7 Difficult Interview Questions And Sample Responses
During a job interview, there may be some questions that seem vague or are particularly difficult to answer. By understanding how to prepare for difficult interview questions, riddles, and logic puzzles, you can stand out from other interview candidates. We’ve provided a selection of difficult interview questions and sample answers in this post to assist you in your preparation.
Why do recruiters pose difficult interview questions?
Future employers ask difficult interview questions to learn more about your capacity for processing information, communicating, and making decisions. Tricky questions are those that might not directly connect to the position or your professional background. Word searches, pretend scenarios, or discussions of your life and job search outside the context of the position you’re currently applying for might be included.
These questions serve a vital purpose because they may disclose soft skills that aren’t always visible on a CV or help to understand your personality. Mind-tricks questions can reveal more about you than planned responses since they force you to come up with original responses on the spot rather than sticking to your prepared responses.
How to answer difficult interview questions
You will be able to react to difficult interview questions with confidence if you are well-prepared for the interview. Follow these steps to react to difficult or unusual interview questions:
1.First, get ready for the interview.
Find out about the interviewing procedure online or from those who have already gone through it. It will be helpful even if the challenging interview questions are different from the ones you practice previously.
2. Pay attention to the questions.
Be patient as you listen to the interviewer’s question. Give the speaker time to finish their question before coming up with an answer. Before responding, repeat questions as required to show that you are understanding the problem and to show that you are paying attention.
3. When required, ask
Asking clarifying inquiries can help you understand the rationale behind challenging queries. If you’re unsure of whether you understood the question correctly, restate it and then ask, “Are you asking…?”
4. Clearly state your points.
Describe the math or logic you employ when solving riddles. If the question has a straightforward answer, talking through the process will show insights into your critical thinking talents that will help you defend your final conclusion, even if it is erroneous.
Giving the interviewer context and describing your thought process in response to subjective questions helps them understand your response.
5. Keep your composure.
When responding to difficult questions, be prepared to smile and be amusing. Nod your head in agreement to demonstrate to the interviewer that you comprehend the question. Then you can take some time to think.
illustrations of challenging interview questions and answers
To gain an idea of the difficult topics that future employers might bring up and how you should reply, look over the examples of questions below:
1. Why are utility hole covers rounded?
Please respond to this question using logic and spatial thinking. In a few cases, this can be answered precisely. Your firm will learn that you are capable of judging three-dimensional objects if you respond appropriately. Your prospective employer will get a chance to see how you respond to an unforeseen situation by using this question.
Example: “A circular utility hole cover cannot fall in, but a square utility hole cover may if it were oriented diagonally. Since a spherical cover doesn’t need to align with corners, it can be positioned anywhere and moved more readily.
2. Where will you be seated at the corporate holiday party?
The interviewer can visualize how your personality might fit into the bigger setting of the job thanks to this difficult question. Your actions at a Christmas party reveal to a prospective employer what kind of team player you might be. The extrovert will probably be dancing, and the introvert will probably be eating dinner. A follower can be in the rear of the food line while a leader announces the raffle winners. Respond in a way that demonstrates your social skills.
Say, for instance, “I would be handing out candy canes to get to know everyone present. On the last day of work before the holiday break at my previous job, I used to bake a batch of cookies. I think small gifts are a great way to spark conversation and spread Christmas cheer.
3. What would be your ideal job?
This question is difficult because the apparent response is to mention the position you are now seeking. However, it can be interpreted as an indication that you’re not dedicated to the current opportunity if you suggest another one. Choose a comment that expresses your desire to progress within the company. This gives your prospective employer some insight into your long-term professional goals.
For instance: “My ideal position would provide me the opportunity to progress from marketing agent to marketing manager and have the opportunity to oversee the entire department. In order to improve my managerial leadership skills in preparation for the future, I’ve been attending seminars.
4. You have two jugs: a three-gallon and a five-gallon container. How many gallons are there in four?
Although there are obviously right and wrong answers to this, you can first be confused, especially if the pressure for the interview is building. Think about how the question might be answered in a classroom. Ask for a pencil and paper or other tools like paperclips if necessary so that you can better visualize the problem. This quiz is designed to test your ability to use math and critical thinking under pressure.
Pour the contents of the three-gallon jug into the five-gallon jug to fill it. Pour liquid from the three-gallon jug into the five-gallon jug and keep pouring until the five-gallon jug is full. There should be one gallon remaining in the three-gallon container. After emptying the five-gallon container, fill this with the one gallon. After filling the three-gallon container to the top and emptying the contents into the second one, you should have a total of four gallons.
5. How does this job differ from the others you are interviewing for?
This question is commonly asked to determine your level of priority for the current position and whether you are actively seeking for new jobs. The question also assesses your level of morals and genuineness. Give an honest answer while leaving the names of the firms and the roles you hold vague. Mention something positive about the role for which you are now being interviewed.
Example: “I’ve submitted applications for a lot of positions that are similar, but I haven’t yet chosen which one is the best fit. I value the cross-functional approach your team takes, and I’m confident that my diverse skill set would be an excellent fit for it.
6. If you were a tree, what sort would you be and why?
The interviewer may ask you this question to discover more about your character and way of thinking. Asking yourself what kind of flower, animal, or bird you would like to be is another way to phrase this question. Give a thoughtful response that emphasizes a strong aspect of your character.
For example, “I feel most like a palm tree because I feel quite strong yet flexible—able to weather practically any storm. Like palm trees, which seem to be able to continue growing indefinitely under various circumstances, I’m always looking to enhance my career.
What song is your own personal anthem?
Your comment can assist your employer better understand your working style. Whether you come with a good attitude or move through the day to a calming classical composition, your response will reveal something about your work personality. Give a famous song’s lyrics that you can sincerely relate to as an example.
My own theme song is “Taking Care of Business,” for example. It’s easy for me to work enthusedly all day because I like to be task-oriented and love what I’m doing.
