Toughest Interview Questions and Expert Strategies

Vocabulary flashcards defining key companies, concepts, and recommended strategies for answering tough interview questions.

Glassdoor

A job website that compiled a list of some of the toughest interview questions asked by elite companies, along with expert advice on how to answer them.

CV

A document whose primary point and purpose is for an applicant to present the best side of themselves.

The Phoenix Partnership

An elite company whose question is best answered by explaining that everyone presents their best side on a CV, but that lying and exaggeration are wrong, avoiding an answer of 'nothing' which looks defensive.

Condé Nast

An elite company whose question is best approached by explaining that you do not make enemies, but have enjoyed good-natured rivalry to demonstrate a competitive side and drive to succeed.

Good-natured rivalry

A friendly form of competition, such as in sport, that can be cited in an interview to demonstrate a competitive nature and a drive to succeed without appearing hostile.

Page Group

An elite company whose question invites a light-hearted response about making sure to reserve personal time each week for activities such as art, tennis, football, or singing.

Palantir Technologies

An elite company whose interview question requires candidates to prepare a list of areas that are not their biggest strengths, ensuring those areas would not affect the specific role applied for.

Clearwater Analytics

An elite company whose interview question targets serious maths geeks, with one suggested answer being to place a single red ball in one container and all remaining balls in the other.

Switch Consulting

An elite company where candidates are advised to share details about their personal life and how they relax, such as going to the gym, to demonstrate a healthy work-life balance.

Work-life balance

The healthy equilibrium between professional duties and personal relaxation, which candidates can illustrate by mentioning activities like visiting the gym.

Badoo

An elite company whose interview question should not be answered with a simple 'yes' or 'no', but rather by assessing one's personality type, company culture, and gut feeling about who thrives there.