How to Handle Difficult Job Interview Scenarios

AfriCareers

13 August 2024

5 min read

We've all been there. You're sitting in front of a panel of interviewers, trying to impress them with your skills and experience, when suddenly they throw a curveball at you. A question that makes you sweat, stutter, or even panic. How do you handle these difficult job interview scenarios? In this blog post, we'll share some tips and tricks to help you ace any interview, no matter how awkward it gets.

How to Handle Difficult Job Interview Scenarios

If you are looking for a new job, you might be nervous about the interview process. You never know what kind of questions or challenges you might face, and how to respond to them in a way that showcases your skills and personality. But don't worry, we have some tips for you on how to handle some of the most common and difficult job interview scenarios.

Scenario 1: The interviewer asks you a question that you don't know the answer to.

This can happen to anyone, even if you have prepared well for the interview. Maybe the question is too technical, too vague, or too personal. How do you handle it?

The best thing to do is to be honest and admit that you don't know the answer. Don't try to bluff or make something up, as that can backfire and damage your credibility. Instead, show your curiosity and willingness to learn by asking the interviewer to clarify the question, or by saying something like "That's a great question, I don't know the answer off the top of my head, but I would love to find out more about it." You can also mention any relevant experience or knowledge that you have that relates to the question, or how you would approach the problem if you had to solve it.

Scenario 2: The interviewer asks you to perform a task or demonstrate a skill on the spot.

This can be intimidating, especially if you are not used to performing under pressure. Maybe the interviewer asks you to write some code, solve a puzzle, or give a presentation. How do you handle it?

The first thing to do is to take a deep breath and calm yourself. Don't panic or rush into the task without thinking. Instead, ask the interviewer for any details or instructions that you need, and clarify the expectations and criteria for success. Then, plan your approach and break down the task into manageable steps. As you work on the task, think out loud and explain your reasoning and process. This will show the interviewer how you think and communicate, and also give them an opportunity to provide feedback or guidance along the way. If you make a mistake or get stuck, don't give up or apologize excessively. Instead, acknowledge the error and try to fix it or move on.

Scenario 3: The interviewer asks you a behavioral question that requires you to share an example from your past experience.

This can be challenging, especially if you have trouble remembering specific situations or details. Maybe the interviewer asks you to tell them about a time when you handled a conflict, led a team, or failed at something. How do you handle it?

The best way to answer behavioral questions is to use the STAR method. This stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. First, describe the situation that you faced and provide some context. Then, explain the task or goal that you had and why it was important. Next, describe the action that you took and how you applied your skills and abilities. Finally, share the result that you achieved and what you learned from it. Make sure that your example is relevant, specific, and positive. Avoid using vague or generic examples, or examples that show you in a negative light.