Has anyone ever been tounge-tied in a job interview?

Question

You know those questions about your character? I always choke on those. I just don't know what words to use, I guess. I've got a big job interview comming up and I'd like some pointers, it can be totally fictional. These are the questions I'd like good answers to:
Tell me about a time you were challegned, how did you handle yourself?
When someone is out of line and there's not a manager around, how would you handle it?
Why did you leave your last job? (I can't ever think of anything that can't be twisted around to sound badly)
And just anything like that. Also, if you can think of other questions they may ask, that would be appreciated.

Answer 1

Most of the time, when interviewers ask these types of questions, it's not so much the answer that counts, but they are trying to gauge how well you can think on your feet and how you react. Probably the best advice when you get these questions is to try to turn it around to reflect how much you want the job, what you are looking for, etc. For example, if they ask why you left your last job, even if it was bad, you could say something like you are looking for a new challenge, you didn't see a lot of opportunity for advancement and that's what you are looking for, etc.

The other thing about job interviews is that it takes practice, so the more you interview (or 'mock interview' with a friend or something), the better you will get at it. Good luck!

Answer 2

They are hard, but what you have to remember is that the interview is there for you to shine, not to catch you out.

Of course I have been tongue-tied - I was just the other week and then said that I was nervous and couldn't think!! They were fine about it, after all the interview had gone on for nearly half an hour by then. The feedback was I gave a strong performance and while I didn't get that particular job they did offer me another one which I've accepted.

Certainly don't go for fiction, you can always think of something. It could even be something mundane like the office running out of teabags so you organised a kitty and each week one person would have responsibility for getting the tea/coffee/milk or whatever in. What does something small like that show? Taking the lead, being organised, delegating tasks and getting people to do things they may not want to.

A challenge is always getting people round to your way of thinking, learning to prioritise lots of different jobs, learning new tasks, dealing with difficult customers or office restructuring.

Whatever your past jobs have been, there will be something of a challenge in there. Re your character, only you can answer that. You may be asked how you would handle a lazy person or too much workload - you can talk about being pro-active, having initiative, taking the lead, suggesting ideas or better ways of working.

Why did you leave your last job - you could say you went as far as you could and needed a fresh challenge, you had outgrown the job or you wanted a different direction.

Why don't you get a friend or relative to do a role play with you and ask you questions. That way it won't sound so false or awkward to you when you answer the questions for real. Also think about questions you've been asked in past interviews and how you would answer them now.

Lots of questions tend to be similar - you may be able to get interview skills help or literature from your local job centre or careers advice centre. Good luck!

Answer 3

I hope this helps. Here are my suggestions:

1.Tell me about a time you were challegned, how did you handle yourself?
"I was challenged when I had to step in an take over a project that was floundering and team members were not motivated. Because I have a great sense of humor and a non-defeatist attitude, I was able to see the project through to completion and to encourage my fellow team members by first getting to know them better, relating to their fears about the project and insisting on interjecting some fun into our meetings."

2. When someone is out of line and there's not a manager around, how would you handle it?
"I have never run away from conflict because I believe good communication can resolve just about any problem. I would approach the person, ask if I could speak with him or her privately and then explain why I believed their comments or behavior was out-of-line in a non-threatening yet firm manner."

3. Why did you leave your last job? (I can't ever think of anything that can't be twisted around to sound badly)

"I left my last job because I knew that I was capable of doing more. I want a job where I can expand on my current skills and learn new ones. I enjoy being "stretched" and perform best when I am challenged."

Answer 4

There are about 30 or so questions that are always asked in a regular job interview. You can find them on the internet. You should have these questions answered before you go into the interview. Always use the same few examples where it was a success for you and makes you look good to the interviewer. In actuality, most of the interviewers are Human Resource people - so they ask the regular questions. Never say anything negative in an interview.

Answer 5

gettin tongue tied is pretty common place, even i could not tell even my subjects when the interviewer fired that question on me just as i entered. The good way out is to solemnly confess that you are a bit nervous. just dont keep sittin there trying to utter sumthin.

As far as the question why you left your previous job, a safe bet is to courteously say that you had some personal problems with the job. This way the interviewer would not bug you to tell the reason and would respect and admire your integrity.
If you want to be bolder, you could say that this job would be more lucrative, but it is not recommended because the interviewer would think that you will be just as willing to leave this job for another more lucrative one.

Apart from that, keep as much knowledge of the firm as you can. Visit its website, know the top boss's name, the company's worth, share prices etc. It shows that you are genuinely interested. For instance they may ask who's the chairman of this company. It would be embarrassin if you werent able to answer.

Do not try to beat around the bush if you dont know some answer. The interviewer is way smarter than you. simply say you do not know.

Answer 6

Well for one it totally depends on the job, you should always apply your answers to fit for the job you are applying for.
1. For this question, you could say something about having an unruly customer at wherever your last job was and you handled it by keeping calm and calming them down by finding out what they needed and why they were upset and being very pleasant to them (talking them through it).
2. Say you would handle them by apologizing and asking if there is anything you can do for them or to make it up to them.
3. Easy one you left your last job to pursue other interests and to see what other options are available.

Then if they ask to tell them about yourself stick with this format,
I am (age) I just finished (education or last job) I am very (personality traits) I enjoy (more traits such as working with ppl & as a team etc) In my spare time I like to (give some personal details what you do in your spare time interest etc.) and I look forward to expanding my knowledge and expertise in the feild of (whatever it is)

Traits/Characteristics:
Anything positive
If they ask you about negative characteristics try to use negative things that are also positive
Like you're a perfectionist
or You can be really hard on yourself when things don't go the way they should
or You are a neat freak stuff like that.

Answer 7

LOL... Has anyone NOT been tounge-tied in a job interview?

The first few are just practice. Go to any interview you can get even if you're not sure about the job. You can always say "no" if they choose you but you don't like it. Meanwhile, you'll get experience on what sort of questions to expect. Also you'll gain confidence. That way when you do come across a job you really like, you'll do well in the interview.

Answer 8

why quit? because you are [1]looking for something more challenging that can enhance your career[2] looking for better prospects because you belief that the new company could provide such opportunity[ you must first find out a little bit of the said company, how the company doing?any expansion plan? new investment?etc], NEVER condemn your present or previous boss/workplace![3] or may be you are facing family problem so you quit, solve that problem then wanted to start work again.
another common question : what do you think [in what way]you can contribute to the new company? tell them your strength in certain field, how you have had solve a major problem before, some cost saving projects that you have done, some of your past accomplishment that related to this present company etc. all the best !

Answer 9

1. I remember being challenged when....(please relate it to a project at work) What got me through the challenge was remaining and staying focused. It's the rule of the 7 P's: Prior Proper Planning Prevents Painfully Poor Performance.
2. It really depends on the person and the situation. In most situations it's best to remain calm yourself and try to calm the other person down, or to calmly let them know that they're out of line. However, a manager should be informed upon his/her return.
3. I wanted to progress and advance in my career. Although I thoroughly enjoyed my job and my coworkers, I wanted to find new challenges and opportunities.

What you need to do is check out the difficult questions posted at monsterjobs or about or any site that deals with tips. Just practice, running it over and over. Hell, answer your questions out loud in front of the mirror. Once you convince yourself, they won't be tough questions anymore.

Answer 10

1st and foremost, stop and take a big breathe if you have to. Be honest with the employer and tell them you're just a little nervous. Keep eye contact, and smile, but not like a stalker. As for character you can say you're; reliable, professional, able to communicate with customers/patients in stressful situations, able to lend a helping hand, able to listen attentively to others, etc. You know, stuff like that. I can't give you the answers to everything, that'll take forever. Just try to remember all those details from your past, you'll be alright.