Welcome to the Just Get Hired Newsletter!

After talking with thousands of job seekers, I noticed a common thread when candidates mentioned struggling in interviews. Sure, there were some interviews that went amazing from start to finish, and others that just never found a rhythm or were doomed form the start.

But more often than not, most job interviews succeeding or failing hinges on how you answer a handful of “challenging” questions. Those may be different for different people, but most candidates cite “messing up” one or two questions and attributing not getting an offer to those questions.

In today’s issue, I’ll be going through 8 more “challenging” interview questions that range from very common to somewhat common — and explaining exactly how you can approach answering them.

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Let’s get into it.

1) Tell me about yourself

I know what you’re thinking: “uhhh, isn’t this the most obvious job interview question?”

Yes. But also, surprisingly one of the hardest questions to answer.

After conducting 100s of interviews in my career, I’d say I still notice at least half of candidates struggle to set the appropriate tone and structure when answering this.

The reason: it’s so open-ended and ambiguous.

The trap: trying to share everything and “figure it out” as you go.

Instead, focus on:

• Past: 1-2 sentences about where you’ve been in your career

• Present: 4-5 sentences about your most recent roles and your expertise

• Future: 3-4 sentences about what you’re looking for in your next role (and why that aligns with the company you’re interview with).

I also like to allude to a few questions / things I’m interested in learning more about in the interview (e.g. “I read on your website you made a recent acquisition, I’d love to discuss the impacts from that later in the interview”).

2) Why did you get laid off

Frankly, you shouldn’t need to answer this in a job interview.

There’s no reason a company would even know you got laid off (versus leaving of your own devices).

But if asked (or if you share proactively), focus on what you gained from the experience.

No need to go into intimate details -- “there were mass layoffs / company-wide layoffs” will suffice.

The harsh truth: they don’t care. It’s not a therapy session. No need to bash on your former employer, talk about how unfair it was, or anything.

Simply redirect to what you took from that role and what you’re looking for now.

3) Why did you leave your last company

Similar to getting laid off, this isn’t something you should really be asked, but it can come up.

It can be especially tricky if you left your last company due to a toxic workplace.

The trap again: leaning into gossip / complaining about past experiences.

Instead, focus on you.

Explain what you’re looking for and simply state that your former company didn’t align with that.

Better: explain how their company does.

4) Explain these resume gaps

Luckily, gaps and non-traditional experiences are becoming more accepted.

And in my opinion, employers that are too heavily focused on something like a resume gap being a “red flag” aren’t ones you would want to work for anyway.

Don’t feel like you need to over-explain.

Focus on how that time affected you.

Spent 6 months job searching? A 3 month sabbatical? Stayed home with the kids?

Remember, your resume isn’t just a list of work experiences. It’s an advertisement for why you’d be a great employee at a new company. Non-work experiences are just as impactful in shaping who you are, how you think, and your potential.

Share what you learned and how it impacted your career decisions.

5) Why do you have short tenures

If you have multiple recent short tenures (e.g. < 2 years), this may be asked.

Companies (right or wrong) may be worried about retention and loyalty.

If job hopping, simply explain that you are motivated by compensation growth -- this is a good time to address growth options.

If other explainable reasons, simple share a few quick notes about what happened.

6) What’s your biggest weakness

A classic. Feels like (and is) a trap.

Be honest about something that is reasonable (e.g. not “I don’t work hard”).

Don’t try to overly turn it into a positive.

Own the challenge you have and explain how you’ve used your awareness of the issue to improve and mitigate any issues.

Here’s an example I’ve used:

“One of my weaknesses is at times I try to accommodate too much to preserve team harmony. Team chemistry and a supportive work environment are extremely important for me, but I also recognize sometimes you have lead and put people in uncomfortable situations temporarily in order for them and the business to grow.

On recent teams, I’ve been combatting that by acknowledging that tendency up front. I tell my team members: I will always have your back and go to bat for you. But I’m focused on the success of the team first and that may being direct, blunt, or asking things of you that are challenging. Know that it’s coming from a good place.

Knowing I’ve committed to that up front helps me avoid my natural tendencies and have led to more successful teams (that also end up being happier and more fulfilled as a results!).”

7) Tell me about a time you failed

Again, be honest about a non-disqualifying example where you actually “failed”.

Focus on how you took ownership / accountability for the failure.

Explain not only how you fixed it, but what processes / systems you put in place personally to prevent similar mistakes.

Finally, share how those systems can benefit work for future employers.

8) What are you salary expectations

Anything related to compensation can be awkward to answer, especially early on.

Be honest early on, but you don’t need to share a specific number, stick to ranges.

Also, be sure to share other things of importance (e.g. equity, good PTO, etc.).

Lastly, it’s always a plus to emphasize how those expectations relate to the market and the effort you’ll put towards work.

Here’s to crushing your next job interview!

And lastly, if you get value out of my content, you can help by sharing the link below and getting credit for referrals :)

I appreciate you in advance!

-Ben