Job interviews can make anyone feel nervous and stressed, especially when encountered with uncomfortable questions. It’s natural that you want to show your best self so here we will present some tips for dealing with tricky interview questions with confidence.

Reason of Leaving Your Past Job

This is a very popular question during a job interview and it’s more likely you will need to prepare for it. It can become uncomfortable when the reason for your leaving is because you were fired or had disagreements with your supervisor. Instead of lying, focus on expressing the need for a change or seeking new skills or challenges.

This shifts to positive reasons for moving on. Just be ready for more questions, as interviewers might dig deeper. It’s key to keep your story straight and convincing. Practising your answers can help you stay calm during the interview.

Remember, while it’s ok to present things in a positive light, always try to stay as truthful as possible to avoid any issues later.

Listing All the Jobs in Your CV

Every CV needs to include your previous and current work history, including job titles, company name, dates you worked there for, duties and responsibilities you had and achievements you’ve made while working for previous employers. However, sometimes specific short-term jobs might be irrelevant to the position you are applying for. There should be no harm if they are left out, as long as you explain the reason for having gaps in your employment history. You don’t need to lie during the job interview but you could explain that you were using that time for learning new skills or exploring different career paths.

These explanations can demonstrate your proactive approach and focus on personal growth. 

Talking About Previous Co-Workers or Boss

It is natural to not get along with everyone at your old job, and when you are at a job interview, the topic of past work relationships might come up. It’s important to resist the urge to complain, even if you are tempted. Lying at a job interview, especially about past interactions, can backfire. Employers appreciate honesty and a positive attitude, so instead of focusing on the negatives, talk about what you have learnt from those challenging situations. You can highlight how those experiences taught you the value of teamwork and adaptability. Say that you learned how to communicate better, manage conflicts, or work effectively with different personalities. This approach not only shows your honesty but also demonstrates your ability to handle challenges and contribute to a harmonious work environment.

Your Real Weaknesses

During the job interview, you can expect the question about your biggest weaknesses. It can be a bit challenging to reveal your vulnerability. But instead of highlighting your largest weakness, choose one of the smaller challenges you are facing and discuss how are you working on it to improve it. For example, if you are a shy person it could be trying to strengthen your presentation skills or if you struggle with work-life balance it can be working on better time management. But remember, if the real weakness could significantly affect the role you are applying for, hiding it might lead to bigger problems later and it could cause you more stress if it’s not mentioned at the very beginning.

Transform Fibs into Honesty

In job interviews, it might seem tempting to mislead your weaknesses or how you get along with others. But a piece of good career advice is to share how you deal with these situations instead. By talking about how you handle problems, you show off your real skills like solving issues and being flexible. Being honest helps you show who you really are and builds trust with employers. This honesty can lead you to a more successful and happier career.