Toughest Interview Questions
Q: "What are your weaknesses?" "Don't take this literally and go into a detailed explanation of your weaknesses," says John Challenger, CEO of global outplacement consultancy Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc. He advises taking a potential weakness and putting a positive spin on it.
A: "I am very detail-oriented and in some industries that may not be a good fit. But for this accounting position, I think this trait truly will help me excel."
Q: "How would you solve this problem?" Challenger says that these kinds of hypothetical questions can be risky. First of all, they may not like your answer; if they do like it, there's a chance they will steal it. That's what happened to June Sullivan when she interviewed for an activity director's position at a long-term care facility. When asked about marketing ideas, June laid out her entire plan. Well, she didn't get the job, but later recognized some of her strategies being used by the facility.
A: "I think you can increase product awareness by enacting some marketing strategies that could employ advertising, direct mail or media placements."
Q: "Why did you leave your last job?" Again, Challenger suggests presenting everything in a positive light. An interview is not the time to dish the dirt on your previous employer.
