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Answering 16 Toughest Question
1. What was the toughest decision you ever had to make?
Be prepared with a good example, explaining why the decision was difficult and how you decided.
2. Why do you want to work for this organization?
Show that you’ve done your homework, and cite some things going on in the company that appeal to you.
3. Why should we employ you?
Emphasize your academic strengths, job skills, and enthusiasm for the firm. Tie specific skills to the employers’ needs, and give examples of how you can learn and become productive quickly. Cite past activities to prove you can work with others as part of a team.
4. If we hire you, what changes would you make?
No one can know what to change in a position before settling in and learning about the job and company operations. State that you would take a good hard look at everything the company is doing before making recommendations.
5. Can we offer you a career path?
Reply that you believe so, but you need to know more about the normal progression within the organization.
6. What are your greatest strengths?
Answer sincerely by summarizing your strong points: “I can see what must be done and then do it” or “I’m willing to make decision” or “I work well with others”.
7. What are your greatest weaknesses?
Describe a weakness so that it sounds like a virtue – honestly revealing something about yourself while showing how it works to an employers’ advantage. If you sometimes drive yourself too hard, explain that it has helped when you’ve had to meet deadlines.
8. What didn’t you like about previous jobs you’ve held?
Rather than talking about what you didn’t like, state that you liked some tasks better than others. Discuss what the experience taught you, and avoid making slighting references to former employers.
9. How do you spend your leisure time?
Rather than focusing on just one, mention a cross section of interests – active and quiet, social and solitary. But be careful not to give out any sort of personal information that interviewers are not allowed to ask about.
10. Are there any weaknesses in your education or experience?
Take stock of your weaknesses before the interview, and practice discussing them in a positive light. You’ll see they’re minor when discussed along with the positive qualities you have to offer.
11. Where do you want to be five years from now?
This question tests (1) whether you’re merely using this job as a stopover until something better comes along and (2) whether you’ve given thought to your long-term goals. Saying that you’d like to be company president is unrealistic, and yet few employers want people who content to sit still. Your answer should reflect your long-term goals and the organization’s advancement opportunities.
12. What are your salary expectations?
If you’ve asked this at the outset, say “Why don’t we discuss salary after you decide whether I’m right for the job?” If the interviewer this after showing real interest in you, speak up. Do your homework, but if you need a clue about salary levels, say, “Can you discuss the salary range with me?”
13. What would you do if… This question tests your resourcefulness. For example: “What would you do if your computer broke down during an audit?” Your answer is less important than your approach to the problem – and a calm approach is best.
14. What type of position are you interested in?
Job titles and responsibilities vary from firm to firm. So state your skills (“I’m good with numbers”) and the positions that require those skills (“accounts payable”).
15. Tell me something about yourself.
Answer that you’ll be happy to talk about yourself, and ask what the interviewer wants to know. If this point is clarified, respond. If it isn’t, explain how your skills can contribute to the job and the organization. This is a great chance to sell yourself.
16. Do you have any questions about the organization or the job?
Employers like candidates who are interested in the organization. Convey your interest and enthusiasm.
** Be sure that your answer are sincere, truthful, and positive. Take a moment to compose your thoughts before responding, so that your answers are to the point.
