TOP 5 TOUGH INTERVIEW QUESTIONS & ANSWERS!

I ask this question because I want to assess, very early on in the interview, whether the candidate is serious about working for my company. If they are interviewing for lots of different jobs, it tells me they might be more interested in a pay check rather than wanting to build a long-term successful career at my company.

So, let me now give two great answers this tough question. The first answer is for someone is not interviewing for other positions, and the second answer is for someone who is.

Are you interviewing for any other positions? (ANSWER 1)

“No, I am currently only interviewing for this position with your company. I genuinely want this position, so I wanted to put as much preparation into my application as possible without being distracted.”

Are you interviewing for any other positions? (ANSWER 2)

“Yes, I am interviewing for other positions solely to keep my options open. However, the vast majority of my preparation has been focused on this job. If I were fortunate enough to receive several job offers, including this one, your company would be my first choice.”

Once the candidate has answered the first question, I will then give them the opportunity to talk about themselves. I ask them the question, INTRODUCE YOURSELF because it gives them the opportunity to tell me the skills, knowledge and experience they have that will add value in the role.

I do not want to hear the candidate talk about what they get up to outside of work, their family or relationship status or any personal problems they are going through.

The best way to answer this type of tough interview question is to use my P.P.P structure – Past, Present and Plans for the future.

PAST – Begin your response by saying what you have been doing in the PAST regarding your education and work experience.

PRESENT – Then, talk about what you are doing right now in the PRESENT – the job role you currently have and any training courses you are enrolled in.

PLANS – Finally, tell the interviewer what your PLANS are for the future.

OK, here is my brilliant P.P.P structured answer to INTRODUCE YOURSELF!

PAST – Thank you for this opportunity. In recent years, I have been working hard to build up diverse skills, qualities and qualifications that have made me an excellent fit for this role. After graduating from college with good grades in (INSERT YOUR SUBJECTS), I worked for (INSERT COMPANY NAME) where I gained experience collaborating on challenging projects and delivering excellent customer service.

PRESENT – Currently, I work for (INSERT COMPANY NAME) as a (INSERT JOB ROLE). In this position, I am responsible for meeting important company deadlines, problem-solving and collaborating with co-workers to complete important tasks such as launching new products. I am a high-achiever and was recently recognized as Employee of the Month. I also helped create a standardized training program for new company hires.

PLANS – I have ambitious plans for the future. If successful in my application to work for your company, I plan to build a long-term career here, gain experience across different company departments and eventually get promoted. look forward to sharing additional details in the interview regarding my suitability for this position.

The third question I always ask candidates is WHY DO YOU WANT THIS JOB? I ask this question because I want to assess how passionate they are about their work.

This is another of those tough interview questions where your level of preparation will truly stand out. Here is a brilliant way to answer it that is pretty much guaranteed to impress every hiring manager.

Why Do You Want This Job?

“I want this job for two reasons. First, it is a job that I am passionate about. We spend a lot of time at work, and I want that time to be spent doing something I love. Because I am passionate, my work is to a very high standard, and my work ethic is strong.

The second reason I want this job is because it is with your company. I researched you before applying and am attracted to your company values, which align with mine. Your positive workplace culture means I will be supported to reach my full potential, and my ideas and suggestions will be valued and trailed.”

The fourth question I always ask candidates in job interviews is a really tricky one and this question separates the serious candidates from those who don’t have the self-motivation or organizational skills to succeed. The question is, WHAT WILL YOU DO IN THE FIRST 30 DAYS OF STARTING WORK FOR MY COMPANY?

This is one of the tough interview questions that allows a candidate to demonstrate strategic thinking, independence, and initiative. If the candidate responds by saying, “I’ll do whatever you ask me to do!” that tells me they will probably need lots of supervision in their work and I won’t offer them the job.

But, how should you answer this tough interview question? Well, here is the perfect answer for you to write down and practice!

What Will You Do In The First 30 Days Of Starting Work For My Company?

“I would do four things in the first 30 days. First, I would obtain a brief from you, the company owner, on the standards expected of me in the position and to also understand the challenges the team is currently facing.

Next, I would introduce myself to my team, get to know my co-workers’ roles, and ascertain the team’s objectives.

Next, I would quickly familiarise myself with all relevant company policies and procedures.

Finally, I would create a list of my tasks and duties and set to work to start repaying the trust you would have shown in hiring me.”

This is the final of the five tough interview questions I use to determine who truly stands out. If answered correctly, it can be the difference between getting hired or being passed over.

I will use all of the candidate’s answers to determine which one is capable of adding the most value in the role. The worst answer you can give is to say, “you should hire me because you’re hiring, and I need a job!” Say that, and the interview won’t continue.

Another weak answer is where the candidate says, “you should hire me because I am hard-working and a good team player!” Again, that answer won’t get you hired.

But, how should you answer it? Well, in the answer that follows, I give 4 reasons why they should hire you over the other candidates. Write this down!

Why Should We Hire You?

“You should hire me for four reasons. First, I am ready-made for this position. I can come into the role and have an immediate impact and will need minimal supervision.

Second, I am a cost-conscious worker who takes care of company supplies and resources. My frugality will help increase company profits.

The third reason you should hire me is because I am results-oriented. I always set goals for myself at work, meaning I am constantly achieving for my employer.

Finally, you should hire me because I always take responsibility for my professional development. This means you will have an employee who is constantly improving and evolving and can continually add value to the team.”