Ex-Amazon HR reveals three ways candidates can answer difficult questions in job interviews
Ex-Amazon HR reveals three ways candidates can answer difficult questions in job interviews
Job interviews can be tough. There are times when you know the answers but can’t frame them in an impressive way. And then there are times when you are caught off-guard and don’t really know how to answer a question. But there are always ways to get around such difficult situations. As per an ex-Amazon recruiter, candidates can either redirect such questions to a topic they are familiar with, repeat or reframe the question or show the interviewer that they are willing to learn.
Teresa Freeman, a seasoned recruiter with 25 years of experience at companies like Amazon and Deloitte, spoke on CNBC Make It and shared insights about how jobseekers can handle tough interview questions. Freeman offered three strategic tips to help candidates navigate tricky questions and make a positive impression on potential employers.
Freeman’s first tip involves ensuring clarity by repeating or reframing the interviewer’s question. This strategy is particularly useful when the question is unclear or complex. “Sometimes you don’t know how to answer, or you may think you don’t know because you didn’t hear it right, or the way it was framed,” Freeman said. By restating the question, candidates can confirm their understanding and buy themselves a bit of extra time to formulate their responses.
If clarity on the question doesn’t help, Freeman suggests shifting the conversation to a related subject where the candidate feels more confident. This approach allows the candidate to showcase their strengths and expertise in areas that may not have been directly asked about but are still relevant to the discussion.
Freeman also said that showing genuine interest and enthusiasm in the role can influence the interviewer’s perception of a candidate. This approach helps the interviewer see the candidate’s potential and their proactive attitude towards learning and development.