27 tough interview questions and answers
Job interviews are a crucial step in the selection process.
Recruiters want to assess whether the applicant is a good fit for the company and has the skills and qualities required for the position.
To achieve this goal, recruiters often use questions that seek to trick candidates and assess their responsiveness and thinking skills.
In this article, we will explore the most common questions asked in job interviews, understand why you are being asked these questions, and give you tips on how to answer these questions effectively.
First, it’s important to understand that the questions asked during a job interview are designed to assess your personality, skills, and work experience. Recruiters may ask you to describe a difficult situation you faced on the job and how you handled it. They may also ask you to describe your strengths and weaknesses or talk about your experience working in a team.
It is crucial to answer these questions honestly and concisely. You should be able to describe your work experiences in a clear and detailed manner, highlighting the skills you have developed. In addition, it is important to focus on the positive aspects of your experiences and not to criticize your former employers or colleagues.
It is also important to show your motivation and interest in the position and the company. You should be able to describe why you are interested in the position and how your skills and experience can contribute to the company.
Finally, it is important to be well-prepared before the interview. You should learn about the company and the position by reading the job description and reviewing the company’s website. You should also practice answering the most common questions asked in job interviews.
In summary, the job interview can be a stressful experience, but with the right preparation and an honest and concise response to the questions asked, you can stand out and be successful in getting the job.
Now, I suggest we move on to the questions.
1 – Why did you leave your last position?
This question helps to understand why you left, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, and how you handle difficult situations at work.
To answer this question, you may explain that you left your previous position to pursue professional development, new challenges, and learning opportunities.
Another common response might be that you had concerns about the company’s culture or opportunities within the company.
In all cases, it is important to give honest and objective reasons for leaving, without criticizing your former employer or the company.
2 – How do you react to criticism?
This question is designed to understand how you deal with negative feedback and whether you have the ability to turn it into a learning opportunity. Recruiters are looking for candidates who demonstrate professional maturity by accepting constructive criticism and using it to improve.
In response to this question, you might explain that you are able to receive criticism positively and constructively by listening carefully to feedback and seeking to understand how you can improve.
Another common response would be that you can use criticism to grow and try to understand the reasons behind the criticism you receive. It is important to show that you are able to respond to criticism in a mature and constructive manner, rather than taking it as a personal attack.
3 – Why are you applying to us?
This question allows us to understand your motivations and interests for the position and the company. The goal is to find out if you’ve done your homework if you’re familiar with the company’s values and culture, and if you’re motivated by the job’s mission.
An example of an appropriate response might be, “I am passionate about the industry in which your company operates and have been impressed with your company’s accomplishments in that industry. Your company’s values and culture also align with my own values, which is why I applied for this position.”
Another example of a relevant response would be, “I heard about your company from a friend who works there and shared his praise for you. Then I did some research and was impressed with the innovative and ambitious projects you have done. I am confident that working for your company would allow me to take on new challenges and advance my career.”
4 – What is your source of motivation?
This question aims to understand what drives you to get up every morning and come to work. It allows the recruiter to know if you are motivated by financial reasons, a desire to make a difference in the world, or something else.
The answers to this question can vary widely from candidate to candidate. To illustrate, here are two examples of responses:
I find my motivation in the opportunity to be challenged and grow professionally. I enjoy learning new skills and am stimulated by challenges that take me out of my comfort zone.
My source of motivation is working for a company that shares my values and has an inspiring vision for the future. I enjoy working for a company that is making a difference in the world and looking to the future. It gives me a reason to get up every morning and do my best.
5 – Are you currently looking for a position in other companies?
This question allows recruiters to better understand the professional situation of candidates. The answer provided allows the recruiter to better understand the candidate’s motivations for considering a change in position.
If the candidate is actively looking for a job elsewhere, it may be a sign of dissatisfaction with their current position or a desire to move into a new field.
However, if the candidate is not actively looking, it may suggest that they are satisfied with their current job or that they are looking for a specific position that matches their skills and aspirations.
Some examples of possible responses to this question include:
“I am currently in a position, but I am open to new opportunities that match my skills and career aspirations. I am very interested in the position you are offering and believe that my skills and experience could be an asset to your company.”
“I am satisfied with my current job but remain open to new opportunities if they match my career goals and aspirations. I was attracted to your company because of its reputation and corporate culture, which align with my personal values.”
6 – What do you have that others do not?
This question allows the recruiter to evaluate what differentiates you from other applicants and to understand how you can bring added value to the company.
The recruiter’s goal is to find out what makes you different from other candidates and why you would be an asset to the company.
To answer this question, you can highlight specific examples of your unique skills, past accomplishments, and relevant experience.
For example, you may mention your problem-solving skills, your creativity, or your ability to work in a team.
It is also possible to highlight how you overcame complex professional challenges in your previous work or how you accomplished difficult tasks that led to outstanding results.
Here are two sample responses:
“I think what sets me apart from other applicants is my volunteer experience. I have volunteered for several charities for several years, which has allowed me to develop leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. I think these skills could be very useful in this position, and I’m ready to bring them to the company.”
“I believe my passion for innovation and creativity is something that sets me apart from other candidates. I am constantly looking for new ideas and ways to do things, and I have worked on several creative projects in the past that have been very successful. I enjoy working in a team environment to develop innovative ideas, and I think that could be an asset to this company.”
7 – Do you think that some of the tasks of the position are not attractive?
This question is used to assess your enthusiasm for the position. The recruiter is looking to see if you are aware of the various duties and responsibilities associated with the position and if you are willing to take them on with dedication.
This question can also help determine areas where you may need additional support or training.
To answer this question, you may say that you do not find any of the tasks of the position unappealing and that you are prepared to face all tasks with determination.
Alternatively, you may admit that there are some tasks that you find less appealing, but that you are willing to take them on and work hard to perform them effectively to support the team.
In both cases, it is important that you demonstrate your willingness to take on all the tasks associated with the position and your ability to meet the challenges.
Here are two sample responses:
” Sure, there may be tasks in the position that are not as exciting as others, but I think every job has its ups and downs. I am willing to take on all the responsibilities of the job and work hard to achieve the company’s goals, even if it means doing tasks that are not my preference. I believe this is an integral part of any job and I am ready to take on any challenge.”
“I wouldn’t say that I find specific tasks unappealing, but rather that some tasks may be more difficult than others. However, I am passionate about this field and am willing to work hard to succeed. As a committed individual, I am willing to do whatever it takes to adapt to the demands of the position and learn new skills that may be needed to meet the company’s goals.”
8 – Are you comfortable receiving instructions from your managers?
This question assesses your ability to follow instructions and work under the direction of supervisors.
The recruiter wants to know if you are capable of following directions and working effectively as a team. To answer this question, you might highlight your ability to follow instructions, your flexibility, and your openness.
For example, you may describe how comfortable you are with receiving instructions and how effectively you follow them to achieve your goals. You may also emphasize your ability to communicate with your manager if you encounter difficulties while performing your tasks.
In short, this question allows the recruiter to assess your ability to work as a team and follow the directions of your superiors while maintaining transparent and effective communication. Here are two sample responses:
“Yes, I have always been comfortable taking direction from my superiors. I think it is important to have a clear understanding of my managers’ expectations so that I can complete the tasks assigned to me effectively and efficiently. If I’m not sure about something, I don’t hesitate to ask questions to clarify the situation and avoid mistakes.”
“In general, I am comfortable receiving instructions from my superiors, but I think it depends on how the instructions are given. I appreciate clear and detailed instructions, but sometimes I may need a little more time to digest the information and put it into practice. That said, I am always willing to learn and adapt to meet my supervisor’s expectations.”
9 – Tell us about a mistake you made. What did you learn from it?
This question assesses your ability to recognize your mistakes and learn from them to improve your performance in the future.
The recruiter wants to know if you are able to take responsibility and evaluate yourself.
In order to answer this question, you can describe a mistake you made in the past and explain how you worked to resolve the situation and avoid making the same mistake in the future.
In answering this question, it is important, to be honest and transparent.
For example, you may mention a situation where you failed to communicate with a customer, which led to a problem. You can then explain how you worked to resolve the problem and how you learned to communicate more effectively with customers in the future.
You can mention a situation where you showed poor judgment or caution, but you should also show how you worked to improve the situation.
For example, in a previous project, I underestimated the time it would take to complete an important task, which caused a delay in the project. I realized that I should have been more forward-thinking and planned for more realistic deadlines to avoid jeopardizing the overall success of the project. Since then, I have developed better planning and time management skills.
Another example is a candidate who struggled to communicate effectively with some of his team members at his last job. I realized that I was not taking enough time to understand their point of view and the way I worked, which created misunderstandings and friction. So I began to work on my communication skills, learning to actively listen and consider the perspectives of others. This helped me improve my professional relationships and be more effective in my work.
10 – Aren’t you too young for this position?
This question is used to determine if you have the experience and skills required to succeed in the position despite your young age.
The recruiter wants to know if you have the maturity and ability to learn quickly to adapt to the position.
To answer this question, you can highlight your skills, past accomplishments, and potential to succeed in this position.
For example, you may emphasize your academic background, relevant work experience, or successful personal projects, which demonstrate your ability to meet challenges.
You might also explain how you plan to overcome your lack of experience through your motivation, adaptability, and willingness to learn.
Two examples of responses to this question are:
“I understand that my age may raise doubts, but I am confident that my skills and qualifications are a good match for the job requirements. I have gained experience in previous positions that have allowed me to develop key skills for this position, such as problem-solving and decision-making. In addition, I am highly motivated to learn and grow in my career. I am willing to work hard to prove that I am capable of meeting this challenge.”
“I understand that my young age can be seen as a disadvantage, but I believe it can also be an advantage. I grew up with technology and am able to adapt quickly to technological changes. In addition, I am highly motivated, creative and have a fresh and innovative perspective on things. I have also gained experience working on interdisciplinary projects in international settings, which has helped me develop my communication and teamwork skills.”
11 – What are your salary expectations?
This question aims to evaluate whether you have the same salary expectations as the employer for the position you are applying for. It is therefore important to answer honestly and objectively, keeping in mind that this answer may influence the salary offer that will be made.
To answer this question, it is recommended that you indicate a realistic salary range based on your experience, skills, and the job market. It is also possible to specify that you are open to negotiation and that your priority is the professional development offered by the position, rather than the salary itself. This demonstrates your flexibility and interest in the company.
It is therefore important to find a balance between reasonable salary expectations and expressing your interest in the position. Here are two examples of responses to this question:
“I am looking for a competitive salary for this position, taking into account my skills, experience, and associated responsibilities. I would like to discuss with you to understand the salary range you have in mind for this position to ensure our expectations are aligned.”
“I am flexible in terms of salary and open to negotiation. My main goal is to join a company that values my skills and abilities and offers opportunities for professional development. If the salary offered matches my expectations, I would be delighted to work for your company.”
12 – What are your passions?
This question helps to better understand your personality. This question can also help the recruiter assess whether you have transferable skills for the position you are applying for. For example, if the candidate mentions that he or she likes to play a musical instrument, this could indicate that he or she has skills in concentration, creativity, and perseverance.
Two examples of responses to this question are:
I enjoy hiking in the mountains and photography. I love spending time outdoors and discovering new places. Photography allows me to capture unforgettable moments and share them with others. I think these activities show that I am a passionate and creative person who enjoys taking on new challenges.
I enjoy reading science fiction novels and playing online role-playing games. These activities help me develop my imagination and my ability to solve complex problems. I believe these skills could be useful for the position I am seeking, as they allow me to think creatively and find innovative solutions to professional challenges.
13 – Do you have any questions?
This question gives you the opportunity to ask additional questions about the position or the company.
It allows the recruiter to evaluate your interest and involvement in the company.
Indeed, if you ask questions, you show that you are interested in the position and that you have done some research on the company.
Here are two examples of responses to this question:
Yes, I would have a few more questions about the position. First, can you describe to me the company culture in place here? How do the employees work together to achieve the company’s goals? Second, what is the management structure of the company? Are there any professional development opportunities for employees?
I am very grateful for this interview opportunity and have a good understanding of the position and the company. At this time, I have no additional questions, but I look forward to continuing the application process. Thank you for your time and effort.
It is important to prepare questions in advance to ask at the interview to show interest in the company and to learn more about the position and career opportunities.
14 – Tell me about yourself?
The purpose of this question is to learn more about your personality, skills, and experience while allowing you to highlight your strengths.
Here are two examples of possible answers to this question:
My name is Marie and I have a degree in marketing. I have acquired solid experience in strategic planning, market analysis, and content development during my two years as a marketing manager for a small company. I am currently looking for a new professional opportunity to continue to grow. In my spare time, I am an avid sports fan and love to travel to discover new cultures.
I am a computer science student and passionate about the latest technologies. I have worked on several software and mobile application development projects, which allowed me to develop skills in programming, problem-solving, and teamwork. Music is also a great passion for me and I have been playing guitar for several years.
15 – Why this gap in your career path?
This question allows the recruiter to understand the situation that led to this interruption and to appreciate the way you managed this period.
Here are two ways to answer this question:
The first might be, “I took a year off to explore new cultures and horizons. I’ve always been passionate about travel and decided to embark on an adventure exploring Asia and Latin America. During this time, I gained new language and cultural skills that could be useful in my current job.”
The second answer might be, “I had to deal with health issues within my family, which prevented me from working for a few months. I took the time to care for my loved ones and handle the situation responsibly. Now that everything is under control, I am ready to get back to work and continue my professional career.”
16 – What are your strengths and weaknesses?
This question also allows the recruiter to understand how you manage your weaknesses and you work on your strengths.
Here are two examples of answers to this question:
My strengths lie in my ability to work in a team, my organizational skills, and my creativity. In addition, I can manage several projects simultaneously while maintaining a high level of quality. As for my weaknesses, I can sometimes be too much of a perfectionist, which makes me lose time on minor tasks. As for my shortcomings, I tend to be very demanding of myself, but I have learned to manage this by setting realistic goals. My qualities include determination, ambition, and the ability to learn from each constructive criticism to continually improve my skills.
My strengths lie in my ability to learn quickly, my flexibility, and my adaptability in new and complex situations. However, my weaknesses are that I sometimes have difficulty saying “no”, which can make me overloaded with work. As for my flaws, I am very detail-oriented, but I am learning to make sure that this doesn’t get in the way of seeing the big picture. My qualities include my positivity, my desire to work in a team, and my willingness to help others.
17 – Are you able to say no?
This question assesses your ability to manage your limits, not overload yourself, and make difficult decisions when necessary.
Here are two examples of responses to this question:
Absolutely, I am able to refuse if necessary. I am aware of the importance of respecting my limits and not compromising the quality of my work by overloading myself. However, I always strive to find alternatives to help the team and solve problems.
My response will depend on the situation. If I feel that turning it down can benefit the company or the team, I will not hesitate to do so. However, if I can accomplish a task without overloading myself, I prefer to take that into consideration. I am also learning how to say “no” in a constructive way to avoid hurting the feelings of my colleagues.
18 – What is your English level?
This is a very relevant question, as many companies operate with partners or co-workers from different countries, and fluency in English can often be a major asset to succeed in these professional environments.
Here are two ways to answer this question:
First, my English level is intermediate. I studied English for several years in school, and I also took private lessons to improve my language skills. I have also worked in an international environment where English was the main working language, which gave me some practical experience.
Secondly, I am bilingual in English and French, and I am comfortable communicating in both languages at a professional level. I have studied in international schools and worked in companies where English was the main working language. As a result, I have gained extensive experience in professional communication in English.
19 – Who can we contact to get a testimonial on your skills?
This question asks for references from people who have worked with you and can provide valuable insight into your skills and work habits.
Here are two examples of answers to this question:
You can contact my former manager, Mister Dupont, at XYZ Enterprise. I worked with him for over two years, and he can attest to my project management skills as well as my commitment to quality work. In addition, you can ask my former colleague, Ms. Martin, who worked with me on several projects and can attest to my communication and teamwork skills.
For more recent references, I suggest you contact Ms. Dubois, my current manager at ABC Enterprise. I worked with her for over a year, and she can attest to my problem-solving and leadership skills. In addition, you can ask Mr. Garcia, a client I worked with recently, who can attest to my ability to understand the client’s needs and propose effective solutions.
20 – Where do you see yourself in ten years?
This question makes it possible to evaluate your professional ambitions and aspirations. It also allows the recruiter to verify whether your objectives are in accordance with the company’s growth and development perspectives.
Two examples of possible answers to this question are:
“In ten years, I would like to be in a management position in your company. Over the years, I would have acquired solid experience in different areas of activity. I am motivated by the idea of continuing to learn and grow in my professional career. Your company offers many opportunities for professional development, and I am confident that I could contribute to that.”
“In ten years, I see myself running my own business in the technology field. I will have gained solid and diverse experience working for different companies. My ambition is to create innovative technology solutions to solve important problems in our society.”
21 – What do you think of our interview?
This question is used to assess your experience and to obtain feedback on the recruitment process. This question also allows the recruiter to determine if you are able to provide constructive feedback in a professional manner.
Here are two examples of responses to this question:
The first response might be, “I am satisfied that the interview went well. I was pleased to be able to discuss my skills and experience with you while learning more about the company. The questions you asked me were relevant and allowed me to demonstrate my abilities. If I am fortunate enough to continue in the recruitment process, I would like to continue to learn more about your company.”
The second response might be, “I enjoyed the interview, however, I think there is always room for improvement. I would have liked to learn more about the professional development opportunities at your company, as well as its values. Perhaps we could discuss this in a future interview. Overall, I found this experience interesting and am excited to work for your company.”
22 – Can you lead a team?
This question evaluates your ability to lead and motivate a team of people to achieve their goals. The recruiter is looking to see if you have previously held a leadership position or if you have the skills to handle it.
Two possible answers are:
“Yes, I had the opportunity to lead a team of five people at my previous job. I held regular team meetings, assigned tasks based on each person’s skills, and always encouraged my colleagues to give input and propose solutions. Together, we achieved our goals.”
“I have not yet had the opportunity to lead a team, but I have participated in group projects and am always willing to help my colleagues when needed. I enjoy working as a team and I am confident that I would be able to motivate my colleagues and guide them to success if given the opportunity.”
23 – Do you continue to educate yourself?
This question assesses your motivation to grow professionally and stay current with the latest technologies and industry trends.
Employers often look for people who are eager to learn and are able to adapt to a constantly changing work environment.
To answer this question, you may mention online training courses you take, conferences you attend, or personal projects you work on to improve your skills.
Here are two sample responses:
“Yes, I regularly take online courses to improve my programming and web development skills.”
“Yes, I stay informed about the latest trends and technologies by reading blogs and magazines in my field.”
24 – What obstacles have you encountered in your work assignments?
This question assesses your ability to meet challenges and overcome obstacles on the job. It also allows the recruiter to assess your ability to handle stressful situations and solve problems.
An appropriate response might be, “In my last position, I worked on a project with a very tight deadline. We faced several obstacles such as vendor delays and communication issues within the team. However, I worked closely with the team members to resolve these issues and deliver the project on time.”
Another possible response might be, “In my last assignment, I had to manage a conflict between two members of my team that was negatively impacting team morale. I held a meeting to understand the issues and worked with both members to find a solution. We were able to resolve the conflict and improve the team’s effectiveness.”
25 – Why did you have to search so long?
The purpose of this question is to understand if you are experiencing difficulties in finding a job if you are willing to adapt to a new work environment, or if you are experiencing performance problems. It also allows us to assess how you have managed this period of inactivity or prolonged job search.
Two examples of responses to this question are:
“I took the time to search for the position that was a perfect fit for my skills and interests. During this time, I also took additional training to improve my skills and be better prepared for a new position.”
“I was faced with a very competitive job market, so I encountered difficulties in finding a position that matched my skills. Nevertheless, I continued to actively search and build relationships with industry professionals to discover new opportunities.”
26 – Don’t you think you have too much experience for this position?
This question allows the recruiter to ensure that you are not overqualified and will not leave the position quickly. By asking this question, the recruiter is also looking to see if you are willing to accept the level of responsibility and salary that is associated with the position.
Two examples of responses to this question are:
“I don’t think I have too much experience for this position. On the contrary, I have acquired specific skills that will allow me to add great value to the team. I am willing to work closely with my colleagues to achieve the company’s goals.”
“I understand that my experience may seem important for this position, but I am confident that my skills are a perfect fit for the job requirements. I look forward to new challenges and continuing to learn and grow professionally.”
27 – Do you prefer to work alone or in a group?
This question evaluates your ability to collaborate with others. Indeed, depending on the position, communication, and teamwork skills may be important.
Here are two examples of answers to this question:
Personally, I am comfortable in both work configurations, but I have a preference for working in groups. I enjoy interacting and collaborating with my colleagues because it allows us to share our ideas and experiences and find solutions more quickly.
On the other hand, if the nature of the project requires concentration and a lot of autonomy, I prefer to work alone. But if the work requires close collaboration with other team members, I am quite capable of working in a group and contributing to the success of the project.
Conclusion about trick questions in job interviews
In sum, trick questions during a job interview may seem intimidating, but it is crucial to remain calm and answer honestly and thoughtfully.
Recruiters ask these questions to assess your skills, personality, and ability to handle complex situations.
By preparing in advance and thinking through potential answers, you can improve your performance during the interview and increase your chances of success in the recruitment process.
Therefore, it is important to become familiar with the types of questions that may be asked and to practice answering them in a confident and coherent manner.
In addition, it is important to understand that these questions are designed to assess your professional skills, not your personality or personal opinions.
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