How to answer hard interview questions (Tips and samples)

Applying for a job could be a time-consuming and nerve-wracking experience. Creating an effective resumee that sets you apart from other job seekers is a challenging task. You also need to prepare for the next steps.  

These may include tests of your technical knowledge and other skills the company wants in a job seeker. Interviews are also part of the process. Interviews are also a part of the process. 

Preparing for an interview is important. How you do it will make or break your job chances. You also need to learn how to answer tough interview questions. When you respond with confidence and provide great answers, you're more likely to impress the interviewer. This helps you advance to the next stage of the hiring process. 

Explore some hard interview questions and answers in this article. We'll cover the following:

• Tough interview questions and how to answer them
• Dealing with tricky behavioral questions
• Bottom line
• FAQs 

Hard interview questions and how to answer them 

Many think hard interview questions are those that measure your technical knowledge. While these are difficult to answer, they're easier to prepare for. Suppose you're a fresh graduate applying for a programming job.  

You've studied computers or earned certificates. So, questions about programming languages and tools should be easy for you. 

The toughest interview questions assess your values, attitudes, and self-awareness. When you face these questions, you must be creative. You must also be analytical and reflective in your responses. It's also important to understand the underlying intentions behind the questions. 

For instance, an interviewer may ask about a time when you faced a difficult situation at work. This helps them assess your problem-solving and decision-making skills. They want to see if you can handle pressure and make smart choices in challenging scenarios. While there's no wrong answer, it's best to respond in a way that highlights the skills mentioned. 

Below are several of the most common hard questions with answers that will help you ace them. Use the sample answers to prepare your own based on your skills and experience. 

What is your most significant achievement? 

This question aims to assess your values and attitude toward work. It also helps gauge your ability to choose accomplishments that matter to you. Your answer gives the interviewer an idea of your career goals and priorities. 

Choose an achievement you're proud of. It should show abilities relevant to the job you're applying for. Describe what the achievement was, how you accomplished it, and why it's important to you. Here's how someone applying for a computer programming position might respond:  

"I consider getting the Employee of the Year award at my last job to be my top achievement so far. I led a team of five. We updated our outdated, inefficient inventory system. This led to the improvement. My team and I were able to hit our targets before the deadline. The new system decreased the number of errors by 20% and returns by 30%. 

This achievement is important to me because I'd been advocating for the implementation of a more efficient system for years. The recognition validated my efforts, and I felt that I made a significant contribution to the company." 

What motivates you? 

This seems like a simple interview question at first glance. Interviewers often ask this in strength-based interviews to understand what you enjoy doing and where they excel. Your answer would reveal if your skills and personality are a good fit for the job. 

When thinking of a response to this question, it's good to use examples. You can draw on ones from your extracurricular activities, work, or studies. Try to align your answer with the position you're interviewing for. Here's how someone applying for a healthcare position might answer: 

"As a nurse, I'm motivated by the opportunity to help others. I like the idea of going home every day, knowing that I made a difference in someone's life. This sense of fulfillment and purpose drives me to excel in my work and provide the best possible care to those in need. 

This motivation extends beyond my work. I enjoy volunteering on my days off to provide free healthcare to the nearby underserved community." 

Give an example of a time when you showed initiative 

This job interview question aims to gauge your ability to act and solve problems. Taking initiative is a quality that many employers value in their employees. Jobseekers with this skill are likely proactive and resourceful. These traits are essential in the workplace. 

When coming up with an answer to this question, think about times you had an idea for improving something at work ​​or college. It's important that what you share is something you acted upon and that had a positive outcome. Here's a sample answer if you're interviewing for a digital marketing role: 

"Digital marketing is an ever-changing field, and keeping up with trends is key to staying competitive. I always allot time before I go to bed to read the latest industry blogs, catch up on relevant news, and research new marketing strategies. Last month, I proposed a new social media campaign to my manager that we've since begun executing. This initiative increased traffic on our website by nearly 20%." 

What critical feedback do you most often receive? 

Many find this a hard question to answer. A hiring manager or interviewer asks this to see how you take feedback. More specifically, they want to know if you're able to use constructive criticism to improve your performance. Your answer reveals if you're able to adapt and take responsibility for your actions. 

Responding to this question requires self-awareness. Provide examples of critical feedback you received that you acted upon. Give your answer a positive spin by highlighting the steps you took to improve. Also, mention the outcome of the changes you made. Here's how a sample answer might look: 

"As a content writer, the critical feedback I most often receive relates to the need for more concise and focused writing. My editor has pointed out that my sentences tend to be too long. This makes it difficult for readers to follow my thought process. 

To address this, I've made a conscious effort to write shorter sentences and double-check my work before I submit it. I've also been paying attention to how I organize my paragraphs, making sure that each one focuses on one idea or topic. These changes have resulted in improved readability, and my editor has recognized my efforts." 

How do you handle stress? 

This is a tricky question because it has many possible answers. You can also approach it in a variety of ways. You could talk about the ways you cope with stress in general. These may include exercising, ​​engaging in a karaoke session, or spending time with your family and friends. 

While this response works, being specific can be a good idea. Answering within the context of your own experiences and the job you're applying for will make your answer more compelling. It will also allow you to show that you're right for the job. Provide an example where you overcame a stressful situation at work and didn't let it affect your performance. Here's a sample answer when applying for a leadership role: 

"During a tough project at my old job, I faced a situation. A key deadline was near, and an unexpected problem came up. My stress levels were high, but I remained calm and focused on finding solutions. I organized a team meeting to discuss the issues and the best action. After considering our options, we devised a plan to address the problem and meet the deadline. 

Through effective communication and teamwork, we were able to get the job done. And despite the stressful circumstances, I maintained my composure so as not to affect my performance and that of the team." 

Dealing with tricky behavioral interview questions 

Here are tips that can help you deal with difficult behavior-based job interview questions: 

Practice answering tough interview questions 

Preparation will increase your confidence and help you give the best answers. To do this, you can conduct mock interviews with a friend and ask for feedback.  

You may also record yourself answering interview questions and then review the recording to see how you did. In either case, take note of areas for improvement.  

For example, if you find that you use fillers like ​​"ah" or "parang" too often, work on reducing this habit. 

Stay calm 

Keeping a cool head is crucial in interviews. It allows you to think more clearly and provide thoughtful answers. One of the best ways to do this is to come prepared. 

Conduct research on the company and the position you're interviewing for. Practice answering interview questions you find difficult. The confidence that comes with knowing you're prepared for this stage of the hiring process can help you stay calm. 

Take a breath 

Breath control is an effective way to quell your stress response. It also helps promote a sense of calmness. Both are important when trying to communicate and showcase your qualifications effectively during an interview. Take a deep breath before answering tough interview questions. It will help you keep your composure by slowing your heart rate and lowering your blood pressure. 

Deep breathing requires inhaling through your nose, filling your lungs with air for a few seconds. Your chest and belly should expand. Then, exhale slowly through your mouth or nose. 

Answer confidently 

Confidence in an interview can help you impress the hiring manager. It may help you look more self-assured and capable. This will make your answers more persuasive. This can go a long way to improving your chances of landing the job. 

Your choice of words helps distinguish between appearing confident or unsure in your interview. Use words that show certainty, even when answering difficult interview questions. These include "definitely" and "clearly." And instead of filling dead air​​ with "eh" and its variations, pause. Frequently using fillers may reduce credibility and show uncertainty in what you're saying. 

Bottom line 

Knowing how to answer tricky interview questions is key. It is essential for a successful job search. It will help you make a positive impression on the hiring manager or interviewer. It will also increase your chances of getting the job.  

Prepare for hard or tricky questions by thinking of your responses and practicing them.  

Learning to stay calm and answer confidently is also a great way to deal with these questions. By using the tips and insights in this article, you can put your best foot forward and ace your next interview. 

FAQs 

Here are answers to a few FAQs about common challenging interview questions a hiring manager or interviewer may ask: 

1. How do you nail a tough interview? 
   ⁠Being well prepared is key to a job interview filled with hard questions. Research the company and review the job description. Go over your resume and cover letter. Take note of the responsibilities of the role you're applying for. These can help you determine the questions you might face in the interview and how to answer them best. 
2. What are trick interview questions? 
   ⁠Trick interview questions test essential soft skills. These include problem-solving, critical thinking, and self-awareness. They also help hiring managers determine how well they handle pressure. You have to think on your feet and provide thoughtful answers to improve your chances of advancing to the next stage of the hiring process. 
3. What is the hardest job interview question? 
   ⁠Questions that are hard to answer vary depending on the industry and the position you're applying for. For many, hard interview questions need them to reflect on their past experiences. Sharing such situations is hard. They involve an ethical dilemma or conflict of interest.  
   ⁠Remember to approach these questions with honesty and integrity. A positive attitude and confidence will help you navigate tough questions.  
4. How do you respond to a tricky interview question? 
   ⁠Take a moment to gather your thoughts before answering tough interview questions. Do this during a job interview. Stay calm and composed. Think of the interviewer's intent and try to relate your response to the position. 
   ⁠If the question is about your former employer, remember to be tactful. Don't talk badly about the company or your previous manager. Your goal is to showcase your professionalism, important skills, and relevant experience. Speaking highly of your previous employer is a good sign that you're a team player, which is a valuable trait in any organization.