Last updated on Apr 10, 2024

What do you do if you're faced with challenging interview questions?

Facing a challenging interview question can be a pivotal moment in your career journey. It's not just about having the right answers but also about how you communicate them. Your response can showcase your problem-solving skills, ability to think on your feet, and your communication prowess. Remember, an interview is a two-way street; it's as much about you assessing the company as it is about them evaluating you. So when a tough question comes your way, view it as an opportunity to demonstrate your capabilities and fit for the role.

Key takeaways from this article

Inverted Pyramid approach:

Start with the answer to the question, then expand with the who, what, when, where, why, and how. This news article format helps you stay on track and ensures you cover all bases in your response.
Repeat and rephrase:

Echoing the question gives you a moment to think. Smile as you do this; it exudes confidence while buying time for your thoughts to settle. Then move forward with your structured answer.

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Kush Rajde

Cloud Consultant by Profession, Public…

1 Stay Calm

Maintaining composure when confronted with a difficult interview question is crucial. Take a deep breath and allow yourself a moment to collect your thoughts. Panicking or rushing into an answer can lead to mistakes or a poor response. Instead, use this time to quickly structure your thoughts. Interviewers understand that complex questions require a moment of thought, and staying calm shows that you can handle pressure with grace.

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2 Understand Fully

If you're presented with a question that's hard to understand, don't hesitate to ask for clarification. It's important to ensure you know exactly what's being asked before you attempt to answer. This not only helps you give a more accurate response but also demonstrates your attention to detail and communication skills. Interviewers appreciate candidates who make sure they are on the same page before diving into a response.

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3 Structure Response

When you're ready to answer, structure your response clearly and concisely. Start with a brief overview of your main point, then provide supporting details or examples, and conclude with a summary of your answer. This method, often referred to as the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result), helps you deliver a well-organized response and ensures that you touch on all the important aspects of your answer.

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Kush Rajde

Cloud Consultant by Profession, Public Speaker by Passion
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The first statement of your response should always be the exact answer to the question asked. Your answers should be reciprocating the format of a news article! It is a known truth that the best way to present in an interview should be by telling your stories - because the interviewers already have your resume and other relevant formal details on you that are submitted. There is an Inverted Pyramid format in news articles which consists of - the main points of the article, followed by the who, what, when, where, why, & how of the story, and then finally all the details of the story. Similarly, your story in an interview should follow the same format for the best responses!

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4 Show Adaptability

Challenging questions often aim to assess your adaptability and problem-solving skills. Use these questions as an opportunity to demonstrate how you've successfully navigated difficult situations in the past. Share examples that highlight your flexibility, creativity, and ability to learn from challenges. This shows employers that you're not just capable of handling tough situations but that you can also grow from them.

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5 Be Honest

If you encounter a question that stumps you, it's okay to admit that you don't have all the answers. Honesty is valued in business communications, and acknowledging your limits can actually work in your favor. You can then express your eagerness to learn or describe how you would go about finding a solution. This approach shows integrity and a commitment to professional development.

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6 Reflect Positively

Finally, try to turn challenging questions into a positive reflection of your skills and experiences. Even if the question highlights a weakness or a failure, focus on what you learned from the experience and how it has made you a better professional. This positive spin shows resilience and a growth mindset, qualities that are highly valued in any role.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Doug Eppler

Controller at AGROdeviate
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Some questions are intentionally tricky and your answer may not end up sounding as confident & professional as you would prefer. Remembering to enhance your answer with a story. Good prep entails having work examples that enhance your answers at your finger tips. Give a direct and strait forward answer and enhance your answer with a story from your experiences. You must relate the story to the question, but pre-selecting stories to discuss can alleviate stress, as you have pertinent stories that relate to the job description to utilize during the interview. Eliminating some experiences can also help you avoid bringing up incidents that might leave the wrong impression of you as a candidate. Think about what to bring up and what to avoid.

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What do you do if you're faced with challenging interview questions?

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1 Stay Calm

2 Understand Fully

3 Structure Response

4 Show Adaptability

5 Be Honest

6 Reflect Positively

7 Here’s what else to consider

Business Communications

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What do you do if you're faced with challenging interview questions?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Stay Calm

2 Understand Fully

3 Structure Response

4 Show Adaptability

5 Be Honest

6 Reflect Positively

7 Here’s what else to consider

Business Communications

Rate this article

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