INTERVIEW TIPS - 3 Hardest Interview Questions You’ll Need To Answer To Land Your Next Job
Posted 22nd January 2025 • Written by Ashley Stahl on forbes.com • • • • • •
So, why not get started by tackling the questions that might throw you for the biggest loop? Here are the three hardest interview questions and how you can nail them.
Tell me about yourself.
Most interviewers start with a seemingly simple question: Tell me about yourself. It seems so straight-forward that inexperienced interviewers may not spend time preparing to answer it— after all, who knows more about you than, well, you?
But once you’re actually on the spot and the nerves set in, this question is so open-ended that it makes it easy to ramble or provide an unclear picture of who you are professionally and in context of the job for which you’re applying.
While you want to add personal elements and spark organic conversation, everything you mention should help convince the interviewer you are the right person for the job.
Here’s a structure you can follow:
Share a story that demonstrates your career interest.
You don’t stand out in an interview by sharing what’s already on your resume. Instead, shake things up when you get the usual, “tell me about yourself” by sharing a personal anecdote that relates to your skills and interest in the position you’re applying to.
Share the most important skill(s) you possess that will help you excel in the role.
Explain why you want to work at this company, specifically.
If you can clearly communicate why you want to work for this company as opposed to any other, you’ll be one step ahead. Reference the company’s mission statement, client roster, press coverage, and/or corporate responsibility to speak about why they’re so special. Do your research!
What’s your biggest weakness?
This is one of those classic interview questions that feels intentionally tricky. While you may already know what not to say (i.e. “I run late often” and “I lose enthusiasm over projects I don’t care about”), you may still be wondering, what is a good answer that still sounds sincere? You need to learn how to impress your interviewer by sharing a weakness.
The best way to approach this question is by providing a quality or skill that is malleable— meaning, something you can work on. The best way to frame your answer is by:
- Identifying the weakness/challenge
- Contextualizing why you’ve had this challenge in the past
- Providing a clear plan of action to address your weakness/ challenge
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Whether it be through PTO, 401K match, or a wellness stipend, most companies look for ways to appeal to workers so they can avoid quick employee turnover rates. The fact is, training new employees comes at a cost, so it’s in their best interest to keep you around however long that may be.
One subtle way that employers ensure high retention rates is by weeding out workers who are not set out to grow with the company before hiring them — and they do this by asking: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
If you find this question difficult to answer, you’re not alone. Data suggests that most workers — especially young workers — leave their job before 5 years. Given this fact, we can assume most job seekers’ sincere response to this question is not appealing in an interview setting.
But carefully crafting your answer can leave your potential employer confident you see a future with the company … regardless of your actual career plans. This is crucial for landing a job.
Here are a few tips for communicating your commitment to the company:
- Focus on personal growth. Emphasize your desire to develop a specific set of skills and knowledge within the respective industry.
- Align your goals with the company. Showcase how your aspirations align with the company’s long-term vision and objectives. (i.e. express an understanding of the company’s values and why you see yourself committed to those values for the foreseeable future)
- Express enthusiasm for the role– and not where it can take you. Show genuine enthusiasm for the position for which you’re applying and explain how the job itself is exciting for you. While it’s helpful to show how it plays into your career vision, you want to sound excited about the role at hang, and not in the mindset of trying to use it as a tool to go elsewhere. In fact, discuss how you envision taking on more responsibility and contributing to the company’s success.
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