Difficult Interview Questions and How to Answer Them

During the interview process, you will be asked a range of questions. Some of them will be easier to answer than others.

It might be that you’re asked a question and you’re not sure how to answer it, or what the best answer might be.

While it’s not always possible to predict exactly which questions you’re likely to be asked, there are some questions which are more common than others. Here, we will look at three of the most common “difficult” interview questions.

1. WHY DO YOU WANT THIS JOB?

What the Question is Asking:
You will need to show that you have researched the company and understand their values. The way you answer this question will help employers to understand more about you, your passions and the way you think.

How to Answer:

Sometimes, it’s possible to be a little too honest. Avoid answers like “I really need a job”, or “I need the money”. Instead, talk about how the companies values align with your own, the passion you have for your career path and the skills you can bring to the role.

Show employers that by employing you, they will be benefitting their company.

2. WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU CAN BRING TO THIS ROLE?

What the Question is Asking:
Employers want to hire the best possible candidates for every role. By asking this, they will want to be sure that you fully understand the demands of the position you have applied for, and the skills you will need.

How to Answer:

Think about the skills required to do this role properly. Do you have them? Are there occasions you can talk about where you have used a particular skillset? Do you have any qualifications that are particularly relevant? Do you have experience working in a similar role?

3. WHAT ARE YOUR WEAKNESSES?

What the Question is Asking:

We all have weaknesses, and employers will want to know what yours are. This question is often asked to see how honest a candidate can be and their willingness to improve.

How to Answer:

Try to focus on a weakness which can be turned into a strength - For example, you could say “I find that sometimes I focus too much on the smaller details” or “I feel stressed when a project isn’t completed ahead of schedule”.

Both of these can be considered to be positive traits by employers, but they also show that you aren’t always perfect. Where possible, when talking about a weakness, you should also talk about how you are working to improve on it. For example, if there is a skill you don’t feel is as strong as it should be, you should talk about any training or skill-building opportunities you are undertaking.

Here at PDR Group we are here to help!

Contact our team on 01892 530226, visit our website at www.pdrsolutions.co.uk or email us at applications@pdrsolutions.co.uk