One of the toughest parts about looking for a new job is the interview process. Some companies like to have two or three stages and seemingly, each stage asks the same questions! The repetitiveness of the interviews isn’t just annoying, it’s draining. The whole process of looking for work can be stressful enough as it is without staged interviews making it even harder.

Some interviews have awkward questions and usually this is strategic on the part of the interviewer as they want to make you squirm to get to know your weak spots. Having to talk about an unfair dismissal because of gaps on your resume is never easy, but overcoming awkward interview questions is a way to move past that. Some interviews are rather inexperienced, but if you find yourself feeling a little off-guard during the process, you need to be more prepared!

We’ve got some awkward interview questions below, along with answers that can help you perfect your technique and blow them away!

Tell Me About Yourself

Okay, so this one isn’t technically a question, but it is a hot-seat demand that most people can feel stuck on at the start! It’s a broad question and while you don’t want to go into the personal details of your life, you do still need to talk about yourself. Keep to topic when it comes to your answer; list your name and your strengths as well as why you decided to go for the job in the first place. If you get time, add in what interested you about the company itself – this is a great way to show you’ve done your homework!

What Is Your Passion?

The reason this particular question is an awkward one, is because most interviewees hear it and assume they have to give a work-related response. You don’t. If your passion is mountain climbing in your spare time, talk about that! They want to know what makes you tick and your hobby can often divulge far more about you than your typing speed.

Why Are You Leaving Your Job?

Every candidate in the land can get stumped with this one, but the real advice here is NOT to slate your previous employer. It doesn’t matter whether they were bullies, whether you are in a court case for unfair dismissal or whether they were neglectful. Be tactful with your answer. Talk positively about how you want something more of a challenge, or that you feel you’ve reached your educational ceiling in your previous role. Make it a positive reason and you can move through the question with ease.

How Can We Be Assured You’ll Stay?

You don’t want to appear a flight risk, but a jumpy resume can give that impression. This is your chance to talk at length not only about what you feel the company can offer you, but what you can offer the company in return. Talk about why you can be a valuable asset and how you can work together to achieve mutual happiness.

Awkward questions require clever answers and turning negatives into positives gets you there every single time.

This post has been contributed by Ryan Gatt, it may contain affiliate links.