My 5 Toughest Interview Questions

I am usually pretty calm when I talk to people. I enjoy having conversations and have little to no problems fitting in with new people. My problems begin when it come time to interview, I always am nervous and are unable to speak. I speak in front of different people as a part of my job as a sales consultant and have no problem giving one hour to two hour presentations. It seems as if everything that could keep me from getting the job starts to run around the room like an impatient child. These are the five interview questions I have the hardest time answering.

1. What would you consider an ideal work environment? I wonder if they use this question to see if you are a lazy person who tends to slack if you say a carefree environment where you can work at your own pace. Or if you are lazy if you say that you prefer a more of a team environment. When answering this question I would start off by stating that I could adapt well to many different work environments and could transition well if and when changes are made.

2. What did you like best and least about your last job? When answering I would start off with what I liked best about my last job by giving an example and tell how that skill could be used in their company if I am hired. The I would give an example of what I liked least, and turn it into a positive by stating how that has helped me develop a skill.

3. Tell me about a time when you dealt with an irate customer and how did you handle it? I would start off by explaining that I understand that not all customers I come in contact with will be in a good mood. Then I would go on to explain that I have control over my own actions, so I would remain calm and listen understand exactly what the customer needs. The majority of the times they just want to vent to someone or just want someone to listen. Then I would go on to explain how once I listened to the customer I offered several solutions to the problem. By keeping calm and listening I found a solution to the customers problem and how they were appreciative and happy with the level of service they received.

4. Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a co-worker who wasn't doing his/her fair share of he work. What did you do and what was the outcome? This question is tricky; I would make sure not to bad mouth anyone to start, because that would make me look bad. I would say something like if a co-worker was falling behind on their work it would affect the team as a whole. I would talk to group and not single anyone out. I would explain the goal and the importance of everyone pulling his/her weight. At the same time I would go the extra step to step up to help a co-worker if needed. This always gets me because I don't want to seem like I am unable to approach a co-worker who is slacking, but also I don't want to offend anyone.

5. What is the last book you read? Think about this one really good, make sure not to tell the interviewer you were reading a Zane novel or Harlequin Romance. I would think of something scholarly or something that was more professional. Please try to read something even if its a business magazine or something that in current new.

These questions tend to trip me up when I am interviewing. If anyone has any suggestions or comment I would love to hear them, Thank you and happy job hunting everyone.