How to Answer the Common Interview Questions

I really don't like job interviews. They can be exciting, nerve-wracking and excruciatingly awkward. When I first started out in the workforce, I can remember showing up for an interview early, with a positive attitude, confident that my skills and winning personality would get me hired. When the hiring manager began asking me questions, I froze, trying to think of what to say. Instead of being prepared, I ended up stammering and saying the first thing that came to mind - which was often the wrong thing. Afterward, on the way home, I thought about all the things I should have said.

For me, the most difficult questions are the behavioral questions like, "Tell me about a time when you faced a challenge at work and how you overcame it." With this question, it's important to select an example that's easy to understand and one that shows you at your best. Since it's tough to come up with something on the spot, preparing you answer in advance makes the process easier.

If you struggle with these questions, there is a creative way to answer them.

Question: Tell me about a time you've overcome a challenge.

How to answer it: With this question, it's better to not talk about work at all. Since you probably don't want to mention how challenging parts of your job are, you can skirt the issue by talking about a hobby or other task. For example, if I were asked this, I could say "Well, I really enjoy working with yarn. I love to knit and crochet. Last year, I came across a pattern that I really wanted to make, but when I read through it I realized that I didn't have the skills to make it work. It was a challenge, but I did some research and found out exactly where I was stuck. Then, I asked some more advanced knitters for guidance. It took a long time, but eventually I was able to create something wonderful."

Although this answer doesn't relate to the job specifically, it does show the process I used to deal with the challenge. In order to create your best answer, you first have to understand the point of the question. In this case, the employer wants to find out how I handle situations where the answer isn't readily apparent. In my example, I clearly defined the problem I faced. Then, I mentioned all of the steps I used to overcome it. From my answer, the employer would know that I try to identify the problem, research possible solutions and, when that fails, ask for help.

When answering any of these behavioral types of questions, the key is to stick with an example that is short and sweet. In the workplace, things aren't always so cut and dry. Often, the first example that comes to mind will be too complicated and involved to be able to explain in just a minute or two. Instead, think about what you want the employer to learn about you and come up with an example that illustrates it.

Behavioral questions can be tough, but with some thought and preparation before hand, they can be an excellent way to show an employer that you are the right person for the job.

Are these questions tough for you? How do you deal with them? Please share your thoughts in the comments.

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