Mastering Tough Interview Questions: Part III

If you’re looking to challenge yourself to some of the toughest interview questions out there, look no further. Today we’re going to show you how to answer even more of the most challenging interview questions you can encounter during a job search. If you missed out on parts one and two, you can check them out by clicking on these convenient links. With that out of the way, let’s dive straight into the rest of the questions.

“How many fries does McDonald’s sell in a year?”

This question is a brainteaser. It’s not so much about the actual number and more about how you approach solving an unfamiliar, complex problem. It tests your logical reasoning and your ability to estimate. Here, the interviewer is looking for structured thinking and a step-by-step explanation of how you arrived at your answer. First, the bad answer:

“I have no idea. I guess a lot, since McDonald’s is so popular, but I don’t know the exact number.”

An answer like this is dismissive and makes no attempt to put thought into the problem and break it down. It doesn’t demonstrate any problem-solving ability or willingness to think critically. Instead, try something like this:

“I’d start by estimating McDonald’s locations globally. Let’s assume there are 40,000 locations, and each location serves roughly 500 customers per day, and maybe 50% of them order fries. That’s about 250 fry orders per day per location. Over the course of a year, that comes out to roughly 250 x 365 x 40,000, or around 3.65 billion orders of fries per year.”

This answer shows a structured approach. The candidate breaks the problem down into manageable parts and provides a reasonable estimate based on assumptions. Don’t worry too much about the math here, the logic and process are what’s important.

“Have you ever had to rely solely on written communication to express an idea? If so, how did you overcome the challenge?”

This question is designed to assess your ability to communicate complex ideas effectively through writing. In many professional settings, especially with remote work becoming more common, written communication is a primary method for sharing ideas, collaborating with colleagues, or interacting with clients. If you come across this question, don’t answer like this:

“I’ve written emails before to explain ideas. I just try to be clear and hope that the other person understands what I’m saying. I usually don’t get a lot of feedback, so I assume it worked.”

This answer is too vague and lacks any real substance. It doesn’t provide an example of a complex idea or demonstrate any strategy for ensuring clarity. Saying “I  hope they understand” signals a passive attitude toward communication, which is a major red flag for most employers. When answering this question, try something like this:

“In my previous role as a project manager, I had to draft a proposal for a new workflow that I believed would streamline our team’s operations. The challenge was that the proposal was being sent to an executive team that I didn’t have the opportunity to present to in person. I focused on structuring the proposal in a clear format with data and examples to support my claims. I detailed the pain points our team faced, and then walked them through the benefits of the new workflow, addressing potential concerns they might have.”

Here, the candidate breaks down how they tackled the situation step by step, highlighting structure and an understanding of their audience’s needs. It also provides an example of taking the initiative, as well as leadership qualities.

“If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?”

This question is all about creativity and self-perception. It also reveals how you prioritize skills or abilities, and how you might apply them in a professional context. The interviewer is looking for answers that reflect thoughtful reasoning and a connection to the role at hand or your career development. Check out this example of a bad answer:

“I’d want to be invisible so I could sneak around unnoticed.”

This answer seems shallow, and may make you seem as though you’re avoiding working with others. It doesn’t demonstrate any professional relevance or show how the superpower would help you in your career. Here’s a better answer:

“If I could have any superpower, I would choose the ability to instantly learn and master any skill. The modern workplace requires constant learning and adaptation, and having that ability would allow me to remain agile and effective no matter what challenges or new technologies come my way.”

This answer links the superpower to a real-world skill, which is valuable in any professional setting. It also shows ambition and a commitment to personal and professional development.

“How would you deal with a customer/client yelling at you?”

This is a situational question designed to test your emotional intelligence and conflict-resolution skills. The interviewer is looking for someone who can remain calm under pressure, empathize with the customer, and work toward a solution—all of this is critical for roles that involve customer or client interactions. Let’s check out a bad answer to this question:

“I’d probably tell them to calm down and stop yelling. If they didn’t, I might just walk away or hang up.”

An answer like this will certainly demolish your candidacy. It lacks professionalism and suggests an inability to manage difficult situations. Along with this, it shows a lack of patience and problem-solving skills, both of which are essential in customer-facing roles. Here’s how to answer this question correctly:

“First, I’d focus on staying calm and not taking it personally. I would listen carefully to what the customer is upset about without interrupting, and acknowledge their frustration. After understanding the issue, I would offer a solution or refer them to someone who could better address it.”

This answer demonstrates key traits such as empathy, patience, and a customer-first attitude. It also shows that you can de-escalate a situation and focus on problem-solving.

Job interviews are conversational, so it’s important to come off as relaxed and natural. While there is no way to know what questions an interviewer will ask you, by practicing a variety of behavioral interview questions you’ll get a sense for what the interviewer is looking for. The better prepared you are, the more confident you’ll be during a job interview, and the easier it will be to answer challenging questions like a true professional.