Microsoft Finance Internship Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our Microsoft interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view 5 answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
Table of Contents
Analytical
1. You are given nine balls, one of which weighs less than the rest. You are also given a traditional two-sided scale. How many times do you need to weigh balls to determine which is the lightest one?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This is a brain teaser designed to test and observe your analytical skills in real-time. It will also help them determine your strengths as an analytical or interpersonal thinker, depending on how you go about teasing apart your answer.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
How to Answer
Try answering the question at home on your own before looking up the answer. Try to vocalize your answer as you attempt to problem solve it to practice your communication skills. Whether you find the answer to the question before the interview is beside the point. You want to go through the whole problem-solving process, communicating clearly when this question is posed.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
Answer Example
"Divide the 9 balls into 3 groups of 3. Compare the weight of two of those groups. The heavier group should then be obvious, it will either tip the scales or, if the scales stay balanced, then it is the group you didn't include. Now, choose 2 balls from this group and compare their weights, and using the same logic as before, the heavier ball will be obvious."
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
Behavioral
2. What steps do you take to keep your skills current?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This question is often used to determine how serious or passionate you are about your career. They want to know if you pursued this career or just fell into it. It will also offer you an opportunity to show off your knowledge of your industry and how up-to-date you are.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
How to Answer
Industries are rapidly changing and innovating. A proactive candidate that keeps up with industry changes and macro trends. Therefore, it's important to demonstrate yourself as a proactive worker rather than a reactive follower. You want to exhibit a growth mindset at all times. If you take advantage of learning through continuing education credits, seminars, conferences, journals, and any other means of staying educated in your line of work, let them know.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
Answer Example
"Reading and research. It's all about asking questions... the more I know, the more I realize how little I understand. It's that common thirst for knowledge. So whether it is research, or reading the periodicals I follow, I'm always actively learning, with an active interest. This leads to my eager compulsion to share. Anytime I share something, I stand the potential to learn something new when someone reciprocates and shares something with me I wasn't aware of. So, answering your question, I stay up-to-date every which way I can."
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
Behavioral
3. What is your ideal job?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
By ascertaining what your ideal job looks like, they can see how closely your ideal aligns with what their workplace has to offer. Knowing there is only so much research you can perform, they will have a better idea of whether your expectations are above or below the mark.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
How to Answer
If you are interviewing for this position with the hopes of learning more and keeping your options open, be sure to ask a lot of questions throughout the interview. However, if you are already sold and want to pursue this opportunity, ensure you are armed with all the key talking points, having researched their company through and through, and aligning your ideals and pursuits with theirs.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
Answer Example
"My aim is to find a company whose pursuits are akin to my own, either on a micro or macro scale. I am interested in working with a company that identifies the best path toward innovation through building diverse teams that value inclusion. I'd prefer to work for a company that realizes that corporations have social responsibilities towards sustainable practices, and ensuring a brighter future through responsibility through trustworthy computing, responsible AI, and ensuring the safety of their customers and their teams."
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
Behavioral
4. What do you hope to get out of this position?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
They are not only interested in your drive and ambition for pursuing this opportunity, but how far you've gone to explore it, and how it could impact your career trajectory. Additionally, if you do fully grasp what this could offer your life and career, they are gauging your enthusiasm for it and your personality.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
How to Answer
Recognize the benefits involved with networking with other interns and executives across the globe. Relay how the hands-on training in real-life high-level corporate situations could benefit your career growth exponentially. Also worth recognizing is how few even have the chance to interview for such a position, and that it is an honor and a rare opportunity.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
Answer Example
"I pride myself on my growth mindset, always have. So when I learned your tagline of being a company of learn-it-alls rather than know-it-alls, that resonated with me in a big way. It's rare that one gets an opportunity to work on real-world projects in collaboration with teams across the world, bringing solutions and ideas to life while working with cutting-edge technology. Receiving customized one-on-one coaching from full-time professionals at Microsoft is a valuable opportunity. If I am so graced to be awarded such a boon, I'd get everything and anything I could out of it."
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
Behavioral
5. Tell me about yourself.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This initial question is an icebreaker. In order to contrast you with other viable candidates, they'll want to get to know you and your individual strengths first. Gaining insights into your personality will help them determine your fit for this opportunity. Emotional maturity, ambition, self-growth, conscientiousness, and integrity are some of the driving components they're hoping to hear from each candidate.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
How to Answer
Use this icebreaker to highlight your more interesting work accomplishments or life experiences. Appeal to the personality of the interviewer while maintaining your professionalism. Exhibit forward-thinking. Try not to dwell on the hardships and hurdles you've overcome to get here. Focus on the positive takeaways from your experiences, which helped shape your character. Be personable and conversational in tone, yet remain professional and maintain your boundaries. Remember, it's typical for both the interviewer and the interviewee to be nervous in this situation. So set a friendly tone for the interview by providing them with attractive insights into who you are. This will help frame your personality as a desirable fit into their work culture.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
Answer Example
"I grew up in Pasadena, CA. As soon as I was legally able to, I got a job in retail during my summer vacation from school. I've always had a strong work ethic. When I graduated from high school with a 4.0 GPA I took a gap year before I went to college for business management and administration where I also graduated with a 4.0 GPA. My job promoted me to a manager position and I learned a lot of on-the-job skills during that gap year before I went into college. I always felt that was a good move, having on-the-job skills. When I took my courses, I felt like I had a behind-the-scenes knowledge on how to apply those lessons."
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
Behavioral
6. What is your favorite piece of technology? Why do you enjoy it?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This will give them a glimpse into your personality, and how you incorporate technology into your life. It could indicate more insight into your interests and motivators, and how those might influence your interpersonal relations with others on the team.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
How to Answer
Try to come up with an example that reveals more about you than just your personal electronics. Try to find a way to make yourself more interesting, while favoring a Microsoft product, or being brand-neutral and not naming a product that directly competes with one of theirs.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
Answer Example
"I would definitely say because of how much I use it and enjoy it, I'd say my GoPro Hero 10 Black. I am a big cyclist and a mountain biker. So, in my spare time, I bike 50 miles a day, on average. And I always have my GoPro. But the thing that I love about it, is sometimes I take my cat on my rides with me. So I'm there, capturing their every expression, and everything uploads right to my phone into the app, where I can edit any video I shoot. I have a few on my YouTube channel if you're interested in seeing a minute of Miles, my Mountain Biking Cat."
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
Behavioral
7. Do you use Microsoft products or services? If so, which is your favorite, and why?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
They want to know how familiar you are with their suite of products, and your enthusiasm for what they offer. This will help them gauge your level of engagement.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
How to Answer
Go through their list of products and determine which ones you utilize, which one offers you the most value, and why.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
Answer Example
"I have the majority of my family living in other countries. We all know international calling can be expensive. However, Skype solved this issue long ago, being able to see each other in real-time. This is such a remarkable innovation, being able to hang out with them with only an internet connection. This kept me afloat throughout college, and gives me comfort knowing I can still interact with my family, no matter where on Earth I am."
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
Behavioral
8. If you could change one thing about Skype, what would it be and why?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
They will test your product knowledge on the product you chose and probe deeper into your answers. They are likewise testing your communication skills and how you'd approach offering constructive feedback on a product they represent. How you communicate this will offer them a lens into the future, of how you would represent Microsoft, should they recruit you for the opportunity.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
How to Answer
Be humble and respectful, and avoid presumption. Only offer what you know, acknowledging that you don't yet have any behind-the-scenes knowledge, and you are going off of your limited scope of any issues with their software.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
Answer Example
"The only thing I'd mention is some of the glitches with compatibility with other devices, such as missed calls on my Android phone. Also, my family sometimes complains when I send them a video message that there's no sound, which is frustrating. But based on my research on trying to resolve these issues on my own, it seems clear Microsoft is well aware of these issues and fixes are currently underway. So, as far as I know, those things have probably been fixed already."
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
Behavioral
9. Tell me about a time when you were under a lot of pressure? What was going on and how did you get through it?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
By assessing your perception of what the job looks like, they'll hopefully be able to evaluate how well-suited you are for the role. The interviewer seeks to learn your perception of what a high-stress situation looks like, and how you cope with stress. The kind of situations you find stressful, and how well your idea aligns with the reality of the job, will help them evaluate if you would be an asset or a risk as an investment.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
How to Answer
The aim here is not only to relay your relevant experience to the position you are competing for but also to exhibit your ability to remain cool and collected under pressure. Someone who keeps calm under pressure will be a benefit to any company. First, describe your definition of a stressful situation. Then, describe a stressful situation along those lines which you've faced, detailing your response, and how the situation was resolved. Focus on problem-solving with a level head and decisive decision-making. Often, the best way to cope with a stressful situation is to take action. It's fine to have stress as long as the stress doesn't have you. Emotional balance is what you should aim to convey with your answer.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
Answer Example
"I was on the phone with an unhappy customer. As soon as I took the call, they were quite aggressive. I realized they weren't adept at non-defensive communication. So I took notes, distilling facts from their emotional output. Once I had a clear and objective lens of what the situation was, I could aptly and calmly mirror their grievance back to them in a more impartial way. Once they affirmed my understanding of their situation was correct, I was able to empathize with them and calm them. From there, I maintained a calm and steady, patient approach, and the call ended amenably."
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
Behavioral
10. What motivates you to excel in a role?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This direct behavioral question is self-evident in what they're looking to learn. It will clue them in to what your partnership with them would look like, as well as what might motivate you in this environment.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
How to Answer
Be honest. Formulate your answer to kill two birds with one stone. Give them insights into your personality as well as what motivates and inspires you on a personal level. Detail how you stay motivated throughout your workday, and how you approach your work, regardless of the task being high-pressure or monotonous. Detail how you stay motivated and productive throughout your day.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
Answer Example
"The energy created from collaboration invigorates me. One person can feel a sense of accomplishment for something they've done, and that's great. It feels good to have done something individually and to be recognized for it. But when you're a part of something bigger, and the entire team is resonating with each other, that creates this energy that nothing can compare with. It feels like you're on the winning team. In this scenario, every contributor recognizes every contribution. That kind of camaraderie feels great."
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
Career
11. Where do you envision yourself in five years?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
How you answer this question will offer insights into your ambition and your intentions for your career. It'll also reveal how familiar you are with them, how familiar you are with the position, and how your future aligns with the opportunities they'll provide.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
How to Answer
If you haven't already, put together a couple of five-year career plans. Start with creating one starting from your college experience. Next, determine where you currently stand on your trajectory of that plan and build another five-year plan from there. Following this exercise, you should be ready to revise your five-year career plan every year, determining where you are and building again from there, so you can adjust accordingly. Doing so will aid in you your interviews.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
Answer Example
"I have a five-year career plan which I recently updated. I update it once a year at least, depending on how close to the mark I am at hitting my goals. If you'd like to see it. I brought it with me. I'm a firm believer that one's self-development should be as never-ending as one's determination. Perhaps you've heard a person can drive from coast to coast in the dark, only seeing as far as one's headlamps allow. I've always identified with that. One can surmount seemingly unachievable goals by breaking them down into smaller, easily attainable goals. I put this concept into practice whenever I can."
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
Communication
12. What questions do you have for me?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This question will not only help them assess your genuine interest in working for them but also clue them into whether you are the type of person to ask questions when training for a new job. The more questions you ask, the more enhanced your communications skills will seem, and the more likely you are to be self-guided and successful at your job.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
How to Answer
You are interviewing the company as much as they are interviewing you. They've provided opportunities for you to share your accomplishments and advertise your merits. This is your opportunity to allow them to propose their pitch and advertise their merits and what they offer, allowing them the opportunity to convince you this is a great opportunity.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
Answer Example
"I have the experience needed to perform the job, and am familiar with what the role looks like, but every department is different. So, based on the department's rules, regulations, and systems and processes, what does a day in the job with your department look like in this position? Did you encounter anything unexpected when you started with Microsoft as an employee? How would you describe the members of the team in this department?"
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
Communication
13. Describe a time when you had to deal with somebody who was assertive?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Microsoft's culture towards inspiring innovation is heavily steeped in a collaborative environment. Delving deeper into overcoming personality differences, their ideal candidate should exhibit leadership skills by readily stepping outside of their comfort zone, and having strong enough interpersonal skills to be able to navigate a team filled with a diverse pool of talent. Furthermore, this requires enhanced communication and a "can-do" team mentality.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
How to Answer
Most brands will recruit those who fit their mold. Soft people skills, and being able to non-defensively communicate with a wide range of personalities, are traits of strong leadership. Investing the time to work with employees who take more effort to get on the same page makes for a much stronger team. This brand of team collaboration broadly enhances work relations. Focus on this when formulating your answer.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
Answer Example
"Well, there was someone I worked with whose personality was very blunt and assertive. They also had an amazing sense of humor. But sometimes how blunt and crass they could be would sometime rub others the wrong way. In my opinion, however, it never disrupted operations or the functionality of the team. Also, they never really crossed any lines or behaved in a manner that was unprofessional. It was just their personality. So, to answer your question effectively, our leaders had a project that they decided this person was a good fit to spearhead. Well, they did a great job, with everyone's support. They were really decisive and clear in their communication. It was a tremendously successful project that we completed way ahead of the deadline. It was a lot of fun, and there was a lot of energy throughout the project. But that's a reflection of our team more than just me. In their personal life, this person tends to rub people the wrong way. But, in their professional life, we've grown to understand this person's intentions, and that they really do put their all in with the work they perform. Our team, as a whole, gets that."
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
Communication
14. If you only had 90 seconds, how would you explain the cloud to someone?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This is a test of your communication skills. Being able to break down complex concepts in a coherent and thorough manner is a skill. How well you communicate is of particular interest to them, as someone who is an excellent communicator is a desirable asset for any business.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
How to Answer
Before your interview, record your voice while you answer some of these questions. Don't write down your answers and read them, but answer them live. Then play it back and write down all of your speech crutches and how many times you used them. Words such as, "Like," "um," "you know," "so on and so forth," "and," "well," "but," "so," "ah," "er," "literally," "actually," and "basically. " Identify the speech-crutch words you use the most, and practice answering without using those words. Whenever you find yourself struggling against them, just pause instead. This will present you as a clearer communicator and more of a professional.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
Answer Example
"Cloud computing was invented by Joseph Carl Robnett Licklider, as a method to store data and computing power that is available on-demand to its users, without the concerns of being responsible for the cloud computing storage hardware, nor the necessity of operating or maintaining it."
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
Company Knowledge
15. Why would Microsoft finance acquisitions rather than use the $130+ billion in cash they currently have?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This topic made headlines not long ago when Microsoft made moves to acquire LinkedIn. Therefore, this question tests how plugged in you are to industry-related developments, especially one that involves the very company you are interviewing with.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
How to Answer
Do your research and read up on the topic, rehearsing your answer in advance. Take notes and formulate how you would answer this question in your own words.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
Answer Example
"One reason could be to lower their tax bill. If Microsoft chose to use such funds which would be parked overseas, they could potentially pay a 35% tax on the repatriation of cash from overseas accounts. By using debt to finance such an acquisition, a company could list such interest payments among their tax deductions, further lowering their taxes. This could even save a company millions of dollars by continuing to use such interest deductions to this end."
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
Company Knowledge
16. What keeps Amy Hood up at night?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This tests how far you are willing to go to learn about the company you are interviewing with. Even brushing up on everything you can about a company's executives, including Amy Hood, their CFO, and reading where they've been quoted or where they've interviewed, can offer insights into where a company is going. Basically, this question aims to see how above and beyond you perform tasks that serve to benefit your career. By ascertaining this, they may be able to better predict how you will perform should we should choose you for this role.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
How to Answer
By going in-depth in your research, and thinking outside of the box when trying to gain insightful knowledge about a company, you could gain a leading edge against your competition in the interview pool. Put your all in.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
Answer Example
"I read an interview with her and several other CFOs in Fortune Magazine where she answers this very question, where she said every time you feel like you're leaning as far forward as you can into wherever you think the world is going, you're still not leaning far enough."
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
Customer Service
17. What is your approach to customer service?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
They are trying to evaluate your commitment to customer service, and how well suited you are to this role. Even if you have a background in customer service, it doesn't necessarily mean you deliver an exemplary customer-centric experience. Most companies have specific solutions they offer customers when an issue arises. Sometimes, despite your efforts, you can't meet their needs and have to get creative. How the customer leaves at the end of any customer experience is what they take with them. That exit moment is 'the make it or break it' moment to brand loyalty. How well you fit into the culture of their brand, and how well you deliver that grand finale experience, is what they hope to learn about you.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
How to Answer
More often than not, people evaluate exemplary customer service as being heard, validated, and treated fairly. The idea of what is fair may vary from person to person. But understanding this gives a deeper insight into the adage 'The customer is always right.' This term isn't meant to be taken literally. It more so conveys that good customer service is understanding, relating with, and delivering on expectations. Meeting those expectations equates to good customer service.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
Answer Example
"I think it's the same when communicating with anyone. Everyone wants to feel heard, everyone wants to be treated with respect, and everyone seeks validation. So whenever I'm communicating with our customers, I engage, actively listen, mirror back to them what I feel they're communicating, and validate what they're communicating based on their perception and their reality. I'll present the situation back to them with the external components that may have been outside of their perspective. I'll share with them my knowledge, and the avenues I can explore to help them, and do my best to keep the communication as amenable and as transparent as possible. Show them that you're putting thought into it, exploring all options before reaching an outcome. In the end, by using whatever resources you have, you have to determine how much that customer's loyalty is worth and do all you can to deliver the best customer service experience you can to earn their brand loyalty."
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
Discovery
18. How do you plan your days?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This will help them assess your approach to your work. Being singularly focused is a strength, so long as you're able to shift gears and exhibit flexibility when the need arises.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
How to Answer
Talk about the tools and resources you used to plan your work and stay organized on the job and how you manage your time. Exhibit your consideration of exploring what standards are used to prioritize work, and an ability to assess the timing, commercial importance, and positive externalities of other priorities. Additionally, convey your ability to follow the chain of command, and know when to tap into the resources on the job.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
Answer Example
"Attendance is very important to me, so much so that I have a track record of showing up early to my shifts. I keep my day organized and stick to my routine as much as possible. No matter what alarm clock you use, the snooze button is there. I never hit mine. I keep a jar of chocolate-covered espresso beans next to my bed. When my alarm goes off, I grab a few of those and pop them in my mouth. Then I'm ready, and I almost always get to work early. This gives me time to stroll through work, saying my hellos, checking in on an individual level, and keeping a sharp eye out for any details which might grab my attention. Then I check my inbox and review anything new or urgent. I review the priorities I tracked the evening before, adjust them accordingly, explore my resources, and get to work. If I have a lot on my plate at work or at home, I evaluate every piece of the puzzle. I make it all fit into my week. Just spending that bit of time at the forefront to strategize my week allows things to feel more sustainable. I'm proactive, I guess. Reaction is rarely sustainable, in my humble opinion."
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
Experience
19. Describe your biggest failure.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer is digging deeper into determining how you deal with personal setbacks, whether you take ownership of your mistakes, and what you've learned from them. Someone who deflects blame or presents themselves as a victim will serve as a red flag, whereas someone who sees everything as a growth opportunity and learns from their mistakes is a trait of a desirable candidate.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
How to Answer
Keep your example relevant to the position you're competing for. Whatever your example, try to keep your answer focused on the learning experience, and what you did to get as close to success as possible, while always prioritizing the needs of the team over your personal success. Break down the positive takeaways from the situation and the measures you took to set yourself up for success moving forward.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
Answer Example
"Early in my career, I was training a recruit. I told them what to do and how to do it, but didn't explain why each step was important. They didn't understand the full impact each step had on the business, and as a result, their quality of work didn't meet expectations. Since I was the one training them, the responsibility for their quality of work fell on my shoulders. Now, any time I am assigning any task, I preface the objective of the work before I assign the tasks and how to get the work done. I learned this helps our staff take more pride in their work, and feel as if they are a part of something bigger."
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
Experience
20. Describe the difference between working hard versus working smart.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This question sheds light on your grasp of the difference between the two. By determining your familiarity with this concept, they can ascertain your work experience and fitness for the role. They are also looking for insights into your work style and ethic. Putting in hard work can equate to putting in long and taxing hours. Working smart exemplifies your ability to prioritize, organize, and effectively manage your time and strategize how to complete a project or any given task.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
How to Answer
Recognize the importance of this question, offering your insights and your field expertise. Frame yourself as a leader, acknowledging the time and place for working hard versus working smart, and how they play into your leadership skills when performing the work yourself versus delegating. Often when working smarter, the hard work you'd otherwise put in is cut in half, lightening your workload and contributing to effective time management.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
Answer Example
"They're not mutually exclusive. One should always do both. I start every job by working hard and evaluating where there is room for improvement. Once I get the hang of something I'll evaluate how I can kaizen that opportunity. First, focus on quality, then quantity. By the end, it should take me less effort to produce the same quality of work."
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
Experience
21. Name something unique that you bring to the table.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Coming across as overly confident could make you seem arrogant, whereas being too humble can make you seem insecure or underqualified. This is an opportunity to align your values and motivators with the work culture of their brand. What they're looking for is a convincing sales pitch.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
How to Answer
The qualifications of the other candidates and their interview performances will remain a mystery. Therefore, there's no point in competing with them when you deliver your answer. The only thing you have to go on is your own merits. If you have an unparalleled skill set that proves you as an asset, don't leave that on the table. Offer insights as to how grounded and well-rounded you are. If your noteworthy merits have contributed to your past employers, sing your own laurels by detailing how. The more tangibles you can deliver, the better.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
Answer Example
"Well, aside from what you know and have seen on my resume, I'd say something that I have which others don't, at least not in the way I do... is that I have a pretty great attitude, regardless of the work I perform. I have a proven track record of motivating those working around me. I am the team's cheerleader, an enemy to none, and a friend to all. That combined with my hard skills and on-the-job training and leadership skills, I consider myself poised as a desirable candidate."
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
Experience
22. Describe your most challenging project. How did you ensure it was a success?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Talking about your accomplishments will give the interviewer a stronger idea of where you place your values. It potentially reveals more about your personality, your motivators, as well as your goals.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
How to Answer
Reveal why you're proud of the example you provide and how it fits into your career goals. The road to self-improvement is never-ending. Once you offer your example, offer where you hope this achievement will lead you on your path. You're not just climbing the mountain, you are rising above yourself.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
Answer Example
"There were discrepancies in our inventory results. Theft seemed like an unlikely cause for the shrinkage. Speculations and rumors were spreading like a fire. While reviewing our retail stock ledgers from the last six months and comparing them with our manifests, quite an undertaking, I realized our receiving clerk was just signing off on our shipments without monitoring the exceptions and discrepancies. We addressed the issue, and our next inventory came in within an acceptable range."
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
Experience
23. Tell me about a project where your initial assumptions ended up being incorrect. What steps did you take that revealed this? How did you ensure you moved forward properly after?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer is gauging your attention to detail and is curious about how you handle your work with diligence and accuracy. How you answer will clue them in to the level of your skills.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
How to Answer
Talk to the interviewer about your level of attentiveness when it comes to details on the job. This comes down to a combination of technical skills and aligning all the necessary facts and figures to a conclusive result. Items you want to touch on in your answer are your organization skills and your methodology or approach to project management, the level of your attention to detail, and the standard you set for your work.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
Answer Example
"There was a time where a coworker had me proof their work. I went into looking over their project looking for an error in their findings, so I immediately noticed a discrepancy, but like them, I had difficulty tracing it back to their source. They said they went over their calculations and couldn't figure it out. So I went in assuming I would quickly identify their mistake, but I went over it three times. Then I realized, in my arrogance, I was simply assuming I would be able to identify quickly what they missed in their calculations. Knowing I have keen attention to detail, I realized I was missing something, but, like them, I was looking in the wrong place. Then I combed over the information they compiled. We examined it together, and we were able to determine that the error existed before they extrapolated the data from its source. Amid the research on which they based their project, two numbers had been transposed. Digging deeper, we discovered this discrepancy was the source of another problem our management had been working on. Tying our issue to theirs, we corrected the course of two projects, rather than just one. All I did was dig deeper, tracking it to its source and along with the directions, it branched out."
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
Experience
24. Tell me about a time where you made a mistake?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
A person might feel the fear of being judged for a mistake they've made. How they confront their fear, and the situation, is the true test of their character. Therefore, they want to take the precaution to ensure that their ideal candidate has a strong sense of self-accountability, and exhibits the ability to learn from setbacks. How you answer will help them evaluate how you handle disappointment and what you learn from such experiences. Do you take responsibility for your own actions, inactions, limitations, and self-awareness, as well as your attitude towards life, is what they're after. Making mistakes is human. How we deal with and remedy a mistake comes down to exercising good judgment and knowing when asking for help is appropriate.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
How to Answer
Relay a positive experience, detailing the situation, framing the setback, how you dealt with it, and what you learned from it, providing what you consider failure looks like to you. Detail what you would've done differently and how you avoided repeating it.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
Answer Example
"I inherited the workload of an employee that was underperforming, a lot, and was let go. It was overwhelming. I suffered from task paralysis and had trouble getting started. Long ago, a mentor suggested in situations like this I always tackle the biggest aspect of an overwhelming project first, since that was what I felt most daunted by. It was good general advice, and I listened to it. However, in this instance, I should have taken a different approach. I lost focus on the priorities of the project, where instead of focussing on the tasks one by one, I should have looked more closely at the broader view of the problem at hand. As a result, I didn't manage my time well and should have approached the project differently. I missed that target, but never made the mistake again."
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
Experience
25. Tell me about a time you had to think outside of the box to solve a problem.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
They're seeking to measure your preferred working style and whether it meets their required criteria. They want to know how resourceful you are and whether you exhibit 'outside-of-the-box thinking.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
How to Answer
You want your answer to exhibit determination. Demonstrate that you aren't easily discouraged. Where there is a will, there is a way, which is the attitude you want to convey. Meeting deadlines, over-performing, learning, and innovating is the aim of the messaging in your example.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
Answer Example
"Our department was coming in over budget. We'd recently implemented new systems that were streamlining all our processes and would increase productivity and our quality of work. However, we knew it would save us money and time over the next few months, but unless made cuts immediately elsewhere, it wouldn't be sustainable. So, anticipating this, we cut expenses dramatically across our entire department. But a week later, reports came in, and we were still slightly over budget, and something else had to go. Then, I had an idea. We were using an overpriced vendor for our office supplies, and they frequently shipped the wrong products or had significant delivery delays. I knew someone who managed an office supply company, and I was able to negotiate a bulk buyer's discount for our company while cutting out the vendor. Our annual savings provided us with a budget surplus, which then allowed us to readjust our company budget in innovative ways."
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
Experience
26. Describe a time when you had to solve a problem but didn't have all the necessary information about it beforehand. What did you do?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Innovation is integral to their leadership. They are curious about how resourceful you are, and if you are capable of working independently.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
How to Answer
Frame yourself as resourceful, with a propensity to think fast on your feet. Detail the situation, how you identified an opportunity, and the process you took to implement it. Describe what inspired your approach and how you achieved a positive outcome. Explain why it was important, and the impact it had on the business and your team. You want your answer to exhibit determination, and that you aren't easily discouraged.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
Answer Example
"I recently struggled with choosing between five different health insurance plans. There were a lot of cost differentials between coinsurance, copays, deductibles, premiums, and the tiers of in-network versus out-of-network costs. It was a lot for the average citizen to tease apart from choosing the most cost-effective plan. Not to mention, how one justifies the costs on a personal level, monthly or annually, really depends on the individual. So I sat down and went over my healthcare needs for the last three years and projected a slightly increased average for the next year. I adjusted my livable budgeting plan and created a chart for the total cost of those needs across all tiers; coinsurance, copays, deductibles, and premiums. It was far more work than anyone should be expected to do, but in the end, I think I saved thousands of dollars in healthcare costs annually."
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
Knowledge
27. How is AI going to change our every-day lives?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This will help them determine how current you are in your field. It may also reveal how you view the innovative developments that potentially could unfold in the very near future.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
How to Answer
Write down all the ways you think AI could impact the future. It is better to take your time coming up with a plausible list, rather than rattling them off from the top of your head without any preparation.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
Answer Example
"I'd say more deeply than what you may read in the typical news feed. Sure, it may hold true to the promise of the industrial revolution, that our work days will be shorter, and the resulting amenities will make our lives overall easier and more comfortable. But I feel like it is so much more impactful than our phone's personal assistants or self-driving cars. Sure, it could prevent accidents and in many ways saves lives. But the promise so far revealed towards innovations in medical science and astronomy alone is historic. AI stands to go beyond our brains' computational methods and could impact the rate of exponential factors so significantly, that could be a dizzying advance of all scientific pursuits that will prove as a technological revolution we'd have no way to prepare ourselves for, and we're already in it."
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
Leadership
28. Tell me about a time you had to manage an important project. How did you approach this, and how did you communicate your strategy?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This question evaluates your standard for putting your all in, and seeks to answer how you approach managing your projects, but also evaluates your communication skills. Even more so, they want to ascertain whether you are an overachiever. It also clues them into your values, your personality, and your motivators, providing insights as to how you'd contribute.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
How to Answer
Remember, the road to self-improvement is never-ending. So frame your experience as a milestone towards your future goals. Offer what milestones you hope to accomplish next, building off of your previous accomplishments. Evaluate what they are looking for in their ideal candidate based on how they've advertised their position, and frame yourself as an above-average fit in how you deliver your example.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
Answer Example
"While onboarding at my last job, they trained me on the general methods previous employees in my position used to tackle their work. I soaked it up and spent my time evaluating those systems for getting the work done. I changed or reinvented them in ways that made more sense to me. I'm all about increasing productivity only where it doesn't sacrifice the quality of my work. Sometimes I hit the mark, and sometimes it's close but not perfect, and when that's the case, I learn what I can. Well, at that point the head of our division visited our department and evaluated our workflow. They challenged us to increase our department's productivity within the next month. At my first opportunity, I showed my team leader the system's approach I developed for my work, in case they'd want to get ideas for how'd they'd meet this challenge. They loved what I'd done so much that they had me form a team on how to adopt these systems to the rest of the department in a way where these systems could be modified to each and everyone's unique personality and work style. Once everyone was up to speed, our productivity increased and we met this challenge. We increased our department's productivity, exceeding the goals they challenged us with. Even better, a few months later, everyone in our department received a bonus. So, I'd call that one of my greatest work-related accomplishments."
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
Situational
29. Tell me about a time you experienced a conflict with a colleague.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This question is layered and can be interpreted in many ways. How you interpret this question will give your interviewer insight into your outlook on the world. Not only is the interviewer trying to get an idea of who you are, but also an idea of your communication skills. It could also serve to inform them about what you perceive as a conflict. They're keeping a keen eye out for any red flags. In the simplest terms, in this scenario, the last thing you want is to plant the seed that the difficult person in this scenario was you.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
How to Answer
This question is meant to assist in evaluating your non-defensive communication skills, and your aptitude for diplomacy, de-escalation, and negotiation. Take care to exemplify this mentality. When relaying your example of a conflict, pay close attention to the nuance of this question. They want to know your reaction to the situation, and how you communicated. Avoid assigning blame. You don't want to come across as part of the reason you and this difficult didn't get along. Rather, focus on the positives, and how the overall outcome benefitted the team. You want to come across as a people person with enhanced communication skills. Objectify the situation, exhibiting an emotionally mature perspective, and how you navigated this terrain, ultimately leading to a successful resolution.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
Answer Example
"I was helping a coworker prepare their past-due taxes. They basically bribed me and said it would take no time at all, and we could even do it that night over drinks and dinner, and they'd buy. I agreed. We were friends, after all. Well, as soon as I got started, it was clear they didn't know what they were doing, and they continually challenged my help by projecting their fears at me. They kept going back and forth from being ingratiating to defensive. These things happen, and I understood where their responses were coming from. So I kept at it, asking questions, fixing all their mistakes and missed opportunities along the way, actively listening to them over explain everything I wasn't asking. Mostly, I just remained patient, assuring them I was doing everything I could to help them navigate their situation. My drink just sat there until I was finished. They got through three rounds by the time I took my first sip. It was that kind of night. After it was all done, things lightened up, and we had a few good laughs."
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
Teamwork
30. How do you build and maintain functional relationships with colleagues working in other locations?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
What they are asking here is how you've gone about earning credibility in the workplace. Even if you were the top performer at your last job, you still have to prove yourself when working with a new team. It takes time to establish relationships and even more time to show you have what it takes. When hired at a new job, it's natural to want to prove yourself. Your approach to building relationships while exhibiting a strong work ethic is a tricky balancing act. There are many behavior types. Your approach aims to reveal your personality type to the interviewers and how well you'll fit into their team.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
How to Answer
In order to build rapport and trust with a new team, a recruit needs to learn the ins and outs, before suggesting anything that needs fixing or improvements. The best way to evaluate what you can contribute is first working side by side with those who are more familiar with the environment. Seeking their insights, asking questions, and getting a clear understanding of their systems before you offer suggestions on how to improve upon them goes a long way. Familiarize yourself with the 30/60/90 rule: The first month of a new hire's 90-day probation period should focus on familiarizing themselves with the team, company, products/services, clients, etc. Month two should be spent studying current processes and procedures, and identifying strengths and weaknesses. In the last month, that hire should be well-grounded in the role and capable of identifying growth opportunities. Past the 90-day mark is considered an acceptable time to implement innovation.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022
Answer Example
"I'd get to know everyone there. I'd work hard side by side with them, and keep my head down. I'd exhibit my positivity, and ask for their insights and their tips and tricks to get the work done as efficiently as I could. I'd actively listen and participate, and keep asking questions to absorb as much as I can. Once I feel I've built some strong working relationships, I'd keep trying to identify kaizen opportunities and would innovate from there. I'm there to contribute and make the team stronger as a whole. That's my goal."
Written by Kevin Downey on June 4th, 2022