July 16, 2024 by SME Membership Interviews can be daunting, especially when faced with tough questions designed to challenge and evaluate your readiness, problem-solving skills, and suitability for the role. In our recent SME Career Café, we were joined by Executive Client Partner and Career Transition & Job Search Strategist, Arthur Hughes, and Master Certified Personal Branding & Digital Strategist, Jacqueline Connolly-Peros. Together, they explored the intricacies of mastering tough interview questions and shared their insights to empower both emerging and seasoned professionals on their career journeys. What is the Hardest Interview Question? Hughes believes that the hardest interview questions are the ones you’re not prepared to answer. Preparation is key to handling such situations smoothly. He often challenges his interviewees with the classic “sell me this pen in 30 seconds” type of questions. This not only tests their ability to think on their feet but also assesses how they handle pressure – a crucial skill in high-stakes interviews. Hughes emphasized that the approach to the question and the demonstration of soft skills are just as important as the answer's content. Connolly-Peros added that many struggle with the open-ended question, “tell me about yourself.” She stresses the importance of concisely structuring your response to highlight your skills and experiences relevant to the job. Arthur echoed her sentiments and advised candidates to avoid common traps like simply restating your resume and instead focus on showing how your skills align with the job requirements. For a clearer understanding, see the example below: Structure: Present-Past-Future Method Tips: Frame your answer around your professional journey, highlighting key achievements and relevant experiences that make you a good fit for the role. Example: I recently graduated with a Mechanical Engineering degree from [University Name]. During my studies I interned at [Company Name], gaining hands-on experience with CAD software and learning lean manufacturing principles. I led a team project to design an automated assembly line, increasing production speed by 20%. I’m eager to apply my skills in design and problem solving to contribute to [Target Company]’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in manufacturing. Behavioral Questions: Demonstrating Skills and Experience with Impact Both Hughes and Connolly-Peros agree that behavioral questions, such as “tell me about a time your approach didn’t work out,” are designed to assess self-awareness and problem-solving skills. Hughes suggested using the CAR (Challenge, Action, Result) method to frame your response, emphasizing what you learned from the experience. Connolly-Peros advised maintaining a catalog of situations that showcase different skills, allowing you to draw upon them during interviews. Even if you haven’t encountered a specific situation that was asked about in an interview, relating experiences from personal or volunteer work can demonstrate relevant skills and adaptability. To illustrate this method, refer to the example provided below: Structure: Challenge-Action-Result (CAR) Method Tips: Be honest, focus on what you learned, and how you applied those lessons to improve. Example: I was tasked with optimizing the assembly line process by implementing a new scheduling software. Despite thorough planning and training, there were unforeseen compatibility issues with our existing machinery. This led to delays in production and increased downtime. Realizing the urgency, I quickly engaged with our maintenance team and software vendor to resolve the compatibility issues. We reverted to the previous system temporarily while developing a phased implementation plan. Ultimately, we successfully integrated the new software with minimal disruption, and this experience taught me the importance of thorough testing and contingency planning in complex manufacturing environments. Addressing Challenging Interview Topics with Clarity and Confidence When discussing challenging aspects of your career history, Hughes and Connolly-Peros stressed the significance of clarity and honesty. Whether addressing resume gaps or other sensitive topics, candidates should transparently discuss their experiences. Rather than merely acknowledging challenges, you should highlight what you learned during those periods and how you proactively stayed engaged in the field. This approach showcases ongoing growth and preparedness for new opportunities. To see how this can be effectively communicated, consider the following example. Approach: Be honest and brief, focusing on the positive activities during the gap. Tips: Mention any relevant skills or experiences gained, such as volunteering, freelance work, or professional development courses. Example: “During my career gap, I took time to care for a family member. During this period, I also completed several online courses in data analysis, which kept my skills sharp and ready for my next professional challenge.” Managing Interview Dynamics Interview dynamics, such as pacing and communication style, can influence the interview outcome. Connolly-Peros suggested deliberately slowing down your speaking pace to manage the conversation flow effectively. It’s also okay to take a moment before responding to gather your thoughts; utilizing silence can also be a powerful tool to ensure clarity and thoughtfulness in your responses. Hughes advised candidates to understand the interviewer’s motivations and constraints. If the interviewer seems rushed, asking directly about time constraints can help clarify expectations and adjust your communication style accordingly. Final Tips for Success Both experts agreed on the importance of preparation and practice. Connolly-Peros recommended creating a list of common interview questions and drafting thoughtful responses. Hughes emphasized the value of understanding the job requirements thoroughly and aligning your response accordingly. Consider the questions below to further refine your responses and ensure you’re well prepared for your next interview. Tough Questions You Should Expect Tell me about yourself. Why do you want to work here? / Why should we hire you? What do you know about the company? Do you have any questions for us? Common / Traditional What are your strengths and weaknesses? Where do you see yourself in 5 years? What is your greatest accomplishment? What do you consider your most valuable skill, and how does it apply to this position? Behavioral / Situational Describe a challenging situation you faced at work and how you handled it. How do you handle stress and pressure? Tell me about a time you demonstrated leadership skills. How do you handle conflict or disagreement with colleagues? With supervisors? How do you prioritize tasks and manage your time? Describe a time when you worked as part of a team to achieve a goal. Give an example of a goal you didn’t reach and how you handled it. Can you provide an example of a time when you had to adapt to a new situation or environment? Tell me about a time when you had to learn a new skill quickly. How do you handle criticism? Can you give us an example? Difficult to Answer What motivates you? Have you ever dealt with a company policy you weren’t in agreement with? Why do you want to leave your current position? What did you like / dislike about your previous role? Are you currently interviewing for any other roles? Can you explain your career change? Looking at your resume, and years you had off from your career, what do you think were the pros and cons of that period professionally and personally? What sort of salary are you looking for? Your resume suggests you may be overqualified for this position. What do you think? Illegal questions Are you married? / Do you have children? / What holidays do you celebrate? / etc. Problem Solving questions How many pennies, if stacked on top of each other, would equal the height of the Empire State Building? Mastering tough interview questions involves preparation, self-awareness, and practice. Our conversation in the SME Career Café highlighted the importance of being genuine and strategic in your responses. Remember, interviews are about showcasing your personality, values, and fit within the company’s culture. With the right preparation, you’ll be well-equipped to handle even the toughest interview scenarios.
