Navigating Difficult Job Interview Questions after a Career Gap
The best ‘unemployed’ person who stands out to me from those I’ve interviewed was a gentleman from the US, whom I’ll call George. George had been out of work for 18 months and had applied for a Sales Consultant job in one of the businesses I was a leader of. Although I asked the usual questions that follow in the article below, I was keen to uncover why he hadn’t worked for such a long time. What made his answers so powerful was his disarming honesty. Instead of dodging questions about his time without work, he confronted it head on, admitted that he hadn’t found the position that matched his skillset or interests yet, rather he was looking for a company that matched his values – which he then proceeded to expound upon. He didn’t sound desperate; his answers weren’t standard or rehearsed and he didn’t try to make himself sound perfect. With the example of George in mind, here’s how to handle some of the trickiest ones with ease.
1. “Can you tell me about yourself?”
This is a classic, open-ended question that often comes at the beginning of interviews. Apparently to put the interviewee at ease, it can actually feel intimidating, but it's your opportunity to make a strong first impression.
Keep your answer concise and relevant to the opportunity at hand, focusing on your key skills, career achievements with a bit of professional background sprinkled in. Structure your response using the present-past-future formula: briefly explain your current, most relevant set of skills, support those skills by referencing past experiences, then end by highlighting what you're looking for in your next role.
2. “Why did you leave your last job?”
If you were made redundant, be honest and professional. You can say something like “Because of a critical loss of funding, my position was untenable. I see this as an opportunity to reflect on my career though, and prioritize finding a role that aligns with my skills and goals.” At all costs avoid negativity about your previous employer or colleagues.
3. “What have you been doing since your last job?”
If you’ve been job searching for a while, reframe the time as an opportunity. Mention any professional development activities, freelance work, volunteering, or courses you’ve taken. This shows you’ve been proactive in maintaining and improving your skills.
4. “What are your weaknesses?”
Honesty is best here. Choose something real, a weakness that you’d like to work on. It shows both humility and self-awareness to acknowledge you’re not perfect. Don’t say you’ve solved the weakness, rather frame it as a journey. Doing this shows that you are willing to learn and adapt and are also self-aware enough to be real about your gaps.
5. “Why should we hire you?”
This is your chance to showcase you. Focus on your skills, experience, and enthusiasm for the role. Tailor your answer to the job description and highlight how your unique strengths will benefit the company.
Final Tips
· Be real and human. Be the first to humanize the interaction, to make it more like a conversation than a formal interview.
· Stay positive: Reframe difficulties as opportunities for growth and learning.
· Speak to what’s in it for them: Understanding the company’s goals will help you tailor your answers to what they need (what they are most interested in).
Job interviews can be stressful. With the right preparation though, you can confidently tackle even the toughest questions.
Did you like this article? If you’re looking for a way to reframe your current season of looking for work / job loss, reach out to us for a limited-edition workshop on ‘Reclaiming your Why and Reframing your Identity’. 5 slots available only; on a first-come, first-served basis.