If you’ve had to go through a minimum of 1 job interview, you know that some questions are very hard to hear and even harder to answer! Once you’ve heard your interviewer pop one of these 9 really hard questions, your pulse will beat faster, your brain will look for solutions, and your face may go a little red.
Here’s the beauty of these difficult questions: you can expect them in your next interview. And in the third, fourth, and fifth ones as well. The wording may vary, but honestly, they are pretty similar.
If you did get caught off guard the first time around, you know you can’t use the excuse of “I wasn’t prepared for that” for your next round of interviews. These 9 hard questions could be asked in the first interview. Some other hard ones may be asked during further conversations, like “What are your salary expectations,” or even “Aren’t you over (or under) qualified for this role?”
You’ll find that there are different categories of hard questions. These questions can be broken up into 4 main groups:
- Your Personality
- Your Previous Work
- Your Weaknesses
- Your Situational Reactions
Hard Questions About Your Personality
Question 1: “Tell Me About Yourself”
Although this is not technically a question, it is very common. Interviewees often find this part of the interview to be uncomfortable because they don’t understand what the interviewer is looking for. This question is simply meant to make you feel comfortable and at ease. Your tone and communication skills will be evaluated. Employers are looking for a quick summary of your education, skills, and work experience. Your answer to that question determines the rest of the interview.
Example Answer:
I am a passionate teacher, and I have been working for 3 years in order to prepare my team to be ready for a new building launch. I earned my degree at Liberty University and earned my stripes at Christ Church. While leading my students, we built various teams, curriculums, and outreach initiatives, which helped me develop leadership and organizational skills. I am a proud parent of 2 kids, and I have been married for 9 years.
The key is to keep it under 2 minutes of presentation.
Question 2: “What Are You Reading?” or “What Inspires You?”
It seems out of left field, but it’s really not. Those questions are not so much about the actual books you’re reading as much as they’re about discovering your interests. Feel free to mention novels, Christian authors, and podcasts.
Example Answer:
I love reading a great Grisham book as it allows me to disconnect. I am an avid reader. Lately, I’ve been reading some Maxwell books on improving my capacity to lead myself better.
Hard “Previous Work” Questions
Question 3: “Why Are You Looking for a Role With Our Organization?” Or “Why Are You Leaving Your Current Job?”
Ouch. This one hurts since it doesn’t sound fair to answer. First off, never be negative about your previous (or present) employer. This question is to determine if the role(s) you’re applying for will be a good fit.
Example Answer:
I enjoyed working at my previous church, yet my leadership skills and goals didn’t match my role. Since I wanted to pursue my calling, I sought positions that would better fit my work experience and skill set, like this one.
Question 4: “What Kinds of Critical Feedback Have Your Direct Reports Said About You in the Past?”
This one’s about self-awareness. The interviewer is also looking for your willingness to talk honestly about failures and mistakes. Spin your answer to make it positive.
Example Answer:
Some of my direct reports reminded me to take initiative in my decision making. I took to heart what I was told and worked hard on quickly getting the needed data to make my decision clear and fast.
Hard “Weaknesses” Questions
Question 5: “What Is Something People Assume of You That Is Incorrect?” Or “Name Two of Your Weaknesses.”
No one wants to answer that one. After all, why would I want to tell you my weakness when I’m trying to be hired by you?! Plus, you don’t want to sound like you’re defending yourself. An interviewer wants to hear your honesty and openness and discover your self-awareness. Avoid being negative and reverse the question by promoting your skills and your learning curb.
Example Answer:
I am passionate about the calling God has put on my life. Sometimes, I struggle to delegate tasks. I’ve been working on that by making to-do lists and delegating the tasks that other teammates should be accomplishing.
Question 6: “Tell Me a Time You Failed.”
Yeesh. This one is no fun. Choose a time when you actually failed and what you learned from it. An employer doesn’t look for a perfect employee but for a learning one that takes ownership and responsibility for their actions.
Example Answer:
While I was the team leader, we launched an initiative that ultimately didn’t deliver the expected results. There was some needed information I didn’t seek before we began. I assumed I knew. I learned this lesson the hard way: get the facts straight first and don’t assume what you don’t know.
Hard Situational Questions
Question 7: “How Do You Handle Stress?”
Deadlines need to be met, and sometimes conflict arises. So stress is part of any job, at least to a certain degree. Employers assume you know that. What they’re trying to uncover is if you can handle it constructively. You answer by mentioning your coping mechanisms with stressful situations.
Example Answer:
I deal with stress by quickly noting down what needs to be done and fixing the deadlines for each item. This allows me to focus on the issues that should be prioritized. I am also a verbal processor. So I tend to communicate with teammates to ensure we are all on track.
Question 8: “Why Should We Hire You Instead of Another Candidate?”
Because you’re the best candidate, right? Maybe you are, but that would be the wrong answer! If you haven’t prepared for this one, it might be very hard to answer. Interviewers want to see your confidence in your skills and abilities as well as the humility of your character—answer based on what the job description says.
Example Answer:
I have increased the number of volunteers by 50% in my tenure, and knowing you want to build up new teams, I would love to be part of the solution with you.
Question 9: “Do You Have Any Questions?”
Yes, you will be asked this question, and you must have prepared at least a couple of defining questions. By having no questions, you’re basically saying you have no attraction to the job or the organization. Get questions ready that show your interest in the organization’s mission and initiatives, or ask what you can expect from the job.
Example Answer:
I see the church does outreach in the community. Which initiatives seem to have the greatest impact? What makes working for you one of the best places to be? What can I expect the first 2 months of work to be like?
Navigate Hard Interview Questions With Confidence
Tough interview questions are designed to reveal a candidate’s depth, character, and ability to think on their feet. By preparing thoughtfully, reflecting on past experiences, and responding authentically, you can use these questions as an opportunity to demonstrate both your skills and alignment with the organization’s values.
Approach each answer as a chance to showcase your resilience and commitment, remembering that sincerity and self-awareness often leave a lasting impression. With this mindset, you can navigate even the most challenging questions with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions Christian job seekers might ask:
1. How can I discuss my long-term career goals if I’m unsure of them?
Emphasize your commitment to growth, flexibility, and alignment with the organization’s mission. Mention specific skills or experiences you’re eager to develop and express your openness to paths that support the company’s vision.
2. What should I do if I’m stumped by a question during an interview?
Take a deep breath, pause, and acknowledge the question’s challenge. Ask clarifying questions if needed, or explain your thought process to show logical reasoning.
3. How can I address gaps in my employment history during an interview?
Be honest and positive. Highlight productive activities during the gap, such as skill-building, volunteering, or personal projects, to demonstrate resilience and commitment to self-improvement.
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