Toughest interview questions

While on the job (or internship) hunt, potential employers will throw you some real curve balls in the interview room – and your answers to these questions will determine whether or not you move to the next stage of the hiring process.

So, what are some of the toughest questions you might face, and what are the best answers?

 

1. Why should we hire you?

 

Basically, what can you provide the organization that others can’t? You must go into the interview knowing how your skills, knowledge and personality relate to the position.

 

Amanda Joyner, vice president and general manager of Monster Youth, provides an example of a good answer to this question: “From our conversations, it sounds as if you’re looking for someone to come in and take charge immediately. It also sounds like you are experiencing problems with some of your database systems. My high energy and quick learning style enable me to hit the ground running and size up problems rapidly. I’m a team player who maintains a positive attitude and outlook. I have the ability to stay focused in stressful situations and can be counted on when the going gets tough. I’m confident I would be a great addition to your team.” 

 

2. Tell me about yourself.

 

I’ve always found this question particularly difficult. It’s so open-ended you could go in a wide variety of directions with your answer. 

 

However, Mark Goulston, M.D., author of “Get Out of Your Own Way at Work...and Help Others Do the Same,” advises, “Your answer should show that you have checked out the position being offered, the company and what it seems to be trying to accomplish now. It should also show a self-awareness of your skills, what you’re great at and what you may need additional training in. Also, people are interested not only in what you know or can do, but also what you have already done that produced a positive, measurable result for someone else. Don't talk about personal stuff unless asked specifically. And if you do, the interviewer wants to get a sense of your values, attitudes and how you spend your time.”

 

3. What is your biggest weakness?

 

Again, another real stickler. I’ve been known to answer this question with “I work too hard” and “I’m a perfectionist.” While both of those statements are true, they are really just strengths disguised as weaknesses.