101 Great Answers to the Toughest Interview Questions

1. Prepare thoroughly: Research the company and position

"Employers are looking for self-managing employees—people who are versatile, confident, ready and able to work with a team, and not afraid to roll up their sleeves, work long hours, and get the job done."

Know your audience. Before the interview, thoroughly research the company, its culture, recent news, and the specific role you're applying for. This knowledge allows you to tailor your responses and ask insightful questions, demonstrating genuine interest and initiative.

Understand the job requirements. Carefully analyze the job description and match your skills and experiences to the key requirements. Prepare specific examples that showcase how your background aligns with what they're looking for. This preparation will help you confidently articulate why you're the ideal candidate for the position.

2. Master the art of self-presentation

"The more work experience you have, the less anyone will care about what you did in college, even if you attended Podunk rather than Princeton."

First impressions matter. Dress appropriately for the company culture, arrive on time, and maintain positive body language throughout the interview. Your demeanor should exude confidence, enthusiasm, and professionalism.

Craft your narrative. Develop a concise "elevator pitch" that summarizes your professional background, key strengths, and career goals. Practice delivering this summary naturally and confidently. Be prepared to adapt this narrative to different questions and contexts throughout the interview.

3. Navigate common interview questions with confidence

"Tell me about yourself."

Anticipate and prepare. Expect and prepare for common questions like "Tell me about yourself," "Why do you want this job?", and "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" Craft thoughtful, concise responses that highlight your relevant skills and experiences.

Use the STAR method. When answering behavioral questions, use the Situation, Task, Action, Result (STAR) method to structure your responses. This approach helps you provide specific, relevant examples that demonstrate your skills and problem-solving abilities.

4. Demonstrate your value through specific examples

"Quantify the confidence other employers have placed in you. Do this by stressing specific facts, figures, and measurable accomplishments."

Be specific and quantifiable. When discussing your achievements, use concrete numbers and metrics whenever possible. Instead of saying "I improved sales," say "I increased sales by 25% over six months."

Highlight transferable skills. Even if your experience doesn't perfectly match the job requirements, focus on how your skills can be applied to the new role. Demonstrate adaptability and a willingness to learn.

5. Handle tough and unexpected questions gracefully

"Take a Moment to Think Before You Answer. This shows you are not likely to plunge into any situation with a hot-headed response."

Stay calm and composed. When faced with difficult or unexpected questions, take a moment to gather your thoughts before responding. It's okay to ask for clarification if needed.

Turn negatives into positives. If asked about weaknesses or past failures, acknowledge them briefly, then focus on what you learned and how you've grown from the experience.

6. Address potential red flags proactively

"If you've been fired, stress what you learned from the experience. Be as positive as you can."

Be honest and upfront. If there are gaps in your employment history or other potential concerns, address them proactively. Explain the situation briefly and focus on what you learned or accomplished during that time.

Frame challenges positively. When discussing past difficulties, emphasize how you overcame them and what you learned. Show that you're resilient and capable of growth.

7. Understand and sidestep illegal interview questions

"Every question the interviewer asks should pass this test: Does it have something to do with your current job or the one for which you're applying?"

Know your rights. Familiarize yourself with questions that are illegal for interviewers to ask, such as those related to age, race, religion, or marital status.

Redirect tactfully. If faced with an inappropriate question, politely steer the conversation back to your qualifications for the job. For example, if asked about family plans, you might say, "I'm fully committed to my career and confident in my ability to excel in this role."

8. Close the interview strong and follow up effectively

"This is your chance—beautifully presented on a silver platter—to close the sale. You'd be a fool to turn it down."

Ask thoughtful questions. Prepare a list of insightful questions about the role, company, and team. This demonstrates your genuine interest and helps you gather important information.

Express your interest clearly. At the end of the interview, reaffirm your enthusiasm for the position and summarize why you're the best candidate. Ask about next steps in the process.

Follow up promptly. Send a thank-you note or email within 24 hours of the interview. Reiterate your interest and briefly reinforce why you're a great fit for the role.

Last updated: September 8, 2024