Tough Interview Questions
Question -- How do you define success and how will you make our company more successful? This is one of those make-or-break questions that determines hire ability. Based on your response you'll be ratcheted up the interview ladder, or eliminated from further consideration.
This is a two-part question. Begin with your definition of success, such as:
I learned early in my career, it's the passion that drives you toward your goals but it's the hard work that produces your success. I constantly strive to improve my performance by questioning today, how I could have accomplished more yesterday. This way, I'll always feel my next achievement will be greater than my last.
Now to the second part of the question, how will I make your company more successful? I am confident I can make an immediate contribution in the following ways... (State brief examples of your achievement stories that relate directly to the needs of the open position. This enables the interviewer to gauge more accurately how your talents, skills and accomplishments match up to the qualifications they're looking for).
Remember: You never want to talk longer than two minutes at a time. State key points briefly, yet thoroughly. If the interviewer needs more information, they'll ask.
What the employer wants to know:
The interviewer wants to see if the candidate has placed the company's interests before their own. For example: Has the candidate adequately researched the company to determine how they can help solve a problem, increase profits, or reduce costs? What value-added benefit will this candidate contribute to the organization? Are the candidate's prior achievements indicative of how successful he or she will be in this position?
The interviewer will also try to assess your enthusiasm, confidence and ambition in determining whether you'll fit within their organization's culture and work environment.
Questions about Your Abilities
• Describe a decision you made that was a failure. What happened and why?
• Tell me about a time that you worked conveying technical information to a nontechnical audience.
• Tell me about a time that you worked with data, interpreting data, and presenting data.
• Why do you think you will be successful at this job?
• Tell me about a time that you participated in a team, what was your role?
• Tell me about a time when you were faced with conflicting priorities. How did you determine the top priority?
• Tell me about a time when you failed.
Tough question No. 1: "Tell me about the worst boss you ever had."
Never, ever talk badly about your past bosses. A potential boss will anticipate that you'll talk about him or her in the same manner somewhere down the line.
Suggested answer: "While none of my past bosses were awful (terrible), there are some who taught me more than others did. I've definitely learned what types of management styles I work with the best."
Tough question No. 2: "What are your weaknesses?"
The key to answering this age-old question is not to respond literally. Your future employer most likely won't care if your weak spot is that you can't cook, nor do they want to hear the generic responses, like you're "too detail oriented" or "work too hard."
Respond to this query by identifying areas in your work where you can improve and figure out how they can be assets to a future employer. If you didn't have the opportunity to develop certain skills at your previous job, explain how eager you are to gain that skill in a new position.
Suggested answer: "In my last position, I wasn't able to develop my public-speaking skills. I'd really like to be able to work in a place that will help me get better at giving presentations and talking in front of others."
Tough question No. 3: "How would others describe you?"
You should always be asking for feedback from your colleagues and supervisors in order to gauge your performance; this way, you can honestly answer the question based on their comments. Keep track of the feedback to be able to give to an employer, if asked. Doing so will also help you identify strengths and weaknesses.
Suggested answer: "My former colleagues have said that I'm easy to do business with and that I always hit the ground running with new projects. I have more specific feedback with me, if you'd like to take a look at it."
Tough question No. 4"What can you offer me that another person can't?"
This is when you talk about your record of getting things done. Go into specifics from your résumé and portfolio; show an employer your value and how you'd be an asset.
Suggested answer: "I'm the best person for the job. I know there are other candidates who could fill this position, but my passion for excellence sets me apart from the pack. I am committed to always producing the best results. For example..."
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