Smart Answers to 10 Clever Interview Questions

Many people get nervous during job interviews because they are uncertain about how to answer the interview questions. In this article, you will receive tips on how to respond to tricky questions.

We will go through 10 challenging interview questions that often arise in job interviews, followed by instructions on how to best handle them in a professional and thoughtful manner. You will also receive other helpful tips for the interview.

What do smart answers to tricky interview questions look like?

Since the job interview is often your first meeting with your potential employer, it’s crucial to make a good impression. Being well-prepared is not only a tactical way to impress your future employer but can also significantly boost your self-confidence during the interview.

Below are 10 smart answers to tricky questions, at least one of which is likely to come up during the interview.

1. What are your biggest weaknesses?

When answering this question, it’s good to be honest, as all your traits will eventually come to light if you get the job. Moreover, this shows that you are aware of your shortcomings and possess good communication skills when discussing uncomfortable topics. It’s essential to also demonstrate how you are turning these weaknesses to your advantage, to show that you are taking steps to improve yourself.

2. What is your main strength?

It is common for interviewees to talk about their most prominent strength in general. However, what will make you stand out from the crowd is to focus on the strength that will be of the greatest benefit to the employer. Before the interview, you can consider what they are looking for in a candidate and what you actually have to offer in that area.

Your answer would be best presented in three parts. First, you list the strength you want to highlight, followed by evidence of how you have used it in the past. Finally, you describe how the strength is relevant to the role you are currently being interviewed for.

3. Why should we hire you?

Here’s another excellent opportunity to demonstrate that you have done your research. Focus on the company’s needs and how you can contribute to them in the best way possible. Explain how you meet the criteria mentioned in the job advertisement and how you can contribute to the company’s success in ways they might not have even thought of.

Also, think about any relevant experiences you have that can be applied to the challenges the company is currently facing. Simply show how your presence will contribute to a better work environment.

4. What makes you want to work here with us?

This question is essential to answer and one of the easiest to prepare for. It’s a way for the employer to test if you have done your research before the interview, so always gather as much information as you can about the company, its management, and the industry as a whole. Here, you can also highlight your strengths and show how you would be a good fit for this particular company.

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5. Describe a challenging situation and how you successfully resolved it

With this question, the interviewer wants to test your critical thinking skills. Therefore, it’s good to prepare a scenario you have experienced where you acted thoughtfully and strategically. Otherwise, you might end up mentioning the first situation that comes to mind and miss the opportunity to showcase a strong example.

6. Tell us about a previous achievement you are proud of

Here, you have the opportunity to select achievements that are relevant to the role you are applying for. Read the job advertisement carefully to identify the specific abilities the employer is seeking, and then use this question to explain how you can contribute.

7. Why are you leaving your current role?

At this question, it’s wise to be impartial and diplomatic. Since you are speaking with a potential employer, it won’t look good if you speak negatively about your former workplace, as it gives the impression that you might do the same to them in the future. Instead, it’s best to highlight unbiased reasons for seeking new opportunities. You can mention that you want to advance your career, seek a change in work environment, or are looking for a new job due to relocation. None of these options will cause concern for the interviewer.

8. What kind of salary do you expect?

Here is another example of how important it is to prepare for the interview. If you have found out the salary range for the position you are applying for, this won’t be a difficult question. However, if you are unaware of the salary information, it can easily become a tense and uncomfortable point. It’s best to discuss salary once you have been offered the job, but avoid doing so before that stage as it might affect the employers’ selection process for the position.

9. Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Consider this question as asking you to condense your CV and specifically tailor it to the role you are applying for. Highlight the points that make you a unique candidate, briefly explain your work experiences, and where you aim to reach in your career. The interviewer’s motivation behind this question is to understand your attitude towards your career.

10. What motivates you?

With this question, the interviewer wants to understand what drives you to achieve results and see if it aligns with the company’s visions. The role may be best suited for someone who needs external motivation or for someone who self-motivates. Therefore, the best strategy to answer this question is to provide a thoughtful and honest response.

To excel in job interviews and smoothly handle all tricky interview questions, it requires investing a few hours in preparation beforehand. This will help you feel confident during the interview and make you a serious candidate for the role. Learn about the company and what they specifically seek for the position you are applying for. Also, draw parallels between the qualities the role demands and the qualities you possess that are suitable for the job.