Strategies for Answering Tough Interview Questions

Job interviews can be nerve-wracking experiences, especially when you’re faced with a question you weren’t prepared for. It’s a common occurrence to freeze up and forget everything you’ve rehearsed. However, there are ways to handle these tricky situations and buy yourself some time to form a thoughtful response. In this article, we’ll explore some effective strategies for answering tough interview questions.

The “Irresistible Compliment” Trick

Everyone loves to receive compliments, even interviewers. When you’re stumped by a question, try flattery. You can say something like, “Well, that’s certainly one clever question I have never heard before, so I better try and come up with an equally smart response.” This not only gives you some time to think but also lightens the mood, setting a positive tone for the rest of the interview.

The Art of Paraphrasing

If you don’t have an answer right away, don’t panic. Take a deep breath, and try to paraphrase the question. Rephrasing the interviewer’s question can help you understand it better and give you time to form a response. For example, if the question is, “How would your presence contribute to our business?” you can respond with, “Ah, so you’d like to know how me being an employee in your company would be beneficial for the future development of your business.” This tactic takes practice, but it is a skill worth refining.

Question Can Be An Answer

Sometimes, the best way to answer a difficult question is with another question. When the interviewer asks a question like “How can you contribute to our business?” try responding with something like, “I am familiar with the job description I’m applying for, but can you tell me about some unusual challenges I’ll be faced with? That way, I can tell you whether my skills can make your business prosper.” This response can both buy you more thinking time and showcase your interest in the company.

Asking for Clarification Helps (A Lot)

If you’re failing to understand a particular question, don’t shy away from asking for clarification. Politely ask the interviewer to provide more detail or explain what the purpose of the question is. For example, you can say, “Help me out a bit here. In order to answer your question properly, can you please tell me what is the purpose of your question so that I can provide you with a satisfying answer?” This will show that you’re interested in understanding the question thoroughly and that you value communication.

Return on It Later

It’s okay to ask the interviewer if you can answer the question later on. If you need more time to come up with an answer, you can politely ask the interviewer to revisit that particular question later in the interview. This gives you more time to research and develop your answer. Just like with tests, it’s always better to come back to a challenging question later instead of rushing through an incomplete answer or making mistakes.

Return to the Previous

If you find a question tough, try taking a step back, and returning to the previous question you answered. Spend some time linking the responses together, showing how you’re qualified for the role. This can help you keep the conversation flowing, give you time to think, and show the interviewer you’re a thoughtful and articulate candidate.

Honesty is Highly Appreciated

If you’re genuinely stumped and none of the above strategies work, go ahead and admit that you don’t know the answer. Honesty is highly appreciated, and you can always follow up by saying that you will do some research and get back to the interviewer with the answer. It’s better to own up to your limitations than to try and bluff your way through an answer that may come back to haunt you later.

Conclusion

Interviews can be tough to crack, but with the right strategies and mindset, you can ace them. Remember to practice the tips above and to take the time to prepare and research the company, the employer, and the industry you are interviewing for. With this, you can go into the interview confident and ready to take on whatever questions come your way. Best of luck!