The 10 Hardest Interview Questions Companies are highly selective and ask the hardest questions they possibly can to put the candidates under more pressure.

By Ceren Cubukcu

This story originally appeared on Personal Branding Blog

Competition for finding a job is getting fiercer every day. There are many talented candidates applying for the same positions. Therefore, companies are highly selective and ask the hardest questions they possibly can to put the candidates under more pressure. Thus, they evaluate if the candidates can succeed under any circumstance.

It would be to your advantage to go to your interview prepared. The more you get prepared, the more you can succeed and get an offer. Remember you may have only one chance to show them that you are the right candidate for your dream job. Use the below questions and tips in order to prepare for the big day!

Related: How to Stay Calm in a Job Interview

  1. Why did you leave your previous employer, or why are you leaving your present job? (Never say something bad about your current/previous employer or your position. You can tell that you are ready to expand your skill set and get more responsibilities.)
  2. Why is there a gap in your work history? (Please read my previous blog post "Ways to Fill Employment Gaps".)
  3. What are your weaknesses? (Turn a personality weakness into a professional strength such as "I am very detail-oriented or I am a perfectionist".)
  4. Describe a time when you failed. (Explain them your failure and then, what you did to turn around this situation into success.)
  5. How do you react when you face a challenge? (The number one rule of solving a challenge is to stay calm and understand the root cause.)
  6. Are you willing to relocate/travel? (Please read my previous blog post "Answering Tips for "Are You Willing to Relocate?' Question".)
  7. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? (Make a short career plan. If you are not a manager, you can say "I see myself in a managerial position'. If you are already a manager, you can say "I see myself as a director'. The key here is to show that you have the ambition to go to the next level.)
  8. What sets you apart from others? Why should we hire you? (Match your education, your skills, and your previous work experience with the job description and mention that you already have some experience in that field. Then, demonstrate those skills with examples from your past.)
  9. Describe a time when you didn't agree with others. What did you do? (You can say that you clarified the situation first and stated your reasons of disagreeing with others. Finally, explain how you achieved a group consensus.)
  10. Do you have any questions for us? (Don't say "No"! Ask at least 3 questions. You can read my previous blog post "Best Questions to Ask During Interviews to Employers".)

Related: How to Keep Your Employees Motivated

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Leadership

7 Telltale Signs of a Weak Leader

Whether a bully or a people pleaser who can't tell hard truths, poor leadership takes many forms.

Money & Finance

Startup Founders Need to Advocate For Their Own Compensation — Here's How to Do It Right

Ensuring fair compensation as a founder or CEO is crucial to staying motivated and building a successful company. Here's how to strategically handle the conversation and get the pay that reflects your worth.

Business News

Walmart Is Laying Off Hundreds, Relocating Others as the Company Closes a U.S. Office

Walmart is giving some employees at least a month to decide if they want to relocate.

Business News

Your Old Apple AirPods Can Soon Act as an Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid, According to the FDA

The new software is compatible with the Apple AirPods Pro and accessible through iOS — for free and now FDA-authorized.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.