Job interviews can be unnerving, but preparing for interview curveballs can change the game. While a good resume and an excellent cover letter can take you to the interview stage, it’s the interview that will decide whether or not you get hired. A candidate coming well-prepared for the interview will find the process more like a conversation.
Every interview is different, but a few tips can empower you to handle tricky interview questions. We have brought a complete guide for you that will lead you to secure the best employment opportunity.
Tips to Master the Art of Handling Complex Interview Questions
- Do the groundwork
You cannot reach the finish line if you don’t start well. You’ll likely find your dream job opportunity online along with the job description. Use the description as your guide to ace the job interview.
Here is a pro tip: Look for specific adjectives defining the employer’s expectations. For instance, if it mentions “team player” or “problem-solver,” weave the words into your answers.
Your research is the foundation that will enable you to answer tricky interview questions and impress the employer. Additionally, doing the groundwork will help you answer questions such as:
- Why do you want to work here?
- What can you bring to the company?
- Tell me about your dream job.
- Why do you think you will be successful in this job?
- Prepare answers to typical questions
The digital era provides you with a multitude of resources to prepare intelligently for interviews. There are a number of screening questions recruiters ask, and job seekers can strengthen their candidacy.
Though it is challenging to prepare for every question, you can build up your confidence by practicing the questions. A good way of remembering your answers is to frame them in a story form and develop talking points.
To respond to interview curveballs, support your answer by citing examples and promoting your skills. Consider using the STAR interviewing technique (Situation, Task, Action & Result) if given an unexpected behavioural question.
Related Post: Reduce Risk & Identify S.T.A.R Candidates Using Behavioural Based Interview (BBI) Techniques
- Be authentic & concise
Maintain the quality and continuous delivery of your responses. Nonetheless, there may be times when you will feel stuck answering a question. However, you have to stay authentic and concise while responding.
You can provide solid examples of solutions and achievements but don’t stretch them beyond limits. Being focused and upbeat, you will reduce the chances of giving long and rambling responses that seem monotonous to the employer.
For instance, the employer asks you to mention your most significant achievement. Generally, the question is counted among the most tricky interview questions and aims to assess your values & attitude, in addition to achievements. Here you must talk about something outside education that is genuine. Talking concisely about things you are proud of will help you stand out.
- Avoid getting flustered
Even if you are unsure about the best way to answer a question, don’t show it to the hiring manager. It is perfectly fine to take a deep breath and pause for a moment to think before you begin answering. You can also admit the complexity of the question by saying, “Well! That’s a tough question”. And then give your fuller response confidently.
The master trick is to avoid frowning or giving a negative non-verbal message.
- Work on your tone
Hone the skill of maintaining a tone that is neither extremely modest nor arrogant. Candidates often see the interview as an intimidating process and begin developing anxiety. As an outcome, their nervousness and anxiousness start showing in their tone and way of speaking. Unfortunately, things get even worse when job seekers come across interview curveballs. Simply put, they lose their confident tone and fail to prevent being thrown off the game.
For example, the interviewer asks, “Why are you leaving your current job?” Admittedly, the question will make you nervous as you assume the interviewer might think negatively of your answer. However, you need to be honest and positive. Don’t bash your employers, and explain how you wish to grow and take on new opportunities. Alternatively, if you were laid off, it’s acceptable to mention it during the interview.
Things You Should Avoid
- Telling Lies
You can lie initially to bag the position. But, you won’t be able to secure your employment for long because the employers will find the truth over time. Therefore, avoid deceiving the organisation by telling things that aren’t true.
- Giving negative replies
A few questions might make you feel you must say something negative about yourself. But there are always better ways to answer them on a positive note and without sabotaging yourself.
Final Thoughts
Remember, the employers are not there to get you but are looking for candidates they are confident about hiring. So, don’t panic if you hear a trick interview question, and take a few seconds to think. This will keep you in a comfortable position and will upkeep your confidence level.
Now that you know how to handle tricky interview questions, it’s time to get one step ahead and locate your dream job. Consider seeking our services, and we will make your job search seamless by finding the best positions at notable companies.
