How to Handle Difficult Questions
Adapted from: Reile DM and Nickols JL. Survival
Strategies for Your New Career. 2006; 37-38.
Every interview
candidate dreads being asked certain questions. No
matter how much you prepare and practice, you are
likely to be asked one or two questions that leave
you searching for the right response.
Potentially difficult topic areas might include
breaks between employment, getting low marks in a
class or a rotation, having been fired or laid off,
and the like. In addition, you may be asked illegal
or inappropriate questions about your personal life (e.g., questions about your family life or marital status).
Anticipate and prepare for the very questions you
are most concerned about answering. Here are some
other guidelines to consider:
- Think before answering. There is nothing wrong with pausing a few moments
before responding to a
tough question. Say something like, “That’s
a good question. I’d like to take a moment
to think before I respond.” This gives
you a chance to collect your thoughts and may result in the interviewer pulling back on an illegal or inappropriate question..
- Ask the interviewer
to restate the question. If you don’t
understand what is being asked, ask the interviewer
to restate
the question. Often, this simple request can alert the interviewer to the fact that he or she has asked the question poorly - or perhaps in an illegal way. The restated
question is likely to be clearer and less difficult
to answer.
- Be brief and respond in a factual way. Interviewees often volunteer more information
than is necessary.
For example, when asked why you left a previous
position, you should avoid saying anything negative
about a
supervisor (even if it is true). Instead, focus
on the skills you hope to bring from a previous
position into a new one.
- Focus on what is being asked. Questions
about age, marriage, and family care issues
can sometimes be addressed positively by going
to the
heart of
the interviewer’s concern. For instance, a
woman does not have to answer whether or not she
has children; but if this seems to be an issue for
the interviewer, she might consider responding, “My
career is very important to me and will continue
to be and I can assure you that I am dedicated
to quality care as a pharmacist.”
- Never lie,
exaggerate, or overstate. When asked direct
questions about your work, experience, training,
or ability to handle key elements of the job,
you
must respond honestly. Many organizations will fire individuals immediately if they are found to have lied in an interview. Not only is honesty
the best policy; in most cases, deception will
only cause
more problems for you later on.
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