You’ve done your research, you understand the position and how to articulate what you can offer. You have your questions ready. The interview is going great…. then the hiring manger asks a curve ball question you were not expecting. How do you respond? As prepared as you may be for each interview, you cannot always predict every question that may be asked. Here are a few of the difficult questions hiring managers tend to ask and how to best tackle them.

How do you typically respond to criticism?

One thing many hiring managers like to know is how a candidate will respond to criticism. Some will ask you in an interview, while others prefer to test you. The best way to handle this is to be prepared. Don’t immediately jump on the defense. Consider what they are saying and respond respectfully. Whether they are pressing you on a specific situation, previous co-worker or simply asking about your coping skills when it comes to criticism – it is best to take a deep breath and respond in a way that shows your true character. NEVER throw someone under the bus or get loud and defensive. Rather, see how you can take the challenge and rise above.

Tell me about a difficult work situation and how you overcame it?

Hiring managers are trying to test your critical thinking skills by having you apply them to a direct situation. This may also reveal how you work in a group setting or team project. As a candidate preparing for an interview, you should always have an answer ready for this one. Have a situation ready to reference so you are not caught off guard and scrambling to answer. Be sure to add details on who was involved (if anyone) and how the difficult situation was resolved.

What made you unhappy with your previous job?

Managers are interested to see if you speak negatively of your previous employer or co-workers, give away sensitive company information or throw someone under the bus. DO NOT DO IT! No matter what the reason was for your departure, it is not appropriate to give too many details in an interview.

The best way to go about this is by answering with as much resect and class as you can. For example, instead of saying “My boss was intolerable and I could no longer work there“, try saying something like, “I learned a lot but I am ready for my next adventure”. This will show the hiring manager that you have a high level of professionalism and will not fear your reaction should you part ways in the future.

If you were a bird, which one would you be and why?

…or other seemingly ridiculous questions that have no right answer. Hiring managers are typically trying to see how you process information. Hardly ever are they looking for a specific “right” answer, just one that was found logically. Feel free to give your best answer (even if it feels like a silly one) and explain your thought process getting there. For example, “I would choose to be a bald eagle because they mate for life and I am nothing if not loyal.” Feel free to add a personal story or just simply what motivated your answer. Whatever you do, don’t just say “I don’t know”, even if it’s a seemingly ridiculous answer to a ridiculous question, simply having an answer can make all the difference.

We have all stumbled in interviews when being asked questions we were not prepared to answer. However, if you practice some of these difficult questions, you are more likely to come out more confident and resilient in your next interview.