10 Tough Job Interview Questions and Answers

The essence of a job interview is to assess your abilities and determine if you are the right candidate for the job. Here we will show you the top 10 tough job interview questions and how to answer them.

Imagine if you’re invited for an interview, and the employer asked a question you could not answer; of course you would look stupid, right? So, to avoid such scenario, you need to prepare yourself by going through this post.

It is really disappointing to be disqualified after you have gotten to an interview table, and when this happens you may not forgive yourself.

Before we walk you through the tough interview questions and answers, first understand that one major thing that could make people fail an interview is ‘nervousness’. This can even become worse if you do not  prepare adequately before going for the interview. If you can build your confidence and analyze the possible questions, you may not have a problem.

Job interview is a simple tool of judgement that employers use to assess persons whose Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Cover letters are worthy to be considered for the job. You may like to check out how to write interview-landing CVs.

Job interview questions

Interview is the most crucial stage in getting a job. While someone can write your CV or Cover letters, you are to face the panel of interviewers by yourself. So, we are about to show you the most difficult questions you are likely to encounter during a job interview.

Although, some interview questions may seem rather simple on the surface but the answers are not what you really may expect.

For example, “Tell me about yourself?” Questions like this can have a variety of answers. The more open ended the question is, the wider the variation in the answers.

Some other interview questions are classic, like “What is your greatest weakness?” When you are asked this question, you don’t start telling about the ugly side of you like “I am a drunkard”, “I go to work late”.

No! What is expected of you is to provide a fair weakness which you have already started working to improve.

Such as, “I easily forget schedules after work but I have started setting reminders on my phone and this has been helping me to keep date to my appointments.

10 Tough Job Interview Questions And Answers

Below are the top 10 tough questions:

1. Tell me about yourself? 

This question appears to be simple. May be that is the reason so many people overlook it and fail it.

Tip: You are not expected to give your complete personal or employment details. Instead give concise and intriguing details pointing why you are fit for the job.

You may start with your 2 or 3 accomplishments or experiences that you want the interviewer to know about, then conclude by saying how the prior experiences or accomplishments positioned you to the job you are seeking.

Example;

“I have served in Nigerian Breweries as the assistant to the company’s branch manager.

From my 12 years of experience as an executive assistant, I’ve developed the ability to anticipate roadblocks and create effective alternative plans.

My greatest value to any executive is my ability to work independently, freeing up their time to focus on the needs of the business.

“It’s clear to me that you’re looking for someone who understands the nuances of managing a plant manager’s busy day and can proactively tackle issues.

As someone with an eye for detail and a drive to organize, I thrive on making sure every day has a clear plan and every plan is clearly communicated.” You can check out 5 fastest ways to get a job in Nigeria.

2. How would you describe yourself? 

Here, your descriptions should rhyme with your abilities needed for the job you are seeking.

Example; assuming you applied for the position of a security officer, and you are asked this question in an interview, here is how to answer it.

“I would say that as a security officer, I’m vigilant, proactive and committed to ensuring safe, secure, and orderly environments where I work.

I’m also a lifelong learner, always seeking out the latest security equipment and techniques to patrol buildings.

I frequently make suggestions to management about security improvements and challenges as my motivation comes from making a meaningful contribution.” You can check out how to apply and get job in Canada from Nigeria.

3. What are your greatest strengths?

When asked this question, the interviewer is interested to hear you talk about your strengths that are targeted to the particular position you are seeking.

Follow up with an example of how you have demonstrated these abilities in a professional manner.

Example;

“I’m a problem solver. I go extra miles in uncovering solutions to existing challenges. Solving problems to me is like solving a puzzle. It’s something I have excelled at and enjoy.

Much of product development is about finding innovative solutions to challenging issues, which is what attracted me to this career path in the first place.”

4. What are your greatest weaknesses?

Most career book would tell you to pick a strength and present it as a weakness, such as “I work too much” or “I come to work very earlier than the time” but that is wrong, misleading and off point.

What you should do is to select a weakness that you have already working to overcome.

Example;

“I have problems with planning and prioritization, however, I’m now taking steps to correct it. I have started using a pocket planner (show them your planner and how you are using it).” You can also check 7 ways to get good job after your NYSC

5. If I were to ask your professor to describe you, what would they say?

This crucial interview questions that many fail. It is actually a question to test your reference. Do not what until the interviewer ask you.

You can ask your bosses, lecturers or professors asked to describe you in advance. If they are willing to provide a positive reference, then ask the for letter of recommendation.

Below is how to answer the question;

“I strongly believe he would say I’m hardworking and one of the best people he has ever meet. I’m sure he will say that, here is his words.

May I sure you his letter of recommendation?” Prepare to hand the letter of recommendation to the interviewer if he accepts to see it.

6. If you had to live your life over again, what one thing would you change?

You should focus on a missed opportunity or key turning point in your life. Don’t make it look as if that opportunity has gone forever.

For example;

Although, I am very happy with where I am at in my life, but one thing I would like to change would be focusing earlier on my chosen career path.

I had a great internship this past year and look forward to more experience in the field. I wish  I had focused  earlier.

7. Why should we hire you?

Your answer to this question should aim at telling the interviewer that you are the best person for the job, and don’t fear to say it, then back it up with what makes you better than other applicants.

Example; 

You should hire me because I’m the best person for the job. I’m awear that there are likely other candidates who also have the abilities to do the job, but I have additional quality that makes me the best person among them. I am passionately committed to producing world class result.

See Another example;

You should hire me because my qualification/experience match the requirements you asked for in your job listing. I have 2 years experience in quality control.

I pride myself on my ability to quickly resolve problems, so as to provide maximum satisfaction to our customers.

8. What qualities do you think a successful manager should have?

When answering this question, focus on two words; Leadership and Vision

Example;

“The key quality in a successful manager is leadership; the ability to be visionary for the people who are working under them. He should be capable of setting course and direction for subordinates.

At this juncture, you can give example of someone who has touched your life and how his impact helped in your personal development.

9. What makes you unique?

Example: “What makes me unique is my experience of having spent four years in retail.

Because I’ve had first-hand experience fielding shoppers’ questions, feedback and complaints, I know what customers want.

I know what it takes to create a positive consumer experience because I’ve had that direct interaction, working directly with consumers in person.”

10. Are you a team player?

Your direct answer to this question is “yes”. But understand that this particular question is not a ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ question. You need to state reasons your answer is ‘Yes’ and give examples.

Example;

Yes, I am a team player. I have had the opportunity in my previous work or school to develop my skills as a team player. You can provide example.

You can download the card below for easy reference