How to Answer Uncomfortable Interview Questions

Some questions about former supervisors, reasons for leaving a job or wages can potentially cause discomfort and anxiety in job interviews. Successful job seekers prepare to answer uncomfortable interview questions when they arise.

A job seeker who anticipates uncomfortable interview questions can prepare answers ahead of time. Not to the extent that they have robotic answers, but at least where they have well thought out answers. Job seekers who think through answers ahead of time also show more confidence in the job interview.

Interviewers know this and listen carefully for what job seekers say and don't say as they answer uncomfortable interview questions. Recruiters also evaluate the applicant's body language during answers.

During preparation for how to answer uncomfortable interview questions, think about the interview questions that might cause anxiety. Work through answers with positive language by choosing words carefully. The goal is to avoid communicating negative feelings and to use positive instead of negative words to answer uncomfortable interview questions. Choosing to speak about professional growth, new challenges and even salary ranges will make a difference in an uncomfortable conversation.

In preparing to answer uncomfortable interview questions, think more about the road ahead in this new opportunity. Your answers should be less about the past. Speak confidently about how a former job or assignment prepared you for assignments. Focus on lessons learned through former working relationships instead of focusing on the people.

Many job seekers are surprised by uncomfortable interview questions because they had not prepared any answers. Expect questions like, "Tell me about a conflict with a former supervisor or colleague and how you resolved it". Even if not worded exactly the same, the recruiter is trying to find out about prior work relationships. The best answers will address outstanding work outcomes rather than irrational behavior by you or former colleagues. As you prepare to answer uncomfortable interview questions, focus on putting yourself in a good light, rather than putting others in a bad light.

Some recruiters will probably assume a bad relationship if you don't list a former supervisor as a professional reference. That is your right to try to avoid an uncomfortable situation all together. However, you should address the recruiters' concern directly if asked. Tell the recruiters that the professionals listed are best able to speak to skills required. For example, if the new job requires collaborative work, a colleague could be a great reference. If the new job requires supervisory skills a former direct report could speak to your work.

It is possible to perform really well in a job interview, even when you are asked interview questions that make you uncomfortable. Doing a mock interview is excellent preparation to develop answers for any types of uncomfortable interview questions.