It’s the responsibility of a recruiter or interviewer to thoroughly assess whether you’re the right candidate for the job, so whether we like it or not, they’re going to ask those difficult questions when interviewing. There’s no need to be nervous or anxious when going into an interview situation, so long as you are confident in your abilities and have prepared properly for how you want to put yourself forward.

They’re not looking for perfect, textbook answers; they’re looking for a genuine person who can show intelligence and the ability to think on their feet. If you follow our guidelines on dealing with difficult interview questions, you should no longer have to worry about the dreaded… “So what’s your biggest weakness?”

• Do your research. Before you even step into that interview room, make sure you have researched the company, the job description and what the work will entail, key members of management (if appropriate) and what will be expected of you. It sounds obvious, but going into an interview ‘blind’ is an easy way to go home with nothing.
• Stay positive. Answer awkward, seemingly negative questions like “What didn’t you like about your last job?” or “What are your weaknesses?” in a positive way, showing that you can see the benefits of personal growth and development. Don’t badmouth your previous employers, or be self-deprecating – answer by identifying minor faults, but backing them up with an aim to improve and extend your abilities in this new job.
• Be genuine. No one likes a suck up… Don’t practice your answers so they sound like you’ve learned them by rote, show a little personality and individuality. Putting on a ‘perfect’ front will only give the impression that you are possibly deceitful and manipulative. An important aspect of any workplace is the staff dynamic – they want to see if you will fit in as well as your ability to do your job.
• Tell the truth. You should never lie during an interview, even when you find yourself having to talk about something potentially damaging to your chances. Instead, find a way to be diplomatic and objective when asked questions about long periods of unemployment or leaving a previous job under bad circumstances. Explanations which take into account difficulties, but also display your future intentions can help you out of an awkward spot.
• It’s not about the money! Better earnings/hours are not the answers they’re looking for when they ask what drew you to this job… You should also not describe the position as a “stepping stone” to help you on your way, even if it’s true. Explaining your aims in terms of “new challenges”, “better opportunities”, “an interest in the company and an eagerness to learn and develop” etc are more tactful ways to put it.
• Plan for the future. When asked where you see yourself in 5-10 years, or what your career goals are, show your intention to better yourself and your career (ideally within the company). Even if your plans are not solid or clear, you want to put across that you are ambitious and diligent and you will work towards improving your position.
• Ask questions.  If you’re really stuck for an answer, asking the interviewer their opinion can help, for example – “How do you deal with criticism?” could be answered by saying you think it’s important to be challenged and given the opportunity to improve your skills, and follow it up by asking about the company’s audit system. Showing an interest in the workings of the business is a good attribute to show in an interview.

Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but if you have confidence in yourself and your skills, a great CV to show, and do your research and preparation beforehand, there’s no reason why you can’t succeed. If you struggle with the stress of face-to-face interviews, it might be a good idea to create a Video Enhanced CV to be your first impression for you. A short introductory video CV can broadcast your personality, your assets and your goals to a prospective employer, before they’ve even met you, taking the heat off the initial moments of the real interview. Similarly, a Career Website can showcase much more than a traditional CV, detailing your work history, ethics, ambitions and individuality – available online for recruiters to peruse along with your CV and potentially giving you an extra leg up towards getting that job.

Browse AccendoCV’s services to help you make the most out of every interview, and secure the job you are after.