Tough interview questions and how to answer them
Recruiting and hiring in Malaysia is challenging. Employers see skills mismatches and changing employee expectations. So, the interview step is still essential in hiring.
Preparing for a job interview is important because how you perform can make or break your chances of getting the job.
Learning to answer tough interview questions is key. When you respond with confidence and provide great answers, you're more likely to impress the interviewer. This can help you advance to the next stage of the hiring process.
Explore some tough interview questions and answers in this article. We'll cover the following:
- Tough interview questions and how to answer them
- Dealing with tricky behavioural questions
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Hard interview questions and how to answer them
Many job seekers think tricky interview questions are those that measure technical knowledge. While these are difficult to answer, they're easier to prepare for. Suppose you're a fresh graduate applying for a programming job. If you studied computer science or obtained relevant certifications, questions about programming languages and tools should be a piece of cake.
The toughest interview questions are those that assess your values, attitudes, problem-solving abilities, and self-awareness. When faced with these questions, your responses must be creative, analytical, and reflective. It's also important to understand the underlying intentions behind the questions.
For instance, an interviewer may ask about a time when you faced a difficult situation at work. This helps them assess your problem-solving and decision-making skills. They want to see if you can handle pressure and make smart choices in challenging scenarios. While there's no wrong answer, it's best to respond in a way that highlights the skills mentioned.
Below are some hard questions that employers commonly ask. They come with answers that can help you ace them. Use the sample answers based on your skills and experience to curate your own.
What is your most significant achievement?
This question aims to assess your values and attitude towards work. It also helps gauge your ability to choose accomplishments that matter to you. Your answer gives the interviewer an idea of your career goals and priorities.
Choose an achievement you're proud of. It should show abilities relevant to the job you're applying for. Describe what the achievement was, how you accomplished it, and why it's important to you. Here's how someone applying for a computer programming position might respond:
"I consider receiving the Employee of the Year award at my previous job to be my most significant achievement to date. It was the result of leading a team of five while updating our inventory management system, which needed to be updated and more efficient. My team and I were able to hit our targets before the deadline. The new system decreased the number of errors by 20% and returns by 30%.
This achievement is important to me because I'd been advocating for the implementation of a more efficient system for years. The recognition validated my efforts, and I made a significant contribution to the company.
What motivates you?
This seems like a simple interview question at first glance. Interviewers often ask this in strength-based interviews. They want to understand what you enjoy doing and where you excel. Your answer can reveal if your skills and personality are a good fit for the job.
When thinking of a response to this question, it's good to use examples from your activities, work, or studies. Try to align your answer with the position you're interviewing for. Here's how someone applying for a healthcare position might answer:
"As a nurse, I'm motivated by the opportunity to help others. I like the idea of going home every day, knowing that I made a difference in someone's life. This sense of fulfilment and purpose drives me to excel in my work and provide the best possible care to those in need.
This motivation extends beyond my work. I enjoy volunteering on my days off to provide free healthcare to the nearby underserved community."
Give an example of a time when you showed initiative
This job interview question aims to gauge your ability to take action. It tests if you can come up with solutions to problems. Taking initiative is a quality that many employers value in their employees. Job seekers with this skill are likely proactive and resourceful. These traits are essential in any workplace within Malaysia.
When answering this question, think about times you had an idea for improving something at work or school. It's important that what you share is something you acted upon and that had a positive outcome. Here's a sample answer if you're interviewing for a digital marketing role:
"Digital marketing is an ever-changing field, and keeping up with trends is key to staying competitive. I always allot time before I go to bed to read the latest industry blogs, catch up on relevant news, and research new marketing strategies. Last month, I proposed a new social media campaign to my manager that we've since begun executing. This initiative increased traffic on our website by nearly 20%."
What critical feedback do you most often receive?
Many find this a hard question to answer. A hiring manager or interviewer asks this to see how you take feedback. More specifically, they want to know if you can use constructive criticism to improve your performance. Your answer can also reveal if you're able to adapt and take responsibility for your actions.
Responding to this question requires self-awareness. Provide examples of critical feedback you received that you acted upon. Give your answer a positive spin by highlighting the steps you took to improve. Also, mention the outcome of the changes you made. Here's how a sample answer might look:
"As a content writer, the critical feedback I most often receive relates to the need for more concise and focused writing. My editor has pointed out that my sentences tend to be too long. This makes it difficult for readers to follow my thought process.
To address this, I've made a conscious effort to write shorter sentences and double-check my work before I submit it. I've also been paying attention to how I organise my paragraphs, ensuring each focuses on one idea or topic. These changes have improved readability, and my editor recognised my efforts."
How do you handle stress?
This is a tricky question because it has many possible answers. You may also approach it in a variety of ways. You can talk about the ways you cope with stress in your everyday life. These may include exercising, going for a “mamak” session, engaging in a hobby, or spending time with your family and friends.
While this response works, being specific can be a good idea. Answering within the context of your own experiences and the job you're applying for will make your answer more compelling. It also allows you to show that you're the right for the job. Provide an example where you overcame a stressful situation at work and didn't let it affect your performance. Here's a sample answer when applying for a leadership role:
"During a tough project at my old job, I faced a situation. A key deadline was coming fast, and an unexpected obstacle came up. My stress levels were high, but I remained calm and focused on finding solutions. I organised a team meeting to discuss the issues and the best course of action. After considering our options, we devised a plan to address the problem and meet the deadline.
Through effective communication and teamwork, we got the job done. And despite the stressful circumstances, I maintained my composure so as not to affect my performance and that of the team."
Dealing with tricky behavioural questions
Malaysian employers now prefer soft skills. So, expect tough behavioural questions in job interviews. Here are tips that would help you deal with this type of questions:
Practice answering tough interview questions
Preparation is key to increasing your confidence and will help you answer interview questions. To do this, you can conduct mock interviews with a friend and ask for feedback. You may also record yourself answering interview questions and then review the recording to see how you did. In either case, take note of areas for improvement. For example, if you find that you use fillers like "lah" or "ah" too often, work on reducing this habit.
Stay calm
Keeping a cool head is crucial in interviews. It allows you to think more clearly and provide thoughtful answers. One of the best ways to do this is to come prepared.
Conduct research on the company and the position you're interviewing for. Practise answering interview questions you find difficult. The confidence that comes with knowing you're prepared for this stage of the hiring process will help you stay calm.
Take a breath
Breath control is an effective way to quell your stress response. It also helps promote a sense of calmness. They help you to effectively communicate and showcase your qualifications in an interview. Take a deep breath before answering. It helps you keep your composure by slowing your heart rate and lowering your blood pressure.
Deep breathing requires inhaling through your nose, filling your lungs with air for a few seconds. Your chest and belly should expand. Then, exhale slowly through your mouth or nose.
Answer confidently
Exuding confidence in an interview can help you make a strong impression on the hiring manager or interviewer. It may help you appear more self-assured and capable, making your answers more persuasive. This can go a long way to improving your chances of landing the job.
Your choice of words is the difference between appearing confident or unsure in your interview. Use words that convey certainty, even when answering difficult interview questions. These include "definitely" and "clearly." It's best to learn to reduce the use of "lah," "ah," and other fillers that could be categorised as “Manglish.” Using fillers often may reduce credibility and show uncertainty.
Conclusion
Knowing how to answer tough interview questions is essential for a successful job search in Malaysia. It helps you make a good impression on your job interview. It's on the hiring manager or interviewer. And it will increase your chances of getting the job.
Prepare for difficult or tricky questions by thinking of your responses and practising them. Learning how to stay calm and answer confidently is also a great way to deal with these questions. Using this article's tips and insights, you can put your best foot forward and ace your following interview.
FAQs
Here are answers to a few FAQs about common difficult interview questions a hiring manager or interviewer may ask:
- How do you nail a tough interview?
Being well prepared is key to acing a job interview filled with tough questions. Research the company and review the job description. Go over your resumé and cover letter. Take note of the responsibilities of the role you're applying for. These can help you determine the questions you might face in the interview and how to answer them best. - What are trick interview questions?
Trick interview questions test essential soft skills. These include problem-solving, critical thinking, and self-awareness. They also help hiring managers determine how well they handle pressure. You have to think on your feet and provide thoughtful answers to improve your chances of advancing to the next stage of the hiring process. - What is the hardest job interview question?
Questions that are hard to answer vary depending on the industry and the position you're applying for. For many job seekers, hard interview questions are those that require them to reflect on their past experiences.
Remember to approach these questions with honesty and integrity. A positive attitude and confident delivery can help you handle tough questions. - How do you respond to a tricky interview question?
Take a moment to gather your thoughts. Do this before answering tough interview questions at a job interview. Stay calm and composed. Think of the interviewer's intent and try to relate your response to the position.
If the question is about your former employer, remember to be tactful. Avoid speaking badly about your previous company or manager. Your goal is to showcase your professionalism, important skills, and relevant experience. Speaking highly of your previous employer is a good sign that you're a team player, which is a valuable trait in any organisation.
