Interview Questions
What is your greatest accomplishment? (STAR?)
"In my last role, I managed all social media content. I noticed other brands were experimenting with videos and seeing great engagement from their customers, so I asked my boss if we could do a low-budget test. She agreed, so I produced a video cheaply in-house that drove double the engagement we normally saw on our social channels. It also drove conversions with 30% of viewers visiting our website within a week of seeing the video."
where do you hope to see yourself in 5 years?
A good answer would be - I see myself spending time learning my job, then gradually gaining increased responsibility. Understanding how you imagine your life in the future can help employers understand whether the trajectory of the role and company fits in with your personal development goals. To answer this question you can: Describe skills you want to develop and accomplishments you'd like to achieve: "In five years, I'd like to be an industry expert in my field, able to train and mentor students and entry-level designers alike. I would also like to gain specialized expertise in user experience to be a well-rounded contributor working with design and marketing teams on large-scale projects that make a difference both in the company and the global community."
What motivates you?
Employers ask this question to gauge your level of self-awareness and ensure your sources of motivation align with the role and company. To answer, be as specific as possible, provide real-life examples and tie your answer back to the job role and/or the company's mission Consider asking yourself these questions to prepare your answer: What did a great day at work look like in your previous role and why? What made you choose your profession or field? What prompted you to apply for the role when you read the job description? "Making a true difference in the lives of my patients and their families motivates me to strive for excellence in everything I do. I look forward to seeing my patient's reactions when we get a positive outcome that will change their lives forever. That's why I became a nurse and why I'm pursuing a position in pediatrics." learning new things acquiring new skills meeting deadlines, goals and targets coaching others improving processes, finding ways to solving problems leading a team or being a part of a team completing a difficult project overcoming challenges coming up with creative ideas
How do you define success?
Employers ask this to help them understand how your definition of success influences your goals and how you measure them. A good answer will show that you know how to define and measure goals and you're willing to challenge yourself and work hard to meet them. Consider your proudest achievements, your long- and short-term successes and how the company you're interviewing with views success. Give specific examples of how you've succeeded in the past. Example answer: "I define success as fulfilling my role in my team and in the company. I work toward completing my individual duties as effectively as possible, balancing that with professional growth and contributing to larger organizational goals. In my previous role, success meant exceeding weekly metrics, implementing processes that supported the company's KPIs and meeting quarterly professional development goals."
What are your goals for the future?
Hiring managers often ask about your future goals to determine whether or not you're looking to stay with the company long-term. Additionally, this question is used to gauge your ambition, expectations for your career and ability to plan ahead. The best way to handle this question is to examine your current career trajectory and how this role helps you reach your long-term goals. Example answer: "I would like to continue developing my marketing expertise over the next several years. One of the reasons I'm interested in working for a fast-growing startup company is that I'll have the ability to wear many hats and collaborate with many different departments. I believe this experience will serve me well in achieving my ultimate goal of someday leading a marketing department."
If we were to talk to your former supervisor or teacher, what would they say about you?
If you can remember specific things that were said, and who said them, then use those examples. Such as, "my supervisor at the bank told me that he respects my strong work ethic and knows he can count on me. For example, when he went on vacation, he left me in charge of the front counter." o If you can't think of specific examples, then choose to discuss the traits that employers look for generally, such as time management, friendliness, or reliability, and mention these along with concrete examples.
What are your strengths?
In your answer to this question, share your most relevant technical and soft skills. While it may feel uncomfortable to speak highly of yourself, remember that this is your opportunity to tell your interviewers what makes you a great candidate. To answer, follow the formula below: 1. Share one to a few positive qualities and personal attributes: "I've always been a natural leader..." 2. Back them up with examples: "...I've exceeded my KPIs every quarter and have been promoted twice in the past five years. I look back at those successes and know that I wouldn't have reached them if I hadn't built and led teams composed of highly skilled and diverse individuals. I'm proud of my ability to get cross-functional groups on the same page..." 3. Relate them back to the role for which you're interviewing: "...I've also regularly honed my management skills through 360 reviews and candid sessions with my team, and I know continuing to build my leadership skills is something I want from my next role."
Why do you want to work here?
Interviewers often ask this question to determine whether or not you took the time to research the company and think critically about whether you're a good fit. The best way to prepare for this question is to do your homework and learn about the products, services, mission, history and culture of this workplace. In your answer, mention the aspects of the company that appeals to you and aligns with your values and career goals.
What are your weaknesses?
It can feel awkward to discuss your weaknesses in an environment where you're expected to focus on your accomplishments. However, when answered correctly, sharing your weaknesses shows that you are self-aware with an interest in continued growth and learning—traits that are extremely attractive to many employers. Consider using this formula for your response: 1. Select an actual weakness (not a strength) that's honest but professionally relevant: "I'm naturally shy..." 2. Add context: "...From high school and into my early professional interactions, it sometimes prevented me from speaking up..." 3. Provide a specific example:" ...After being a part of a workgroup that didn't meet our strategic goals two quarters in a row, I knew I owed it to my team and myself to confidently share my ideas..." 4. Explain how you overcame or are working to overcome it: "...I joined an improv acting class. It's fun and has really helped me overcome my shyness. I learned practical skills around leading discussions and sharing diverse perspectives. Now, in group settings, I always start conversations with the quieter folks. I know exactly how they feel, and people can be amazing once they start communicating."
So, tell me what you know about us?
Review the website, starting with the "about us" section. Know the way they describe their mission, their business, their products and services, and their customers. Search the web for industry articles. Reach out to your network for any insights. Jot down a few notes. Think of questions to ask about the organization.
What can you bring to the company?
This question is similar to "Why should we hire you?" A strong answer will demonstrate the skills you have to be successful in this role as well as your potential to bring a new perspective to the business. Research the company in-depth to understand its culture and business needs. Explain why your skills, experience and characteristics uniquely position you to advance organizational objectives. Use an example from your work experience that speaks to your skill set. Example answer: "My problem-solving abilities allow me to work extremely well under pressure, which I understand is a common occurrence in this role. In a previous position as the purchasing lead, I had to decide which supplies to order to stay within the budget, but I had a limited amount of time to make a decision. I quickly created a spreadsheet that helped me compare manufacturers' prices and was able to order the necessary supplies on time and within our budget. I used the spreadsheet throughout the rest of my time with the company to help them save over $500,000. I will bring the same interest and motivation for making an impact here at ABC Company."
What skills would you bring to the job?
While this is similar to questions like "Why should we hire you?" or "What can you bring to the company?" it allows you to be more specific about your work ethic, style and unique abilities as it relates to the role. An impactful answer will discuss your hard and soft skills and use the STAR method to illustrate how your unique skills might benefit the team or organization. Example answer: "I can make anyone feel comfortable in a new environment, which makes me a good fit as a human resources assistant. In my previous position, a new employee came to me and told me that she didn't think she was right for the company culture. After communicating for a few minutes, we realized that she felt too much pressure to participate in company events. I started introducing events that involved fewer competitions and more casual environments, and she quickly grew more comfortable with her team."
Why should we hire you?
While this question may seem like an intimidation tactic, interviewers generally ask to offer another opportunity to explain why you're the best candidate. Your answer should address the skills and experience you offer, why you're a good culture fit and what you believe you'd bring to the role. One thing to remember as you're discussing your fitness for the company with employers is that the idea of "culture fit" can sometimes be used as a way to eliminate and discriminate against candidates, however unknowingly, who don't think, act or look like existing employees. A better alternative concept you might consider addressing is "culture add," or your ability to bring fresh and additive ideas and feedback to the team. Culture adds make the company stronger by diversifying the experiences and perspectives of its workforce. Example answer: "My experience accurately managing inventory intake and skills in creating effective, streamlined schedules make me uniquely qualified to succeed in this kitchen manager position. I understand that you require a highly organized candidate with acute attention to detail. In my previous job, I successfully handled schedules for 20 employees and reduced food waste by 15%. I'm confident in my ability to use my organizational skills to bring efficiency and order to your restaurant.
How would you describe yourself?
With this question, your interviewer wants to learn how your qualities and characteristics align with the skills they believe are required to succeed in the role. To answer this question, pick one to a few personal characteristics and elaborate on them with examples. For example, if you are ambitious and driven you can say: "I am an ambitious and driven individual. I thrive in a goal-oriented environment where I can constantly challenge myself personally and professionally. I am always looking for an opportunity to do better and grow. These characteristics have helped me achieve success in my career. For example, I was promoted three times in less than two years in my last position."
What did you like most about your last position? what did you like least about your last position?
like most: It was a great entry-level position at a start-up agency. Not only was I learning more about marketing, but management was also very transparent, teaching us a great deal about owning a business. It was a very collaborative atmosphere, and the team and I worked together on almost every project. Everyone's weak point was countered by another's strong point. I learned more working there than I ever did in college, and I'm excited to apply these skills to a new position." like least: While I enjoyed my time learning and growing in my last job, there was a lack of opportunity in the way I wanted to progress in my career. I deeply enjoy being challenged and getting better at what I do, which I understand is a top priority for managers at your organization. That's why I'm excited to continue having conversations about this opportunity."
Do you have any questions?
What do you love most about working for this company? What would success look like in this role? What are some of the challenges people typically face in this position?" How important is it that you hire someone with XYZ qualities? Do you have any hesitations about hiring me?
Tell me about yourself/ Can you tell a little about yourself
1. Start by describing your background with a summary of your most impressive responsibilities: "I've been a hostess at XYZ Restaurant for just over two years where I greet and seat customers, assess wait times, fulfill to-go orders and answer the phones. I love the lively and busy environment—we often have Friday and Saturday wait times of one hour or more..." 2. Next, briefly summarize your previous experience with key achievements: "...Before working at XYZ Restaurant, I worked in retail as a floor associate for five years. Working in retail developed the customer service skills that make me a great hostess, offering a top-tier dining experience from the moment customers arrive. It also equipped me with the ability to work quickly under pressure..." 3. Lastly, express how you found the new job and why it's a good fit for you and your goals: "...I've enjoyed and grown in my current role, but wish to expand and utilize my customer service expertise in an elite restaurant environment. I am interested in your restaurant because of its reputation for delivering first-in-class service to your patrons in a lively, dynamic environment."
tell me about your work experience
An interviewer may or may not already be familiar with your background. Regardless, this question gives you the chance to detail your experiences that are most valuable to the prospective role. Employers want to know that you've reflected on their expectations for a qualified candidate and that you have directly relevant or transferable skills. Consider these tips for answering: 1. Quantify your experience:"I have 10 years of experience in personal finance management, and I have assisted 45 repeat clients in increasing their capital by an average of 15% every year."2. Illustrate connections to role:"As a financial analyst, I've used visual growth charts to show my clients how each saving plan option can impact their goals. When I became a senior financial analyst, I supervised other analysts and trained them in providing the most helpful experience to our customers."3. End with a goal statement:"As your senior financial consultant, I aim to integrate my individualized approach to helping clients build the retirement fund they will depend on."
What value can you add to our team?
Consider any unique experience you have, such as working for a multicultural team, handling unique or complex problems or working in a unique job niche. You can also talk about unique skills like job-specific technical skills.
