In preparation for your interviews, you need to expect that there will be at least one, or more, “zingers.” Questions you wish they didn’t ask, but which you know will probably be asked, based upon your resume. So you need to be prepared. Here are some of those difficult questions and how to answer them. The important thing to remember is this: be brief, and then turn it around to illlustrate how you can help solve the company’s problem.
1. Why did you leave your last job? Stay positive. Think, take a breath, and go for it. I left for a new growth opportunity. I left to learn new skills at a more challenging job. And then go back to what you can do for them.
2. Why were you fired? The roles and responsibilities turned out not to be what was explained during the hiring process. Or, it was not a good cultural fit and it was a mutually agreed upon departure. That is why I want to work with this company where I feel I will fit in. And I can help you solve problem x.
3. What is your weakness? Everyone has one. Be ready to talk about something that is not related to the job at hand. For example, if you are in the tech field, perhaps your weakness is in financial analysis. If you are in finance, perhaps it is social media. Then say what you have done to improve, ” And I have taken on a course or a project to improve that skill”. Then move the conversation back to solving their problem.
4. What have you been doing for the past x years? Be ready for this one if you have not been working for the past x years. I have been (doing one of the following): volunteering, raising children, going to graduate school, doing pro bono consulting. Then say, “And that is why I am excited to use my skills in x for your company.”
5. How would you handle a disagreement with your supervisor? Stay positive. This question is about how you handle adversity and interpersonal communication. Say, “Although we may have disagreed I always put forward my suggestions and solutions to problems.” Give a few positive qualities, characteristics skills and what you did at that company. And this is how I can help you solve your problem.
Remember: whatever the difficult question, be brief with your answer, then pivot with a strong skill and how you can use that skill to help solve a problem at the company.
(c) Amy Geffen 2018 All rights reserved