1. Why do you want to work in this industry?
Bad answer:
“I love to shop. Even as a kid, I spent hours flipping through catalogues.”
Don’t
just say you like it. Anyone can do that. Focus instead on your history
with that particular industry, and if you can, tell a success story.
Good answer:
“I’ve
always loved shopping, but my interest in retail marketing really
started when I worked at a neighborhood boutique. I knew our clothes
were amazing, but that we weren’t marketing them properly. So I worked
with management to come up with a marketing strategy that increased our
sales by 25% in a year. It was great to be able to contribute positively
to an industry I feel so passionate about, and to help promote a
product I really believed in.”
2. Tell us about yourself.
Bad answer:
“I
graduated four years ago from the University of Michigan, with a
Bachelor’s in Biology – but I decided that wasn’t the right path for me.
So I switched gears and got my first job, working in sales for a
startup. Then I went on to work in marketing for a law firm. After
that, I took a few months off to travel. Finally, I came back and worked
in marketing again. And now, here I am, looking for a more challenging
marketing role.”
Instead of giving a chronological work history,
focus on your strengths and how they pertain to the role. If possible,
illustrate with examples.
Good answer:
“I’m really
energetic, and a great communicator. Working in sales for two years
helped me build confidence, and taught me the importance of customer
loyalty. I’ve also got a track record of success. In my last role, I
launched a company newsletter, which helped us build on our existing
relationships and create new ones. Because of this, we ended up seeing a
revenue increase of 10% over two years. I’m also really interested in
how companies can use web tools to better market themselves, and would
be committed to building on your existing platform.”
3. What do you think of your previous boss?
Bad answer:
“He was completely incompetent, and a nightmare to work with, which is why I’ve moved on”
Remember: if you get the job, the person interviewing
you will some day be your previous boss. The last thing they want is to
hire someone who they know is going to badmouth them some day. Instead
of trashing your former employer, stay positive, and focus on what you
learned from him (no matter how awful he really was).
Good answer:
“My
last boss taught me the importance of time management – he didn’t pull
any punches, and was extremely deadline-driven. His no-nonsense attitude
pushed me to work harder, and to meet deadlines I never even thought
were possible
4. Why are you leaving your current role?
Bad answer:
“I can’t stand my boss, or the work I’m doing.”
Again, stay away from badmouthing your job or employer. Focus on the positive.
Good answer:
“I’ve
learned a lot from my current role, but now I’m looking for a new
challenge, to broaden my horizons and to gain a new skill-set – all of
which, I see the potential for in this job.”
5. Where do you see yourself in five years?
Bad answer:
“Relaxing on a beach in Maui,” or “Doing your job.”
There’s really no right answer to this question, but the interviewer wants to know that you’re ambitious, career-oriented,
and committed to a future with the company. So instead of sharing your
dream for early retirement, or trying to be funny, give them an answer
that illustrates your drive and commitment.
Good answer:
“In
five years I’d like to have an even better understanding of this
industry. Also, I really love working with people. Ultimately, I’d like
to be in some type of managerial role at this company, where I can use
my people skills and industry knowledge to benefit the people working
for me, and the company as a whole."
6. What’s your greatest weakness?
Bad answer:
“I work too hard,” or for the comedian, “Blondes.”
This
question is a great opportunity to put a positive spin on something
negative, but you don’t want your answer to be cliché – joking or not.
Instead, try to use a real example of a weakness you have learned to
overcome.
Good answer:
“I’ve never been very
comfortable with public speaking – which as you know, can be a hindrance
in the workplace. Realizing this was a problem, I asked my previous
employer if I could enroll in a speech workshop. He said “yes.” I took
the class, and was able to overcome my lifelong fear. Since then, I’ve
given lots of presentations to audiences of over a 100 high level
executives – I still don’t love it, but no one else can tell!”
7. What salary are you looking for?
Bad answer:
“In my last job I earned $35,000 – so, now I’m looking for $40,000”
If
you can avoid it, don’t give an exact number. The first person to name a
price in a salary negotiation loses. Instead, re-iterate your
commitment to the job itself. If you have to, give a broad range
based on research you’ve conducted on that particular role, in your
particular city.
Good answer:
“I’m more interested in
the role itself than the pay. That said, I’d expect to be paid the
appropriate range for this role, based on my five years of experience. I
also think a fair salary would bear in mind the high cost of living
here in New York City.”
8. Why should I hire you?
Bad answer:
“I’m the best candidate for the role.”
A good answer will reiterate your qualifications, and will highlight what makes you unique.
Good answer:
“I’ve
been an Executive Assistant for the past ten years – my boss has said
time and time again that without me, the organization would fall apart.
I’ve also taken the time to educate myself on some of the software I
regularly use (but didn’t really understand the ins and outs of). I’m an
Excel wiz now, which means I can work faster, and take over some of
what my boss would traditionally have had to do himself. What’s good
enough for most people is never really good enough for me.”
9. What is your greatest failure, and what did you learn from it?
Bad answer:
I
never finished law school – and everything that’s happened since has
taught me that giving up, just because the going gets tough, is a huge
mistake.”
You don’t want to actually highlight a major regret –
especially one that exposes an overall dissatisfaction with your life.
Instead, focus on a smaller, but significant, mishap, and how it has
made you a better professional.
Good answer:
“When I
was in college, I took an art class to supplement my curriculum. I
didn’t take it very seriously, and assumed that, compared to my
Engineering classes, it would be a walk in the park. My failing grades
at midterm showed me otherwise. I’d even jeopardized my scholarship
status. I knew I had to get my act together. I spent the rest of the
semester making up for it, ended up getting a decent grade in the class.
I learned that no matter what I’m doing, I should strive to do it to
the best of my ability. Otherwise, it’s not worth doing at all.”
10. How do you explain your gap in employment?
Bad answer:
"I was so tired of working, and I needed a break,” or “I just can’t find a job.”
Employment
gaps are always tough to explain. You don’t want to come across as lazy
or unhireable. Find a way to make your extended unemployment seem like a
choice you made, based on the right reasons.
Good answer:
“My work is important to me, so I won’t be satisfied with any old job.
Instead of rushing to accept the first thing that comes my way, I’m
taking my time and being selective to make sure my next role is the
right one."
11. When were you most satisfied in your job?
Bad answer:
"I was most satisfied when I did well, and got praised for my work.”
Don’t
give vague answers. Instead, think about something you did well – and
enjoyed –that will be relevant at this new job. This is an opportunity
for you to share your interests, prove that you’re a great fit for the
job and showcase your enthusiasm.
Good answer:
“I’m a
people person. I was always happiest – and most satisfied – when I was
interacting with customers, making sure I was able to meet their needs
and giving them the best possible customer experience. It was my
favorite part of the job, and it showed – I was rated as “Good or
Excellent” 95% of the time. Part of the reason I’m interested in this
job is that I know I’d have even more interaction with customers, on an
even more critical level."
12. What did you like least about your last job?
Bad answer:
"A lack of stability. I felt like the place could collapse around me at any time.”
Try
and stay away from anything that draws on the politics, culture or
financial health of your previous employer. No matter how true it might
be, comments like these will be construed as too negative. Also, you
don’t want to focus on a function that might be your responsibility in
the next role. So think of something you disliked in your last job, but
that you know for sure won’t be part of this new role.
Good answer:
“There was nothing about my last job
that I hated, but I guess there were some things I liked less than
others. My previous role involved traveling at least twice a month.
While I do love to travel, twice a month was a little exhausting – I
didn’t like spending quite so much time out of the office. I’m happy to
see that this role involves a lot less travel.”
10. How do you explain your gap in employment?
Bad answer:
"I was so tired of working, and I needed a break,” or “I just can’t find a job.”
Employment
gaps are always tough to explain. You don’t want to come across as lazy
or unhireable. Find a way to make your extended unemployment seem like a
choice you made, based on the right reasons.
Good answer:
“My work is important to me, so I won’t be satisfied with any old job.
Instead of rushing to accept the first thing that comes my way, I’m
taking my time and being selective to make sure my next role is the
right one."
11. When were you most satisfied in your job?
Bad answer:
"I was most satisfied when I did well, and got praised for my work.”
Don’t
give vague answers. Instead, think about something you did well – and
enjoyed –that will be relevant at this new job. This is an opportunity
for you to share your interests, prove that you’re a great fit for the
job and showcase your enthusiasm.
Good answer:
“I’m a
people person. I was always happiest – and most satisfied – when I was
interacting with customers, making sure I was able to meet their needs
and giving them the best possible customer experience. It was my
favorite part of the job, and it showed – I was rated as “Good or
Excellent” 95% of the time. Part of the reason I’m interested in this
job is that I know I’d have even more interaction with customers, on an
even more critical level."
12. What did you like least about your last job?
Bad answer:
"A lack of stability. I felt like the place could collapse around me at any time.”
Try
and stay away from anything that draws on the politics, culture or
financial health of your previous employer. No matter how true it might
be, comments like these will be construed as too negative. Also, you
don’t want to focus on a function that might be your responsibility in
the next role. So think of something you disliked in your last job, but
that you know for sure won’t be part of this new role.
Good answer:
“There was nothing about my last job
that I hated, but I guess there were some things I liked less than
others. My previous role involved traveling at least twice a month.
While I do love to travel, twice a month was a little exhausting – I
didn’t like spending quite so much time out of the office. I’m happy to
see that this role involves a lot less travel.”
10. How do you explain your gap in employment?
Bad answer:
"I was so tired of working, and I needed a break,” or “I just can’t find a job.”
Employment
gaps are always tough to explain. You don’t want to come across as lazy
or unhireable. Find a way to make your extended unemployment seem like a
choice you made, based on the right reasons.
Good answer:
“My work is important to me, so I won’t be satisfied with any old job.
Instead of rushing to accept the first thing that comes my way, I’m
taking my time and being selective to make sure my next role is the
right one."
11. When were you most satisfied in your job?
Bad answer:
"I was most satisfied when I did well, and got praised for my work.”
Don’t
give vague answers. Instead, think about something you did well – and
enjoyed –that will be relevant at this new job. This is an opportunity
for you to share your interests, prove that you’re a great fit for the
job and showcase your enthusiasm.
Good answer:
“I’m a
people person. I was always happiest – and most satisfied – when I was
interacting with customers, making sure I was able to meet their needs
and giving them the best possible customer experience. It was my
favorite part of the job, and it showed – I was rated as “Good or
Excellent” 95% of the time. Part of the reason I’m interested in this
job is that I know I’d have even more interaction with customers, on an
even more critical level."
12. What did you like least about your last job?
Bad answer:
"A lack of stability. I felt like the place could collapse around me at any time.”
Try
and stay away from anything that draws on the politics, culture or
financial health of your previous employer. No matter how true it might
be, comments like these will be construed as too negative. Also, you
don’t want to focus on a function that might be your responsibility in
the next role. So think of something you disliked in your last job, but
that you know for sure won’t be part of this new role.
Good answer:
“There was nothing about my last job
that I hated, but I guess there were some things I liked less than
others. My previous role involved traveling at least twice a month.
While I do love to travel, twice a month was a little exhausting – I
didn’t like spending quite so much time out of the office. I’m happy to
see that this role involves a lot less travel.”
10. How do you explain your gap in employment?
Bad answer:
"I was so tired of working, and I needed a break,” or “I just can’t find a job.”
Employment
gaps are always tough to explain. You don’t want to come across as lazy
or unhireable. Find a way to make your extended unemployment seem like a
choice you made, based on the right reasons.
Good answer:
“My work is important to me, so I won’t be satisfied with any old job.
Instead of rushing to accept the first thing that comes my way, I’m
taking my time and being selective to make sure my next role is the
right one."
11. When were you most satisfied in your job?
Bad answer:
"I was most satisfied when I did well, and got praised for my work.”
Don’t
give vague answers. Instead, think about something you did well – and
enjoyed –that will be relevant at this new job. This is an opportunity
for you to share your interests, prove that you’re a great fit for the
job and showcase your enthusiasm.
Good answer:
“I’m a
people person. I was always happiest – and most satisfied – when I was
interacting with customers, making sure I was able to meet their needs
and giving them the best possible customer experience. It was my
favorite part of the job, and it showed – I was rated as “Good or
Excellent” 95% of the time. Part of the reason I’m interested in this
job is that I know I’d have even more interaction with customers, on an
even more critical level."
12. What did you like least about your last job?
Bad answer:
"A lack of stability. I felt like the place could collapse around me at any time.”
Try
and stay away from anything that draws on the politics, culture or
financial health of your previous employer. No matter how true it might
be, comments like these will be construed as too negative. Also, you
don’t want to focus on a function that might be your responsibility in
the next role. So think of something you disliked in your last job, but
that you know for sure won’t be part of this new role.
Good answer:
“There was nothing about my last job
that I hated, but I guess there were some things I liked less than
others. My previous role involved traveling at least twice a month.
While I do love to travel, twice a month was a little exhausting – I
didn’t like spending quite so much time out of the office. I’m happy to
see that this role involves a lot less travel.”
13. Describe a time when you did not get along with a co-worker.
Bad answer:
"I’m easy to get along with, so I’ve never had any kind of discord with another coworker.”
Interviewers
don’t like these types of “easy out” answers. And besides, they know
you are probably not telling the truth. Think of a relatively benign
(but significant) instance, and spin it to be a positive learning
experience.
Good answer:
“I used to lock heads with a
fellow nurse in the INCU ward. We disagreed over a lot of things – from
the care of patients to who got what shifts to how to speak with a
child’s family. Our personalities just didn’t mesh. After three months
of arguing, I pulled her aside and asked her to lunch. At lunch, we
talked about our differences and why we weren’t getting along. It turns
out, it was all about communication. We communicated differently and
once we knew that, we began to work well together. I really believe that
talking a problem through with someone can help solve any issue.”
14. What motivates you?
Bad answer:
"Doing a good job and being rewarded for it.”
It’s
not that this answer is wrong – it’s just that it wastes an
opportunity. This question is practically begging you to highlight your
positive attributes. So don’t give a vague, generic response – it tells
them very little about you. Instead, try and use this question as an
opportunity to give the interviewer some insight into your character,
and use examples where possible.
Good answer:
“I’ve
always been motivated by the challenge of meeting a tough deadline – in
my last role, I was responsible for a 100% success rate in terms of
delivering our products on time and within budget. I know that this job
is very fast-paced, and deadline-driven – I’m more than up for the
challenge. In fact, I thrive on it.”
15. How would your friends describe you?
Bad answer:
"I’m a really good listener.”
While
being a good listener is a great personality trait, your employer
probably doesn’t care all that much. It’s unlikely that they’re hiring
you to be a shoulder to cry on. You’ll want to keep your answer relevant
to the job you’re interviewing for – and as specific as possible. If you can, insert an example.
Good answer:
“My
friends would probably say that I’m extremely persistent – I’ve never
been afraid to keep going back until I get what I want. When I worked as
a program developer, recruiting keynote speakers for a major tech
conference, I got one rejection after another – this was just the nature
of the job. But I really wanted the big players – so I wouldn’t
take no for an answer. I kept going back to them every time there was a
new company on board, or some new value proposition. Eventually, many of
them actually said “yes” – the program turned out to be so great that
we doubled our attendees from the year before. A lot of people might
have given up after the first rejection, but it’s just not in my nature.
If I know something is possible, I have to keep trying until I get it.”
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