxiety.

Case in point? This grasp helps you sail through your next interview with awareness, knowledge and confidence.

personality-based interview questions.

1. tell me a little about yourself?

This is a common opening interview question in Canada. Instead of launching straight into the interview, your interviewer asks you to introduce yourself. Since this question is so broad, what they’re really asking is “how well do you express yourself?”

While you could take this in many directions, walk the interviewer through your career path. You’ll want to go over your recent jobs. Factor in your key skills and certifications as well. Furthermore, finish the dialogue with a quick mention of your personal interests.

The crux? Don’t get carried away with hobbies. That should be what they end up remembering about you. So what’s the best way to get ready for this question? Here’s a pro-tip. Go back to the drawing board and put together your short work bio.

You’ll be surprised how often this one-minute summary comes in handy. It’s not just for this question. When you get through it, you’ve also teed up the next part of the conversation. In essence, you can count on the interviewer latching onto a detail you’ve shared.

They’ll almost certainly pick up on something you said and turn it into their next question. For instance, they’ll likely follow up on a project or skill you mentioned. That way, you’re now steering the chat in your favor.

2. what interests you about this job?

With this interview question, your interviewer is trying to gauge a) your enthusiasm for the job and b) if you read and understood the job description. An answer that highlights a role or responsibility from the job description is a great way to go. If you blank and can’t remember the specifics of the job, an answer about ‘the opportunity to put [insert skill you have] to use’ is always a safe bet.

You need to show off your enthusiasm for the tole. The optimal method is to connect your past skills directly to the job’s requirements. What does this approach offer the interviewer? That you’re genuinely interested.

Additionally, it points to the real impact you could have their team. Let’s say the role your interviewing for calls for project management. Then, you must draw on your past experiences back to the job’s needs. This displays your keen interests and communicates how focused you’re.

Furthermore, go over how you’ve led teams to carry out projects. Explain how you can cut down on waste and help the team hit their goals. This tactic proves you’ve done your homework. It shows you’re lining yourself up with the organization’s goals.

In conclusion, you could wrap it by explaining how the role fits your career roadmap. That too, showcasing how serious you’re about this opportunity. To sum up, polish your answer, dig into other effective means to express your interest in the opportunity.

3. what are your biggest strengths?

This question can really trip you up. It’s a mistake to try and size up the interviewer. Don’t just say what you think they want to hear. Your best bet is to be upfront. Faking an answer can easily backfire. What’s more?

It sets you up for failure down the line. You’ll be expected to follow through on the claim once you’re hired. How should you change your approach? It’s always ideal to pick skills that tie directly into the job. However, you can also fall back on simpler, universal strengths.

What are these skills? Those that can you can carry over to any role. Some great examples include dealing with tight deadlines or getting your ideas across with clarity. Another proven strategy? Single out strengths that complement the role’s deliverables.

For instance, point to your communication skills. Or just how reliable a resource you’re. These skills always pay off, no matter what job is on the table.

4. what are your biggest weaknesses?

The reverse of the previous question, this one can be tough because you can’t reveal anything too damaging that will be a deal breaker. In this case, being too honest can be an issue. For instance, saying you’re a procrastinator prone to missing deadlines might not go over too well.

Instead, try to think of constructive criticism you’ve received in the past that you’ve successfully addressed. Always make sure to note how you’re working on overcoming the issue.

In this article, we give you all the tips you need to correctly answer the question "what is your biggest weakness " in a job interview.

company-specific interview questions.

5. what do you know about this company?

This tough interview question is a clear attempt to find out if you’ve done your research. Show you’re enthusiastic about the job by researching the company before your interview.

Chances are your interviewer isn’t going to grill you, so it can be as simple as checking out the company website and doing a quick Google search. Bringing up recent news such as a leadership change, a big company event, or a recent product launch can earn you a gold star from your interviewer and demonstrate you know your stuff.

6. why should we hire you?

This question is a perfect opportunity to highlight skills that are highly relevant to the job you’re interviewing for. If you can think of something that differentiates you from others in your field, even better. Stay away from answers that are 'you' focused, like ‘I’ve always wanted to work for X company’ or ‘this job will help me take the next step in my career.’ Instead, try focusing on the value you bring to the role.

7. how are you different from other candidates?

Chances are most candidates being interviewed have very comparable qualifications, so this question is really just a variation on ‘why should we hire you?’ You approach to answering it should be the same: highlight your skills and explain how you will bring value to the company. Highlighting certifications or interdisciplinary skills that aren’t the norm in your industry is a good strategy here – just make sure you explain how they make you better suited to the job.

capability-based interview questions.

8. tell me about a work conflict you experienced and how it was resolved?

One of the most dreaded and difficult interview questions on this list, detailing a conflict is challenging for two reasons. First, it requires on-the-spot storytelling. Second, it has potential to expose a weakness you’d rather not discuss. It may sound like common sense, but the best way to answer this question is to choose a conflict that had a happy ending, ideally one that you were responsible for.

An example: you and your boss disagreed on how to approach a new client. In the end, you came up with a revised strategy that was a compromise that used elements of both visions. In this story, you come out the good guy and highlight positive traits such as your ability to collaborate and be a team-player. Just remember, don’t be disparaging or choose a conflict that makes your former workplace seem hostile. Tearing down others to build yourself up is never a good look.

9. what do you look for in a boss?

When an interviewer asks this question, they’re probably trying to gauge how you’ll fit in with the company culture and current leaders. The best path? Be honest without getting too specific; you never know what type of leaders you’ll be working with. Stick with traits that are universally positive such as fairness, good listener, capable, intelligent, etc. Most managers like to think they embody these traits, so there’s no risk of alienating your potential boss.

vision-centric interview questions.

10. where do you see yourself in 5/10 years?

This question is asked to determine how the job you’re applying for fits into your long-term career plan. Will you be gone in a few months? Do you have unrealistic expectations of where the role is headed? To answer this question, like many common interview questions, stick with honesty. If you hope to move into a more senior or management role, say so, but be realistic. Most interviewers will appreciate your ambition; after all, 5 years is a long time.

11. why are you leaving your current job?

If you’re leaving for a benign reason, like you’re looking for a more senior role, or to find a job with a shorter commute, by all means, be honest. This question can be a little more dangerous if you were fired or laid off. Even so, honesty is still the best policy, as there’s a chance that your interviewer will follow-up with management at your previous job. Just remember to end on a positive note by explaining what you have learned and how you're making an effort to improve.

Never bad-mouth your former or current employers. No matter how much you disliked the job, no matter how much of a tyrant your boss was, always remain professional. You’d be surprised how small the world can be when you’re looking for a job. A bad attitude can make you seem like a difficult person and be an instant deal breaker.

12. how would your coworkers/boss describe you?

This question presents a great opportunity to sell strengths that might sound like bragging coming directly from you. For instance, declaring that you’re a hard-worker can sound like interview-filler when you say it, but it’s perfectly acceptable coming from a coworker. Best strategy? Think back to actual compliments you’ve received from coworkers and clients.

compensation-based interview questions.

13. what are your salary expectations?

You don’t want to tie yourself to a specific salary at this stage, so feel free to offer a comfortable range. This gives your potential employer something to work with, with but leaves you with room to negotiate before you sign on the dotted line. It also puts the ball back in your potential employer’s court; it’s up to them to make a compelling offer in your range. Remember: this is only step one of the negotiations. You don’t have to accept the first offer. Check out our blog on negotiating a job offer for next steps.

It’s also important to do salary research prior to your interview. Compare a few different resources before coming up with a number. Also, keep in mind that salaries vary depending on where you live and how many years of experience you have. Need help finding average salaries for your role? Randstad’s salary guides are a great resource.

interview questions based on skill profile.

14. if you were an animal, what would you be?

You may occasionally be asked random brain teaser questions like this. The goal is to get you thinking on your feet. How quickly and creatively can you answer? If you can come up with an answer that ties back to the job, kudos to you, but don’t stress too much about your answer. These types of interview questions are a personality gauge. If you’re having trouble thinking on the spot, bide yourself a little time to gather your thoughts with a response like “That’s an interesting question. I think I would have to say…”

15. what do you think our company could do better?

This question is an excellent opportunity for you to provide real insight and demonstrate that you will bring valuable skills and experiences to solve whatever problem you present. Just make sure to do your research prior to the interview. If you’re familiar with the company, you’ll be able to provide a better answer. Never demur on this question and say you can’t think of anything.

interview questions focused on areas of improvement.

16. how do you handle criticism?

This interview question, much like questions about conflict resolution, put you on the spot about a topic that can often be uncomfortable. No one likes being criticized, but in the workplace, it’s a reality that must be addressed. Fortunately, there’s really only one acceptable way to answer this question: you take it constructively, not personally. If you can think of an example of a time you took criticism and turned it into an opportunity for growth, even better.

17. do you have any questions for me?

Too many job seekers hear this question and breathe a sigh of relief, thinking they’ve made it through the interview unscathed. They’re relieved the interrogation is over, and want to fast-forward to the handshake and goodbyes. In doing so, they miss out on a prime opportunity. This question is your final chance to show your enthusiasm for the role and demonstrate that you’re committed to the job. A ‘no’ can seem disinterested. Not sure what to ask? Here a few options:

• What will a regular workday/workweek look like in this role?
• What can you tell me about this role that wasn’t in the job description?
• How will success be measured in this role?
• How would you describe the office culture?
• What do you enjoy most about working here?
• What would you say are the biggest challenges of this role?
• Where do you see this role headed in the next few years?

No doubt, these are just a few of the challenging interview questions you’ll face throughout your career. The key to answering any interview question (whether on this list or not) is to be prepared. Interview questions tend to fall into one of three categories: about the company, about your career, and about your skills. If you’re prepared to answer questions about these 3 topics, you’ll be able to answer just about any question thrown at you.

Remember: interviews are about finding the right fit between employer and employee. Interviewers want you to succeed as much as you do. They’re not trying to trip you up or trick you – they just want to be confident they’re hiring the right person! Be honest and thoughtful and you’re already on the right track.