32 Entertainment Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our Entertainment 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.
1. At Company ABC we seek to hire those who have a true passion and interest in our industry. What excites you most about what we do?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to be assured that you have a clear passion for what they do at Company ABC. You should be prepared to discuss your industry involvement or how you stay up to date on the industry's hot topics. Show the interviewer that you will be a fully engaged team member, if hired.
1st Answer Example
"I've had a keen interest in cinema, the arts, and entertainment since I was a child. My curiosity is always present when it comes to changes and current events in this industry. I follow your company blog and keep a close eye on other industry related publications and trends from online sources."
2nd Answer Example
"I am most excited about the opportunity to work with Company ABC because you are a leader in the market with a passion for growing your employees into industry professionals. This truly would be a dream job for me!"
2. Have you been exposed to the customer experience at Company ABC? If so, tell me one highlight and one area you feel we fell short.
How to Answer
It's very important that you have some sort of personal experience to share with the interviewer, in regards to your exposure to Company ABC. Talk about the impression you had, and your overall customer experience. Keep your response positive, and your constructive feedback light.
1st Answer Example
"I have been a customer in the past and the factor that stuck out most to me was that your employees all seemed to be really happy. It made me want to work here! If I could offer any opportunity for improvement, I would say that your online experience could be a bit more streamlined for mobile users."
2nd Answer Example
"I am a regular customer here, and my experiences have all been great. That is one of the reasons I chose to apply here! I cannot make any comments on where you have fallen short during my visits but one suggestion I do have is to make your phone directory a touch simpler for the customers who call in. Attention spans can be short, and the less options, the better."
3. Company ABC has many industry competitors. Why do you want to work for us?
How to Answer
The interviewer is looking for specific examples on why you are choosing Company ABC as opposed to any of their competitors. Choose some reasons that will include the company values, the potential growth opportunity, and the sense of pride you would feel if you were hired on with Company ABC. The last thing the interviewer would want to hear is that their opportunity does not stand out or that this is 'just any job' to you.
1st Answer Example
"I chose to apply to Company ABC because your industry reputation is the best of anyone in your market. Your online employee reviews are very positive as well. Through my research on Company ABC I came across a common theme of respect and strong values which I greatly appreciate. I would be very proud to work here!"
2nd Answer Example
"I feel that Company ABC would nurture my desire for growth and prepare me for career advancement with the appropriate training."
4. We have put a lot of time and effort into creating a great workplace culture at Company ABC. How will you contribute to our positive team environment?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to be sure that you will be a strong fit for the workplace culture at Company ABC. Be prepared to give examples of the ways in which you will contribute, and fit in with, their positive team environment. You can learn more about the culture at Company ABC by researching them online, taking note of the tone in their job postings, and reading the 'About Us' and 'News' sections on their website.
1st Answer Example
"After researching Company ABC I believe that your workplace culture is best described as lighthearted, energetic, and supportive. These are my strongest personality traits so I do see a very strong alignment between your company culture and what I would bring here, if hired."
2nd Answer Example
"I am a very positive person who is always willing to lend a hand, and go over and above the expectations on me. What I bring to the workplace will fit in really well with the culture at Company ABC. I appreciate that you have such a positive team environment."
5. Everybody we hire at Company ABC should have strong customer service abilities. Give me 3 words that best describe your customer service style.
How to Answer
Whether you have worked directly in customer service, or not, the interviewer wants to be assured that your perspective on customer services aligns well with the values at Company ABC. Be sure to research the organization's customer service attitude so that you can be prepared with answers that will resonate with the interviewer.
1st Answer Example
"Customer service is obviously at the center of your success at Company ABC. I look forward to contributing to your success! I would describe my customer service style as attentive, patient, and enthusiastic."
2nd Answer Example
Additional words that could describe your customer service style:
- Empathetic
- Caring
- Concerned
- Patient
- Thorough
- Authentic
6. Since Company ABC has an invested interest in the entertainment industry I would love to know - what do you do for entertainment on your off time?
How to Answer
It's definitely okay to add a personal touch to your interview if you are asked a question like this. Show the interviewer a bit about your personality. This is a great time to give a unique answer which will make you stand out from other candidates. A lot of people will answer by saying they like to hang out with family and friends. If YOU talk about that time you went parasailing - you'll definitely be delivering a more memorable interview!
1st Answer Example
"I love to work hard and play hard! This year I decided to try some new forms of entertainment. I have taken up mountain climbing as well as salsa dance lessons. These experiences have been an immense amount of fun and have taken me out of my comfort zone."
2nd Answer Example
"I like to dabble in a variety of fun things such as cooking lessons, photography courses, and sip and paint nights. I think that it's important to experience a variety of entertainment types to get to know your personal likes and interests on a deeper level."
7. We think it is important to have a streamlined hiring process. How have you found the hiring process at Company ABC so far? Do you have any suggestions?
How to Answer
Great companies will always be looking for ways to streamline their hiring process and improve the candidate experience. You can be honest with the interviewer on your experience; however, keep your reply positive.
If you have found the process to be slow and frustrating, you could express that by saying "I have experienced faster candidate screening processes in the past but I am sure you are doing your best with the amount of applications you receive."
This would be a much better response than saying "Your process is very slow so I would work on fixing that."
1st Answer Example
"I have experienced faster candidate screening processes in the past but I am sure you are doing your best with the amount of applications you receive."
2nd Answer Example
"I have found Company ABC to be very professional throughout this process and have found the experience to be a positive one."
8. We offer a multitude of career paths at Company ABC. How would you like to see your career grow with us?
How to Answer
An easy way to become familiar with the growth avenues available at Company ABC would be to search their online job board or Google for previous job openings. If there are any job postings that catch your eye, you should research what it would take to be qualified for the role. Display to the interviewer that you can see a long term fit with Company ABC by expressing your interest in the potential growth.
1st Answer Example
"While researching Company ABC I came across a job posting for a Corporate Events Manager. The position caught my eye immediately and I was excited to see that Company ABC offers exciting roles on all levels. This is a position I would love to grow into over time."
2nd Answer Example
"Ideally, I would love to see myself growing into a more prominent leadership role within your organization. My career interests align very nicely with your company's goals which helps me to see a great long term fit here."
9. Why do you think that working for Company ABC will be an improvement over your current situation? Why are you looking for a new job?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to be assured that their position will be a long-term fit for you rather than just a band-aid, short term fix from your restlessness in your current job. Be careful to avoid speaking negatively about your current place of employment and focus on what Company ABC will offer you, why you're excited about their organization, and how you see a long term with with them.
1st Answer Example
"I have been seeking a change within a company who puts their client experience first, treats their employees with a fair attitude and has a reputation that I can brag about. My current company has been good to me the past 3 years; however, with recent restructuring within management I no longer feel it's the most conducive environment for me. I am really excited about what I've seen from Company ABC so far and think this would be a fantastic place to work."
2nd Answer Example
"I have been passively seeking a new position for quite some time and haven't jumped on anything yet because I want to make sure it's the right fit. I feel that this job is right for me, at this point in my career, because it offers an opportunity for me to utilize my recent education in business while giving me an opportunity to advance in my knowledge within the entertainment industry."
10. Being the best in your industry is great but it also brings its own challenges. What do you foresee as the biggest challenge for you in this role with Company ABC?
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to see that you are not just wearing rose-colored glasses, thinking this job will be perfect 100% of the time. They want to ensure that realistic expectations are set right away.
Talk to the interviewer about a challenge you think you may face in this role. Be sure to complete your answer by also discussing how you plan to overcome that challenge! A challenge could include learning a new industry, learning a new software program, being in a customer facing role again, etc.
1st Answer Example
"I believe the biggest challenge for me will be to learn your internal P.O.S system. From what I understand, it is a robust system. I do consider myself very tech savvy so I am confident that I will pick it up quickly."
2nd Answer Example
"Because I am newer to your industry, I feel that the biggest challenge will be to learn the proper lingo and verbiage used here. I look forward to learning, though!"
11. How do you like to be recognized for your accomplishments?
How to Answer
We all like to be recognized in some way for our accomplishments in the workplace. Share with the interviewer how you would like to be recognized for your hard work. Through gifts? Financial perks? Public recognition? Kind words? Title promotions?
1st Answer Example
"I am very much an over-achiever and find that the best way for me to be recognized for a job well done is to be given words of kindness and recognition. I am easily encouraged and the best reward for me is to know that my hard work is being noticed."
2nd Answer Example
"I am a highly competitive person who is compensation driven. I like to be recognized for my accomplishments through monetary bonus' or contests where the stakes are high."
12. What sources do you look to when you need to solve a complicated problem?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to know that you are able to think outside the box, or even ask for help, when you are stuck on a complicated problem.
Maybe you look to a mentor or boss for advice. Perhaps you have handbooks, manuals and systems you turn to for help. Offer some relevant examples based on your industry. If you work in the medical field, you may turn to textbooks, online research, colleagues or even patient's history to find the right solution. If you work in customer service, you may ask the customer what they need in order to find the best way to solve the problem.
Show the interviewer that you are knowledgeable and equipped to handle these types of scenarios.
1st Answer Example
"When I am faced with a complicated problem, I will look to the resources that my current company has provided me. The answer is almost always in there. If it's more of a moral dilemma vs. a knowledge based dilemma, I will ask my supervisor for his thoughts and opinion since I value him as a mentor and expert in our industry."
2nd Answer Example
"In order to solve a complex issue, I will reach out to a manager or mentor from a previous role to ask them how they've handled such issues in the past. I am always ready to dive back into our handbook, but these types of scenarios are often not covered there, which is why I really value a human, experiential approach. I know that there are so many folks in the industry who have so much to teach me and have probably already "been-there-done-that", so I love to utilize them as a resource."
13. Company ABC is looking for great problem solvers. When a major problem arises, what is your first reaction?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to know if your reactions to problems reflect maturity and professionalism. How you react will greatly determine how you fit with their existing team.
Perhaps your computer crashes and you realize you may have just lost all of your hard work. Or maybe you are limited on time and have a deadline rapidly approaching. Demonstrate to the interviewer that you take a very methodical approach to problem solving, rather than reacting in an impulsive way when a problem occurs.
1st Answer Example
"When a major problem arises, my first instinct is to take a step back and absorb what just happened. I then go into "
2nd Answer Example
"I have taught myself to become much calmer with my first reactions when problems arise. Now, I will step back and review my options for solving the problem rather than allow myself to become frustrated."
14. Have you ever taken a role in a company that hasn't fit into your long-term career plans?
How to Answer
Most people have taken on a position that was not a fit for them in the end. It's best top openly discuss any positions that you have held that were not a fit. This will assist the interviewer in being able to properly place you within their organization. Be sure to end your answer on a positive note, discussing how you bounced back from the misstep.
1st Answer Example
"Yes, you will see that from March to May 2007 I held a role as a Business Development Representative with Company XYZ. This particular role was not what I was expecting and had little to do with management and more to do with cold calling onto C-suite level clients. This wasn't nurturing my plan to grow the management side of my career, so I resigned after just 2 months. Luckily I landed a wonderful job immediately after and grew with that company for the following 6 years."
2nd Answer Example
"I have been fortunate to make very well-researched employment decisions so far in my career. I ask a lot of questions in my interviews and take the time to review all contracts before signing them."
15. How do you get along with others at work?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to gauge if you can maintain healthy relationships in the workplace. What are the dynamics of your working relationships? Think about what you enjoyed about some of your relationships with past coworkers. Good communication, sense of humor, and support are all great qualities that make co-worker relationships healthy.
1st Answer Example
"I get along great with my coworkers. I try to maintain a positive attitude and be supportive, whether I am offering to assist someone who is overwhelmed, or if I am taking time to listen to someone who is having a bad day."
2nd Answer Example
"My previous managers have often commented on my ability to get along well with others in the workplace. I enjoy getting to know my colleagues, understanding what makes them tick, and what they value most inside and outside of the workplace."
16. How do you handle communicating bad news to a fellow worker or subordinate?
How to Answer
One of the toughest parts of communication can be delivering bad news to people that you work with and care about. Whether it is delivering a less than positive work review or terminating someone - it doesn't come easy. Assure the interviewer that you are able to handle this type of task in a clear, concise, and professional manner.
1st Answer Example
"I certainly do not enjoy communicating bad news to a co-worker but I do have experience in doing so. When this type of task is required of me, I make sure to practice empathy. Truth is always key, so I will be honest and clear when communicating the news. For instance, if I am to terminate someone's employment I will not sugar coat the reasons why. It's best they know so that they can learn from the experience."
2nd Answer Example
"Bad news should be delivered quickly but with empathy. I don't enjoy delivering disappointing news but I am confident in my ability to deliver it in a tactful way."
17. What type of work environment allows you to be the most productive?
How to Answer
Are you able to be productive in any environment? Are there particular types of environments that you find distracting? Discuss your preferences with the interviewer. Be sure to research the type of environment that is offered in this position prior to the interview.
1st Answer Example
"I understand that your work environment is very collaborative. I come from a similar environment and found that I could be very productive when there was the "
2nd Answer Example
"I am able to focus well in most environments and am quite self-driven and disciplined. So long as the overall vibe is collaborative and positive, I can be very productive."
18. When you suffer a setback, how does that emotionally affect you and your work?
How to Answer
Everyone handles the stress and disappointment of setbacks differently. Discuss with the interviewer how you typically cope with setbacks in the workplace.
1st Answer Example
"Experiencing a setback is always disappointing, and can be a bit disheartening, but I understand that it happens from time to time. If I experience a major setback I will take a few moments to debrief with my manager and discuss what I could have done differently. Then, I move on!"
2nd Answer Example
"Setbacks happen for a reason and they do not affect me emotionally in the least. I am a very pragmatic thinker and stay focused despite the challenges that come my way."
19. What was the most difficult part about your training or education?
How to Answer
Share a challenge you experienced in one of your classes or training courses. Maybe the class was difficult because it wasn't one of your strengths. Math and science courses might be tricky for you or maybe the professor was real challenge. Focus on what you did to overcome it, rather than placing your attention on the issue.
1st Answer Example
"The most difficult part of my education was my Statistics course. I overcame this challenge by hiring a tutor. I ended up with a A but it was definitely the result of a lot of work and studying."
2nd Answer Example
"The most difficult thing for me was the level of homework and study time required. I had always worked while going to high school, but I had to reduce my hours to make time for studying."
20. How do you like to encourage ideas in others?
How to Answer
Encouragement to others is a great skill to possess. Talk to the interviewer about your ability to encourage creative ideas in your team members.
1st Answer Example
"I like to encourage other people to be creative in their thinking and present ideas to the company, no matter how off the wall they may seem. Some of our most successful employees are ones who are confident in their ability to bring forward their unique ideas. I encourage participation through an open door policy and strong praise for those who show initiative."
2nd Answer Example
"Whether I am training formally or not, I am always the go-to for mentor-ship. It's something that I am really passionate about. I love to see others succeed and help them do so through creating a comfortable learning environment."
21. If you were given a choice, which work related task would you leave for last? Why?
How to Answer
Often times we will leave the tasks that we don't like for last in an act of procrastination. Other times, we will mindfully leave a task for last because we feel that it makes the most sense. Help the interviewer to determine which personality type you are by answering this question clearly.
1st Answer Example
"If I were given a choice, I would leave my documentation tasks for last. I say this because I like to spend my time selling and hitting targets so anything to do with documentation during business hours - I feel takes away from my business development tasks. I do understand the importance of it, though."
2nd Answer Example
"I tend to leave the hardest assignments for last. It is not because I dread them, but because I can make a lot more people happy by completing their small requests first and getting them back to work."
22. Stressful situations can arise at Company ABC. How do you handle stress?
How to Answer
Are you someone who is able to handle stress on the job? How do you manage the stressful times? Talk to the interviewer about your ability to manage pressure in the workplace.
1st Answer Example
"I handle stress very well and when you call my references, they will attest to this fact. When I am under pressure on the job, I focus on the task at hand and make sure to not get distracted. Staying on deadline is very helpful and I will delegate when necessary to alleviate some stress."
2nd Answer Example
"Stress is part of any demanding job and I embrace it to the fullest. I take good care of myself personally and prioritize my workload to maintain a healthy balance in my stress levels."
23. Tell me about your experience in this field.
How to Answer
It is very important to become acquainted with the job description prior to your interview. When the interviewer asks this question be sure to highlight the related experience that you bring.
1st Answer Example
"I bring all of the experience that you are looking for in filling this position, such as A, B, and C. In addition to being an expert user in A, I also bring 5 years' experience in B."
2nd Answer Example
"I have 8 years of industry experience with Company ABC and XYZ. Both experiences taught me a great deal about this field and I am excited to continue my career in this industry with your organization."
24. On a scale from 1 to 10, how honest are you?
How to Answer
Do you feel that you are a very honest person or do you have room for growth? This could be a tricky question as nobody is always 100% honest. Answer to the best of your ability and back your reply by speaking about your personal ethics.
1st Answer Example
"I would love to give myself a 10/10 for honesty but truthfully - nobody is 100% honest all of the time. I will give myself an 9 because I always do my best to be as honest as possible."
2nd Answer Example
"I value honesty and strive to be a trustworthy person in all situations. I would rate myself a 10/10."
25. Do you prefer to work in a team based position or individually?
How to Answer
In which situation are you the happiest and most productive? Talk to the interviewer about your preference when it comes to teamwork or working individually. Be sure to avoid pigeonholing yourself into one particular scenario (IE: I only like to work by myself).
1st Answer Example
"I have found, in the past, that I work best in an individually driven environment; however, I can certainly be productive in a team based setting as well."
2nd Answer Example
"I can work successfully in either. I am comfortable sharing the workload and responsibility with others, or hunkering down and getting it all done myself."
26. What has made you ready for this responsibility with Company ABC?
How to Answer
Discuss with the interviewer all of the things you have done to prepare you for this particular opportunity.
1st Answer Example
"I have spent the past 8 months reading leadership books and have taken 2 leadership workshops in that time frame. I have never felt more ready to take on the responsibility of leading a team."
2nd Answer Example
"I believe that my recent education has prepared me for this responsibility. Not only by giving me the knowledge that I need in the entertainment industry, but also the connections and network."
27. What is your definition of hard work?
How to Answer
Hard work and dedication can be interpreted differently by everyone. To one person, another person's hard work could seem like slacking. Talk to the interviewer about how you interpret a hard day's work.
1st Answer Example
"For me, hard work means that I did what I could that day to exceed expectations. I come to work early and stay late if needed and I go over and above the requirements without hesitation."
2nd Answer Example
"I know that I have worked hard if, at the end of the day, I can be proud of the work that I completed."
28. How can we motivate you on the job?
How to Answer
Every employer should know how each staff member is best motivated. Talk to the interviewer about the variety of ways in which you are best motivated on the job.
1st Answer Example
"I am best motivated through words of praise and recognition for a job well done. I do like to know that my efforts are being noticed. In my current position we have a leader board and I do like that concept because it creates a healthy bit of personal competition in me as well."
2nd Answer Example
"I am motivated by knowing something about the end customer and being able to relate to them as a person. A personal touch is always helpful for me."
29. What decisions did you routinely make in your last position?
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to know more about the types of decisions you are accustomed to making in the workplace. The way you answer this questions will give them a good idea of your level of experience, seniority, and ability to handle the decision making requirements in this potential position.
If the job you are interviewing for requires you to be decisive and quick on your feet, you will need to be able to provide examples of how you have done these things in the past. If you worked in tech support, you were faced with problems that you needed to find solutions for on a regular basis. If you worked as a sales rep, you may have needed to know how to negotiate and make decisions on prices and benefits you can give your customers.
You may have been faced with decisions that became so routine you didn't think twice! Refer to these types of decisions and be sure to highlight how these types of decisions have prepared you for a role like this one.
1st Answer Example
"In my previous position I was quite often required to make decisions on staff scheduling as well as hiring and terminating. I feel that role prepared me quite well for a position like this one. I have well-honed decision making skills and my intuition, when it comes to hiring, has been elevated."
2nd Answer Example
"I regularly made decisions regarding pricing and discounts for customers. I had a standard set of criteria that I created, and I tried to let that guide me for consistency."
30. How competitive are you?
How to Answer
Being a competitive person is a great thing if you are appropriately competitive in the workplace. Assure the interviewer that you have a great competitive edge when necessary but are still able to balance that competition in a healthy way.
1st Answer Example
"I think that on a scale of 1-10, I would rate myself as a 7 when it comes to being competitive. I love a great competition in the workplace when it comes to sales goals and breaking through last years' numbers. I am not competitive to the point that it would hurt my team or colleagues."
2nd Answer Example
"I am competitive when it matters. I enjoy a good, healthy competition, in the form of sales contests or incentives. With that said, I don't identify as an overly competitive person who always needs to win. I enjoy watching others win, just as often."
31. How do you deal with a coworker when they stand in the way of your progress at work?
How to Answer
Even some of the best coworkers who are hard-working and entertaining can distract you from getting things done at work. Let's be honest, the funny and entertaining coworkers who like to chat online and send you YouTube videos are often the ones who can get in the way of your productivity. This question gives you a chance to talk about how you set healthy boundaries at work. It can be a difficult task, but you can handle it! Show off your ability to listen and communicate what you need from your coworkers, especially when you need space!
1st Answer Example
"I typically just set the boundary and tell my coworker that I really need to focus, but I'd love to catch up with them at lunch. I've learned to set aside time to take breaks and spend time with coworkers, so I usually just let them know when I'll be available."
2nd Answer Example
"If I have a coworker who is being a distraction, I will temporarily relocate my work-space or I will ask them to allow me to concentrate. If a coworker understands that you are under deadline or pressure, that usually helps them to understand your need for space."
32. What are your salary expectations?
How to Answer
The best way to discuss your salary expectations are to use your current earnings as an example. Be open, and honest. Transparency is the best choice when salary based questions arise.
1st Answer Example
"Currently, I earn a base salary of $45,000 per year plus a potential 20% annual bonus. Last year my earnings were $52,000 and I would like to stay in the same range or slightly higher."
2nd Answer Example
"I am currently making $100,000 per year with two bonus opportunities. I am looking for compensation that is aligned with the role and provides opportunity for growth."