How to Answer a Tricky Interview Question

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The interview can be the most dreaded part of the application process, whether it be for a job, or a school, or anything else. But instead of looking at it as impending doom, look at it as an opportunity to show how you perform under pressure. Preparing yourself before the interview even starts can help when you're in the middle of a really difficult question.

Steps

1. Calm down. Before you even enter the room, make sure you are focused and relaxed. If you're already calm, great! Stay that way. Make sure you drink enough water, but don't spill any on yourself. This will keep your brain working at its best, and will also reduce the possibility of your mouth going dry.
   
2. Make a good entrance. Come in the door smiling and confident, and make sure not to trip on anything. Your interviewer will probably shake your hand; grip firmly, but just barely gentle enough to not hurt anybody. Remember that confidence is important, but so is humility.
   
3. Think. Not just on the tricky questions, but on all of them: don't open your mouth until you know exactly what you're going to say. The human mouth has an amazing ability to say something incredibly stupid at the worst possible time. Don't let this tendency take advantage of you.
   
4. Don't let your interviewer shake you. Keep in mind that one of the purposes of the tricky questions is to make you uncomfortable. Keep your cool at all costs; you'll need it for the rest of the interview. Besides, don't forget, your performance under pressure is being tested here.
   

Tips

• Don't worry about anything. Put all your worries out of your mind, or they will interrupt your focus in the middle of your interview.
  
• Make sure you look professional. Give yourself some time to make sure you look perfect. Looks are an important part of making a good first impression; perhaps more important than they should be, but use this to your advantage.
  
• Don't skip breakfast. Your brain will need all the help it can get.
  

Related wikiHows

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• How to Perform Well in a Group Interview
  
• How to Ace a Panel Interview for a Professional Position
  

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