The nine most difficult interview questions and how to answer them (2023)

Forewarned is prepared, which is why we've compiled a list of our nine toughest interview questions that recruiters love to use and candidates sometimes stumble over. This rundown of nine of the toughest interview questions you can ask will help you understand what employers are really asking. You'll also learn tactics for getting answers that present you in the best possible light, and you'll find some additional sample interview questions that might confuse you if you didn't think of them first.

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Difficult interview questions and answers.

"What is your most significant achievement?"

This tricky interview question is designed to test your values ​​and attitudes as well as your accomplishments, and employers often want you to talk about your activities outside of education. You're more likely to do well if you choose to talk about something you're truly proud of, which could be because it involves leading others, overcoming obstacles, or persevering in the face of adversity. Read the complete guide to answers job seekers with college degrees often give to this question, but use them with caution as they may not help you stand out from the crowd.

• How to answer the tricky interview question: "What is your greatest achievement?"

'What motivates you?'

In a strengths-based interview that focuses on what you like to do and what you are good at, you will likely be asked about your motivation. This is an approach that experienced recruiters are increasingly using in conjunction with or instead of competency-based questions.

Your response should be based on an example from your extracurricular activities, work experience, or studies that indicates you would be highly motivated by the position you are applying for.

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

"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. It's much better to talk about a time when you not only found a solution to a problem, but acted on it. You can then explain how his decision affected the implementation.

• This is how you show your interlocutor that you can take the initiativeand turn inspiration into success

'What is your greatest weakness?'

The problem with this question is that it asks you about your shortcomings, even though your instinct in an interview situation is to keep your shortcomings as hidden as possible. What you have to do is frame your answer to put a positive spin on it.

Strengths and weaknesses can be different sides of the same coin. Another way to approach this question is to think about how you overcome the potential drawback of your greatest strength. For example, if you are a natural team player, do you find it difficult to deal with conflict or adopt leadership skills? How do you deal with it?

• Read on for possible answers to the question "What is your biggest weakness?"

"Are you innovative?"

Graduates are sometimes asked to give an example of when they were innovative, "thought outside the box," or used creative thinking to solve a problem. Many graduates are concerned that their examples are not innovative enough, but don't worry: the interviewer doesn't expect you to have given the Prime Minister any advice on how to deal with Brexit! Instead, talk about times when an idea made a positive impact: for example, when you came up with an idea to donate to charity or found a way to save time on a task.

• Find out how to select the best examples of your innovative thinking.

"Give an example of a time when you were dealing with a major crisis."

Feel free to rephrase the question. This is similar to asking "Can you give an example of a time when you had to deal with a difficult situation?" or "Give an example of a time when you had to deal with pressure." stronger and more emotional word. You may find it easier to give an example if you think back to your work experience, college experience, extracurricular activities and travel, and a time when you had to deal with an unexpected problem.

• Find out how not to answer the question: "Give an example of a time when you dealt with a major crisis."

"What can you contribute to the company?"

The simple answer to this question is that you bring the sum of your skills, experience, accomplishments, values, and enthusiasm to the company. Taking a comprehensive survey of employers allows you to frame your answer to show that you are a perfect fit for the company. The trick is not to overbid or underbid, but to stick to the facts: Sprinkle your answers with evidence of your accomplishments and details about the company.

• Find out what employers want to hear when asked "What can you bring to the company?".

'Give an example of your lateral thinking.'

Lateral thinking is the ability to use your imagination to see a problem in a new way and find a new solution. Companies value employees with lateral thinking skills, because without them they cannot innovate and create new products. Think of times when you ran into real problems and somehow managed to overcome them. Your solution is likely to involve an original and creative approach, and that's what employers want to know.

• This is how you recognize great examples of your lateral thinkingto use for graduate job interviews.

"Where do you think you'll be in five years?"

This is another question to show your employer's research and understanding of your chosen career path. You should appear enthusiastic but not overbearing. Please customize your response to reflect the nature of the organization, the industry, and your own experience and skills. The specific details will impress.

• How do you approach the question "Where do you think you will be in five years?"

The most tricky questions and answers in the job interview

"Have you ever had a bad experience with an employer?"

Senior recruiters use a few questions to see how you handle being asked on the spot and getting a truthful answer. This question is a test of your ability to think for yourself and come up with a diplomatic answer. Whether you're dodging the question by saying you've always gotten along with your employers or describing a difficult situation you've been through that highlights your potential, you should avoid attacking your previous employers.

"What was your biggest failure?"

If asked about your biggest job interview failure, the recruiter is probably interested in how resilient you are and whether you can handle setbacks. Find out how you can use this question to show your strengths and convince the employer that you are the right candidate for the position.

"How to deal with stress?"

Get tips and tactics on how to respond when asked how to handle stress in your college graduate interview. Find out how you can show your drive and resilience.

"How do you deal with conflicts?"

Learn how to answer interview questions about managing conflict and resolving difficulties, with a sample answer and tips on what not to say.

"Give us an example of a time when you faced an ethical dilemma."

This is a classic example of an interview question that might annoy you if you didn't think about it first. Our tips will help you understand what employers are looking for and choose an appropriate example for the discussion.

"How do you manage your time and prioritize tasks?"

Your conversation partner wants to know your tactics and strategies for getting organized, so whatever approach you use to prioritize and list your tasks, be prepared to describe it. Your response should indicate that you can adjust your priorities as the situation changes.

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

This is not an invitation to brag: you are being asked to match your strengths with the qualities you need to get the job done. Don't forget, it's a very specific question. Why are you suitable for this job instead of any other? Match your skills, interests, and experience to the job and the company.

'What are your professional goals?'

If you haven't given much thought to landing your first graduate job, this could be an especially tricky question. However, recruiters do not require this to get you. They're eager to find out if they're a good match for what you want because if they are, you're more likely to stick with them for the long haul. They can also check how much research you have done on your chosen career and how committed you are.

"Would you break the rules to get the job done?"

Employers can ask this strengths-based question to see how you would react in a situation where the rules might be challenged. There's never a simple yes or no answer, so read this article to find out how to approach your answer and get more context from the interviewer.

If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be?

Find out how to answer this question by calling attention to a specific strength without coming across as arrogant. You should draw from your real life experience in your answer.

If you could have dinner with five people, who would they be and why?

Don't be fooled when asked about dinner guests during your interview. Use our guide to understand who to choose and how to explain the reasons behind your selection.

What would you do if you won the lottery?

This is a slightly offbeat way to find out more about yourself as a person: what your values ​​are and what inspires you. Learn to answer this question impressively by being true to yourself.

What would you do if a customer complained?

Find out how you can use this question to demonstrate your communication and problem solving skills.