Job interviews can be tough - there's no two ways about it. One of the most daunting aspects of the process is when you are put on the spot with a difficult question that you just don't know how to answer.
If this does happen, it's important not to get too flustered as one question won't decide the outcome of your interview. However, it is vital to prepare as best you can, as every good answer will take you one step closer to landing the job.
So, if the prospect of being struck with a difficult question in your next interview is bringing you out in a cold sweat, don't worry - we've put together a guide on how you can prepare for being put on the spot and reduce the risk of your quest for a new job being derailed.
Be ready
When it comes to job interviews, there is no substitute for preparation. Learn as much as you can about the job on offer and the company you are hoping to work for and the chances of being stung by an unexpected question will be drastically reduced, as you'll already know the information needed to provide an impressive answer.
Some people might be tempted to think they can simply 'wing it' and come up with an answer to a tricky question on the spot. We're not going to say this isn't possible, as some of us do have the gift of the gab, but for the majority of job seekers failing to prepare is preparing to fail and it's always better to go into an interview on the back of some thorough planning.
So in addition to learning about the job and your potential employers, how else can you be ready for difficult interview questions? There's no way of guaranteeing what you will be asked, but there are some staple questions that tend to come up more often than not. Here is a selection of these and some tips for how to answer them.
What are your strengths? - The key to this question is to highlight your skills and experiences that are most relevant to the job in question - something that will be a lot easier if you've prepared well.
What are your weaknesses? - Always a tough one. The best way to respond to this question is to try and put a positive slant on your answer. For example, you can highlight a certain skill that might not be your strong point and then explain what you're doing to improve on it.
Why did you leave your last job? - This question always needs to be answered with tact. Even if you hated your old job and couldn't wait to leave, it's best not to mention that. If an interviewer hears you slagging off a former boss, they'll start to wonder if you'll be saying the same things about them later down the line. Try to focus your answer on the positive aspects of the new job and why you think it would be a change for the better.
Where do you see yourself in the future? - Another tricky question, as not many of us have our career paths nicely mapped out. Again, focus on the positives and make it clear you're ambitious with a desire to succeed. One way to do this is by asking about the potential for advancement in the company.
What sets you apart from other applicants? - This question requires you to blow your own trumpet, but you need to do it in the right way. Focus on your skills and what's good about you rather than casting aspersions on other candidates. Make it clear what your strengths are and the interviewer themselves will be able to decide whether other applicants match up.
The unexpected
The hardest interview questions are the ones you just don't see coming, and many interviewers like to throw in the odd seemingly-strange question. It can be easy to feel as if these are designed to catch you out, when really they are more about testing your ability to think on your feet and react well under pressure.
Preparing for unexpected questions is hard, as naturally you aren't expecting them, but the best way to handle this part of the interview is to stay as calm as you can and give as measured a response as possible.
However your interview goes, try to think of it as part of a wider learning curve, as sooner or later you'll need to experience another one. Remember the difficult questions you were asked and think about how you could improve your answers in future. That way, every interview you undertake will make you that bit more prepared for the next one.
