The Top 5 Toughest Interview Questions You Might Face

Picture this: you walk into a job interview, well-dressed, resume in hand, heart racing. The small talk goes well, and you start feeling more at ease. But then, the interviewer leans in and hits you with a curveball: "Tell me about a time you failed at something and what you learned from it." Your mind goes blank, and the confidence you felt moments ago starts to crumble. Does this sound familiar?

Job interviews are challenging, and the difficult questions that require thoughtful answers can be the most intimidating part. But here's the truth: These questions are designed to see how well you can handle stress, think on your feet, and solve problems. In other words, they challenge your ability to sell yourself as the best candidate for the job. Preparing for them is key to showcasing your best self. 

In this article, we list five tough interview questions and answers. Use our examples to help craft your own responses based on your unique experiences. We also break down why these tough questions are asked, share strategies for tackling them, and offer some tips to help you stay calm and collected during your interview. Let's dive in.

Why Do Employers Ask Hard Interview Questions?

First, let's clarify why interviewers ask difficult questions. The main reasons include:

• Assessing problem-solving abilities: Employers need to see how you approach challenges and find solutions.
• Gauging stress management: Your reaction to a tough question can reveal a lot about how you handle pressure.
• Understanding thought processes: They are interested in your reasoning and decision-making skills.
• Assessing communication skills: Employers need to know how effectively you can convey your ideas and interact with others when put on the spot.

By asking these questions, interviewers can get a better sense of who you are beyond your resume. Challenging questions help them assess your ability to think creatively and apply logic to different problems. In other words, they want to find out if you're the right candidate for the job. By preparing for these types of questions, you'll be able to showcase the skills employers are looking for.

5 Hardest Interview Questions With Sample Answers

Facing tough job interview questions can feel like navigating a minefield. To help you tackle these challenges head-on, we've teamed up with Jessica Lopez, Learner Hiring Manager at Turing College. Jessica has seen it all and knows exactly what interviewers are looking for. She's shared some of the hardest questions to answer and provided straightforward, effective tips on how to respond. Let's dive into her insights so you can walk into your next interview feeling prepared and confident.

Question 1: Tell me about your biggest weakness

Understand the intent: Employers may ask about your weaknesses to see self-awareness and your ability to improve.

Acknowledge the weakness: To answer this question, be honest and upfront about a specific shortcoming that is not a core requirement for the job. For instance, if you are applying for a leadership role where delegation is crucial, consider focusing on a different area such as public speaking or time management, which you have taken steps to improve.

Show self-awareness: Explain how this weakness can impact your work.

Focus on improvement: Highlight concrete steps you're taking to overcome it.

Possible answer: 
My biggest weakness is public speaking. While I love diving deep into technical discussions with colleagues, presenting complex ideas to a large audience can feel overwhelming. I'm actively working on overcoming this by taking a public speaking course and practicing presentations with my team. It's already making a difference. I'm finding it easier to clearly communicate technical concepts to clients during briefings.

Question 2: Where do you see yourself in five years?

Understand the intent: Employers want to see your long-term commitment and fit with the company.

Show ambition: Demonstrate your desire for growth and development.

Align with the company: Connect your goals to the company's mission and vision.

Be specific (but flexible): Outline your desired career path while remaining adaptable.

Choose your words wisely: If the job you are applying to is a stepping stone, emphasize skills and experiences you hope to gain that align with the company's offerings without explicitly stating plans to move on. 

Possible answer:
In five years, I see myself as a [desired future role] with a strong understanding of [relevant skills]. I'm particularly interested in [specific area of company's work]. With my background and the growth opportunities at [company name], I'm confident I can make a significant impact on your team's success.

Question 3: What's your salary expectation?

Understand the intent: Recruiters want to know if your salary expectations match their budget and the value you bring.

Do your research: Know the average salary range for the position and your experience level, and consider regional differences, as these can vary widely across the globe.

Focus on value: Emphasize the value you bring to the company.

Be open to negotiation: Leave room for discussion while conveying your worth.

Possible answer:
Based on my research and experience and considering the typical salary ranges for this role in [specific region], I'm looking for a salary in the range of [desired range]. However, I'm open to discussing a compensation package that reflects my qualifications and your company's budget and expectations.

Question 4: Why should we hire you?

Understand the intent: Employers want to see how your skills and experiences meet their requirements.

Highlight your strengths: Briefly showcase your most relevant skills and experiences.

Provide tangible evidence: Support your strengths with specific examples and achievements to add credibility to your claims and show your real-world impact.

Connect to the company's needs: Demonstrate how your skills address their specific challenges.

Express enthusiasm: Convey your genuine interest in the opportunity and the company.

Possible answer:
You should hire me because I possess a strong track record of increasing conversion rates by 15% through data-driven A/B testing. I have a proven ability to clean and manipulate large datasets, perform statistical analysis, and create data visualizations. I'm particularly interested in using data to improve customer experience and believe my skills in customer segmentation and churn analysis can significantly contribute to your success.

Question 5: Tell me about a time you made a mistake

Understand the intent: Employers ask this question to understand how you deal with mistakes and learn from them.

Be honest and concise: Approach this question by briefly describing a situation where you made a specific mistake.

Focus on responsibility: Take ownership of your actions.

Highlight problem-solving: Explain how you addressed the mistake and its immediate impact.

Show long-term learning: Briefly mention what you learned from the experience and how it will benefit your future roles.

Possible answer:
In my last job, I missed a deadline on a project. I took full responsibility for this and immediately got in touch with the stakeholders to renegotiate the deadline. This experience taught me the importance of better time management skills and now I always build buffer time into project schedules.

Quick Tips You Can Use to Answer Tough Interview Questions

While some interview questions are expected, others may catch you off guard. It's important to prepare as much as possible for these challenging scenarios. You can do this by gathering a few examples from your experience and asking colleagues in your industry about unexpected questions they've faced in interviews. Here are some more tips to help you be ready.

Research the Company

Understanding the company's culture, values, and recent news can provide context for the types of questions they may ask. It will also allow you to shape your answers to help you prove you are the perfect fit for the company. Explore its website and social media to get a feel for its values and culture. Stay updated on the company's latest developments, projects, and industry trends. Understanding the job description inside out can also help you anticipate relevant questions.

Stay Informed

Keep up with common trends in interview questions for the relevant industry. For instance, if you’re looking to enter the tech field, related online forums, professional networks, and industry publications can be valuable resources. Join industry groups on LinkedIn or other platforms to stay informed about common interview questions. Reading industry magazines, blogs, and reports will help you understand the latest trends and topics.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Practicing interviews with friends or mentors is a great way to refine your responses and get constructive feedback. Simulate the interview environment with someone who can ask hard questions and give honest feedback to identify areas for improvement. Recording these sessions can also help you evaluate your body language and responses.

When in Doubt, Go With Diplomacy

Sometimes, interviewers ask questions that feel like a trap or put you on the spot. For these tricky questions, the key is to remain diplomatic and composed.

If the question concerns a sensitive topic, such as gaps in your employment history or reasons for leaving a previous job, be honest but tactful. Highlight what you learned from the experience and how it has prepared you for this new opportunity. This approach shows your ability to handle difficult conversations with grace and professionalism.

Prepare Your Own Questions

Interviewing for a role is a two-way street. Asking thoughtful questions during or after the interview shows employers that you're well-prepared and curious. Avoid asking common questions that are already answered in the job posting or company website. For example, you could ask the employer about company culture or inquire about the metrics they use to measure success in the role.

Strategies for Staying Calm and Collected

Mindfulness can help you stay focused before and during your interview. Take a few deep breaths to calm your nerves and center yourself. Practice mindfulness techniques such as visualization or progressive muscle relaxation to reduce stress. Visualize a successful interview experience to boost your confidence and reduce anxiety. Imagine yourself answering questions with confidence. Use positive affirmations to reinforce your self-belief.

An unexpected question might catch you off guard, but it's perfectly okay to take a moment to gather your thoughts. Take a deep breath and think it through. If necessary, ask for clarification to ensure you understand the question. Then, answer the question with a clear and structured response.

Post-Interview Reflection and Learning

Reflecting on your performance after each interview is crucial for growth. Take note of what you did well and how you can build on those strengths. Recognize areas where you struggled and think about how you can improve for future interviews. Whenever possible, ask the interviewer for feedback to gain insights into your performance. Use the feedback to understand what the interviewer valued and where you can improve. Learning from each interview experience helps you improve and become more confident over time.

Master Tricky Interview Questions with Professional Support

Facing difficult job interview questions is intimidating. However, solid preparation and the right mindset will help you turn them into opportunities to shine. Understand the motives behind  these questions, prepare well, practice your responses, and stay calm and collected during the interview. Reflecting on your performance and seeking feedback will help you keep improving and boost your confidence.

Jessica Lopez, Learner Hiring Manager at Turing College, has provided invaluable insights into tackling difficult interview questions. All Turing College learners have the chance to receive career support from Jessica to refine their interview skills, build confidence, and get jobs in the data industry.

With Jessica's guidance and the comprehensive support offered at Turing College, you can confidently face even the most challenging interview questions. So why wait? Explore Turing College programs today and take the next step towards your dream career. And you can practice for a job search by acing the admissions interview!