How to Handle Unexpected Tricky Interview Questions 

Ever had an embarrassing or underwhelming interview? You’re not alone. Many of us have experienced a bad interview at some point. Fortunately, you can improve your performance by learning how to handle tricky interview questions. In this article, we reveal the top three tricky questions and how to navigate them successfully.

Can You Tell Me About Yourself?

What Recruiters Really Want: Recruiters ask this question to learn about your academic and professional achievements, as well as to gauge your confidence and openness. Your response to this question often shapes their first impression of you, making it a critical component of your interview.

Focus on your professional background and accomplishments. Here are some topics to include:

• Your career path to date and where you’d like to be in the future.

• Relevant skills you possess.

• Volunteer or charity work you've done.

• Leadership roles in college/university clubs or community organisations.

Remember, delivery is key. Your answer should be clear and confident. Mumbling or appearing uninterested can undermine even the most impressive credentials.

How Would You Describe Yourself in One Word?

Unlike some other questions, this one is a direct assessment of your personality. Recruiters use your answer to understand your self-perception, confidence, personality type, and work style compatibility.

The Challenge: You often don't know what specific personality traits the employer values. Additionally, you have only a few seconds to think of a winning adjective.

How to Answer: Choose an adjective that positively reflects your work ethic and aligns with the job’s requirements. If you're torn between two options, go with the more conservative choice to avoid misinterpretation.

Why Do You Want to Work Here?

Employers ask this question to distinguish between candidates who are genuinely passionate about the role and those who are only interested in a ‘getting a job’.

Common Pitfalls:

• Blanking Out: If you’re prone to forgetting your reasons under stress, prepare by researching the company thoroughly.

• Overwhelmed by Options: If multiple reasons flood your mind, prioritise one or two that clearly convey your genuine interest.

How to Answer: Your response should be sincere and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the job. Highlight specific aspects of the company or role that attract you, showing that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in contributing to the organisation.

Need Help Landing Your Dream Job in Food Manufacturing?

Now that you know how to navigate those tricky interview questions, you’re better prepared to find your ideal job in the food manufacturing industry. If you need assistance jump-starting your job hunt, we're here to help.