Great Answers to Tough Interview Questions

Admin March 26, 2025 No Comments Free Fundamentals Management Technical Testing

Last Updated: October 30, 2025

28 min read

Complete Interview Questions Guide

Master every interview with comprehensive questions, answers, and expert strategies

The number one way to ace to an interview is to know yourself! Always complete your research before an interview: know the kinds of things you are good at, the kind of things that you may need to work on, the kinds of experiences you've had in the past, what kind of boss you'd like to work for, what kind of company you'd like to work for, etc.

Questions that revolve around potential negatives are always the toughest to answer. Prepare for them by thinking about answers ahead of time. Type up answers or write them out, and review them before going into the interview. It is like studying concise, and then stopping and seeing if the interviewer wants to pursue it further.

The following questions have been identified as some of the toughest in the interviewing business. These are the ones you need to prepare for ahead of time!

The Toughest Interview Questions

1. Tell me about yourself

Probably the easiest difficult question you will face! It is easy to talk about you, but what does the employer really want to know? Try talking about personal characteristics and skills that translate into career strengths. Develop a one minute commercial for yourself. In one minute, tell someone from your high school days upward why you chose the college you did; what you did in college and why you made the decision to go into your particular field.

Typically the interviewer is looking for an overview of your related experience. Provide an answer that shows a logical progression throughout your educational/professional career. If your educational background led you in a certain direction, include that in the overview. While this may be seen as an easy question for some, quite a few solid candidates blundered on this simple question. We are not used to selling our abilities and competencies like a product. For those who have given it some thought, this is the right opportunity to talk about your strengths such as your enthusiasm, leadership, self-confidence and reliability, with a few real life anecdotes thrown in to support your points.

EXAMPLE: "I love to jump into projects with both feet. I can concentrate on solving a tech problem for hours, although I know to effectively use my time I need to consult my colleagues for their expertise, and often convene brief project team meetings bounce around a solution, plotting it out, and preparing a presentation for my boss. Object oriented technology [or any other skill] is my newest challenge."

EXAMPLE: "My background to date has been centered on planning myself to become the very best I can become. Let me tell you specifically how I've prepared myself…"

2. What are your greatest strengths?

You certainly have many positive qualities, but since you can only choose a few, be careful as your answer will also reflect your values. Some might say honesty, other reliability or a strong sense of leadership, but whatever it might be, be ready to make reference to a situation where you have demonstrated such strength. Examples help solidify and support your strengths.

3. What is your greatest weakness?

Admit that you have a weakness, and that you are successfully using a strategy to improve this weak are you have realized in your professional array of skills and experience. This technique turns the weakness into a strength by demonstrating your commitment to self improvement.

EXAMPLE: "I would say that my greatest weakness has been a lack of proper planning in the past. I would overcommit myself with too many variant tasks, then not b able to fully accomplish each as I would like. However, since I've come to recognize that weakness, I've taken steps to correct it. For example, I now carry my palm pilot at all times so that I can effectively plan my appointments and "to do list" items."

4. What were your favorite subjects in school and why?

Of course, if your major is Computer Science, you want to mention some of your computer science classes. You can mention other related subjects as well. For example, if you're interviewing at a financial services firm, you might discuss why you liked your accounting or finance classes. If you did any usual or special projects in that area bring it up now. Mention anything that shoes keen interests in this employer's particular kind of work.

5. Why change jobs now?

Interviewers want to now your reasons for leaving a particular position/employer. It is important to stay positive about your past experiences. Nobody wants to hire a person that complains about past employersthey figure you may complain about them in the future. Talk about why it was time to move on, that you learned a lot, you are seeking new and more challenging opportunities, etc.

6. What makes you stand out when compared with your peers?

Employers want to know that they are considering someone who will go above and beyond the call of duty. It is easy to hire a person that will do that they are asked to do between nine and five. However, it is better to hire a person that meets all the basic expectations and more. Provide examples of projects which you excelled with, ideas that helped streamline operations, or new sales/marketing techniques that increased revenues. If you put some thought into it, there are probably several things you have accomplishes in the past that makes you stand out.

7. What type of management / supervision do you prefer?

This question can come in many forms, but the meaning is always the same: are you able to be managed by people with different styles? You probably have reported to managers with vastly different approaches to management and supervision, and have learned which styles you prefer. Since you probably do not know the manager's style at the prospective employer, talk about the positive aspects of each style you've encountered.

8. What do you like about your current position? What would you add to make it more challenging?

Interviewers are looking for people that have some relevant experience for the position offered. This question allows you to pick the responsibilities that you enjoyed that are also included in the available position. (I like the people is NOT an acceptable answer, unless you are taking them with you!) The second part of this question focuses on what you want to learn in your next job. If it were available in your present/last position, you would still be there. Think about what this position offers and what you can contribute. This should match well with that you want to learn/do.

9. Where do you see yourself in (X) years?

This may be the toughest question of them all! If you only had a crystal ball! Basically, however, Interviewers are doing a reality check here. They want to see if you are a realistic about your career goals and the steps you will need to take to attain them.

The best answers start in the present and work forward. Talk about your next move and what you hope to accomplish over the next year or two. Then take that one or two more steps. Most importantly, keep your dreams within the realm of reality.

10. Why should we hire you for this position?

This question is as straightforward as they come. If you've prepared for the interview ahead of time, this one should be easy. Your answer should focus on your experience, accomplishments, why you are different than your peers, and your work ethic, as they pertain to the specific job description. If you handled the interview well up to this point, you are just tying it all together.

11. What books/magazines do you read?

Obviously, a technical or trade journal is one answer they are looking for. The books you've read tell the manager something about you personality. Whatever you do, don't say, "I don't like to read."

12. What interests you most about this position?

Your education, training and experience as well as your accomplishments should provide good references for answering that question. Do not hesitate to stress the fact that this would represent a dynamic move, while giving you the opportunity to grow, to increase your responsibilities and knowledge of the field, and may possibly help you define and reach new goals.

13. Do you work well under pressure?

Of course everyone will say yes, but it is more convincing if you could provide examples of situations when you have remained cool under fire. Be careful not to choose a situation of crisis for which you were the one responsible!

14. If you could change one thing about your personality, what would it be, and why?

Make the answer to this question positive by referencing your attitude and determination. Comments such as "I am sometimes impatient with slow performers" or "Being very demanding of myself" or "Sometimes I expect too much from others" are good. Keep in mind that most interviewers will use the information you give them to raise even more incisive questions.

15. How has your education prepared you for your career?

EXAMPLE: "As you will note on my resume, I've taken not only the required core classes in the field, I've also gone above and beyond. I've taken every class the college has to offer in the field and also completed an independent study project specifically in this area. But it's not just taking the classes to gin academic knowledgeI've taken each class both inside and outside of my major, with this profession in mind. So when we're studying in , I've viewed it from the perspective of . In addition, I've always tried to keep practical view of how the information would apply to my job. Not just theory, but how it would actually apply. My capstone course project in my final semester involved developing a realworld model of , which is very similar to what might be used within your company. Let me tell you about it…"

16. Are you a team player?

EXAMPLE: "Very much so. In fact, I've had opportunities in both athletics and academics to develop my skills as a team player. I was involved in at the intramural level, including leading my team in assists during the past yearI always try to help others achieve their best. In academics, I've worked on several team projects, serving as both a member and a team leader. I've seen the value of working together as a team to achieve a higher goal than any one of us could have achieved individually. As an example…"

17. Have you ever had a conflict with a boss or professor? How was it resolved?

EXAMPLE: "Yes, I have had conflicts in the past. Never major ones, but certainly there have been situations where there was a disagreement that needed to be resolved. I've found that when conflict occurs, it's because of a failure to see both sides of a situation. Therefore, I ask the other person to give me their perspective and at the same time ask that they allow me to fully explain my perspective. At that point, I would work with the person to find out if a compromise could be reached. If not, I would submit their decision because they are my superior. In the end, you have to be willing to submit yourself to the directives of your superior, whether you're in full agreement or not. An example of this was when…"

18. If I asked your professors to describe you, what would they say?

EXAMPLE: "I believe they would say I am very energetic person, that I put my mind to the task at hand and see to it that it's accomplished. They would say that if they ever had something that to be done, I was the person who they could always depend on to see that it was accomplished. They would say that I always took a keen interest in the subjects that I was studying and always sought ways to apply the knowledge in real world settings. Am I just guessing that they would say these things? No, in fact, I am quite certain they would say those things because I have them with me in several letters of recommendation from my professors, and those are their very words."

19. What qualities do you feel a successful manager should have?

EXAMPLE: "The key quality should be leadership the ability to be the visionary for the people who are working under them; the person who can set the course and direction for subordinates. A manager should also be a positive role model for others to follow. The highest calling of a true leader is inspiring others to reach the highest of their abilities. I'd like to tell you about a person who I consider to be a true leader…"

20. If you had to live your life over again, what would you change?

EXAMPLE: "That's a good question. I realize that it can be very easy to look back and wish that things had been different in the past. But I also realize that things in the past cannot be changed, that only things in the future can be changed. That's why I continually strive to improve myself everyday and that is why I am working hard to become the very best your company has ever had to make a positive change. So in answer to your question, there isn't anything in my past that I would change. I look to the future to make changes in my life."

21. Why were you fired from your last job?

If you were fired wrongfully, say it matter of factly. Do not show a grudge against your old employer. If you were fired because something that was your fault, say it in a less damaging way.

EXAMPLE: "I cut prices on our product to make a customer happy without asking my superior. The company lost money and I was fired because of that. I agree it was my faultI should have asked my superior. I have learned my lesson and it will never happen again."

22. It's been 6 years since you started your bachelor's degree, why aren't you finished?

Be as positive as possible and explain your reasons calmly and logically. Never answer the following: you are having too much fun and did not have time, you do not think a degree is important, etc.

23. If you join our company, and another company offers you more money, will you leave? Or, how long will you stay with us?

If you say yes, you will probably not get the job. If you want, you can tell them that the salary will make you happy and keep you with this company. For example, you might say something like, "If I accept the job, then that means that I also accept the salary and I do not think I will leave." Concerning your length of employment longer is better. You may want to discuss that you want to stay at your next job as long as the relationship is mutually beneficial.

24. What are the things in a job that make you more productive? Less productive?

Remember, no work environment is 100% perfect. You can't please all of the people all of the time. However, we adapt and make the best of what we have. So make your answer practical.

25. Why have you been unemployed for the last two years?

You must have a sound reason for not working so long or having a big gap in your work history. Some examples of good reason would be: Caring for a sick family member; Raising children; Looking for the right job where you can really contribute (this will not work if the period of unemployment was an extremely long time); Trying out self employment or owning your own business; Returning to school for further training; Learning new skills; Exploring or traveling (for a short gap only).

26. At your last job, you worked at the same position for five years without a promotion. Why?

Avoid saying anything negative. Tell the truth in a positive way.Its human unconscious bias, negative things stuck in mind for long.

EXAMPLE: "There was not much growth in our department. None of the people working in my department had been promoted. This is one of the reasons I am looking for a new employment opportunity."

27. What salary are you looking for? Or, what kind of salary do you think you are worth?

Don't be too specific – a range is often most comfortable for everyone to work with. Even better, ask if the company has a salary scale and base your answer on that. Remember, salary is related to market value. Research your worth before you get into the interview. Also, interviews are not ignorant. Research your market value and give a range

EXAMPLE: "I checked a few sites on the internet and found that the average salary for a web designer ranges from 45K to 60K per year in this geographic area, depending on the responsibilities and duties involved. I am not set on a specific number and am willing to negotiate."

28. How many players are there in a soccer game?

This type of question has nothing to do with your career. Right or wrong answers do not matter. Interviewers want to see if you can manage with nonrelated subjects, and think on your feet. They might be testing your ability to reason, problem solve, and utilize resources.

EXAMPLE: "I am not sure but my guess would be at least two players on each side, one in the goal and one to play defense. I will put the number between seven and twelve on each team. I would definitely want to consult a colleague of mine who plays soccer if this was a game show right now – using phone a friend is important sometimes in utilizing available resources."

29. Do you have any questions?

If you have done your homework, you'll have several questions to ask about the position, company, or industry. Having questions already prepared makes you appear motivated to excel in the interview, and generally organized and put together. If all else fails, ask the interviewer if they need any further clarification about your qualifications.

Quick Reference Guide

Tell me about yourself

The most often asked question in interviews. You need to have a short statement prepared in your mind. Be careful that it does not sound rehearsed. Limit it to work-related items unless instructed otherwise. Talk about things you have done and jobs you have held that relate to the position you are interviewing for. Start with the item farthest back and work up to the present.

Why did you leave your last job?

Stay positive regardless of the circumstances. Never refer to a major problem with management and never speak ill of supervisors, co-workers or the organization. If you do, you will be the one looking bad. Keep smiling and talk about leaving for a positive reason such as an opportunity, a chance to do something special or other forward-looking reasons.

What experience do you have in this field?

Speak about specifics that relate to the position you are applying for. If you do not have specific experience, get as close as you can.

Do you consider yourself successful?

You should always answer yes and briefly explain why. A good explanation is that you have set goals, and you have met some and are on track to achieve the others.

What do co-workers say about you?

Be prepared with a quote or two from co-workers. Either a specific statement or a paraphrase will work. Jill Clark, a co-worker at Smith Company, always said I was the hardest workers she had ever known. It is as powerful as Jill having said it at the interview herself.

What do you know about this organization?

This question is one reason to do some research on the organization before the interview. Find out where they have been and where they are going. What are the current issues and who are the major players?

What have you done to improve your knowledge in the last year?

Try to include improvement activities that relate to the job. A wide variety of activities can be mentioned as positive self-improvement. Have some good ones handy to mention.

Are you applying for other jobs?

Be honest but do not spend a lot of time in this area. Keep the focus on this job and what you can do for this organization. Anything else is a distraction.

Why do you want to work for this organization?

This may take some thought and certainly, should be based on the research you have done on the organization. Sincerity is extremely important here and will easily be sensed. Relate it to your long-term career goals.

Do you know anyone who works for us?

Be aware of the policy on relatives working for the organization. This can affect your answer even though they asked about friends not relatives. Be careful to mention a friend only if they are well thought of.

What kind of salary do you need?

A loaded question. A nasty little game that you will probably lose if you answer first. So, do not answer it. Instead, say something like, That's a tough question. Can you tell me the range for this position? In most cases, the interviewer, taken off guard, will tell you. If not, say that it can depend on the details of the job. Then give a wide range.

Are you a team player?

You are, of course, a team player. Be sure to have examples ready. Specifics that show you often perform for the good of the team rather than for yourself are good evidence of your team attitude. Do not brag, just say it in a matter-of-fact tone. This is a key point.

How long would you expect to work for us if hired?

Specifics here are not good. Something like this should work: I'd like it to be a long time. Or As long as we both feel I'm doing a good job.

Have you ever had to fire anyone? How did you feel about that?

This is serious. Do not make light of it or in any way seem like you like to fire people. At the same time, you will do it when it is the right thing to do. When it comes to the organization versus the individual who has created a harmful situation, you will protect the organization. Remember firing is not the same as layoff or reduction in force.

What is your philosophy towards work?

The interviewer is not looking for a long or flowery dissertation here. Do you have strong feelings that the job gets done? Yes. That's the type of answer that works best here. Short and positive, showing a benefit to the organization.

If you had enough money to retire right now, would you?

Answer yes if you would. But since you need to work, this is the type of work you prefer. Do not say yes if you do not mean it.

Have you ever been asked to leave a position?

If you have not, say no. If you have, be honest, brief and avoid saying negative things about the people or organization involved.

Explain how you would be an asset to this organization

You should be anxious for this question. It gives you a chance to highlight your best points as they relate to the position being discussed. Give a little advance thought to this relationship.

Why should we hire you?

Point out how your assets meet what the organization needs. Do not mention any other candidates to make a comparison.

Tell me about a suggestion you have made

Have a good one ready. Be sure and use a suggestion that was accepted and was then considered successful. One related to the type of work applied for is a real plus.

What irritates you about co-workers?

This is a trap question. Think real hard but fail to come up with anything that irritates you. A short statement that you seem to get along with folks is great.

What is your greatest strength?

Numerous answers are good, just stay positive. A few good examples: Your ability to prioritize, Your problem-solving skills, Your ability to work under pressure, Your ability to focus on projects, Your professional expertise, Your leadership skills, Your positive attitude.

Tell me about your dream job

Stay away from a specific job. You cannot win. If you say the job you are contending for is it, you strain credibility. If you say another job is it, you plant the suspicion that you will be dissatisfied with this position if hired. The best is to stay genetic and say something like: A job where I love the work, like the people, can contribute and can't wait to get to work.

Why do you think you would do well at this job?

Give several reasons and include skills, experience and interest.

What kind of person would you refuse to work with?

Do not be trivial. It would take disloyalty to the organization, violence or lawbreaking to get you to object. Minor objections will label you as a whiner.

What is more important to you: the money or the work?

Money is always important, but the work is the most important. There is no better answer.

What would your previous supervisor say your strongest point is?

There are numerous good possibilities: Loyalty, Energy, Positive attitude, Leadership, Team player, Expertise, Initiative, Patience, Hard work, Creativity, Problem solver.

Tell me about a problem you had with a supervisor

Biggest trap of all. This is a test to see if you will speak ill of your boss. If you fall for it and tell about a problem with a former boss, you may well below the interview right there. Stay positive and develop a poor memory about any trouble with a supervisor.

What has disappointed you about a job?

Don't get trivial or negative. Safe areas are few but can include: Not enough of a challenge. You were laid off in a reduction Company did not win a contract, which would have given you more responsibility.

Tell me about your ability to work under pressure

You may say that you thrive under certain types of pressure. Give an example that relates to the type of position applied for.

Do your skills match this job or another job more closely?

Probably this one. Do not give fuel to the suspicion that you may want another job more than this one.

What motivates you to do your best on the job?

This is a personal trait that only you can say, but good examples are: Challenge, Achievement, Recognition.

Are you willing to work overtime? Nights? Weekends?

This is up to you. Be totally honest.

How would you know you were successful on this job?

Several ways are good measures: You set high standards for yourself and meet them. Your outcomes are a success. Your boss tell you that you are successful.

Would you be willing to relocate if required?

You should be clear on this with your family prior to the interview if you think there is a chance it may come up. Do not say yes just to get the job if the real answer is no. This can create a lot of problems later on in your career. Be honest at this point and save yourself future grief.

Are you willing to put the interests of the organization ahead of your own?

This is a straight loyalty and dedication question. Do not worry about the deep ethical and philosophical implications. Just say yes.

Describe your management style

Try to avoid labels. Some of the more common labels, like progressive, salesman or consensus, can have several meanings or descriptions depending on which management expert you listen to. The situational style is safe, because it says you will manage according to the situation, instead of one size fits all.

What have you learned from mistakes on the job?

Here you have to come up with something or you strain credibility. Make it small, well intentioned mistake with a positive lesson learned. An example would be working too far ahead of colleagues on a project and thus throwing coordination off.

Do you have any blind spots?

Trick question. If you know about blind spots, they are no longer blind spots. Do not reveal any personal areas of concern here. Let them do their own discovery on your bad points. Do not hand it to them.

If you were hiring a person for this job, what would you look for?

Be careful to mention traits that are needed and that you have.

Do you think you are overqualified for this position?

Regardless of your qualifications, state that you are very well qualified for the position.

How do you propose to compensate for your lack of experience?

First, if you have experience that the interviewer does not know about, bring that up: Then, point out (if true) that you are a hard working quick learner.

What qualities do you look for in a boss?

Be generic and positive. Safe qualities are knowledgeable, a sense of humor, fair, loyal to subordinates and holder of high standards. All bosses think they have these traits.

Tell me about a time when you helped resolve a dispute between others

Pick a specific incident. Concentrate on your problem solving technique and not the dispute you settled.

What position do you prefer on a team working on a project?

Be honest. If you are comfortable in different roles, point that out.

Describe your work ethic

Emphasize benefits to the organization. Things like, determination to get the job done and work hard but enjoy your work are good.

What has been your biggest professional disappointment?

Be sure that you refer to something that was beyond your control. Show acceptance and no negative feelings.

Tell me about the most fun you have had on the job

Talk about having fun by accomplishing something for the organization.

Do you have any questions for me?

Always have some questions prepared. Questions prepared where you will be an asset to the organization are good. How soon will I be able to be productive? and What type of projects will I be able to assist on? are examples.

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