Tricky job interview situations and how to handle them like a pro
Tricky job interview situations and how to handle them like a pro
There’s something about a job interview that puts even the best of the best on edge. In these stressful atmospheres, any unease can quickly turn into panic when sticky situations arise. Here are some tips to keep your composure and nail your response.
1. You’re caught off-guard by a question
Even the most prepared of candidates can get thrown off-balance by a tricky question, but what’s crucial is that you remain calm. Chances are, your interviewer was aiming to catch you by surprise. In these situations, be sure to take your time – there’s no shame in asking for a minute to think your response through.
2. You’re completely stumped by a question
If you find yourself having no idea how to answer a question, the last thing you should do is attempt to bluff your way through – no matter how tempting the thought. Giving vague or unrealistic answers only means digging yourself into a hole, as your interviewer will no doubt be able to see through your deception.
Instead, be up-front about your lack of knowledge on the subject. Your interviewer will appreciate your honesty and see you as someone of great integrity. Your best bet when it comes to answering a difficult question is to admit that you don’t know, and make an educated guess – citing similar situations you have encountered. This shows your interviewer that you are more than capable of coming up with a solution when put on the spot.
3. You’re asked about your previous employer
It can be tricky talking about your previous employer, especially if you left the role due to difficult circumstances. The key to answering this question is to keep your answer concise. Briefly explain why the role was not a good fit for you, but focus more on the positive aspects and learning points of your experience within that role. On the rare occasion that your interviewer baits you into bad-mouthing your previous employer, be sure to always speak about your old employer in a good light, in turn reflecting your loyalty.
4. You’re asked to do free work
It’s not unreasonable for interviewers to ask for samples of your work before deciding to hand you that desired job offer. However, it is unreasonable for interviewers to take advantage of job candidates by requesting that you spend hours producing real work that they will actually put to use. In this sticky situation, bear in mind that refusing the task means you risk losing out on the job opportunity. If you do decide to convey your reservations, here is a way you could respond:
“I’m afraid I won’t be able to complete this task to the best of my ability without having a complete understanding of the project. I’d be happy to do a smaller piece of work for assessment purposes.”
5. You’re asked about inappropriate topics
On the off-chance that your interviewer asks about personal topics such as family life or religion, you may find the situation nerve-wrecking. The simplest way to navigate this tricky conversation is to assure your interviewer that your personal life would not interfere with your ability to go above and beyond what is required in your work life.
No matter what situation you run into in your job interview, the best tactic is always to keep your cool and do your best to take it all in stride.
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