How to Answer the Ten Toughest Interview Questions (Part 1)[Copy link]
How to Answer the Ten Toughest Interview Questions (Part 1)
Understanding and practicing your answers to a few difficult questions before the interview will help you prepare for the answers to other questions. Some questions are asked more, while others are asked less but serve as the basis for answering other questions.
1. Why don't you talk about yourself?
Analysis: This is an open-ended question. You can start anywhere, but talking for an hour or two is not what the employer wants. Such questions test whether you can choose the key points and express them clearly and fluently. Obviously, the questioner wants you to connect your background with the position you want to get.
Answer strategy: There are several basic methods. One is to answer the question directly and briefly, and the other is to ask for more clarification before answering. In both cases, you should quickly turn your answer to your skills, experience, and the training you received to get your current job.
Answer sample: "I come from a small family, I have one brother, and my parents are still working. After graduating from high school, I studied for a bachelor's degree in marketing. During the day, I worked as a marketing executive in a business organization and learned a lot of management knowledge. For example, I was fully responsible for the business of a wholesale sales company, with a total sales of 2 million US dollars a year. There I learned how to manage personnel and solve problems under pressure. I hope to make better use of my skills. I believe that my experience and education will allow me to face greater challenges in the future."
Comment: Only briefly introduced personal history, and quickly turned the focus to job-related skills and experience. You can also ask the interviewer to focus on what he really wants to know, such as asking: "Do you want to know about my education, or job-related skills and experience?" Most employers will be happy to tell you what they are interested in.
2. Why should I hire you?
Analysis: This is a direct and positive question. Although this question will not be asked so clearly, it will be raised after other questions. This question has no implicit meaning.
Answer strategy: Direct questions need to be answered directly. Why do they want to hire you? The most clever answer is in their favor rather than yours. This question will allow you to provide them with evidence to prove that you can help them improve work efficiency, reduce costs, increase sales, and solve problems (such as coming to work on time, improving customer service, organizing one or more management tasks, etc.).
Answer sample: "I am an experienced manager. I am very good at building a team of employees, from organizing the implementation of projects to encouraging employee cooperation. Over the years, I have mastered a set of skills to hire and retain people. In addition, I am also good at helping companies successfully implement technological transformation and employee training. I often demonstrate to major customers, and our sales have increased by an average of 87% in the past two years."
Comments: In the answer, provide strong evidence with examples and sell yourself directly and confidently.
3. What are your main strengths?
Analysis: Like the previous question, this question is asked quite directly, but there is a little hint.
Answer strategy: Your answer should first emphasize the skills you adapt to or already have. The decision to hire you depends largely on these skills. You can go into detail about your job-related skills later. When answering, be brief and concise.
Answer sample: "I have the ability to work hard towards my goal. Once I make up my mind to do something, I will do it well. For example, my ambition is to become an excellent public relations manager. I like to contact different people and serve the people in order to achieve this goal. I am currently studying relevant courses."
Comments: "I have strong learning and adaptability." "Good interpersonal relationships" are all advantages that can be mentioned, but try to provide work-related evidence as much as possible, which will make you stand out.
Understanding and practicing answering several difficult questions before the interview will help you prepare for answering other questions. Some questions are asked more, and some are asked less but are the basis for answering other questions.
4. What are your main shortcomings?
Analysis: This is a tricky question. If you answer truthfully, you will ruin your job. The employer is trying to put you in a disadvantageous position and observe how you will react in similar work difficulties.
Answer strategy: Answer such questions should be honest. A perfect answer should be to offset the negative questions with a concise and positive introduction.
Answer sample 1: "The workers accuse me of being too devoted to my work. I often go to work a little earlier to arrange my work and leave work a little later at night so that I can complete the work I need to do."
Answer sample 2: "I need to learn to be more patient. I am impatient and I always want my work to be completed as soon as possible. I cannot tolerate work slacking."
Comment: Although the answer is about one's own shortcomings, it shows a positive effect. The positive attitude towards work offsets the negative.
5. What salary do you want?
Analysis: If your salary requirement is too low, it will obviously belittle your ability; if your salary requirement is too high, it will make you look too important and the company cannot afford it. Some employers usually set a budget for the position they are looking for in advance, so the price they first offer is often the highest price they can offer. They ask you just to confirm whether the money is enough to arouse your interest in the job.
Answer strategy: Before negotiating the salary, you have already investigated and understood the reasonable market value of the work you are doing. When negotiating with the other party, you may wish to insert the words "reasonable and market value" as much as possible. Remember, it is easy to lower the original offer during negotiation, but it is very difficult to raise it again once a low offer is made.
Sample Answer 1: If the interviewer asks you this question before you have fully demonstrated your self-worth, you may wish to refer to the following answer:
"Money is not the only thing I care about. I would like to talk about my contribution to your company first, if you allow me."
"I don't have a hard requirement for salary. I believe that your company will be friendly and reasonable in dealing with my problems. What I focus on is finding the right job opportunity, so as long as the conditions are fair, I will not care too much."
Sample Answer 2: If you have explained the importance of the position, but the other party still tells you that the salary you are offered is the best. You may point out that the nature of its work actually deserves a higher salary; explain how you will work hard to reduce the company's expenses; explain what expenses you have to bear in your own work, etc., to prove your value to the company and show that your request for a higher salary is based on your work performance. But if the other party is unwilling to compromise, do not exclude the employer from considering you before you get a positive job answer. You can ask: 'Have you decided to hire me? If the answer is yes, but the salary makes you unwilling to accept it, you can refuse it like this:
"Thank you for giving me the job opportunity. I really want this position, but the salary is lower than I want, which is one of the reasons why I can't accept this job. Maybe you will reconsider it, or consider me again when there is a job that can make me more valuable to you in the future."
Comment:Even if you refuse, leave room for negotiation. If the employer needs you, he will be happy to meet your requirements. Once you say "no" to their standards, the deal will not be done. (To be continued)
How to Answer the Ten Toughest Interview Questions (Part 2) 6. How does your previous experience relate to our current job? Analysis: This question requires you to overcome any weaknesses in your background when comparing yourself to other job applicants. Answer strategy: Start by introducing your strengths. If other job applicants are clearly more educated, experienced, or knowledgeable than you, then you should introduce your strengths. Answer sample 1: "As you know, I have just completed intensive training in computer programming. In addition, I have more than three years of work experience in the corporate field, including managing a small business when the boss is away. There I learned to handle finances and basic accounting work. I also calculated and managed products worth $300,000. These experiences helped me understand the role of corporate computer programming. Although I am new to programming, I am familiar with computer languages. My education is comprehensive, and I have more than 300 hours of computer operation time as part of my course. Because I am a novice, I am determined to work harder than others in order to complete the tasks on time." Comment: This answer emphasizes transferable skills (knowledge of accounting work) and adaptable skills (completing tasks on time and working harder). This is necessary for programmers who lack work experience. In this case, the knowledge learned in school is also very important and should be emphasized as in "formal" work. Answer sample 2: "In previous jobs, I used many of the same techniques needed to do this job well. Although it was a different company, managing a company requires the organizational and supervisory skills I have. In the past seven years, I have made my department one of the most profitable departments in our company. During my time, sales increased by an average of 30% each year and profits increased by 30%. Since this is an old company, such performance is very unusual. I was promoted twice in seven years and quickly promoted to management. I want to accept challenges in a small, growing company like yours, and I feel that my experience has prepared me for this step." Comment: The respondent understands that the previous work field is different from what he is considering now, but he emphasizes achievements and previous successes. To complete this job, various management techniques will be used. The answer also talks about the motivation to continue to accept the challenges of working in a small company. 7. What are your plans for the future? Analysis: This question is to examine your work motivation. It is to explore whether you can be trusted to do your job for a long time and work hard. Answer strategy: Your best strategy is to be honest. This is always emphasized. I am not asking you to put out negative information as well. You should be prepared to answer the questions that the employer cares about frankly and positively. The questions that the employer cares about depend on the specific circumstances of your personal background introduction. For example: · Are you satisfied with your job? (If you are not satisfied, will you leave the company?) · Do you want to start a family? (If you start a family, will you take a break to take care of the children?) · Do you have a history of leaving after a short period of work? (If so, will you also quit this job?) · Have you just moved here, temporary or temporary residents? (If so, you will not live here for a long time, right?) · Do you have better conditions than what is required for this job? (If so, what is stopping you from taking a higher position?) · Do you have any strengths and promises to develop in the job? (If not, who needs someone without strengths and motivation?) · Is there any reason that makes you dissatisfied? (If there is, the employer will naturally try to find out.) Answer sample 1: For a person who has just started working, he can answer like this: "I realize that I want to establish myself in this field, and I am willing to start from here. I have thought about what I want to do, and I am sure that my skills are just what is needed to do this job well. For example, I am good at dealing with people. In one of my past jobs, I provided services to more than 1,000 different people each week. In my 18 months of work, I have provided services to more than 72,000 customers and never received a formal complaint. In fact, they often praised me for my thoughtful service. I realized that I like to interact with the public and I am very happy to think that I can get this job. I want to learn better at work and make progress with them. As my contribution and value to the company continue to increase, I hope to be considered for a more responsible position." Comment: The employer wants to know that you will work long-term and work hard. Such an answer comforts the employer who expresses concern. (Note that this answer can be based on the experience gained working in a fast food restaurant.) Answer Sample 2: For those who have no work experience and only various short-term work experience, they can answer like this: "I have worked in several jobs (one or unemployed), and I have learned that decent, stable work should be cherished. My various experiences are a wealth, and I have learned a lot that I can use in this job. I am looking for a job where I can settle down, work hard and last." Comment: This is an acceptable answer, but the answer is too short and does not provide evidence. It is best to introduce yourself before the last sentence. Some positions, such as sales jobs, require you to be ambitious or aggressive. Other jobs have requirements for work areas or specialized organizations. You can't always predict what the employer wants. If you can do it correctly, you will have the qualifications for any job requirements, and all you need to do is to say it with your mouth, it's that simple. 8. How did your previous employers (teachers, introducers, administrators, etc.) evaluate you? Analysis: This question is related to the employer's second expectation. The employer wants to know your adaptability skills-are you easy to get along with, are you a good worker, etc. Your previous employer may or may not talk about your problems. You know, many employers will check your references before hiring you. If what you say during the interview is different from what your previous employer said, you are out of luck. Answer strategy: Be sure to discuss your job search plan with your previous employer and ask your references for advice. Tell them clearly what kind of job you are looking for and why you are prepared to do the new job. If your previous employer will say something unfavorable about you, you should have an open and honest discussion with him and see what he will say and write. If you were fired or forced to resign, you can defend yourself to your future employer. Many successful people have had conflicts with their former employers. If you can talk about these conflicts as much as possible, many interviewers will understand. For old employers with whom you have a bad relationship, it is wise to ask them to write a written reference. In this case, they will not give you a very unfavorable letter. Large companies generally do not accept references over the phone, which can be a great relief for you. Just call the company and you will know clearly. If possible, use references that say something good about you. If your former boss is unwilling to do this, find someone who is willing to help you. If you are fired, the best response is to tell the truth. But don't be too harsh on your former boss, which will make people think you are a complaining person without a sense of responsibility. Besides, you are not completely innocent. First admit that it happened, and then take the opportunity to talk about the lessons you learned from it. Answer sample: "My three former employers will say that I work hard, reliable and loyal. I left there because of personal conflicts. I was deeply troubled by this and had no choice but to give up my job there. You can call them and they will give me positive comments. I think it's better to talk to you. I still respect him. I got several promotion opportunities there, but as my power increased, conflicts became more and more. We were mainly different types of people. I didn't know the problem would be so serious because I was only focused on work. This is my fault. I realize that I should pay more attention to the handling of interpersonal relationships." Comment: The answer introduces some positive skills and uses specific examples to illustrate it, so it is powerful. 9.Why are you looking for such a position? Why here? Analysis: The employer wants to know if you are the kind of person who will do any job in any company. If so, he or she will not be interested in you. Employers want to find people who want to solve problems at work. They have reason to believe that such people work harder and more efficiently, and the same is true for those who want to work for a specific company. Answer strategy: It is very important to know in advance which jobs are suitable for your skills and interests. To answer this question, you need to talk about your motivation for choosing your job goal, the skills required by that job and you have, various specialized training, or educational certificates related to the position. This question actually has two meanings. One is why you choose this position, and the other is why you choose this company. If you have a reason to choose this company, or choosing this company is your greatest wish, you should be prepared to answer why. If possible, you should learn as much as possible about it before the interview. It is necessary to contact others to get detailed information, or go to the library to check, look at the company's annual report, or any method that can make you understand the situation. Sample answer: "I have spent a lot of time considering various career possibilities, and I think this job is the best for me because many of the skills required for this job are what I am good at. For example, analyzing and solving problems are my strengths, and in my previous job I was able to discover and solve problems earlier than others. Once, I proposed a plan to reduce the return rate of leased equipment by 15%, which does not sound high, but it achieved a good benefit of $25,000 in annual growth. The cost was only $100. At present, your company seems to be a place where I can display my problem-solving ability. This company is well-run, growing rapidly, and is good at accepting new ideas. Your sales increased by 30% last year, and you are preparing to introduce several large new products. If I work hard here and prove my own value, I feel I have the opportunity to grow with the company. Comment: This answer cleverly uses the "providing evidence" technique, which is in line with the identity of an excellent manager or an excellent secretary. 10. Why don't you talk about your personal situation? Analysis: A good interviewer rarely asks this question so directly, and you can get the information you want to know through casual and friendly conversation. In most cases, the interviewer will try his best to find out information that proves that you are unstable or unreliable. Answer strategy: There are other questions that may concern an employer, and the above questions are just speculations about certain personalities. These are irrelevant questions, but if the employer wants to use them to understand whether you are reliable, you have to do your best to deal with them. Remember to avoid asking obscure questions even in casual conversation. When answering personal information, be friendly and confident. Answer sample: Family with children: "I have two children, both of whom are in school. They are with a good friend of mine and taking care of the children is not a problem." Single-headed household: "I am not married, but I have two children. It is important for me to have a stable income, and taking care of the children is not a problem." Young and single: "I am not married, and even if I get married, I will not change my plan to work full-time, so I can devote all my energy to work." New mover: "I decided to live in Depression Culch permanently. I rented an apartment and six moving companies are unloading furniture." Dependent: "I had a happy childhood. My parents live only an hour away by plane. I visit them several times a year. " Leisure time: "When I'm not at work, I mainly stay at home. I love participating in community organizations and I go to church every week." Comment: The above answers can be expanded and used as a reference when answering questions. What you want to tell the interviewer here is that your personal situation does not affect your ability to work, and it can actually help you. If your personal life disrupts your work, your employer will probably lose patience with you quickly. This is not their problem, and it should not be their problem. (End)