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Accomplish January 7, 2019
Preparation makes perfect.
If you received an interview, congratulations! You made it past the first round of applications, so you’re one step closer to getting the job. Unfortunately, so are all the other interviewees. Because the competition just got tighter, a single answer could make or break you.
Preparing your answers beforehand can help you out during the interview process. While each interviewer has a different, specific set of questions to ask applicants, many of them are recycled from business to business. From my own personal experience (as well as browsing through hundreds of Glassdoor interview questions), I came up with a helpful resource for you. Here’s ENTITY’s list of the most common interview questions to help you land that job you want.
Because this statement is so open-ended, it can be the most difficult to answer. But it’s by far one of the most common interview questions, so make sure to prepare for it.
Come up with a 30-second summary of your identity, interests and experiences that relate to the position you’re applying for. Then practice it. You don’t want to come off too rehearsed, but you also want to have it in the back of your mind if you need it.
Once you have it down, relax! Compared to this question, the rest are a piece of cake.
This is also among both the most difficult and most common interview questions. Whatever you do, do NOT say, “I’m a perfectionist.” Interviewers can easily see through these empty answers.
Instead, state a hard skill. As the job preparation program Skillify advised me years ago, after stating this weakness, explain a plan to develop and improve. The skill should be somewhat related to the position but not enough to cause a problem; don’t say you’re weak in Excel if the job description requires it.
For example, I always say that I’d like to know French, but it’s really difficult for me. (Which is true.) Then I refer to the classes I’m currently taking to get better at the language. (Which is also true.)
Also known as: What are the skills you believe you need for this role?
Your answer should include two to three strengths that relate to the position you’re applying for. Make sure it’s supported by information in your resume or cover letter as well.
Also known as: Why (insert name of company here)?
Companies want their employers to be passionate about where they work. They don’t want candidates to apply for every place that offers a position. So make sure you know why this corporation particularly appeals to you, and show your enthusiasm for the company!
Also known as: Have you applied to any other jobs recently?
This interview question also wants to see your passion for the company. But it takes this idea a step further.
Not only is the interviewer asking you to show your interest, but they’re also asking you to compare different businesses in the industry. For example, if you’re applying for a position at Warner Brothers, you might want to explain why you would choose their company over Nickelodeon if both are offering similar positions.
On another level, according to Accounting Director Lauren Harmes, the interviewer also wants to see that you’re not being “lazy in your job search.” So if they ask about applying to other jobs, mention that you have sent applications to other businesses while simultaneously emphasizing that their company is your first choice.
Here, the company is asking why hiring you would be beneficial for all parties. Describe why you want to work with them, but also describe how the company would improve by having you on board.
Take this opportunity to explain both your expertise and goals with the company. Describe ideas you would implement if you were hired. This shows off your research, organization and work ethic.
Also known as: Why are you qualified for this position?
This probably comes up in every interview. While your recruiter has your resume and documents, they want to hear how you pitch yourself.
Keep it succinct, but make sure to emphasize your biggest accomplishments. Don’t be afraid to brag!
This is only tough if your previous job was in an industry different from the industry you’re applying to. If this is the case, make sure to mention any experience before your last job that also applies to the position.
But also take the chance to establish your differences! If you have experience in a different industry, you have an edge over the other candidates. Determine why this gives you a unique perspective that could contribute to the company!
This is fairly self-explanatory.
An easy enough question, but it’s still good to prepare for it.
If you’re applying for various jobs, come up with a few different answers to this question. Depending on the position you’re applying for, you might want to highlight different strengths.
For example, if you want to emphasize teamwork, go with the time you solved a particularly nasty dispute between two different coworkers. If you want to emphasize leadership skills, describe the project you led and supervised on your own. It’s always good to have more than one example in your back pocket.
Also known as: Have you ever you made a professional mistake? How did you correct it?
The worst response to this question is “I’ve only experienced success.” Your interviewer wants to see how you learn from failure. Ideally, your answer proves that you can grow from your mistakes and become successful in later experiences.
This is another chance to showcase your experience and expertise! Be honest; as long as your response is ready and relevant to the position you’re applying for, it will be a good answer.
Also known as: Why are you different from other candidates?
You might think that this question is redundant. Didn’t you answer this when you described your previous experience?
But in reality, when this question comes at the end of an interview, the interviewer is usually looking for something a little different. Here, the company wants you to compare yourself to other potential employees and determine why you’re the best. Cite examples that make you stand out and prove why you fit this position better than anyone else.
But make sure to emphasize your qualities positively instead of emphasizing everyone else’s qualities negatively. Say, “In my last job, I was the only employee to consistently improve sales by 20% from year to year” instead of “It’s unlikely that the other candidates have improved sales by 20% each year like I have.”
Also sometimes: How would you describe yourself?
Sometimes they throw in a “in 5 words or less” at the end of the question. To prepare for this answer, pick five of your strengths that also showcase your personality.
Avoid words like “hardworking,” “passionate” and “determined.” Every candidate cites those descriptors, so interviewers generally want to hear something different. In high school, my brother got onto our city’s Mayor’s Youth Council mainly because he answered this question with “charming” while everyone else stated the usual buzz words.
Other good words include:
Independent
Sociable
Personable
Enthusiastic
Efficient
Thoughtful
Well-rounded
Ambitious
Calm
Fair
Lively
Mature
Loyal
You can even directly ask your friends, co-workers and family for other suggestions.
Always make sure to research the company before the interview. This allows your potential employer to measure your interest level. A candidate who takes the time to look through a business’s website shows interest, while a candidate who fails this sort of question shows a lack of preparation or passion.
See above.
Also known as: What is your ideal work schedule, management style, office setting, level of flexibility…
Employers want to see whether or not you fit their work culture. If you work best alone, but the company emphasizes open offices and cooperation, they probably won’t think you’re a good fit.
I always like to be honest in this question. After all, this is a mutual exchange. I don’t want to work in an work environment that doesn’t match my needs.
But if I think I can handle a position outside my preferred setting, I let them know. For example, to the question, “What’s your ideal work schedule?”, I might say, “I prefer making my own hours, but I know that your office is only offering 9-to-5 hours for this position. I have worked in 9-to-5 jobs before, so I am confident that I can still enjoy and work well in that type of environment.”
Of course, if you really want the job, and you don’t want to take any chances, you could always lie. I won’t tell. Either way, make sure to research the work life before the interview to determine what the employer is looking for.
Here’s a good time to start gushing about the personality of the company’s community. For extra support, mention previous companies you’ve worked with that have had a similar work style.
Always be honest in this question. Passion shows. However, you can change your answers depending on the job you’re applying for.
I have a million interests. For writing positions, I emphasize my dream to publish a novel. While applying for film internships, I emphasize my dream to write and direct a screenplay. And when searching for research opportunities, I let them know about my goals to work in STEM cell research.
Then, if I have time, I also mention my other interests. Sometimes it sparks further conversation.
Like the previous question, interviewers are trying to determine if your interests match the company’s. If you really want the job, they probably do.
So be honest! Talk about your passions! Explain why you love doing what you do. Your enthusiasm will nudge you toward the front of the pack.
Usually, speaking about your most recent success is the best way to go. However, if your latest project was a failure, you could also explain your mistakes and what you learned from the experience. Use common sense to determine whether your argument is convincing enough.
Analyzing your results and providing data is also usually preferred in these types of questions. For example, if I worked social media, I would say that my most recent campaign grew engagement by 50%.
Before the interview, come up with a plan that determines the work you would do in the first few months at the company if given free rein. This showcases your experience in the industry as well as your preparation and research.
Also includes: Would you be willing to travel?
Make this decision before going into the interview. TimesofCareer.com advises being honest and upfront about your situation. They provide this answer as an example for accountants:
“I don’t mind working overtime as long as I am not required to constantly put in extra hours. I have worked as an accountant and have always put in extra hours during the quarterly and year-end account finalizations; however, if it is a recurring deadline issue – I will plan my resources well in advance so that everyone can go home early and still meet all the deadlines.”
If you’re not willing to work overtime or travel, mention it in the interview. Don’t make promises you can’t actually fulfill.
Human Resources worker and LinkedIn user Basem Talalweh provides multiple sample answers to this question. Ideally, you would say “yes” and explain why. However, if you know you don’t work well under pressure, you can instead describe how you work around this issue.
Talalweh offers this as an alternate answer: “Prioritizing my responsibilities so I have a clear idea of what needs to be done when… has helped me effectively manage pressure on the job.”
The answer to this question should always be “yes.” Teamwork is essential for nearly every company. If you don’t normally work well with others, cite a few successful team projects to bolster your claim.
Be honest! Explain how you’ve previously worked on team projects and why you contributed to their success.
But avoid answering that you only take on leadership roles. Companies want to know that you can cede authority if necessary. You can mention something like:
“Normally, I take on leadership roles, but I have also contributed to team projects in other ways. For example…”
Be honest, but also be careful. Normally, this question isn’t a huge problem for candidates. For example, someone who doesn’t like the hours at their old company would look for another job with more flexibility. In an interview for that position, they would explain that they want more flexibility, and the interviewer would note that this matches the job they’re offering.
However, if a candidate doesn’t thoroughly research the position, sometimes they can fall into holes they didn’t anticipate. Make sure to do your research and know whether your needs fit the job description.
This question also gets a little trickier if you were laid off or fired from your last job. Technology Marketer Albert Qian advises being honest but also brief. “When companies hire employees, they want as few problems as possible. The more you bring, the worse it sounds.”
He also advises demonstrating self-awareness. “If you were terminated, it’s important to know what you learned. If you were laid off, discuss your career plans in context and your interest in continuation. Though you were let go for reasons beyond your reach, this is your opportunity to share how you have moved forward.”
And no matter how you left the job, never bad-mouth your last boss!
See above. Cite a reason that shows you match the offered position better than you match your current position.
Also includes: How do you deal with difficult customers?
Always emphasize that you work well with others, even if you don’t. Paint yourself in a professional light. Give examples of how to defuse tense situations. It’s best if you refer to a specific personal experience that ended successfully.
This question especially comes up for freelance, part-time, entry-level or internship positions. Normally your honest answer is good for this question, unless that answer is “money.”
Generally, if you’re applying for a seniority position, this question is an attempt to demonstrate company loyalty. Mention your life goals, but try to include the company in it.
If the interview goes really well, you should already have questions to ask your interviewer by the end of that time. But in case the company covers everything you wanted to know, have a few back-up questions. You never want to say “no” to getting more information.
You don’t have to take up too much of the employer’s time, but you should always use this opportunity to further cement your interest in the company. Come up with something that genuinely interests you from their online content. If I’m stuck, I always ask for more details about recent events I see on social media, as long as they relate to the position I want.
In general, these most common interview questions should prepare you for a basic interview. Of course, different positions have different expectations of their candidates. Engineers and coders will have to face a lot of on-the-spot questions on math, estimations, computer science or hypothetical real-life problems to fix.
But whether you’re applying for IT or fashion, you’ll probably come across at least one of these most common interview questions at some point. My overall advice is to treat them like conversation starters. Try to feel relaxed, and attempt to connect with your interviewer.
You’ve got this!
