Difficult Interview Questions - Don't Get Caught Out

Interview coaching – difficult interview questions

From experience many jobseekers put little effort into their interview preparation. They feel that their excellent communication and relationship building skills will carry them through and others don’t know how to prepare. I try to educate jobseekers to understand that reparation is essential. For many jobseekers preparation is about trying to predict what questions will arise at interview but it is difficult to predict what questions will arise at interview as no two interviews are the same. I normally put focus on other key areas and techniques during my interview coaching that will help jobseekers answer any question. There are some key questions that will come up at most interviews and I have outlined these below.

Why should we employ you?

This question is simply asking if you meet the requirements of the job. Most jobseekers fall into the trap of rambling on about information that is not important to the interviewee. Don’t ramble but instead focus on what the client in looking for. To help you here, analyse the job specification and offer a reply covering the key points. On top of saying you can do it, offer evidence to support this. For example which sounds better – “I have good communication skills” or “I have excellent communication skills developed while working as a receptionist with Joe Blogg Ltd liaising with customers over the phone and face to face.”

What are your weaknesses?

This is possibly the most feared interview question and catches out most interviewers. The key to answering this question is not to focus on personal traits. The interviewer wants to establish if you have self awareness as to your weaknesses but more importantly do you act on these potential development areas. A suggested answer can be something like “I continually strive to improve my presentation skills and recently joined toastmasters and volunteer to present at our monthly administration meetings”

What are your career goals?

This is often an interview filler question with no real purpose for the interviewer. This aside you should answer effectively. Focus on short to medium goals. These goals will vary from one jobseekers to the next but a short term goal common to any jobseeker would be to secure a challenging job. I guess that is why you are at the interview.

Paul Mullan is Director of Measurability. Measurability offers career coaching solutions (Career Direction, CV Design & Interview Coaching). For more info visit our website www.measurability.ie.

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