What was the most challenging aspect of your previous job? How did you overcome it?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
How to Answer
What to Avoid
1st Answer Example
2nd Answer Example

Your answer to this question will give the interviewer insight into what you perceive as a challenge. It will also show the interviewer how you overcome a challenge. Some things continue to challenge us, paving the road for self-growth.

Sometimes the greatest workplace challenge is a difficult task that puts you outside of your comfort zone. It could be something that requires skills you haven't mastered yet. Explain to the interviewer why the situation was difficult, highlight the actions you took to overcome the challenge, and explain how you continue to improve.

Again, don't offer examples that will paint you in a poor light. The last thing you want to do is outline ways in which you'd prove a liability should they hire you.

"The most challenging aspect of my last job was troubleshooting some of the older technology we worked with. We needed some serious upgrades, but they weren't in the budget. Learning how to work around this problem was quite a challenge, but I learned by referring to old manuals and online forums. I became one of the strongest users of this program in our entire office! I quickly became the go-to person when anyone had questions about the technology."

"The most challenging aspect of my previous position was maintaining a positive attitude at all times. The workplace culture was not positive, but I tried to improve it through words of encouragement to my coworkers, facilitating small events for our team to get to know each other a bit better, and keeping a smile on my face throughout the day."

How to Answer: What was the most challenging aspect of your previous job? How did you overcome it?