Tough job interview questions are always nerve-racking. To reduce the stress, you should have solid preparation and anticipation of the possible questions, especially the typical yet tough ones. Remember that the job interview is your chance to impress the interviewer and give light to the contents of your resume.

This article will give you ideas on how to become effective on answering tough job interview questions to leave a positive mark with your interviewer that could give you better chances of getting hired.

 

Tough Job Interview Questions –  Part I

Tell me about yourself.

Telling your basic information is not what the interviewer wants to know since he may have read or is holding your resume at the moment. It is easy to talk about yourself but, keep in mind that the interviewer is looking for:

• Positive descriptions about yourself such as your enthusiasm, self confidence, leadership skills.
• Overview of your related experience and the things that you have done before that has prepared you to become the best candidate for the position.
• Always give an example to explain things up.

 

What are your greatest strengths?

You know to yourself that you have many positive qualities. But since you can only choose a few, be careful as your answer will also reflect your values.

• Discuss attributes that will qualify you for the job and be ready to make reference to a situation where you have demonstrated such strength.
• Always give an example to back things up.

 

What is your greatest weakness?

Keep in mind that interviewers love honest answers. We all know we have our very own weaknesses but:

• Mention only your weakness that is related to your past work experience or your professional career.
• Remember that this is not about your weakness for beautiful women, wild animals or giving cliché answers like being workaholic etc.
• Make sure that when you answer this question, choose your weakness that would add value to your professional work
• Enumerate steps of solutions that you did / does to improve them to contribute more to your professional career.
• Turn your weakness into strength by showing your commitment to self improvement.

 

 

Why should we hire you?

This is a very straightforward question. This should be easy especially if you have prepared well.

It is good to say that you are the best person for the job but that is not enough.

• You have to convince your interviewer by providing facts and examples related to your work ethic, past experience, trainings and work-related achievements to support your claim.
• State your qualifications based on your education and every accomplishments that you can tell that would add value related to the job you are applying for.
• Build yourself up that would differentiate you from any other candidates for the job and would make your mark with the interviewer.

 

 

Where do you see yourself in X years?

It is good to discuss your long term personal dreams or your future self. But, this is a reality check and the best response would be to:

• Discuss more about your career goals, your career accomplishments, especially of what possible contribution you could bring to the company or how valuable asset you could become.
• Give scenarios about yourself at present and then work forward by talking about your next move and what you hope to accomplish over the next until you arrive at the asked no. of years.
• Keep your dreams real and focus on your achievable objectives and what you are doing to achieve those objectives.

 

Job Interview Tips

On your job interview:

• Come ahead of time to freshen yourself up before your turn for your interview.
• Greet your interviewer with a smile.
• In answering questions, be honest. Interviewers love honest answers.
• Be confident yet sincere. Speak clearly.
• Look the interviewer in the eyes while you answer his/her questions.
• When given the opportunity, ask the interviewer with questions related to the position or company to show your interest.
• Show the interviewer that you have prepared well through proper attire, grooming and how you handle yourself during the interview.
• Thank your interviewer afterwards with a smile and shake his / her hand while looking in his / her eyes.