HOW TO HANDLE TOUGH INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Nobody loves the interview process. Whether you’re new to foodemployment.com’s job board or

you’ve been working in the food and beverage manufacturing industry for decades, an interview

is still stressful enough to conjure up a belly full of butterflies. While interviewers seem to

delight in throwing curveball questions, you can be ready to handle each one gracefully if you

have a few tricks of your own prepared.

Some folks in the food industry job market try to prepare detailed answers to every possible

question. While this might seem like a good strategy at first glance, you’ll just end up frazzled

and stressed because there’s really no way to anticipate every question that an interviewer might

ask. In fact, an interviewer is going to purposely interject tough, unexpected questions to see how

you handle yourself under pressure. So while you can prepare solid general answers to possible

scenarios, remember that the most important thing you can do is to handle the curveballs

gracefully.

How to Stand Out

Interviewers are on the lookout for a few key attributes: intelligence, an ability to solve

problems, a good work ethic, a positive attitude, and a good dose of initiative. Obviously, they’re

also looking for someone with experience in the food manufacturing jobs they’re trying to fill.

The best way to stand out from the crowd is to show that you understand the demands of the

position you’re aspiring to, and that your previous experience in the food and beverage industry

relates well to the job that you are interviewing for.

Anticipate the Curveballs

It’s relatively easy to anticipate the standard questions, and you can do plenty to prepare your

answers. Every once in a while though, you’re going to face a tricky question that you’re just not

prepared for. While you can’t have a perfect answer ready for unexpected questions, you can be

ready with a plan for how to handle them. If you expect tough questions, they won’t leave you

frazzled.

When a tough question is presented, don’t feel like you have to respond immediately. Take a

moment to collect your thoughts. Remember that a recruiter or interviewer is never going to

expect rapid-fire answers to every question. In fact, you’ll look more confident and composed if

you offer thoughtful, unhurried responses.

Remember also that you don’t have to give a long, drawn-out answer to every question. Give

factual, relevant answers that aren’t weighed down by emotion or unimportant details. Stays

focused and try not to deviate from the question at hand.

How to Handle: Personal Questions

These are some of the stickiest questions in an interview. You might be faced with a question

like, “How would your colleagues describe you?”, or “What is your biggest weakness?”

Remember that you’re not expected to list your strengths and weaknesses in checklist form.

Questions like these are posed to see how you view yourself. Interviewers are looking for

candidates who can identify areas that need work and who are prepared to take steps toward

improvement.

If you are presented with one of these self-reflection questions, don’t let it stress you out. Take a

breath, think it through, and offer a clear, straight-forward answer that pertains to the position at

hand.

How to Handle: Uncomfortable Questions

Inevitably, you’ll be asked questions like “Where do you see yourself in five years?” This isn’t

the time to bring up a whole host of personal aspirations like marriage, children, or personal

hobbies. This IS the time to show yourself as a stable, dependable candidate who is looking for

long-term employment and career advancement. Most employers are looking for someone who

will grow with the company – not someone who might jump from one job to the next.

You may also be asked questions about previous jobs, colleagues or employers. Even if you left

a previous position on less than stellar terms, it’s very important to focus on what you learned

rather than on negative experiences. Never speak poorly of your previous job, as this will only

cast you in a negative light.

How to Handle: Turned Tables

Many recruiters will wrap up an interview by asking, “Do you have any questions?” You might

be breathing a sigh of relief at surviving all the tough questions, but don’t drop your A-game just

yet. Come prepared with a list of questions that you have about the company you’d like to work

for. Ask about your employer’s expectations, the company’s structure, future opportunities, or

anything you might find relevant. This is the time to show genuine interest in the company, its

culture, and the specific position you’re after.

Remember, you’ll eventually run into a question that catches you off guard. Don’t let crazy

questions ruin your chance of getting a great job. Just take a breath, gather your thoughts, and

proceed with confidence. If you have questions, we are here to help. Feel free to contact

www.foodemployment.com or call us at 1-800-815-4980