Have answers on the ready for some of the most common questions during interviews. Here are four of the toughest interview questions, and to help you better navigate them, we’ve asked hiring managers and human resources professionals for details on what makes for a strong response and how to think on your feet.
Tell me about a professional experience where your integrity or moral code was challenged
Carla Reed, Deputy Director of Human Resources at Community Change, asks this question to get insight into how someone will behave in difficult situations
- The exact answer depends on the role she is looking for, but seeks candidates who can be honest and open about past experiences while staying professional
Where do you get your news from?
This question can throw you off in an interview if you’re not expecting it
- Wall often asks candidates who they follow on social media since that can be the digital equivalent of where they get their news
- It’s an interesting way to see where people are coming from
Tips for any tough interview question
Take a few seconds to pause and think about your answer.
- It’s okay to acknowledge that you’re thinking about it. Most hiring managers appreciate both the honesty as well as the desire to give a good response over a quick one.
Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a challenging or difficult personality at work
Look for insight into a job candidate’s communication skills
- Pro Tip: This is a situation where there are clear right and wrong answers for how you deal with difficult personalities at work
Focus on the Impact
If you are able to create change in the world over the next 10 years, what will that impact look like?
- This question is a twist on “Where do you see yourself in 10 years?”
- Helps Reed get a sense of whether her organization will be a good fit for someone’s goals and aspirations
- Becka Wall, Vice President of Digital Communications at National Immigration Forum, asks “Why do you want to work at our organization?” and listens closely to determine if a job candidate can articulate what it is about the organization’s work in particular that makes them want to do the work
