15 Top Tricky Interview Questions And How To Answer Them

A job interview can be nerve-wracking, especially when faced with the most tricky questions designed to test your abilities and assess your fit for the role. From questions about your weaknesses to scenarios that demand quick thinking, these questions can catch even the most prepared candidates off guard. However, with the right approach and strategies, you can ace the interview with confidence and impress your employers. Let's get started!

What are trick interview questions? 

Trick interview questions test problem-solving capabilities, critical thinking and how someone reacts on their toes while gauging a candidate. These types of questions are most likely not answerable properly; the idea is to get you on your toes and how you can think smart (there are generally no correct answers).

Why Do Employers Ask Job Interview Tricky Questions During Interviews?

Employers ask job interview tricky questions during interviews for several key reasons:

1. Assess Problem-Solving Skills

A difficult question usually relates to the need for candidates to respond promptly, and in that response, they should demonstrate their logical reasoning as well as problem-solving skills. The most tricky question is to determine the logical capabilities of an individual. Employers are watching to see how a candidate handles things they were not expecting and if he can come up with good answers in high-stress situations (Immigration Lawyers London; Immigration Advice Service).

2. Evaluate Critical Thinking

Job interview tricky questions check the candidates for critical & creative thinking. If a potential employer is looking for candidates who are good at breaking down complex situations and crafting effective solutions, this task may provide evidence that you possess these skills.

3. Gauge Cultural Fit

The most tricky questions might not even pertain to the job, but they give insight into who a candidate is and how that fits with your company. Immigration Advice Service routines show the type of adaptability that their candidates also possess. In fact, they go so far as to say that one has to have a sense of humour at times and a good mindset.

4. Test Communication Skills

Employers ask job interview tricky questions to see how effectively you can communicate your thoughts and ideas. Most roles need clear and concise communication, and hence, during interviews, one of those great software engineering interview questions is about how well a person can explain complex ideas.

5. Measure Resilience and Composure

It is a relief to face an unexpected or tricky question. This allows recruiters to see how job seekers stress test in very high-stakes situations—something quite ­invaluable when working at levels of the industry that many ​(Immigration Advice Service).

6. Identify Genuine Interest and Preparation

The most tricky questions are often asked to test if you, as a candidate, prepared for the interview properly and whether or not you have a real interest in this position being given to you by the company. Provocative Responses: These are common in fast-paced interviews and can reveal that the candidate is passionate but not committed or informed.

How to Answer Tricky Interview Questions?

Keep your calm during job interview tricky questions, and make it a point to take some time before you answer the question. Stick to a format like STAR (which stands for Situation, Task, Action and Result) in your responses. If you do not know the answer, be honest and tell how you would go about solving this problem. You will learn to think critically and creatively, looking at situations from various sides, and expect that you have thought about your process of thinking in conversation. Lastly, keep a positive mindset and take pride in yourself or your self-assurance attitude, which will show how strong you were during the worst of times.

10 Tricky Interview Questions and Answers

Nailing a job interview requires more than a polished resume. Let's examine 10 tricky interview questions and answers to help you turn these challenges into opportunities.

1. Tell me about yourself.

This question is meant to provide the interviewer with a brief background of your experience and skills. It lets them know the trajectory of your career and how it fits into the applied position. 

How to answer: Summarize with enough words to get the main points across. How would you answer how I address my work history & past wins (with examples)? Concentrate on things that are directly connected to the job you're applying for and close to why you are excited about this opportunity.

2. Why do you want to work here?

This tricky interview question aims to assess your understanding of the company's culture, values and alignment with its goals. Employers want to ensure that you're genuinely interested in the position and not just looking for any job. 

How to answer: Research the company thoroughly to understand its mission, values, and recent achievements. Tailor your response to reflect how your experiences, skills, and career goals align with its offerings. Highlight specific aspects of the company's culture or projects that excite you and explain how you can contribute to its success.

3. Why are you leaving your current role?

This trick question for the interview seeks to understand your motivations for seeking new opportunities and to uncover any potential concerns or red flags. Employers want assurance that you're leaving for positive reasons rather than dissatisfaction or conflicts. 

How to answer: Focus on the positive aspects of your current role and express gratitude for the opportunities it provided. Emphasise your desire for new challenges, professional growth, or a better alignment with your career goals. Avoid speaking negatively about your current employer or colleagues, as this can raise concerns about your professionalism and ability to handle conflicts gracefully.

4. What are your weaknesses?

This tricky interview question aims to evaluate your self-awareness, honesty, and ability to reflect on areas for improvement. Employers want to assess how you handle challenges and whether you're proactive in addressing weaknesses. 

How to answer: Choose a genuine area for improvement but frame it in a positive light. Avoid mentioning critical skills required for the job or character flaws. Instead, focus on a skill or trait that is not central to the role but one you're actively working to improve. Provide concrete examples of steps you've taken to address this weakness, such as seeking training or feedback, and demonstrate how you've turned it into a strength. This showcases your growth mindset and commitment to self-improvement, which are valuable qualities in any candidate.

5. What is the one thing people assume is incorrect about you?

This question is really getting at self-awareness and how you deal with stereotypes.
How to answer: Identify a common misconception and explain why it's inaccurate. Provide an example that showcases the correct view and how you've successfully addressed this in the past.

6. Explain Your Employment Gap?

Questions like this are asked to determine if you have holes in your resume and that nothing is keeping the new employer from hiring you. 

How to answer: Answer transparently about why you had a gap. Detail any development activities you engaged in during this time, such as education, volunteering or upskilling and how those have set you up for the role.

7. What is your most significant achievement?

Employers usually ask this tricky interview question to understand your abilities, problem-solving skills, and impact in previous roles. They want to understand your past successes to predict your potential contributions in the new role. 

How to answer: Choose an achievement relevant to the job you're applying for and demonstrate key skills or competencies. Start by briefly describing the challenge you faced, then explain the steps you took to address it, and finally, highlight the positive outcome or impact of your actions. If possible, quantify your achievements using metrics or data to provide context and showcase your effectiveness. By sharing a compelling story of success, you demonstrate your ability to deliver results.

8. What motivates you?

This tricky interview question aims to uncover your natural drivers and what energises you in the workplace. Employers want to ensure that your motivations align with the demands of the role and the company's culture. 

How to answer: Be honest and authentic about what inspires you professionally. Reflect on past experiences where you felt fulfilled and engaged and identify common themes or values that motivate you. These could include opportunities for growth and learning through internships, making a meaningful impact, collaborating with talented colleagues, or achieving challenging goals. Tailor your response to align with the specific aspects of the job and company culture you find motivating, demonstrating your enthusiasm.

9. How do you see your ideal work day? 

Its purpose is to get some insight into what it will be like for you working in the company. 

How to answer: Illustrate a reliable day that accomplishes essential tasks, collaboration with teammates and some reflective or skill-learning personal time. Focus on results and fun at work.

10. Give an example of a time when you showed initiative.

Employers usually ask this tricky interview question to evaluate your proactiveness, problem-solving abilities, and willingness to take ownership of tasks. They want to assess how you handle situations that require independent action and creativity. 

How to answer: Choose a specific example where you identified an opportunity or challenge, took the initiative without being prompted, and achieved a positive outcome. Describe the context of the situation, the actions you took to address it, and the results of your initiative. Emphasise how your proactive approach added value to the organisation, such as improving processes, solving a problem, or seizing an opportunity. By showcasing your initiative, you demonstrate your resourcefulness, leadership potential, and ability to drive results.

11. Give an example of your lateral thinking.

This tricky interview question aims to assess your creativity, critical thinking skills, and ability to approach problems from unconventional angles. Employers want to understand how you tackle complex challenges and generate innovative solutions. 

How to answer: Choose a specific example where you encountered a problem or situation that required you to think outside the box. Describe the context of the problem, the creative approach you took to solve it, and the positive outcomes of your lateral thinking. Highlight any unexpected or non-traditional solutions you suggested and how they led to successful results. By showcasing your lateral thinking abilities, you demonstrate your adaptability, creativity, and capacity to generate fresh ideas.

12. Describe a time you have worked with a difficult person

This tricky interview question aims to assess your interpersonal skills, conflict resolution abilities, and professionalism. Employers want to understand how you handle challenging situations and difficult personalities in the workplace. 

How to answer: Choose a specific example where you successfully managed a difficult interaction or conflict with a colleague or stakeholder. Describe the context of the situation, the problems you faced, and the strategies you employed to address the issue effectively. Emphasise your ability to remain calm, empathetic, and solution-oriented, even in challenging circumstances. Highlight any communication or conflict resolution skills you utilised, and discuss how you reached a positive resolution or outcome. By demonstrating your ability to work effectively with difficult individuals, you showcase your professionalism, emotional intelligence, and capacity to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics.

13. What do you like working under pressure?

This tricky interview question aims to assess your ability to perform effectively in high-stress situations and meet deadlines. Employers want to understand how you handle pressure and whether you can remain focused and productive under challenging circumstances. 

How to answer: Provide examples of past experiences where you successfully managed pressure and delivered results. Describe how you prioritise tasks, stay organised, and maintain a positive attitude when faced with tight deadlines or demanding situations. Highlight any strategies you use to cope with stress, such as time management techniques, delegation, or seeking support from colleagues. Emphasise your ability to stay calm, resilient, and focused on achieving goals, even in high-pressure environments. 

14. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

The employer asks this tricky interview question to gauge your long-term career goals, ambition, and alignment with the company's trajectory. They want to understand your aspirations and whether they align with the opportunities available within the organisation. 

How to answer: Be honest and strategic about your career aspirations while also demonstrating your commitment to the role and company. Discuss your professional growth objectives, such as acquiring new skills, taking on leadership responsibilities, or making a meaningful impact in your field. Tailor your response to reflect how you see yourself contributing to the organisation's success and advancing your career within the company. Avoid being overly specific or rigid in your plans, as flexibility and adaptability are also valued traits. 

15. What is your salary expectation?

The employer asks this tricky interview question to ensure that your salary expectations align with their budget and to verify if your experience justifies your requested compensation.  

How to answer: Be sure to research what industry standards are for the role. Include a range of what you will expect and provide your experience so they can get an understanding - Offer willingness to talk about details or negotiate.

What To Do When You Don’t Know The Answer To A Question?

When you get stumped by a question during an interview, it is key to remain calm and handle the moment with grace. Think about the question for a moment before answering, if you are still unsure, be true to yourself and say that you do not know the accurate answer. Follow that with an explanation of how you would find the answer, demonstrating your research or problem-solving capabilities. Or, you could compare the question to something which has happened in your life and demonstrate that you already have experience, so know how an event of its nature would likely play out. Keeping a good attitude and showing you are ready to learn changes this potential negative moment into highlighting your pluses.

These tricky interview questions are not just about providing the correct answers but also about showcasing your experiences, skills and personality. Now that you understand the purpose behind these common tricky interview questions, you can navigate these interviews with confidence! Remember to be your authentic self while addressing any challenges. Good luck!