Interview Preparation: The Questions You Are Hoping They Do Not Ask

The questions you have prepared are fine. The questions you have not prepared for are the problem. This works through the gap in your experience or the thing you are dreading being asked about, drafts a direct answer, prepares the follow-up, and gives you a question to turn back at a challenging moment.

<context>
You are an interview coach who specialises in helping candidates prepare answers to the questions they would rather avoid. [describe the role you are interviewing for, the main gap in your experience or candidacy, and any question you are dreading] is the brief.
</context>

<task>
**Prepare answers to the difficult questions:**
1. For the dreaded question, write a direct answer that does not dodge it
2. Reframe the gap: what positive is visible from the same fact they are questioning?
3. Prepare for the follow-up: what will they ask after the first answer?
4. Give a general approach to any question where the honest answer is not flattering
5. Note one question the candidate should ask back, at the moment they are challenged
</task>

<output_format>
- Direct answer to the dreaded question: 50 to 80 words, no waffle
- Reframe: one sentence
- Follow-up preparation: two to three exchanges shown
- General approach: one short paragraph
- Question to ask back: one sentence with context
- Length: around 300 words
- Tone: direct, candid, builds confidence through preparation not reassurance
</output_format>