9 Tough Interview Questions To Prepare For [As well as the motivation behind them and sample answers]

Here are some of the most frequently asked tough interview questions which may seem simple, yet, many candidates are not prepared for them and they could stump you if you have not prepared. Here we also list the potential motivation behind the question which is what you would need to think about when coming up with your own unique answer. We also list a sample answer, which would give you an idea of what an answer to the question may look like. Of course your answer would be different and there are indeed no wrong or right answers. These 9 commonly asked, yet tough questions and their motivations are as follows.  

1. "Tell me about a time you failed and how you handled it."

Motivation: This question assesses your ability to handle setbacks, take responsibility, learn from failures, and demonstrate resilience.

Sample Answer: "In my previous role, I was leading a project that didn't meet its deadline due to unexpected technical issues. I realized that the project was failing, so I took ownership, communicated transparently with stakeholders, and quickly reallocated resources to resolve the problem. This experience taught me the importance of adaptability and effective communication."

Give it a practice run and comment below how you would answer the question!

2. "Describe a situation where you had to work with a difficult coworker or team member."

Motivation: This question evaluates your interpersonal skills, conflict resolution abilities, and teamwork in challenging situations.

Sample Answer: "I once had a teammate who had a different working style, which led to misunderstandings. I initiated open conversations, sought to understand their perspective, and found a compromise that improved our collaboration and overall team dynamics."

Of course, be prepared to back up your answers with examples!

3. "How do you prioritize tasks when faced with multiple deadlines?"

Motivation: This question gauges your time management skills, ability to handle pressure, and organizational abilities.

Sample Answer: "I prioritize tasks by assessing their urgency and impact on the overall goal. I use tools like to-do lists and calendars to schedule tasks, and I'm not afraid to delegate or seek help when needed."

If you are an interviewer, how would you rate the answer and what would you like to see in addition?

4. "Can you explain a complex technical concept to someone without a technical background?"

Motivation: This question tests your communication skills, your ability to simplify complex ideas, and your aptitude for conveying information to diverse audiences.

Sample Answer: "Sure, let me explain cloud computing. Imagine it as renting storage or computing power from a remote provider instead of buying and maintaining physical hardware. So it is a little bit like renting a vacation apartment. You use it for as long as you want without needing to worry about the day-to-day operations and maintenance, then once you are done, you have no further commitment. Compare that to traditional computing, which is more akin to buying a house and having to maintain it and cover any ongoing expenses, even if it is vacant".

Give us your example in the comments.

5. "Tell me about a time you took the lead on a project or initiative."

Motivation: This question assesses your leadership capabilities, project management skills, and ability to drive results.

Sample Answer: "I led a cross-functional team in developing a new product, from concept to launch. I coordinated tasks, ensured clear communication, and motivated team members to achieve our goals within the set timeline."

6."Give an example of a situation where you had to quickly learn a new skill to accomplish a task."

Motivation: This question evaluates your adaptability, willingness to learn, and problem-solving skills when faced with unfamiliar challenges.

Sample Answer: "In a previous role, I needed to create data visualizations, which required learning a new software. I took online courses and practiced extensively, ultimately producing effective visuals for the project."

7. "Describe a decision you made that wasn't popular and how you handled it."

Motivation: This question examines your decision-making skills, ability to manage dissent, and your courage to make tough choices.

Sample Answer: "I recommended a change in a company process that initially faced resistance. I held open discussions, explained the rationale, and provided data to support my decision. Over time, the team saw the positive outcomes of the change."

8. "How do you stay updated on industry trends and developments?"

Sample Answer: "I regularly attend conferences, read industry publications, and engage in online forums. I also participate in webinars and seek out opportunities for continuous learning."

Motivation: This question evaluates your commitment to professional growth, your proactive attitude toward staying informed, and your dedication to self-improvement.

9. "Describe a time when you had to meet a tight deadline with limited resources."

Motivation: This question assesses your ability to handle pressure, resourcefulness, and creativity when faced with challenging constraints.

Sample Answer: "I once had to deliver a comprehensive report in a short time frame with a small team. I optimized our workflow, delegated tasks effectively, and ensured clear communication to successfully meet the deadline."

Remember, interviewers ask these tough questions to gain deeper insights into your skills, behavior, and thought processes. Use these sample answers as a starting point, but tailor your responses to your own experiences and the specific job you're applying for.

So whether you are a candidate, interviewer, or have something to add, let us know in the comments if you have come across any of these or if there are other questions that may have stumped you.

For candidates it is also important to remember that the interview is a two way learning experience and as such, it is not only beneficial, but crucial to pose questions back to the interviewer. Here are 9 Great Questions To Ask a Prospective Employer During Your Interview.

Good luck with your interview!