7 Hard Job Interview Questions and How to Answer Them (Part 1)

Job interviews can be nerve-wracking, especially when faced with tough questions that catch you off guard. Employers ask these challenging questions to assess your problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and ability to handle pressure.

Don’t worry—we’ve all been there! The good news? With the right preparation, you can turn even the hardest questions into opportunities to showcase your strengths. In this article, we’ll break down seven of the trickiest job interview questions and provide smart, strategic answers to help you impress your potential employer.

---

1. What do you see as your greatest weaknesses?

This is a classic question, and while it's easy to list all your strengths, openly admitting weaknesses can be challenging. However, nobody is perfect, and there are ways to turn this question to your advantage. Here’s how:

• Pick a minor weakness and show that you are actively working to improve it.

• Highlight self-awareness and a growth mindset.

• Put a positive spin on it to demonstrate progress.

Example: I am a perfectionist and sometimes overthink small tasks. Recently, I have adopted a quick decision-making process, allowing me to be more decisive and focused on high-impact projects.

---

2. What are your salary requirements?

This is a tricky one: you don’t want to price yourself out of the job, but you also don’t want to undervalue your worth. The best strategy is to come prepared:

• Research the market rates for your role, considering location and up-to-date data.

• Be ready to provide a salary range, even if the employer does not offer one first.

• Focus on your value and frame it as a win-win partnership.

Example: I am open to negotiation as I am very interested in this position. My research indicates that similar roles offer between $110,000 and $130,000 per year. I am confident we can find a figure that reflects my contribution and fits within your budget.

---

3. Tell me about yourself.

We all love to talk about ourselves, but remember—interviewers have limited time. Keep it concise and impactful.

• Share a brief yet compelling story that highlights your strengths related to the role.

• Link your passions to your personal success and show enthusiasm.

• Use the CAR method: Context, Action, Results.

Example: I’ve always been fascinated by storytelling and strategy, which has fueled my success in marketing and brand growth.

---

4. Why did you leave your previous job?

This can be a delicate question. Employers want to ensure you're leaving for the right reasons and won’t speak negatively about past workplaces. Here’s how to approach it:

• Emphasize your desire for growth and new opportunities.

• Stay professional and avoid negativity.

• Frame it as a step forward in your career.

Example: After X years in my previous job, I decided to leave to pursue new growth opportunities and advance toward my long-term career goals.

---

5. Why should we hire you?

While you might feel like saying, “Because I’m the best!”—that’s not the right approach. Instead:

• Show how your skills solve their challenges.

• Share past successes that align with their goals.

• Emphasize cultural fit and your motivation to join the team.

Example: In my previous role, I reduced costs by 20% and solved challenges similar to yours. I am confident that my experience and skills can bring similar value to your team.

---

6. How do you handle stress?

Employers want to know that you won’t burn out under pressure. They look for resilience and healthy coping strategies.

• Offer examples of staying calm under pressure.

• Highlight your ability to manage stress in a productive way.

• Share results from high-stress situations.

Example: During a major product launch, I stayed focused and followed a structured daily action plan, ensuring success despite the high-pressure environment.

💡 Want to learn stress management techniques? Join our ThryveHR Community and connect with professionals who can help you elevate your career.

---

7. Why do you have a gap in your resume?

Recruiters value consistency but also understand that gaps happen. Be honest, concise, and highlight what you learned during that time.

• Show that you remained productive (courses, projects, volunteering, etc.).

• Explain why you’re now ready to commit to a new challenge.

Example: I took time off to care for a family member, but I also completed an online leadership program that enhanced my problem-solving skills. Now, I am fully committed and excited about this opportunity.

---

Final Interview Tips: Stand Out Like the Top 1%

1️⃣ Research the company as if you already work there.

• Understand their biggest challenges, recent wins, and industry trends. 

2️⃣ Say your answers out loud.

• What sounds good in your head might not sound right when spoken.

 3️⃣ Prepare three powerful success stories.

• Showcase your leadership, adaptability, and problem-solving skills. 

4️⃣ Analyze the job description and pinpoint the top three skills required.

• Then, prepare clear examples proving you have them.

5️⃣ Do a mock interview with someone who gives honest feedback.

• Constructive criticism helps refine your responses and boost confidence.

💡 Want to stand out even more? Ask these 7 strategic questions at the end: 🔹 What does success in this role look like in the first 90 days? 🔹 What are the biggest challenges the team is facing that I could help with? 🔹 How would you describe the leadership style of my future manager? 🔹 What sets your top performers apart? 🔹 How does the company invest in employee growth and development? 🔹 What made you join this company, and what keeps you here? 🔹 What surprises new employees the most when they start?

Remember: The strongest candidates don’t just answer questions—they create meaningful conversations.

An interview is a two-way street. You’re not just being evaluated—you’re also evaluating them.

You’ll spend 90,000 hours of your life working. Make sure it’s with a company and leader who support your growth.

Join our ThryveHR Community to learn more about HR strategy and master your interview skills to land your dream job!