First, accept what happened. Look for the lessons, forgive those who did you wrong, and accept responsibility for your part in what happened. Your attitude will be contagious. Then, follow these steps:

Tough Interview Question Tip 1. Listen to the question

Make sure you understand exactly w

Is there really such a thing as a tough interview question? If we break it down into parts it’s not so overwhelming.

To make it easy on you for tough interview questions, I’ve included 4 tips that will give you steps that will help you firm up a good response.

Tough Interview Question Tip 1. - Listen to the question

Tough Interview Question Tip 2. - Take time to think

Tough Interview Question Tip 3. - Use Positive Information

Tough Interview Question Tip 4. - Refocus attention with a question

John finally got an interview with a company he’d admired for years, but he blew it with this one tough interview question. Too bad, because he’d done everything right—almost. He established good rapport, avoiding talking about salary too soon, and explained past accomplishments powerfully. Then, the boss asked the question John feared: “Why were you fired?”

John stammered, fidgeted, and then bitterly threw blame. “I worked so hard to produce quality product, but the bean counters insisted we cut corners. Our products were terrible, and they didn’t care. I told them they were ruining the company, so they fired me.” As soon as the words were out of his mouth, John knew he’d blown the interview.

Most of us go into interviews fearing questions about our weak spots: Why were you unemployed so long? What’s the reason you’ve had so many jobs? Why have you been at the same company for so long (This used to be a good thing!)? What would your former boss say about you?

Praying the interviewer won’t ask is poor strategy. Here’s a better one.

First, accept what happened. Look for the lessons, forgive those who did you wrong, and accept responsibility for your part in what happened. Your attitude will be contagious. Then, follow these steps:

Tough Interview Question Tip 1. Listen to the question

Make sure you understand exactly wh

Tough Interview Question Tip 3. - Use Positive Information

Tough Interview Question Tip 4. - Refocus attention with a question

John finally got an interview with a company he’d admired for years, but he blew it with this one tough interview question. Too bad, because he’d done everything right—almost. He established good rapport, avoiding talking about salary too soon, and explained past accomplishments powerfully. Then, the boss asked the question John feared: “Why were you fired?”

John stammered, fidgeted, and then bitterly threw blame. “I worked so hard to produce quality product, but the bean counters insisted we cut corners. Our products were terrible, and they didn’t care. I told them they were ruining the company, so they fired me.” As soon as the words were out of his mouth, John knew he’d blown the interview.

Most of us go into interviews fearing questions about our weak spots: Why were you unemployed so long? What’s the reason you’ve had so many jobs? Why have you been at the same company for so long (This used to be a good thing!)? What would your former boss say about you?

Praying the interviewer won’t ask is poor strategy. Here’s a better one.

First, accept what happened. Look for the lessons, forgive those who did you wrong, and accept responsibility for your part in what happened. Your attitude will be contagious. Then, follow these steps:

Tough Interview Question Tip 1. Listen to the question

Make sure you understand exactly w

John stammered, fidgeted, and then bitterly threw blame. “I worked so hard to produce quality product, but the bean counters insisted we cut corners. Our products were terrible, and they didn’t care. I told them they were ruining the company, so they fired me.” As soon as the words were out of his mouth, John knew he’d blown the interview.

Most of us go into interviews fearing questions about our weak spots: Why were you unemployed so long? What’s the reason you’ve had so many jobs? Why have you been at the same company for so long (This used to be a good thing!)? What would your former boss say about you?

Praying the interviewer won’t ask is poor strategy. Here’s a better one.

First, accept what happened. Look for the lessons, forgive those who did you wrong, and accept responsibility for your part in what happened. Your attitude will be contagious. Then, follow these steps:

Tough Interview Question Tip 1. Listen to the question

Make sure you understand exactly w

Most of us go into interviews fearing questions about our weak spots: Why were you unemployed so long? What’s the reason you’ve had so many jobs? Why have you been at the same company for so long (This used to be a good thing!)? What would your former boss say about you?

Praying the interviewer won’t ask is poor strategy. Here’s a better one.

First, accept what happened. Look for the lessons, forgive those who did you wrong, and accept responsibility for your part in what happened. Your attitude will be contagious. Then, follow these steps:

Tough Interview Question Tip 1. Listen to the question

Make sure you understand exactly w

First, accept what happened. Look for the lessons, forgive those who did you wrong, and accept responsibility for your part in what happened. Your attitude will be contagious. Then, follow these steps:

Tough Interview Question Tip 1. Listen to the question

Make sure you understand exactly what the interviewer is asking and why. If you’re not clear, ask for clarification. Many times, people mistake harmless questions for dangerous sensitive questions. A prospective sales rep, who didn’t own a car, was asked what kind of car she drove. Her mind raced. “Is he asking how successful I am—or what?” Fortunately, she had the presence of mind to ask, “That’s an interesting question. Why do you ask?” The manager explained that sales reps need a car with a big trunk to carry a large display. She smiled and said that won’t be a problem. If they hired her, she’d get a car with a big trunk.

Tough Interview Question Tip 2. Take time to think

Ideally, you have anticipated every sensitive question, and have a well-rehearsed response. However, if you’re caught off guard, don’t just blurt something out. It is always preferable to pause a moment to give a thoughtful response.

Tough Interview Question Tip 3. Use Positive Information

Use positive information to put yourself in a favorable light. Be truthful, but remember, you are marketing yourself. Be selective about the information that you share. Certain things are not the employer’s business; others will only be an issue if you mention them.

Tough Interview Question Tip 4. Refocus attention with a question

Conversations tend to stay on topic until someone changes the subject. Don’t let the conversation linger on your liabilities. Take the initiative to refocus attention by asking the employer a question.

John could have said: “I ha