Millennials: How to Ace Commonly Asked Tough Interview Questions

Preparing for a job interview can be nerve-wracking, even for seasoned job seekers. Millennials, in particular, may find the experience daunting due to their lack of experience in handling difficult job interview questions. However, with proper preparation, millennials can face these challenging situations with confidence and ease. This article provides tips and tricks on how to ace the most commonly asked tough interview questions.

Tell me about yourself

The opening question in most job interviews, “Tell me about yourself” is designed to give the interviewer a brief overview of the candidate’s professional background. Many millennials tend to overshare or give a lengthy summary of their entire work and educational experience. Instead, try focusing on a short script, no more than a minute long. Be sure to highlight your most recent work experience and keep some parts of your resume for later in the interview. Do not give away everything about yourself upfront.

Have you ever had a conflict with an old boss and how was it resolved?

The purpose of this question is to determine how you resolve inevitable conflicts in the workplace, not whether you are an instigator. Avoid saying no, you have never had conflicts with an old boss, as the interviewer may not find your response credible. Instead, reframe the word ‘conflict’ to ‘disagreement’ and share how you handle it. Show how you resolved it through clear and open communication instead of letting it fester.

How would you describe yourself in X words?

This question is a tricky one to handle, as there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Try to cater your response to match the job role you are applying for. For instance, use creative adjectives for an art or design position, and precise words like “conscientious” or “deadline-oriented” for roles in accounting. Play up your persuasive skills when applying to join a team of distributors. Avoid unimpressive words like ‘outgoing’ or ‘friendly’ as they do not offer any critical insight. Instead, go with guaranteed crowd-pleasers like ‘reliable,’ ‘dependable,’ or ‘persistent.’

Why do you want to work here?

This question intends to gauge how much research you conducted on the company before your interview. Sneaky interviewers may trick you into slipping up and badmouthing your former workplace – don’t take the bait. Instead, focus on talking about your potential employer’s impact in the industry and their great reputation. Take some time to look up any current projects the company is working on, or their values and mission statements. This will show your interviewer that you are adequately prepared for the interview and researched the company, demonstrating a genuine interest in the business.

Why do you want to leave your job?

It can be tempting, to be honest about the negatives that led you to leave your previous job. However, resist the urge to vent your frustrations or bitterness. Instead, showcase your growth mindset and describe the invaluable learning opportunities you received at your previous position. Share how these skills could benefit the new position while still allowing you to grow professionally. Keep the focus on what you want to achieve with a new role and how you can contribute to the company’s success.

Final Thoughts

Job interviews are often complex and stressful situations, especially for millennials unfamiliar with answering tough interview questions. However, with proper planning and preparation, you can ace your next job interview. The key is to understand the interviewer’s intent and carefully choose your answers. Be sure to showcase your strengths and how you can contribute to the company’s success. Remember, it is not just about answering the tough questions but also about building a rapport with the interviewer and demonstrating your professionalism and work ethic.