The following 'difficult' questions are common to most tricky or adversarial interviews. In order to convince
interviewer that you are best person for job, you must prepare and rehearse your answers meticulously. Study job description and candidate profile; research company; and match your skills and accomplishments to employer's requirements.When preparing your answers, consider what each question is designed to find out about candidate's suitability for position on offer.
1. Why are you leaving your current job?
The employer is seeking to identify problems you have had in past that you may carry over into your new job. Always cite positive reasons for joining and leaving a company. Never criticize your previous employer or work colleagues. Avoid statements that may convey a negative impression of yourself or your ability to get on with others. State that you are looking for a new challenge and briefly explain why you see advertised position as an important step forward in your career.
2. Why should we employ you rather than one of other candidates?
The interviewer wants to know what unique quality makes you best person for job. To differentiate yourself from other candidates, you must show that you have researched company thoroughly and studied job description. You should be prepared to demonstrate clearly how your skills, qualifications, and accomplishments match employer's specific needs. It is important to convey genuine enthusiasm for post.
3. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
This particularly tricky question requires painstaking preparation and rehearsal. The interviewer is looking for evidence of critical self-assessment and a commitment to continuous self-development. Stress specific job-related strengths and accomplishments. Select one weakness that could be viewed both as positive and negative, e.g. you are a perfectionist who tends to work too long hours. Show, by particular example, how you have successfully addressed this tendency. Make sure to portray yourself in a positive light. Never mention a weakness that is directly related to job for which you are being interviewed.
4. Tell me about yourself.
The interviewer wants to know how well suited you are to job and how you can benefit company. Spend no longer than two minutes answering this question. By analysing job description and carrying out detailed company research in advance, you will have a clear idea of ideal candidate. Focus on your skills, qualifications, and accomplishments that relate to advertised position. Remember that company has a problem and they are looking for best solution. Prove to them that you can solve their problem better than anyone else.
