Chapter Four

The Difficult

Questions

T

his chapter deals with questions that are sensitive and

can be uncomfortable to answer. Many of these ques-

tions may have a negative undertone and seem to be

asking, “Tell us something that is wrong with you.” The inter-

viewer is looking to see if past problems are going to follow you

to this job. Many of the questions ask for examples of your past

behavior—“behavioral questions.” You will notice in the exam-

ple answers that part of the perfect phrase you use takes the

focus off of the negative factors and instead accentuates the

positive qualities that you bring to the job.

By thinking about and preparing for this type of question

before the interview, you will feel more confident about the cir-

cumstances of negative situations. You will be able to look the

interviewer in the eye as you answer with confidence, talking

about those times that you would just as soon forget.

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