12 Hardest Interview Questions and Best Answers
What are some of the hardest interview questions, and how can you prepare for them? Before an interview, you should go over the most common questions and prepare your answers. But if you skip over some of the most difficult interview questions, you could be killing your chances of success. The following questions are trickier than most, so let’s look at how to answer them so that you impress the interviewer and land the job.
12+ Hardest interview questions and how to answer them
Here are some of the hardest interview questions and tips on how to answer them effectively.
Table of contents
- 1. What can you do for us that other candidates can’t?
- 2. Why should I hire you?
- 3. Tell me about yourself
- 4. How do you handle conflict?
- 5. What is your biggest failure?
- 6. Describe yourself in 3 words.
- 7. What’s your greatest weakness?
- 8. How do you work under pressure?
- 9. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
- 10. Why are you leaving your current job?
- 11. What are your salary expectations?
- 12. How do you handle constructive criticism?
- 13. Do you have any questions for me?
What is the hardest job interview question?
Job interviews can be challenging, and there are several tough questions that employers commonly ask to learn more about candidates. While the difficulty of a question can vary depending on the individual, here are a few examples of tough interview questions.
1. What can you do for us that other candidates can’t?
When responding to the question “What can you do for us that other candidates can’t?” during an interview, it’s essential to focus on your unique skills and experiences that set you apart. Here’s how you can approach this question:
- Identify relevant skills: Highlight specific skills that make you uniquely qualified for the role. Emphasize how these skills align with the company’s needs and contribute to its success.
- Share past experience: Provide examples of past experiences where you have demonstrated the skills and qualities that differentiate you from other candidates. Use specific achievements to showcase your capabilities.
- Quantify your impact: Whenever possible, quantify the impact of your contributions in previous roles. This could include measurable results or outcomes that demonstrate your value to potential employers.
Focus on presenting your unique strengths and how they align with the company’s needs. By effectively communicating your value proposition, you can make a compelling case for why you are the ideal candidate for the position.
Example Answer:
“I believe my extensive experience in [relevant field] and my proven track record of [specific achievements] make me stand out. Additionally, my strong [relevant skills] and ability to [specific contribution] allow me to bring a unique perspective to this role. I am confident that my combination of skills, experience, and passion for [industry/field] will make a significant impact on the success of the company.”
2. Why should I hire you?
Usually, the interviewer will want to hear why you are the best fit for the role out of all the other applicants. The correct answer is one that aligns with the company’s goals and needs.
- Highlight your unique value: Emphasize specific examples from your experience that demonstrate how your skills and achievements make you a strong fit for the role.
- Demonstrate fit for the role: Explain how your experience and skills uniquely qualify you for the position, showcasing what sets you apart from other candidates.
- Show results and impact: Highlight quantifiable results and achievements from your previous work experiences to demonstrate your ability to deliver valuable contributions to the organization.
- Tailor your response: Customize your pitch to align with the specific requirements and responsibilities outlined in the job description, showcasing how you can address the company’s needs.
Example Answer:
“I believe my years of experience in similar positions and award-winning sales record make me a perfect fit for this role. I understand that you are looking for a sales manager with strong interpersonal and strategic skills. In my most recent position, I have designed a new sales strategy and onboard a team to implement this strategy. This resulted in a 40% increase in revenue and raised brand awareness.”
Read more: Why Should We Hire You? 3 Step Guide to the Best Answer
3. Tell me about yourself
When answering the “Tell me about yourself” question in an interview, it’s important to provide a concise and well-structured response that highlights your relevant qualifications and experiences. Here’s a suggested approach:
- Start with a brief personal introduction: Begin by sharing your name and a brief overview of your background, such as your education and any relevant certifications.
- Highlight your professional experience: Discuss your previous roles and experiences, focusing on those that are most relevant to the position you’re applying for. Mention key accomplishments, responsibilities, and skills you developed in each role.
- Connect your experience to the job: Emphasize how your past experiences align with the requirements of the position. Discuss specific projects or achievements that demonstrate your expertise and make you a strong fit for the role.
- Discuss your strengths and qualities: Highlight a few key strengths or qualities that make you stand out as a candidate. These can include technical skills, leadership abilities, problem-solving capabilities, or personal attributes that have contributed to your success.
- Wrap up with your career goals: Conclude your response by discussing your future aspirations and how this role aligns with your career objectives. Demonstrate your excitement for the chance to contribute to the company’s growth and accomplishments.
Remember to keep your response concise, focused, and relevant to the job you’re applying for. Practice your answer beforehand to ensure it flows smoothly and effectively communicates your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role.
Read more: “Tell Me About Yourself” Tips and Example Answers
4. How do you handle conflict?
Here are some tips for effectively answering questions about conflict:
- Describe your approach to conflict resolution: Start by explaining your general approach to handling conflicts. Highlight the importance of open communication, active listening, and seeking a mutually beneficial resolution.
- Provide an example: Share a specific example from your past experience where you successfully resolved a conflict. Describe the situation, the parties involved, and the nature of the conflict. Explain the steps you took to address the issue, such as initiating a conversation, understanding different perspectives, and finding a compromise or solution.
- Highlight your skills: Emphasize the skills you utilized during the conflict resolution process. These can include effective communication, empathy, problem-solving, negotiation, and the ability to remain calm and composed under pressure.
- Discuss the outcome: Share the positive outcome that resulted from your conflict resolution efforts. Explain how the resolution improved working relationships, productivity, or the overall work environment.
- Reflect on lessons learned: Conclude your response by reflecting on what you learned from the experience and how it has shaped your approach to handling conflicts. Mention any strategies or techniques you have since adopted to prevent or address conflicts proactively.
5. What is your biggest failure?
This might seem like one of the most difficult interview questions to answer. After all, you want to be honest but don’t want to reveal mistakes that could cost you the job. Worry not – interviewers mostly ask this to find out whether you’re able to take responsibility for your actions. That’s why you should focus more on what you have learned from your failure and what changes you have made to prevent such situations from occurring again.
Example Answer:
“While I believe in focusing on growth and learning from past experiences rather than dwelling on failures, I can share an example of a setback that I encountered. In a previous project, I underestimated the amount of time required for a particular task, which resulted in delays in the overall project timeline. However, I took immediate action by communicating the issue to the team and reallocating resources to mitigate the impact. I also implemented better project planning and estimation techniques moving forward. This experience taught me the importance of thorough planning, effective communication, and the ability to adapt to unexpected challenges.”
6. Describe yourself in 3 words.
When describing yourself, think of your best personality and professional traits. Also, check what the company is looking for and make sure your characteristics align. Finally, use easy-to-understand but original adjectives that will make you stand out.
Example Answer:
If I were to describe myself in three words, I would say I am adaptable, diligent, and empathetic.
- Adaptability is a trait that allows me to quickly adjust to new situations and challenges. I am open to change and thrive in dynamic environments, which enables me to effectively navigate through various projects and tasks.
- Diligence is another key aspect of my personality. I am committed to giving my best effort in everything I do. I am detail-oriented, organized, and proactive, ensuring that I complete tasks efficiently and effectively.
- Lastly, empathy plays a vital role in my interactions with others. I genuinely care about people’s experiences and perspectives, allowing me to connect with them on a deeper level. This empathy helps me understand their needs and concerns, fostering strong relationships and effective teamwork.
These three traits not only define me as an individual but also shape my approach to work and relationships.
7. What’s your greatest weakness?
Interviewers usually ask this question to see if you are self-aware. Don’t try to answer by turning a positive into a negative – the interviewer will see right through it. On the other hand, don’t be too harsh in your answer. Overall, you should try to stay positive and focus on how you are improving on your greatest weakness.
First, present your weakness. Then, elaborate and explain why you are trying to overcome it. Finally, discuss how you are working towards improving yourself. For example, you could answer like this:
Example Answer:
“One of my most significant weaknesses is my fear of providing constructive criticism. I often have trouble criticizing others’ work and try to keep my opinions to myself. Yet, I understand that constructive criticism is essential for improving. Recently, I started writing down my ideas so that I have a clear idea of what I want to say and feel less nervous.”
Read more: Strengths and Weaknesses for Job Interviews in 2023 [Best Answers]
Additional hardest interview questions and tips for answers
8. How do you work under pressure?
At some point, you will likely experience stressful situations in any position. That’s why interviewers want to learn more about your techniques for managing stress and pressure. This question is your opportunity to show that you can still get your work done even under tight deadlines or stressful circumstances. To assure the hiring manager that you can handle pressure, follow these steps:
- Think about what you usually do to avoid or handle stress.
- Use an example of when you excelled in your work even under pressure.
- Share whether stress ever motivates you and pushes you to do a great job.
Example Answer:
“When faced with pressure, I thrive on the challenge and use it as an opportunity to showcase my skills. I stay calm and focused by breaking down tasks into smaller, manageable steps. I prioritize effectively, ensuring that critical tasks are completed first. Additionally, I maintain open communication with my team, seeking their support and input when needed. By staying organized, managing my time efficiently, and collaborating effectively, I have consistently delivered high-quality work, even under tight deadlines.”
9. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Interviewers mostly ask this question to determine how the job you’re applying to fits in with your career goals. After all, every employer wants to find employees excited to grow within the company instead of leaving as soon as new opportunities arise. And even if you don’t have a specific 5-year plan for your career, you can prepare an answer that will prove you’re in for the long run. To do that, follow these steps:
- Think about your career goals and the steps that could take you there.
- Research growth opportunities within the company you’re applying to.
- Find out if your goals align with the company’s vision.
- Demonstrate why you are worth the time and investment as a new employee.
Read more: How to Answer “Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?”
10. Why are you leaving your current job?
This is one of the hardest interview questions. Essentially, it reveals your real priorities and how you can handle conflict or discomfort. When answering, remember to be truthful but stay positive, polite, and professional. Some of the best examples of reasons for leaving a job include:
- Looking for career growth
- Seeking new challenges
- Looking to change career paths
- Relocation to a new city
- The company going out of business
- Being laid off or let go
Read more: How to Answer “Why Are You Leaving Your Current Job?”
11. What are your salary expectations?
Salary expectations are one of the hardest interview questions. On the one hand, you don’t want to give a number too low and feel undervalued. On the other hand, if you aim too high, the employer might turn you down because of the potentially high expense. The best way to tackle this question is through adequate research and flexibility.
First, research the usual salary for the role you are applying for. Then, offer a range as your answer. Giving only one number might make it seem like you are not adaptable. Finally, don’t forget to mention that you are flexible and the number is negotiable.
If you don’t feel comfortable giving a specific number or want to elaborate on your expectations, consider an answer like this:
Example Answer:
“Based on my research and understanding of the industry standards and the responsibilities of this role, I am seeking a salary range between $X and $Y. However, I am open to discussing the specifics and considering the overall compensation package, including benefits and opportunities for growth within the company. I believe in the value I can bring to this position and I am confident that we can come to a mutually beneficial agreement.”
Read more: How to Answer, “What Are Your Salary Expectations?”
12. How do you handle constructive criticism?
Handling constructive criticism is a crucial skill for personal and professional growth. It involves several key strategies that can help individuals effectively manage and benefit from such feedback.
Firstly, it’s important to understand that constructive criticism is not meant to attack or belittle you personally. Recognize that the person offering the criticism acknowledges your strengths and is providing you with valuable tools to identify and overcome your weaknesses.
When receiving criticism, it’s essential to pause and refrain from reacting immediately. This allows you to approach the situation with a clear and level-headed mindset.
Active listening is crucial when receiving criticism. Rather than becoming defensive, actively listen to the feedback being provided. Seek clarification by asking questions to gain a better understanding of the specific areas that require improvement.
Instead of focusing on who is delivering the feedback, concentrate on the content itself.
Take time to reflect on the feedback and identify specific areas where you can make improvements.Reflection and action are key steps in handling constructive criticism.
13. Do you have any questions for me?
When an interviewer asks, “Do you have any questions for me?” it’s a great opportunity for you to showcase your interest in the company and the role, as well as gather more information to help you make an informed decision if you receive an offer.
Below are several questions that you may find helpful to ask.
- Could you provide additional information about the daily tasks and responsibilities associated with this position?
- What are the main goals or priorities for the team/department/company right now?
- How would you describe the company culture and values?
- Can you share any opportunities for growth or advancement within the company?
- What is the usual career path for someone in this role?
- How does the company promote professional development and continuous learning?
- Can you tell me about the team I would be working with?
- What challenges or opportunities do you foresee in the near future for the company/industry?
- How does the company promote work-life balance?
- What are the next steps in the interview process?
These questions demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and company, and also provide you with valuable insights to help you assess if the role is the right fit for you. Remember, it’s important to listen actively to the interviewer’s responses and engage in a meaningful conversation based on their answers.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when answering tough interview questions?
When answering tough interview questions, it’s important to be prepared and avoid common mistakes that can hinder your chances of making a positive impression. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Not preparing in advance: One of the biggest mistakes is not preparing for tough interview questions ahead of time. It’s important to research common interview questions and think about how you would answer them.
- Not listening carefully: It’s crucial to listen attentively to the question being asked. Rushing to answer without fully understanding the question can lead to providing irrelevant or incomplete responses.
- Providing generic or cliché answers: Avoid giving generic or cliché answers that lack depth or specificity. Hiring managers are looking for authentic and thoughtful responses that showcase your skills and experience.
- Lack of self-awareness: It’s important to demonstrate self-awareness and honesty when answering tough questions. Avoid being overly critical of yourself, but also don’t shy away from acknowledging areas where you can improve.
- Not providing specific examples: Whenever possible, support your answers with specific examples from your past experiences. This helps to demonstrate your abilities and provides tangible evidence of your skills and accomplishments.
- Avoiding negative experiences: While it’s important to frame your answers in a positive light, don’t shy away from discussing challenges or failures. Instead, focus on how you learned from those experiences and how they have contributed to your growth.
- Not asking clarifying questions: If you’re unsure about the question or need more context, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification. It’s better to seek clarification than to provide an answer that doesn’t address the question properly.