Why Questions in Interviews Are So Tough

Ruchir Gupta -

Ever walked into an IT interview and felt like you’ve been hit with a barrage of questions designed to throw you off balance? You’re not alone. As someone who’s been on both sides of the interview table, I’ve seen firsthand why these questions can seem intimidating. But there’s a method to this madness, and understanding why IT interviews are so challenging can actually be the key to acing them.

Let’s break down why interviewers make their questions tough—and how you can turn this challenge into an opportunity.

1. The Challenge of Assessing Technical Skills

  • When it comes to IT interviews, recruiters face the daunting task of evaluating a candidate’s technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and overall fit within a very limited time frame.
  • Ideally, it would be great to assess these skills over a few months of working together on real projects. But, let’s be honest, no one is willing to work unpaid for that length of time just for an evaluation, and such an approach isn’t feasible for the sheer number of candidates vying for tech roles today.
  • So, interviews remain the most practical solution—but it means cramming months of evaluation into a short window. And that’s why the questions can feel like they’re coming at you fast and furious.

2. The Practicality of Traditional Interviews

  • Traditional interviews offer a way to evaluate multiple candidates quickly, making them more practical for both the interviewer and the interviewee. But here’s the catch: how do you assess complex technical skills in just an hour. Imagine trying to judge someone’s programming skills—you’d ideally want to see them code, debug, and tackle unexpected problems over time.
  • However, especially in remote or virtual settings, conducting practical, hands-on assessments isn’t always possible. This limitation is one reason interviewers resort to tough, theoretical, or problem-solving questions that simulate real-world scenarios.
  • These questions are not just about what you know—they’re about how you think, adapt, and solve problems under pressure.

3. Navigating Real-Life Problems

  • In today’s world of remote work, interviews are often conducted virtually, which presents additional challenges. It’s harder to monitor candidates in real time, making it more important than ever to ask challenging questions that truly test a candidate’s understanding and expertise.
  • Moreover, real-life practical problems in IT are often complex, ambiguous, and demanding. This reality means that interview questions need to reflect the difficulty of actual scenarios candidates will face on the job.
  • These tough questions are designed to assess not just theoretical knowledge, but the ability to navigate and solve the kind of intricate problems that arise in real-world situations. It’s a test of how well candidates can handle challenges similar to those they will encounter in their day-to-day work.

4. The Need to Identify Top Talent

  • The IT industry is highly competitive, with many qualified candidates competing for a limited number of positions. This means companies need to ensure they select the best talent available.
  • And one of the most effective ways to differentiate between candidates is by challenging them with tough, technical questions that reveal who truly has the skills, mindset, and problem-solving ability to excel.
  • For example, solving a tricky algorithm or debugging a piece of code during an interview may seem stressful, but it’s the quickest way to showcase your capabilities and prove you can handle the job’s demands.

Want to Be Prepared for Tough IT Interviews?

If you’re wondering how to tackle these challenging questions and want to prepare effectively, I’ve got you covered. Check out my detailed guide on How to Prepare for IT Interviews where I share practical tips and strategies to help you excel.

Conclusion: Embrace the Challenge

So, the next time you face those tough IT interview questions, remember that they’re designed to reveal your true potential. It’s not just about what you know—it’s about how you think, adapt, and solve problems under pressure. Use this knowledge to your advantage, and turn the challenge into an opportunity to showcase your skills.

Have you faced an especially tough IT interview question? Share your experience in the comments, and let’s learn from each other! By preparing effectively and understanding the interviewer’s perspective, you can walk into your next IT interview with confidence.

Happy coding, and good luck!