The trick to answering the toughest interview questions is to look at them as ways you can show off your skills and professionalism. Making that mental flip will help ease anxiety before an important job interview. Though you won't be able to prepare for every question thrown at you--and some interviewers plan it that way to see how you think on your feet--a little research beforehand goes a long way to help you stay calm, cool and collected.
Tell Me About Yourself
Though not technically a question, many hiring managers start an interview off with this phrase to get you talking. It's a broad statement, so how do you tackle it without meandering and appearing as if you lack focus? Prepare for the interview beforehand by developing a short script about your past education, experience and interests and how those relate to the position to which you are applying. Conclude your response with why you are applying to the specific company.
What Are Your Biggest Weaknesses?
Interviewers like to ask questions about your negative qualities to assess your weaknesses but also to determine how you deal with your flaws. After all, no one is perfect, and no employer expects a candidate to be either. What this question allows you to do is comment on concrete ways you tackle your difficulties. For example, if you aren't confident about your writing skills, mention that you've taken writing classes to help build your speed and strengthen your prose.
Can You Describe Your Least Favorite Boss?
Another negative question, this time aimed at evaluating your interpersonal skills. If you go on a tirade about your previous employer outlining everything the two of you butted heads about, you might come off as difficult to work with. Instead, describe how you dealt with the less-than-ideal situation and what you learned from it. For example, if a prior boss was always traveling and difficult to contact, telling an interviewer about the way you found other mentors within the company shows initiative. You could add that it built your independent problem-solving techniques because you were trusted to work on your own much of the time.
What Are Your Salary Requirements?
If it's impossible to avoid this question until you receive a job offer, stick to salary ranges and research average salaries on websites like Salary.com so you have an idea of a realistic figure based on your skill level and location. You can also tell the interviewer you are negotiable and ask him to provide a broad number so you can work together to come up with an exact number.
Do You Have Any Questions?
The worst answer to this seemingly innocuous question is "No." It tells the interviewer that you might not be interested in working for the company or in the position. Research the company in advance and develop two to three pointed questions about the organization. Ask about advancement and education opportunities to show your ambition and willingness to learn. Use this time to clear up any details about the job that you would like sorted out.
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