30 Common Interview Questions & Answers

Below is a list of our Common Interview Questions 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

1. Career Goals Questions
2. Performance Based Questions
3. Leadership Questions
4. Compatibility Questions
5. Conflict Questions
6. Experience Questions
7. Teamwork Questions
8. Behavioral Questions
9. Creative Thinking Questions
10. EQ Questions
11. Capability Questions
12. Adaptability Questions
13. Education Questions
14. Communication Questions
15. Accomplishment Questions
16. Discovery Questions
17. Direct Questions
18. Tough Questions

Career Goals

1. Where do you see yourself in five years?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

This question almost always directly relates to the vision you have for your professional future, and whether you have a five-year career plan which you regularly update. Whether you do should inform them of how career focused you are and whether you have a vision for where you are steering your future. What your five-year career plan looks like will also potentially inform them of whether you see a future for yourself with their company. Your career goals, and how aligned they are with what their company has to offer, should prove informative as well.

Written by Kevin Downey on March 28th, 2024

What to Avoid

Avoid answers like, "In five years, I plan to work here, maybe even in your job!" (insert awkward laughter). The interviewer will quickly see that you have not done your research on the opportunity, and you're trying to mask that fact by telling a joke.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

How to Prep

Customize your career goals to what the company stands to offer your professional future. Start by performing research on yourself. Get a clearer understanding of your career goals in the present and five years into the future. Next, conduct some LinkedIn research on the company and its team members. Gain a better understanding of the typical career trajectory of the people who held this role before you.

For instance, your LinkedIn research may show that the previous general manager was promoted to regional manager after five years and then promoted to area director after three years. This research would give you a strong sense of what is reasonable for career growth in the organization, enabling you to comment on the career growth options with the company that stand out to you most, while clearly outlining that this feels like a strong match. Express your interest in their internal growth opportunities. Doing so will suggest you are, indeed, seeking a long-term fit with their company.

Written by Kevin Downey on March 28th, 2024

How to Answer

The goal of your response is to show the interviewer that you are clear about your career goals and that you believe their company can provide you with the career challenges and growth needed to provide you with the job satisfaction you seek, even five years from now. Revisit any milestones in your career progression or previous five-year career plans you've had which clearly showcase how you've been striving to reach this opportunity, based on your previous goals. Remark on how this interview, in itself, is an accomplishment.

Written by Kevin Downey on March 28th, 2024

Answer Example

"I am looking for a long-term career opportunity. As you can see, I have had solid and consistent career growth. I would love to see the same pattern of success and tenure with your company. As an international organization, I understand that this company has global leadership opportunities that arise from time to time. If I could work my way into a leadership role here or in another country, I would be thrilled."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Admin Example

"Five years from now, I would like to be an executive assistant supporting one of your corporate executives. I have built a great deal of experience as an administrator and feel that the next step to EA is reasonable in that time frame. To meet this goal, I plan to learn more about employee recognition software and begin to build more tech prowess with systems such as Hootsuite and Salesforce."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Manager Example

"The next natural step in my career is to be granted the role of general manager with your production team. In five years, I would like to grow into a regional management position. I researched career path opportunities in your organization and saw that you spend a great deal of time preparing your employees for promotions, which I was happy to see. I believe that to make a jump in five years from general manager to regional manager, I should focus on strengthening my exposure to inter-departmental communication and remote employee management."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Sales Example

"In five years, I would like to be seen as a sales leader in the SaaS industry. I plan to be well-connected and trusted regarding the work and results that I bring to your organization. To achieve this goal, I plan to take on every continued education opportunity presented to me with full enthusiasm. I plan to learn everything that I can from my leaders and have already begun to seek a mentor."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Retail Example

"I am interested in running a franchise location of my own. I have researched your organization's requirements for franchise owners and have already started saving money to purchase a location. I believe in the brand story and plan to be fully invested now and in the years to come."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Teacher Example

"I value stability and longevity. In five years, I plan to be at your school, perhaps as the learning leader of the math or science department. To reach this goal, I will seek out opportunities to mentor others. I will volunteer to be a coach of a sports team within your school to make stronger connections with the student body. Also, I will continue to grow professionally through ongoing education opportunities. Down the road, I plan to get my master's degree in leadership, another valuable asset to the school that I will call home."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Marketing Example

"In five years, I would like to be leading the digital marketing team and working towards a directorship position. I have seen examples of this career progression in your organization and want this same career trajectory for myself. To achieve this goal, I will dedicate myself to continued learning and will become a mentor to others while also seeking an internal leader to act as my professional mentor."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Counselor Example

"Five years from now, I will hopefully be tenured, perhaps having risen to a senior position with a clinic whose values, mission, and pillars are well aligned with my own, with a strong portfolio of trusted clients. Also, by then I hope to have earned my master's degree, and as a psychologist, be more competitive in my offerings."

Written by Kevin Downey on March 28th, 2024

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"Although it is hard to see what job title I would acquire in 5 years, I would see myself moving up the ladder to managing a team of creatives based on my performance level. I am eager to help the company in any way I can."

Rachelle's Feedback

Brilliant response!

Show More Answers

Anonymous Answer

"I am looking to grow with Stryker long term in this role as the company grows and expands. If there is an opportunity for a regional or national role, I would be interested in growing in that capacity."

Rachelle's Feedback

This is specific and measurable.

Anonymous Answer

"I am looking for a long-term fit in my next position. As you can see, I had steady progress and career growth in my previous company. I would love to see the same success with your company. I noticed on your website you have global leadership opportunities. If I could work my way into a role like that, I would be thrilled!"

Rachelle's Feedback

A perfect way to use the MockQuestions example answer! Mentioning a specific role that you'd like to grow into is an excellent way to respond to this question.

Anonymous Answer

"In five years, I would like to become an expert in this industry. To meet this goal, I will work hard and learn new knowledge and skills. Also, by working with other people in different areas, I will gain a lot of experience. Hopefully, in five years I will be an expert and share my experience with other people."

Kevin's Feedback

It sounds like you’re hoping to give the general impression of wanting to grow within their company. But as there is likely no company position titled ‘Industry Expert’, you haven’t offered your interviewer any tangible goals. Not to mention, working with different people in different areas is probably part of the basic job description, and doesn’t offer anything unique. Nor have you exemplified an understanding of the type of career trajectory growth that exists within the company. By referring to the departments of their business as ‘different areas’, it is clear you haven’t done your homework to prepare you for the interview, which speaks to your work ethic and a lack of the motivation required for being promoted from within.

"In five years, I would like to find my way into a leadership position in this department. I did my research and learned that they promoted the previous general manager to regional manager after five years, and then promoted to area director after three years. So I will do whatever I need to in order to meet this goal. I’ll work hard and learn, learn, learn. I’ll tap every resource at my disposal, enhancing my knowledge and skills whenever and wherever I can. Hopefully, in five years I’ll be a general manager for our department, or whatever role the firm sees fit to put my skills to the test."

Anonymous Answer

"I see myself continuing to grow in my career and taking on more responsibility within the organization. I am particularly interested in developing my leadership and management skills, and I hope to be leading a team of IT professionals within the next five years."

Jaymie's Feedback

Excellent! Interviewers appreciate hearing that you plan to remain with the organization long-term. This is a great goal to share in your response.

Anonymous Answer

"I want to be a sales leader well known in my industry. I want people seeking me out to work with me and trust me with their events."

Stephanie's Feedback

This is a great start and it's clear that you're excited about professional growth, but I suggest developing this response a little more to show some specific, measurable goals that you hope to achieve in the five years ahead.

Anonymous Answer

"I see myself working here as a registered nurse. However, I would like to serve on a committee, and I would like to play an active role in transitioning babies."

Amanda's Feedback

Demonstrating long-term loyalty is often appreciated by your employer. Consider strengthening your response by talking about specific committees you'd like to join and how you see participating benefiting the employer and yourself. For example, would your participation provide specific insight into improving operations or streamlining workflows? Would you gain expertise in cross-functional collaboration or making presentations? Finally, share how both of these things - committee participation and transitioning babies - play into your long-term career goals.

Anonymous Answer

"I plan to be in the leadership position in the same area of business I am working. I set a goal to myself to learn as much about the process and the business. This will put me in a position to mentor new employees and impart my knowledge."

Chad's Feedback

Good answer! Mentioning that you plan to advance to a leadership position and mentor new employees in the future is a smart approach. You may also want to consider expressing a desire to work for the company long-term.

Performance Based

2. How would you describe your work ethic?

The Goal

Work ethic describes the moral principles that you apply to your work. The interviewer wants a clear idea of what drives you to do the right thing in the workplace. The goal of your response is to show the interviewer that your moral principles and ethics relate to the work you will be doing and match the principles of the hiring company.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

What to Avoid

Avoid giving a general response like, 'I'd describe my work ethic as consistent and reliable.' The interviewer wants a specific description of how you approach your work, allowing them to understand how well you fit with their workplace environment.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Pro Tip

When the interviewer asks about your work ethic, they are looking for specific wording to which they can relate. When you read the hiring company's job posting or job description, check for the mention of particular principles and values. When you respond, clearly outline how those principles align with your work values.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

How to Answer

After outlining your work ethic for the interviewer, share an example of when you demonstrated those characteristics and traits in the workplace. Storytelling impacts the interviewer because it provides evidence of your ethics and personal character. If you want to tell a longer-form story, you can reply using the STAR framework (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Answer Example

"I am a very dedicated and loyal employee. I saw on the company website that the organization values those who are honest, transparent, and go the extra mile for clients. My work ethic is the same. I am honest, flexible, and ready to work hard for my employer every day. For instance, in my current role, I am often the last to leave because I am committed to returning every clients' voicemail and email before I leave for the day."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Admin Example

"I am very proud of my reputation as a reliable Executive Assistant. I base my work ethic on being reliable, honest, and consistent. Last week, I found a discrepancy in my pay, and I alerted our payroll department right away. I know that this instance would have gone unnoticed; however, it would never sit well with me to act in a way that hurt my employer, no matter how small."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Manager Example

"I am a motivating person who brings a lot of enthusiasm to the workplace. I am sure that any of my coworkers would agree! As a Manager, I take opportunities to huddle with my team, review our greatest wins for the week, and I make the time to encourage others when I see their efforts making a difference."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Sales Example

"I'd describe myself as driven and goal-oriented. I am driven by the competition that comes with working in a sales environment. That said, I am also a dedicated team player. I never want to disappoint my employer or co-workers. I will always go the extra mile to reach my personal goals and the goals of my team."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Retail Example

"I am driven, dependable, and loyal. I always focus on winning, and I know what I want to achieve. I am ready to take action whenever someone needs me. I stick with a company for the long term and love to grow with one organization. I am confident that my managers would describe me as loyal and dependable, as well."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Teacher Example

"I count myself among the most dedicated teachers, not only to my students but also to my school. I am hardworking, humble, kind, and passionate. I wake up every day happy to go to work, excited about my job, and ready to impact my students and the school community. I want my passion and drive to light up a room."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Marketing Example

"I describe myself as excited to learn, driven by growth opportunities, and someone who executes. For example, I am constantly listening to audiobooks and podcasts geared to growing my knowledge of digital marketing and content creation. I quickly take these lessons and apply them to ensure that I put my new knowledge to work. I am certain my previous bosses and clients would concur, and I'd happily provide them as references."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I am a dedicated and loyal employee. I work hard for what I take part in, which results in very few missed deadlines. I am very organized and good at time management, which I consider two of my biggest assets. My communication is also key to ensuring strong collaboration."

Rachelle's Feedback

Good answers! I have reworded for clarification.

"I describe my work ethic as dedicated, loyal, hard-working, and organized. Time management is one of my greatest strengths which is why I rarely miss a deadline. I am a strong communicator and solid collaborator."

Show More Answers

Anonymous Answer

"I see myself as driven, dependable, and loyal. I am always happy to help anyone that needs and stay loyal to the company that I work for many years"

Rachelle's Feedback

Excellent! Loyalty is an important factor that many people miss. Expressing your tenure is a great approach.

Anonymous Answer

"I am honest, dependable, and hard-working. I am sure that any of my coworkers would agree. As a manager, these are the qualities that I expect from my team in return."

Lauren's Feedback

I really like your personal and mutual accountability.

"My work ethic is honest, dependable, and hard-working. I believe in mutual respect and accountability. I never expect anything from coworkers that I am not willing to do myself. I take a lot of pride in my work, and I think my coworkers would agree."

Anonymous Answer

"I describe myself among the most dedicated employees, not only to my team members but also to my organisation. I am hardworking, humble, kind, and passionate. I saw on the company website that they value enthusiastic team players from all walks of life who can bring something different and unique to the team. My work ethic is the same. I am honest, flexible, and ready to work hard as part of a team responsible for implementing information security requirements, policy standards, guidelines, and procedures. As per my supervisors' review of my performances, they have described me as the most reliable and competent team member. I am quick to follow direction, high work rate, quick to seek clarification from supervisor when needed, and demonstrate high commitment to responsibly completing tasks. I would happily provide them as references."

Rachelle's Feedback

Terrific answer! You provide a lot of detail, painting a full and flattering picture of your work ethic. Great job bringing the company's ethics into your answer, as well. You show total confidence that the work ethic you are describing is the absolute truth by offering your references.

Anonymous Answer

"I would describe my work ethic as dedicated, reliable, and results-oriented. I am committed to my work and I always strive to do my best. I am also a team player and I am always willing to go the extra mile to help my team succeed."

Jaymie's Feedback

These are all great traits and abilities that will be valuable to any organization and team. Nice work!

Anonymous Answer

"I base my work ethic on being reliable, honest, and consistent. I never expect anything from teammates that I am not willing to do myself. I take a lot of pride in my work, and I think my teammates would agree.

Just last week, I helped out a team member by coming in early to do early checks on challenged cows. I didn't have to; in fact, he said he could do it himself, but I couldn't let someone come in knowing that there was something I could've done to help."

Stephanie's Feedback

Your response clearly shows a strong work ethic!

Anonymous Answer

"I would say that I always like moving forward. I am a self-starter that doesn't need to be told to get going and get busy. I think a good example of this is when we opened the last location, the first two weeks were non-stop, busting at the seams busy and I stayed past my scheduled work time every day to make sure we were getting caught up and ready for the next day."

Chad's Feedback

Good answer! It's clear from your example that you have a strong work ethic, and are dedicated and highly motivated.

Anonymous Answer

"I am loyal, accountable, and supportive. I am looking for long-term employment and I would like to grow and develop as the company grow in a long run. Also, I always deliver commitment at work. When you give me a task, I will finish it with an excellent result in a short time. When I work in a team, I always like to help others with my knowledge and skills."

Marcie's Feedback

Is there an example you can provide that highlights your great work ethic? If so, consider including it to make this answer more memorable to the interviewer. Otherwise, you've done an excellent job of explaining your work ethic and how loyal, supportive, and accountable you are.

Leadership

3. What type of manager brings out the best in you?

The Goal

The interviewer wants to see that you are self-aware and understand the management style that brings out your best performance. They also want assurance that your personality and approach to work align with those of their company. The goal of your response is to discuss how the company's management/leadership style is a mutual match.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

What to Avoid

Avoid stating that you prefer only one kind of management style. Understanding that there are numerous management approaches, you should avoid pigeon-hold yourself into being productive and successful under only one type of management style.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Pro Tip

Offer a range of management styles to show some flexibility. Eight primary management styles are often discussed in the corporate world. Some of these management styles are better than others:

- Transformational: The leader pushes employees past their comfort zone and continually works toward improving team performance.
- Visionary: The leader shares their vision, the employees buy into the idea, and they all get to work to reach the teams' goals.
- Democratic: The leader often asks employees to participate in decision-making and help shape/influence company decisions.
- Coaching: The leader is a passionate teacher who values professional development and gaining new knowledge.
- Servant: The leader values connection, support, and encouragement over tasks. There are few consequences and a lot of bonding.
- Laissez-faire: The leader is hands-off, available for support yet allows employees to have most of the authority and decision-making.
- Transactional: The leader uses incentives and reward systems to elicit performance and employee success.
- Autocratic: The leader is a micromanager who creates a top-down work environment where hierarchy is highly valued.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

How to Answer

Some individuals prefer a close working relationship with a lot of accountability, while others prefer space and autonomy. Be honest when describing the management style you prefer. A strong match means you will be more productive in the workplace and enjoy smoother communication with the individuals leading you. If you are unsure of the company's management style, consider asking the interviewer to describe their approach.

Solidify your response by talking about managers from the past who had a leadership style that aligned well with your needs. Talk about those individuals' approaches and describe why you appreciated their management style.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Answer Example

"I have worked with a wide range of personalities and management styles with great success. If I could express a preference, I feel that I am best with a manager who allows me autonomy while still investing time in me through active mentorship and continued training. Can you describe the management style here?"

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Admin Example

"I work best with managers who are highly communicative and approachable. I have stayed away from hierarchy-based environments as I find they lack room for new ideas and creative thinking. How would you describe your management style?"

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Manager Example

"I prefer working for an executive team that outlines the goals and lets me get to work, trusting that I have the management skills to align my team and get the job done right. I much prefer collaborative environments where trust is present."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Sales Example

"I find the most success when given some latitude to make the sales pitch and process my own. I value coaching and mentorship and am accountable to my manager, my goals, and the company's sales targets. With a bit of freedom to work, I am the most successful."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Retail Example

"I prefer a manager who is interested in nurturing their team members. I like it when my manager takes an interest in me and encourages my growth and development. A great manager would encourage me by offering to be a knowledge resource and by introducing me to their favorite professional growth resources."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Teacher Example

"I thrive in a collaborative, team-focused environment. I work well in a team environment when all of the teachers work together to build great content, lesson plans and develop new means for optimum student development. When the department head is supportive of my goals and helps me to think creatively, I can continue to grow as a teacher."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Marketing Example

"I work best with a manager who sees themselves as a teacher or mentor to me. They can dictate daily tasks while painting the big picture and including me in the company goals and vision. Could you share with me how your management team embodies these qualities?"

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I have come across diverse forms of leadership styles during my education and professional career. While there is no single gold standard of leadership style as each has its strengths and weakness, my ideal manager is the one who exhibits a combination of leadership styles as required in the modern workplace. A manager provides room for autonomy, empowerment, gives constructive feedback while ensuring that accountability is maintained and while recognizing areas for improvement. Acknowledges whenever good work is carried out."

Rachelle's Feedback

Your answer is very specific, and well worded. Great job!

Show More Answers

Anonymous Answer

"I love a manager who is open to questions, patient, and shows appreciation. I always try to be independent but I feel like I should be comfortable in coming to my boss for questions without judgment as that can actually speed up the process. I also feel like a solid way to motivate your employees is through showing appreciation when I do win. However, a good boss should also provide constant feedback to point out my flaws before it builds up too much."

Amanda's Feedback

Good job! You've described the qualities and management style you appreciate the most. You can expand your answer by sharing your specific preferences around aspects like training preferences or more detail around how employee performance is managed or recognized. If you've had a really great manager in the past that really brought out the best in you, it's also appropriate to briefly discuss what you loved most about that manager and what you were able to accomplish under his or her supervision.

Anonymous Answer

"I have worked with a wide range of personalities and management styles with success. I think a manager who can communicate and has a listening ability, both active and passive."

Rachelle's Feedback

These are very important skills to see in a manager, but it's also great that you mention your success with a wide range of management styles.

Anonymous Answer

"I like to work with some autonomy to reach my targets once my objectives are clear. But, I like to have a communicative and approachable manager who is able to help when there is an issue."

Cindy's Feedback

Good start. This shows good flexibility. I'd recommend expanding on your ability to adapt to different styles of management.

Anonymous Answer

"There are many management styles and what works best for me is to have autonomy at work to help my decision-making more solid and to provide me with relevant training and courses to do my job more diligently. I like a manager who gives more feedback on my performance, that way I can improve more to be effective in my job."

Jaymie's Feedback

This is a good response! It shows you work well with all manager types and what types you are most successful under. The interviewer will be pleased to hear that you seek feedback!

Anonymous Answer

"I have worked with several different types of managers. The one that works the best for me is someone who allows me the freedom to do my job the way I know how but will be there with support for the times when I need it."

Jaymie's Feedback

You're off to a good start! The phrase "the way I know how" could be misinterpreted as being unapproachable or not receptive to feedback or suggestions on how to do the job, so you could change that to "to the best of my ability." You could also leave it as is and provide more context, like reiterating that you're open to feedback and training, as others on the team may also have better ways to do things, and we can always learn from one another.

Anonymous Answer

"Transformational and coaching. I like to push people past their limits but also ensure that they have the proper tools and support they need."

Jaymie's Feedback

This question is asking what type of leader motivates you personally. Go into more detail on your ideal manager and what type of leadership you're most successful under.

Anonymous Answer

"Transformational and coaching. I like to push people past their limits but also ensure that they have the proper tools and support they need."

Jaymie's Feedback

This question is asking what type of leader motivates you personally. Go into more detail on your ideal manager and what type of leadership you're most successful under.

Compatibility

4. Why are you the best candidate for us?

The Goal

Essentially, the interviewer is asking why they should hire you over anyone else. When it comes to hiring decisions, a company will choose the person they believe will help them solve a problem or a pain point. For this reason, the goal of your response is to clearly outline how you will address and help solve the hiring company's most significant needs and pain points.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

What to Avoid

Avoid a response like, 'I am the best candidate because this is my dream job.' An answer like this is all about you, the job seeker, and not about the hiring company or how hiring you will benefit them.

Another common mistake is to respond by giving a general overview of your resume or work history. Your response should spotlight the reasons why your achievements, skills, and characteristics are a match for the hiring company's most pressing needs.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Pro Tip

This question is an opportunity to pitch yourself. The hiring company needs to understand how saying 'yes' to you will benefit them. You can also imagine that the interviewer is asking, 'What's in it for us if we hire you.' Consider telling a story along with your response. Studies show that when we provide an anecdote or a story, we become immensely more memorable.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

How to Answer

Carefully look at the job description and dissect what the hiring company is genuinely looking for in a candidate. Try to uncover what problem the company is trying to solve by filling this role. Be prepared to discuss a few of your hard skills and soft skills that you know will help you succeed in the job. Hard skills are specific knowledge gained through training and education. Soft skills are traits you possess, like emotional intelligence and sociability.

Also, be prepared to talk about the present and the future. Rather than thinking only in the now, help the interviewer imagine you in the role for years to come.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Answer Example

"From our discussion, I believe that one of your company's most important goals is to increase sales numbers, and quickly. I am the best candidate for you because I consistently exceed my targets and goals. Because of my dedication to exceeding targets, I have been promoted two times in the last year, which is nearly unheard of in my current company. In addition to these successes, I have excellent cold calling skills, which I will immediately put to good use."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Manager Example

"I understand your company is seeking a manager with a proven ability to lead a team of field sales reps. You seek a leader who can properly train, motivate, and encourage a boost in sales numbers while providing the tools for each team member to perform at their peak ability. My experience, and past results, align very well with this need. I am an experienced leader, having trained over 50 successful outside sales reps this year alone. My teams' retention rate is the highest in my company. Over 80% of my team members have exceeded their goals for this quarter already. I am a passionate trainer and mentor who is very hands-on and approachable. I would love to bring these skills and traits to your company."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Admin Example

"I believe my success with your company will come from having advanced-level skills in a significant range of administrative programs and the ability to troubleshoot technical issues for the team. My technical abilities have saved my current employer hundreds of downtime and IT billing hours. I also have strong vendor relationships with local conference facilities, trainers, keynote speakers, and hotels, which makes me a highly efficient executive assistant who can save you a lot of funds when it comes to travel, bookings, and company-related events."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Sales Example

"As desired by your company, I have inside and outside sales experience, and I know the telecommunications industry very well. I have exceeded my sales goals for three years in a row. I have led the rollout of new markets in my current position, making me well-positioned to help you continue to build your sales proposition while breaking into new markets."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Retail Example

"I believe I'm the best candidate for your company because I have a background in retail sales, and I've worked as a merchandiser and inventory specialist. Combining these skills, I will bring tremendous value to your retail organization when positioning and pushing products out at a faster rate. I am confident that my knowledge will bring an immediate and long-term impact."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Teacher Example

"I know that I would be an excellent fit with your existing Spanish team and the faculty as a whole. I will bring this unique and upbeat perspective that you mentioned is lacking in the Spanish curriculum. I am bilingual, and I lived in Spain, Mexico, and Colombia for eight years. I feel these cultural experiences uniquely position me to pass that real-life experience and energy onto your students. I can create an engaging classroom and ignite excitement in these deserving students."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Marketing Example

"I understand that you are looking for a marketing manager who can lead a remote team of graphic designers, copywriters, and ad sales professionals. I lead a team of 15 remote employees and 12 in-house employees in my current position. It has been a great experience learning how to merge these two teams, ensuring that projects come together on time. This year, I was awarded manager of the year after being nominated by my peers and leadership team. If you choose to hire me, I will bring tenacity and dedication, leading your remote team to optimum performance and success."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I am the best candidate because I understand what it takes to be a part of something great. I have been a part of great teams and have had the opportunity to excel and exceed quotas for 5 years. I have been promoted twice within a year and a half and have been mentored by leaders who care about the company's success, not just themselves. This, in turn, has been invaluable to my development as a salesperson and a valued team member."

Rachelle's Feedback

Success breeds success! Your answer is confident and unique. I recommend adding in details regarding some of your career highlights so that you can bring this answer to life even further.

Show More Answers

Anonymous Answer

"Firstly, I have relevant tertiary qualifications in xxx and xxx fields. Also, I have relevant technical skills such as xxx and xxx. Secondly, I have analytical thinking and problem-solving skills. I have a strong learning ability and a can-do attitude. My academic background supports me to learn new knowledge and skills quickly and implement it accurately. Finally, I have a passion to use my knowledge and skills to solve real-world problems in this industry."

Marcie's Feedback

Rather than starting with your tertiary qualifications, start your answer with your top qualifications instead. Re-ordering your answer will make it stronger. But you've done a great job of listing the skills and knowledge you have that show you're an ideal fit for this role. Don't forget to also mention your internship and work experience and how that ties in as well. Nice job!

Anonymous Answer

"I am the best candidate because I have the experience, education, and required license that all are related to this position. I see the jobs that I have to do."

Rachelle's Feedback

Try being more detailed in this response. This question is basically asking - 'why you?' Other candidates will have the right licensing, education, and experience. So, what sets you apart? You could add in unique skills or characteristics that will be memorable.

"I am the best candidate for you because I show attention to detail and dedication rarely seen in the workplace. As a {job title}, my managers are always complimenting me on my thorough approach. I work independently, always completing jobs as I see them, rather than waiting to be asked. Should you choose to hire me, you will be very pleased with my blend of experience, education, licensing, and work ethic."

Anonymous Answer

"I believe that I have the best relevant experience for that post. I am a Police Officer and a Border Guard at the same time. I have a great knowledge of SIS (Schengen Information System) and VIS (Visa Information System) regulations and experience in the use of their databases. I am a great team- player, I am very dedicated to developing new skills and I consider myself a quick learner."

Marcie's Feedback

Awesome! This answer is strong because you remind the interviewer of your strengths and what differentiates you from other candidates. If you have any other skills, qualities, education, or experience that you can add, definitely do so. Great job!

Anonymous Answer

"My previous work experience in typescript, React.js, and Node.js match your particular tech stack. I know all of the caveats and libraries that are commonly used with those technologies which significantly speeds up development time since I am used to those types of problems. I have also worked at 2 e-commerce companies and since you are also e-commerce, I am used to those particular product's features and business requirements.

I also worked 6 internships through my college education which entails that I have solid experience in being able to adapt and learn a new technology and product which is crucial when onboarding at a new tech company. This is a unique life experience which I posses which many other college grads do not.

I am also looking for a company to work in for the long term, I do not plan on job hopping."

Amanda's Feedback

You've done a great job explaining the skills and experience you have that set you up for success in this role. Connecting your unique skills and experience to the requirements of the role you're pursuing is always a way to set yourself apart as a strong candidate. In order to keep the last line from feeling like a last-minute add-on, consider briefly explaining how you see yourself growing with the company over time. If there are specific skills or experience you'd like to gain or a management role you'd like to grow into you can share that to better illustrate how you see the company fitting into your career path.

Anonymous Answer

"I am extremely loyal and committed to my employer. I am hardworking and am confident that once I learn this industry I will be a great employee for you. I am eager to learn and grow and am a natural leader who does very good in team environments and also works well on my own. I am a problem solver, not a problem caused, and look forward to growing with this company."

Chad's Feedback

These are excellent reasons to hire you! I have offered a light revision below to frame the response more confidently.

"I am the best candidate for you because am extremely loyal and committed to my employer. I am hardworking and am confident that I will be a great employee for you. I am eager to learn and grow, and am a natural leader who does very good in team environments, and also works well on my own. I am a problem solver, not a problem causer, and look forward to growing with this company."

Anonymous Answer

"I am an extremely dedicated employee. At my current position, I will pull the hours needed to complete a task with no questions asked. I help lead our team and am usually the person someone will go to to help solve their issue.

I take personal pride in a project being successful and not harping on how we got there or who did what, instead, focusing on the fact that we did get there. I not only have the career background for this position but also have the experience as an end user with your software. I know how it is on both sides and can use my experience to help our end users."

Rachelle's Feedback

Fantastic! Your response makes me want to hire you!

Anonymous Answer

"I am the best candidate because of my experience in technology combined with my communication and overall leadership skills."

Rachelle's Feedback

Be more specific on your technology experience. This interview question is one of the most critical for any interview so it's important that you do an exceptional job 'selling' your skills to the interviewer.

"I am the best candidate for you because I am an expert user in {technology}, with a complete understanding of {technology or industry}. As a manager, I show the ability to lead a team with integrity and accountability."

Career Goals

5. Why do you want to work for our company?

The Goal

The interviewer wants to know that you have put effort into understanding the role and researching their company before the interview. The goal of the response is to clearly express specific reasoning as to why you believe this opportunity is a suitable match.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

What to Avoid

There are two common mistakes to avoid when answering this question. First, avoid misunderstanding the question. For instance, 'Why do you want to work here?' is often confused with, 'Why should we hire you?'

Second, avoid giving a cliche response. One example of a cliche response is, 'I want to work here because this is my dream job.' The issue with a typical response like this is, although it's enthusiastic, it is also very vague. This answer is all about you, the candidate, and shows no real value to the company. What's missing is the 'why' behind your excitement, and details surrounding how you'll contribute to the company.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Pro Tip

Recruiters and hiring managers often receive hundreds of applications per job. If you are lucky enough to land an interview, you must show significant effort and research the opportunity. While your passion and excitement for the job are essential, it's always good to have some hard facts about why you want the job opportunity.

Prepare for this question by:
- Researching the company
- Highlighting a unique talking point
- Showing enthusiasm for the company's growth or recent efforts
- Discussing the company's efforts and success and how they tie into your career goals
- Mentioning specific details of how you will contribute once hired

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

How to Answer

When you craft your response, keep in mind that the interviewer wants to see evidence of a few factors:

- You have enthusiasm and interest in the role and company
- You believe in the company's mission and values
- You are ready to make a specific contribution
- You see a strong match between the job and your career goals

While your passion and excitement for the job are essential, it's always good to prepare some hard facts. For instance saying, 'I have heard great things about your company, and I know I would be an excellent fit for this job' is not very specific. Instead, try to find recent news or releases related to the company's accomplishments. Mention specifically how those accomplishments made an impression on you. Be sure to close your statement with an expression of pure enthusiasm.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Answer Example

"I've been longing to get into the tech startup space for quite a while. I have researched the many employer options in our city and chose to apply here because you are disrupting the market through your latest SaaS offering. I have spoken to a couple of your current employees, and they mention that the supportive culture here is top-notch, and that comes through very well in your brand story. For these reasons and many more, I believe that working here would be an incredible experience as I grow my career in tech."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Admin Example

"Your company has an impressive reputation when it comes to developing new products and updating current products to remain competitive. I would be thrilled to learn from your leadership team and be in a support role for them. Also, your company is very involved in the community. I have seen your involvement in the form of warm clothing drives in the winter to benefit the homeless to financing food programs for underprivileged school children. There are many reasons why I want to work here, but these are the most significant from my perspective."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Manager Example

"I want to work for a medium-sized company with a family-like feel, just like yours. I have always worked in large corporate environments where I am a number, not an individual. This 'corporate giant' environment made it difficult for me to flourish as a manager and a leader. I appreciate the workplace culture you have cultivated and the fact that I could contribute to this industry in a more meaningful way."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Sales Example

"I have been looking for an opportunity in a high-growth startup for quite some time. I see that your company values its people and has a culture centered around achievement, growth, and accountability. The energy here is contagious, which makes me even more excited about the opportunity."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Retail Example

"You are the undeniable giants in the industry, and I have been planning a career with your company since I started my BComm in Retail Management. Today, with a completed degree, I am educated and ready to accelerate my career in retail with your esteemed brand. There are so many growth and travel opportunities here, and that truly excites me."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Teacher Example

"Your school district is one of the top-rated in the state of California when it comes to extracurricular opportunities for students. Also, your district focuses on immersing students in tech-based learning, which I believe is the cornerstone of modern education. This opportunity would be extraordinary for me as my passions in teaching include tech breakthroughs and learning through the joy of sport and teamwork. Here, I could build professionally, and this city would be an ideal place to call home for many years to come."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Marketing Example

"One year ago, I decided to work towards a new position and began researching local marketing agencies that would be a good fit. Since then, I have had your agency on my shortlist and have been waiting for the right opportunity to become available. I am beyond excited about your Marketing Director position. I am ready to leverage my skills in digital and ad-based content in unique ways that will benefit your wide range of clients."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"My primary reason would be your focus on employee development benefits and the great opportunity for my future. I would love to work for this company."

Rachelle's Feedback

These are great reasons. Let's throw in a solid fact about GE Aviation as well.

"The technology made at GE changes lives, and I want to be a part of that innovation. Also, GE Aviation has a generous employee focus when it comes to professional development, health benefits, and even scholarships for our kids. I look forward to joining your team."

Show More Answers

Anonymous Answer

"I have been interested in St. Vincent's hospital and its mission and goals since I was an IPPE and APPE student with a few assigned rotations there.

I am a huge believer that Spirituality and the practitioner's approach to their patients play a huge part and positively impact the patient's recovery journey from illness. Seeing that Spiritual care is fundamental to St. Vincent's identity makes me realize that my values and goals for the ill align with your company.

As for the position itself, I am interested in being part of an inpatient setting as I would be able to care for patients who typically have more complicated conditions than those in an ambulatory setting. Understanding the importance of dosing and monitoring drug therapy for patients encourages me to play a key role in this process, and get more exposure in this field and build new skills. Ultimately I believe this position would help me expand my clinical knowledge and improve health outcomes for patients. As a PRN pharmacist, I will be able to cover for pharmacists who work in different units and areas of the hospital and gain experience in each. That will help me reach my long term goal of finding an area that I love and eventually specialize in."

Rachelle's Feedback

You exude a lot of confidence in your desired career path and bring up many terrific reasons for joining St. Vincent's. I like the passion that you bring to the role, and any interviewer should appreciate this too!

Anonymous Answer

"I would like to work for Citgo because of the contribution Citgo has made to the community in the quality product it produces and the value Citgo adds to the Community by being conscious of the environment, volunteer hours, and scholarships it has given to many young adults."

Rachelle's Feedback

These are all excellent reasons to work for Citgo. I recommend organizing your response a bit more so that it does not sound like you are only listing off bullet points from memory. I have provided an example, below.

"I want to work for Citgo for a few reasons. One, because of the remarkable contribution you have made in the community regarding the quality product and value that you produce. Second, Citgo contributes to our community by being environmentally conscious. Third, you value volunteer hours put in by your employees, which shows that you care. Lastly, I appreciate how you give back to education and learning by providing valuable scholarships to young adults."

Anonymous Answer

"Four Seasons is a very well respected company and has won the AAA five-diamond award. So working for you would be huge for my career. The benefits and paid time off would be a bonus as well. Also, working for your company would further my career since I have never worked in a hotel, and I am very eager to see what is in store for the future."

Rachelle's Feedback

Great! The detail that you include really shows off the research you have done on the company.

Anonymous Answer

"Because of my caring attitude and the sense of community and belongingness to everyone which the company believes and practices. I am sure that my values, practices, and beliefs are aligned with what the company is upholding."

Jaymie's Feedback

You're off to a good start. Try to be specific and discuss which core values and practices you align with. It can also be impactful to share other information that makes them your employer of choice (i.e., positive employee reviews, quality care awards, reputation in the community, etc.).

Anonymous Answer

"After researching your company, I have found that your values and commitment to excellence align with my own values. This alignment is essential to me as it ensures that I can have a meaningful role and stay motivated in my position. Also, a positive and collaborative work environment is crucial for productivity and job satisfaction. From my research and interactions with current employees, it appears that your company fosters a supportive and pervasive team culture, which I find very appealing."

Marcie's Feedback

Nice! The interviewer will appreciate that you have researched the company and believe that your personal values and work environment preferences match what it has to offer. This will set you apart from other candidates. Excellent!

Anonymous Answer

"This company would allow me to take my passions for ecology and evolution and apply them to a setting that would not only help to benefit the environment but also people living across the country."

Jaymie's Feedback

Good start! Be sure to research the company and share a reason or two about why you chose to apply there versus a competitor. Perhaps you read positive employee reviews, you align with their mission and values, or you know someone who has worked there, etc.

Anonymous Answer

"This is a place I want to grow my career. I have been working here for the last three and this place give me opportunities to lead NE 9 as unit medical director and I believe in the hospital's mission and value. I personally witnessed here GI fellow get a strong and collegial learning environment that promote the growth and development of fellows. They get a strong focused well rounded GI clinic practice training, conference, education, and research exposure. They get networking and skill development opportunities. They are ready for the next steps of life. I would like to join GI academic position here after my fellowship so I can give back to my medical community here what I learned from them and also provide high-quality care to my local patients."

Marcie's Feedback

Your passion for this organization shines through in your response, and the interviewer will surely recognize and appreciate this. You come across as enthusiastic, motivated, and genuine. Can you talk more about the hospital's mission and how this aligns with your own personal values?

Conflict

6. How do you handle conflict in the workplace?

The Goal

The interviewer wants to see that you will take accountability for conflict while maintaining poise and professionalism in the workplace. The goal of your response is to show the interviewer that you are a professional who can face conflict in the workplace and maintain a high level of professionalism.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

What to Avoid

This question is not an opportunity to start venting about your current workplace or a co-worker. Instead, show the interviewer that you are the type of person to find a solution without worsening or ignoring the situation. Also, avoid examples where you were the one that caused the conflict.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Pro Tip

If you are unsure of the best ways to handle conflict in the workplace, here are some practical and professional methods:

- Talk openly with the person/people directly involved in the conflict.
- Build a constructive conversation by focusing on the actual event rather than the feelings.
- Listen to the other person/people when they express how the conflict impacted them or their work.
- Find the core point of disagreement and work toward a solution.
- Work with the other person/people to create a plan to overcome the conflict and prevent the situation from happening again.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

How to Answer

This question asks about your behavior in the face of conflict. For this reason, consider telling a story that demonstrates your approach to conflict in the workplace. You can achieve this by telling a story using the STAR method. STAR is an acronym for Situation, Task, Action, Result.

Focus the bulk of your response on how you approached a solution vs. dwelling on the problem. Assure the interviewer that you are a well-equipped professional capable of handling conflict promptly and effectively. Show that you handle workplace conflict tactfully and with grace.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Answer Example

"My style of conflict management is upfront, yet - I swiftly move on. In the five years that I have worked for my current company, I have only come across one instance of conflict. One of my staff members did not show up for their shift, so I had to cover their shift. Because of this, I missed my daughter's dance recital. I was upset about it but wanted to do my part as a team player. The next day, the delinquent employee came in and didn't say a word. He didn't apologize to me or thank me for my time. I approached him and told him how his actions impacted my day. He did not respond how I wanted; however, I let it go after I said my part. I cannot change the actions of others, but I have to take responsibility for how I handle my side. I will always respond to conflict professionally."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Admin Example

"When obtaining my business admin degree, I learned that conflict is often a symptom of poor communication. So when conflict arises in the workplace, I am sure to address the situation by starting at the root of the issue, which is the communication breakdown. With most things in life, I like to address conflict upfront rather than let feelings fester into a more significant issue. Speaking to someone openly, while making sure they don't feel as though I am attacking them, can yield excellent results."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Manager Example

"When I face conflict I work to uncover the core issue. For instance, I recently worked through an issue with an underperforming team member. I started by identifying the possible reasons for their poor performance. In this case, the reasons included poor communication between team members. From there, I talked directly with the people involved in the conflict. I created an open discussion to unlock the core of the issue and then collectively brainstormed solutions to get everyone's performance back on track."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Sales Example

"In a previous role, another employee and I seemed to be clashing. The situation was nothing overt or truly problematic, but our previously clear communication was slowly slipping. Rather than let the situation get worse, I asked to speak with this co-worker for a quick minute. We grabbed a conference room and talked. We aired out any grievances we had and quashed them right there. We went on to be great teammates and ultimately became friends outside of work as well."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Retail Example

"Conflict can be uncomfortable, but it is necessary to face. Last month two of my coworkers were arguing. I tried to stay out of it and let them handle it themselves. The conflict went a bit far, with some insults said, so I stepped in and played the role of mediator. This approach was very effective, and it's an approach I will continue to take, should the issue arise again."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Teacher Example

"There will always be creative differences among teachers regarding our philosophies on teaching or topics like giving homework. The last time I encountered a difference of opinion in the workplace, I took the opportunity to learn more about my co-workers' teaching philosophies. I asked them to explain their perspective, and then allow me to do the same. Taking this approach, I learned from my co-worker and I believe they learned from me."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Marketing Example

"I am happy to be involved in a debate or intellectual conversation that discusses differences of opinion. However, if people start taking a situation personally or attacking one another, I will remove myself from the debate and take the role of mediator. For instance, I recently walked into a conflict between two team members. Rather than escalate the issue by offering my opinion, I helped the two co-workers come to a friendly compromise and skillfully moved the conversation to a different topic."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I feel the best way to handle any conflict is through communication. Whether this conflict is with customers, co-workers, or managers. It is important to remember everybody has bad days and communication is the best way to understand and move forward."

Chad's Feedback

Direct communication is an effective way to resolve conflict, and empathy in the workplace is an important skill to have. Good job! Consider including a story example of a time when you dealt with a conflict in the workplace, to further strengthen your answer.

Show More Answers

Anonymous Answer

"I believe that when I have a conflict, I will talk with the person privately. And I can solve the conflict amongst us."

Rachelle's Feedback

This is a very respectful approach. Have you ever had to face this type of situation?

Anonymous Answer

"Having conflict in a workplace, especially in a healthcare facility is an added stress. What I do is to talk openly with the person involved and build a constructive conversation by focusing on the actual event that led to the conflict, finding the core of the disagreement, and working toward a solution. The earlier the resolution of the conflict the better for everyone."

Jaymie's Feedback

This is a good approach! Try to add keywords to your response that the interviewer may be listening for, like understanding the other person's perspective, having empathy and compassion, using a respectful tone, collaborating, having a positive attitude, active listening, seeking and sharing feedback, etc.

Anonymous Answer

"I would speak to the person privately and hope we could resolve our conflict among ourselves. If not, I would try to speak to the person in charge for assistance."

Kevin's Feedback

Good answer! I reworded your answer a bit for clarity and flow.

"If faced with conflict in the workplace, my first instinct is to approach the person privately to resolve the conflict ourselves. If a resolution could not be made, I would approach my supervisor."

Anonymous Answer

"In my previous roles, I have not had any conflicts with my colleagues, but I have experience with conflict resolution since I live in a shared house with several other girls. My approach to resolving conflicts is to address the issue directly and work towards finding a solution that benefits both parties while maintaining a positive working relationship.

When a conflict arises, I schedule a meeting with my colleague to discuss the issue.

Once I have identified the root cause of the conflict, I look for common ground between myself and my colleague. I believe that finding common ground is essential to resolving a conflict and moving forward. Based on the common ground identified, I propose a solution that addresses the concerns of both parties."

Marcie's Feedback

Excellent! It sounds like you have a strong understanding of how to resolve conflict, which the interviewer will appreciate. Including a specific example here will further strengthen your response.

Anonymous Answer

"I will stay calm and respectful. I learned that conflict is often a symptom of poor communication. I will try to approach people respectfully and try to listen actively and understand their perspectives because they may have more experience. We will work as a team to find the core point of disagreement and work toward a solution and prevent the situation from happening again. If I still have concerns, then I will follow the chain of command. If the patient's safety is at risk, then I will reach out attending directly."

Marcie's Feedback

Excellent answer! The interviewer will be pleased to hear that you will remain calm and respectful during a conflict, in addition to being an active listener who tries to understand the opposing perspective. You appear very collaborative, willing to learn, and solution-oriented, which is great. You might also mention meeting in private with the other person and creating an action plan to move forward. Additionally, including an example of a time when you successfully handled a conflict in the workplace will further strengthen your answer. Fantastic job!

Anonymous Answer

"Conflict is an inevitable part of working with others, but it doesn't have to be a negative experience. When handled effectively, conflict can lead to greater understanding and cooperation among coworkers. One of the key things to remember is to stay calm and focused on the issue at hand. It can be easy to get caught up in emotions, but it's important to remember that the goal is to resolve the conflict, not to win an argument.

One day, the team was working on a new project that was proving to be more difficult than they had anticipated. They were constantly arguing about what steps to take next, and tempers were starting to flare. I knew that I needed to step in and help them get back on track. I gathered the team together and explained how important it was for them to work together harmoniously if they wanted to succeed. I also outlined some guidelines for how they could best communicate with each other in order to avoid any future conflict. The team agreed to give it a try, and within a few days, they were making progress on the project once again."

Krista's Feedback

Excellent response!

Anonymous Answer

"- An example of when I had to compromise with another idea was when he wanted to do automated GUI testing which is when a bot opens up the web app and simulates clicking around and interacting with the website. The big burden with this type of testing is that it is incredibly time-consuming to write and maintain but the upside is that it thoroughly tests your web app. I did not want it but my coworker did. So the big theme with compromise is always to emphasize the other party's position, so I acknowledged the upsides of how valuable GUI testing can be which made him understand that I knew his point of view. Only then did I talk about my point of view on the burden of the testing. We then compromised on doing a reasonable amount of GUI testing but not overdoing it so it was easy to maintain and our web app was decently tested."

Amanda's Feedback

Good job! Conflict is an inevitable part of working with others and being able to navigate and manage it is vital to working as part of a high-performing team. Good communication is a key component of resolving conflict. You've given your answer more impact by using an example of how you handled a prior conflict in the workplace. This shows the interviewer that you are capable of handling opposing views in a positive way. You've also made sure to emphasize the resolution rather than the conflict itself.

Career Goals

7. Why do you want this job?

The Goal

The interviewer wants evidence that you have enthusiasm and interest in the role and company. The goal of your response is to highlight the fact that you believe in the company's mission and values, you are ready to make a specific contribution, and you see a strong match between their job opportunity and your career goals.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

What to Avoid

While your passion and excitement for the job are essential, it's always good to have some hard facts to back it up. For instance, a vague response like, 'I have heard great things about the company, and I know I would be a great fit for this job,' is not very specific and should be avoided.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Pro Tip

The interviewer might ask this question in a variety of ways, including:

- Why do you want to work here
- Why do you want to join our team
- What interests you most about our company
- Why did you apply to this role

Be prepared to answer this question in various forms.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

How to Answer

Prepare for this question by researching the company, highlighting a unique talking point, and showing enthusiasm for the company's growth or recent efforts. Talk about the company's actions and stand-out successes and how these accomplishments tie into your values and career goals. You can also mention specific details of how you will contribute to the company's goals once hired.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Answer Example

"I am excited about this opportunity because the company values are very much in line with mine. For instance, I care deeply about giving back to the community, and I see that your company tracks employee volunteer hours as a business KPI. Also, I believe I will reach my goal of earning a management position in the next three years since this organization has experienced rapid growth while maintaining a focus on employee career development."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Admin Example

"I have been looking for new administrative openings in this company for some time now. I worked for the organization last year in a temporary admin function and loved the atmosphere. The customers are friendly, and the company has well-organized procedures - a factor that is important to me, as someone who values detail and organization."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Manager Example

"I appreciate the encouraging and positive mentality that I have seen from your management team and would be thrilled to join an organization that encourages collaboration, mentorship, and career growth. Our management styles will mesh very well as my primary strengths are in communication, connectedness, and inclusion."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Sales Example

"I identified this company as 'the one for me' over a year ago after meeting one of your recruiters at a college career fair. Since graduating from college, I have kept a lookout for suitable positions inside of this organization. I know that working here is the best way to begin my sales career, and I am ready to help move the organization to its next significant milestone by utilizing the knowledge gained from my degree in marketing and sales."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Retail Example

"I have long viewed your company as the leading star in the apparel industry. I know that this position will be fulfilling for me because the company offers top-notch continued education and training. I am confident that I would gain the tools that I need to be successful in the retail industry. If you choose to hire me, I will leverage every learning opportunity that comes my way, and I will dedicate myself to the company's continued success."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Teacher Example

"I have always wanted to work in this school district. Not only is this community the right fit for my family and me, but the role of a PTE Spanish language teacher is a dream for me. I have a passion for guiding students and igniting their passion for languages. I am sure to make learning fun, and I know that your district values those characteristics in its teaching team."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Marketing Example

"I've been longing to get into the tech startup space for quite a while. I have researched the many options in our city and chose to apply here because company ABC is disrupting a market that needs disruption with your X, Y, and Z products. Also, the company values are top-notch, and these values come through very well in the brand story and in the company's actions."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I want this job because it has many opportunities to move up my career to the next level by attending the training class, learning different jobs, and working in specialty programs. It is one of the most prestigious companies in the country and has an excellent reputation. I will uphold this company's integrity."

Rachelle's Feedback

You certainly have the right idea! Try adding in specifics so the interviewer knows you have done your homework on the role.

"I want this job because {company} offers many opportunities for advancement, starting with this role. I see you have many specialty programs available for your employee to gain new skills, such as {program name}. I am interested in joining a company like yours who is all about helping employees grow in their career."

Show More Answers

Anonymous Answer

"I am excited about this opportunity because your values are very much in line with mine. I deeply care about giving back to the community within the transportation industry. I also feel like this job will help me reach my goal of working in a management position, because of the leadership opportunities within this role."

Rachelle's Feedback

Very good response! You are offering short and long-term options for job satisfaction which is exactly what the interviewer wants to hear.

Anonymous Answer

"I have been interested in this hospital and its mission and goals since I was an IPPE and APPE student with a few assigned rotations there.

I am a huge believer that spirituality and the practitioner's approach to their patients play a huge part and have a positive impact on the patient's recovery journey from illness. Seeing that spiritual care is fundamental to this hospital's identity makes me realize that my values and goals for the ill align with your company.

As for the position itself, I have an interest in being part of an inpatient setting, as I would be able to care for patients who typically have more complicated conditions than those in an ambulatory setting. Understanding the importance of dosing and monitoring drug therapy for patients encourages me to play a key role in this process and get more exposure in this field and build new skills. Ultimately, I believe this position would help me expand my clinical knowledge and improve health outcomes for patients. Also, as a PRN pharmacist, I will be able to cover for pharmacists who work in different units and areas of the hospital and gain experience in each. That will help me reach my long term goal of finding an area that I love and eventually specialize in."

Rachelle's Feedback

Very good answer! You have a lot of compelling reasons to want to join this hospital! Your enthusiasm for the role shines through, as does your understanding of the responsibilities you would face.

Anonymous Answer

"I am excited about this opportunity because your values are very much in line with mine. I'm seeking to integrate my experience in customer service skill set to further my next career move. Your company has an impressive industry and reputation! I would be beyond thrilled to gain more knowledge and continue learning, especially from your leadership qualities. From my research, I have encountered this company invests many efforts into developing their employees. This level of commitment already has my name seated at this enterprise."

Rachelle's Feedback

Excellent edit - this is perfection :)

Anonymous Answer

"After investing a bit of time in my last position, I'm looking for a company where I can contribute and grow in a team-oriented environment."

Rachelle's Feedback

This answer is too general to be a stand-out response. Try mentioning what you enjoy about the company specifically (culture, vision, growth, achievements, etc.). You could also mention the specific ways in which you plan to grow with the organization.

Anonymous Answer

"I am very excited about the medical device field and how it improves people's lives. I am looking for the opportunity to bring my experience and skills to a company whose values are closely aligned with my own. Stryker's values of integrity, accountability, people, and performance are very much in line with what I consider to be essential to me on a personal level."

Rachelle's Feedback

Wonderful revision - any interviewer should find it simple to draw a connection between yourself and what the company needs/values.

Anonymous Answer

"I am looking for a company where I not only enjoy what I am doing, but I can also grow into new positions. I want a company that allows me to learn more and expand my capabilities into new areas. The fact that you offer training workshops and love to see your employers have a career growth shows me that we share the same values."

Rachelle's Feedback

Fantastic job answering this question! It's great that you also tied a line between your values and the company's offering.

Anonymous Answer

"Overall I believe Stryker's values of accountability and integrity are in line with mine, and to work around people who are highly driven and team orientated would be extremely motivating."

Rachelle's Feedback

This is a good start; however, when mentioning the alignment of values, I recommend becoming more specific as to what these are and what they mean to you.

View This Question and Answers

Experience

8. What are your strengths?

The Goal

When an interviewer asks about your most significant strengths, they want to identify if you have the skills required to do the job successfully. For this reason, you must be ready to communicate the connection between your skills and what the company needs to find in their next hire. The goal of your response is to highlight your belief that the company's needs and your skills are a match. You also want to showcase your readiness to make a specific contribution to the company.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

What to Avoid

Avoid overused generic responses such as, 'I am an excellent communicator,' or 'I am a hard worker.' The interviewer wants to see how you stand out from other candidates. Your strengths can be skills or qualities that help you overcome difficult circumstances or accomplish challenging tasks.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Pro Tip

The interviewer might ask this question in various ways, including:
- What is the most vital asset you will bring to our company
- What are your top skills, and how will they benefit us if we hire you
- What stand-out skills do you have that the other candidates may not

Be prepared to answer this question in various forms.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

How to Answer

Speak specifically about the strengths you possess that will make you good at this job. When deciding which strengths to mention, it's essential to carefully review the job posting to uncover the hiring company's greatest needs. Then, you can talk about which strengths you possess that align with the company's needs. Choose unique strengths and offer a range of variety when you respond. Your greatest assets could include:

- Hard skills such as technical expertise or project management skills
- Soft skills such as time management and critical thinking
- Personality traits such as being adaptable, kind, and self-sufficient
- Knowledge-based skills such as speaking multiple languages

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Answer Example

"My greatest strengths are in my perceptiveness and ability to be observant of the needs of others. These strengths are part of what makes me an excellent performer in a client-facing role. I understand, from the job description that you seek a client manager who brings an honest and empathetic approach to customer engagement. These strengths that I mention align very well with this need."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Admin Example

"I place a lot of value on continually educating myself and spend a great deal of my spare time learning and growing professionally and personally. I am thoughtful and have a high level of emotional intelligence. I appreciate that everyone has an opinion and a unique approach to work. Taking this understanding, I can patiently adapt to a variety of communication approaches. Lately, I have been working on my technical skills, and for the past six months, I attended an online course focused on Excel skills. I am proud to say that I am now an Excel power user!"

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Manager Example

"My greatest strengths include understanding employee differences and their unique needs then delegating tasks according to individual strengths. I build long-lasting and trusting professional relationships with the people whom I lead because they appreciate that I look deeper into their needs and apply their greatest assets to ensure their contribution feels aligned."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Sales Example

"My greatest strengths are in my communication skills and my ability to win others over. I have the innate ability to read a room and quickly adapt based on the overall vibe and personalities of those present. I believe that my communication and people-based strengths have greatly contributed to my overall success in sales. I leverage these strengths for tasks such as writing emails, pitching clients, or renewing and negotiating contracts."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Retail Example

"My greatest strengths include my ability to boost confidence and buy-in from my team members. I like to excite the team at the beginning of the day with my cheerful, go-getter attitude. I am also highly self-aware and an excellent listener, which helps when it comes to assisting customers and closing a sale without being pushy. I relate to the customer, get to know them and their needs, build excellent rapport and make educated recommendations that suit them. These customers buy and often return. My closing rates and referral rates are the second-highest in the company out of 45 retail associates."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Teacher Example

"My genuine passion and joy for teaching and my focus on student wellbeing are my greatest strengths. I truly enjoy what I do every single day, and I view my job as a blessing. I recognized my passion for teaching early on in my college education when I switched my focus to an education degree, and I followed my desire to be a mentor and a positive influence on children."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Marketing Example

"I believe my greatest strength lies in my analytical and creative mind, as well as my desire to learn. I have worked hard to cultivate my creativity and grow my professional understanding of digital marketing through numerous workshops and masterminds that I attend. I have gained an understanding of both the creative and the analytical sides of marketing, which sets me apart, as other marketing professionals tend to lean one way."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I connect with people easily and quickly in an authentic manner.

I care very much about people and their ability to succeed ( however that looks for them).

Feedback is essential to one's success, and without it, we, as leaders, deny people the opportunity to be the best they can be. I excel at coaching and developing people's ability to provide feedback in a meaningful way."

Rachelle's Feedback

These are exceptional strengths to have in your line of work. You laid out this answer very well.

Show More Answers

Anonymous Answer

"I would say that my strengths are my curiosity, drive, and ability to energy from interacting with other people by building long-lasting and trusting professional relationships with the people within my team, dependencies teams, and external stakeholder. These strengths are part of what makes me an excellent performer in a graduate role. I look forward to using these skills in my role in your organization."

Rachelle's Feedback

This answer is great! Very specific and shows your well-rounded character and personality.

Anonymous Answer

"My strengths are my dedication, determination, and ability to build long-lasting and trusting professional relationships with the people whom I lead. I have shown determination because I wanted to leave my home country and go to work abroad.

I have shown dedication, working almost seven years for the company, and working long retail hours, 45 hours a week. My long-lasting relationships are demonstrated by the fact that my former team members have asked for my advice for interviews."

Rachelle's Feedback

Your answer jumps around a lot, which will make it difficult for the interviewer to follow. Try to keep a pattern in your response by mentioning a couple of strengths and how you directly apply these to your work.

"My greatest strengths are my dedication, personal determination, and my ability to establish long-lasting relationships built on trust. I have shown dedication with my current company, working long retail hours for the past seven years. I have built strong relationships with team members across the globe, becoming a go-to individual for topics such as best practices for communication, and even upcoming internal interviews."

Anonymous Answer

"I' m agile, curious, resilient, and flexible. I'm very much aware of the changing nature of the work environment and always ready for what lies ahead. My sense of curiosity means I'm always in search for answers, asking questions, pushing boundaries, and discovering hidden truth and innovative ways of doing things. I never stop learning. Great at working on my initiatives as well as working collaboratively as part of a team. A can-do attitude is woven into the fabric of how I work, constantly evolving how I work to adapt to the ever-changing world of work. Adversity and uncertainty are the fuel that drives me into excellence."

Rachelle's Feedback

You sound like a strong, confident candidate with many great strengths to offer! Good work.

Anonymous Answer

"I would say that my strengths are my curiosity, passion for design, and innovation. I believe if you do something that you love it will shine. These strengths are part of what makes me an excellent art director.

I look forward to using these skills in my role in your organization."

Rachelle's Feedback

These are fantastic strengths to highlight! You sound confident and well-prepared.

Anonymous Answer

"One of my biggest strengths is Attention to Detail. For example, when I plan a trip, I list every detail, such as the weather each day, the comparison of restaurants or the time, mode of transportation and price from one place to another. My friends say they like to travel with me because I am very particular about details and pursue perfect travel."

Rachelle's Feedback

It sounds like you would be wonderful to travel with! These are excellent strengths, which will be of huge benefit to the cruise line guests. Try to tie that together in your response. I have offered an example, below.

"One of my biggest strengths is attention to detail. For example, when I plan a trip, I list every detail, such as the weather for each day, comparison of restaurants, and mode of transportation. My friends say they like to travel with me because I am very particular about details and pursue perfect travel. This strength will benefit your guests because I will be able to help them make educated decisions on how to best experience the area on our stops."

Anonymous Answer

"Some of my strengths include effective communication skills and perseverance to complete a task. I use these strengths to perform any projects and roles given to me diligently."

Rachelle's Feedback

Well said! Perseverance is a great addition to your answer.

Anonymous Answer

"I have always been an analytical person. This is very crucial in positions I have held in analyzing customer accounts, reporting, leading a team, buying consumer credit, commercial credit, and floorplan credit."

Rachelle's Feedback

Awesome! It's fantastic how you drew in some of your critical responsibilities. This approach will remind the interviewer how capable you are with specific tasks.

Teamwork

9. How do you get along with others at work?

The Goal

The interviewer wants to gauge if you can maintain healthy relationships in the workplace. They want to know more about the team dynamics you've encountered and how you approach communicating with your co-workers. The goal of your response is to highlight that your approach to getting along with others aligns with the hiring company's workplace culture.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

What to Avoid

Avoid exaggerated and/or generic responses like, 'I get along well with everyone at all times because I show them respect.' Rarely do we get along with everyone all of the time, so a response like that could indicate to the interviewer that you are being untruthful or you are passive and avoid conflict at all costs. Generic statements like, 'I show them respect' fail to provide a complete picture of your approach. Instead, describe the specific ways that you show respect to others.

It's also essential to avoid turning this question into an opportunity to speak poorly of others or comment judgmentally about other people's work styles.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Pro Tip

Some of the ways you can get along with your co-workers include:

- Making an effort to develop personal connections with them right away
- Asking them about themselves and their lives more often than you talk about yourself
- Being a positive communicator rather than someone who is negative or likes to gossip
- Acting as a helpful and approachable resource

Be prepared to discuss actions you have taken in the workplace to develop healthy and respectful co-worker relationships.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

How to Answer

Think about the co-worker relationships that you've enjoyed the most and found the most fulfilling. Then, consider the actions you took to contribute to those positive relationships. Look for common themes that show you are a good team player who respects others.

When expressing how you get along with others at work, consider telling a story highlighting these traits and qualities in action. Then, make a connection between your approach to building workplace relationships and how it aligns with the hiring company's workplace/team environment.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Answer Example

"I get along great with my co-workers. I am sure to maintain a positive attitude and be supportive, whether I am offering to assist someone who is overwhelmed or taking time to listen to someone who is having a challenging day. The other day one of my co-workers was overloaded with tasks. As soon as I noticed, I offered to take on some of their work. We collaborated on his backlog of work and ended up catching him up by the end of the day. My colleague was thankful that I noticed their need and was generous with my time."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Admin Example

"I put conscious effort into getting along with others at work. I am a conscious communicator who is self-aware. For instance, I recently sensed that my manager was having an exceptionally stressful day. I exuded extra kindness towards them that day and was proactive in my tasks. Later, my manager thanked me for noticing that they needed an extra boost that day. It feels great to exude kindness, and you can rest assured that I will bring my positive nature to this team every day."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Manager Example

"As a manager, I have led diverse personalities, and I can work well with a wide range of individuals. If I do not see eye-to-eye with someone at first, I will take the time to get to know them and find common ground. Recently one of our top sales reps was transferred to my team. This individual's personality is gregarious; however, after spending a few days with this person and remaining open to their approaches, I began to enjoy the passion they bring to the company genuinely. Rather than criticize this person's character, I realized that I appreciated the core of who they are. The lesson was that when I have a connection to someone, it's much easier to build a healthy working relationship. So, I first look for that link rather than criticize their personality."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Sales Example

"I get along well with my coworkers and strive to be a strong communicator in all situations. If a concern comes up, I'm sure to address the issue promptly so the situation doesn't impact the work environment. For instance, my manager approached me last week to discuss why I missed my sales target for the week. I'd beaten my target by 12%; however, our tracking system encountered a glitch, not showing a few of my sales. Rather than becoming frustrated with my manager for questioning my work and results, I patiently explained the situation and assured them that I had exceeded my goals. I strive to be a team player in all situations. More than anything, I want always to be a positive and respectful contributor, regardless of misunderstandings that may arise."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Retail Example

"It's important to me that I get along with others at work and that everyone feels comfortable in their work environment. Last month one of our retail managers was having a tough time and, unfortunately, was taking the situation out on myself and the other sales rep working the floor with me that day. I focused on doing my job well, greeting our customers, helping the other sales rep, and keeping a positive attitude throughout the day. I got down to work without allowing our manager's behavior to impact my day. Later that week, my co-worker thanked me for helping make their day easier. It felt great that my positive nature was appreciated and that it made an impact."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Teacher Example

"A large part of my role as a teacher is to find common ground with a range of individuals and stakeholders, including my fellow educators, supervisors, students, and the students' families. I am mindful to look for the best in others. Even when there are moments of disagreement, I see the situation from the other persons' perspective - especially if it's a student. For example, I welcomed a new student to my class part-way through the school year. This student struggled to get along with other classmates and lacked respect in the classroom. Rather than get frustrated and assume this student would always be a problem, I booked a meeting with her and her parents. We discussed how challenging it was for her to move schools mid-year, and I asked what I could do to support them with the transition. We brainstormed a few ideas, created an action plan, and committed to sticking to the plan. The alternative was disciplining the student without keeping the lines of communication open which would have caused a rift between me, the student, and her parents. This story is one example of how I work to create a collaborative environment rather than allow a negative relationship to form."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Marketing Example

"I enjoy people and like to find common ground. Despite differences that might occur, I still appreciate everyone for their individuality. My agency recently implemented 360 peer feedback. In my latest performance review, my co-workers shared their appreciation for how I focus on accomplishing tasks and reaching goals as a collective group. I was complimented for my positive contributions and listening more than I speak. I am sure to back up my opinions with facts or examples, and when I see an opportunity to help, I do."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I get along great with others with work. It is important to build a positive relationship with those around you because a positive work environment is crucial to obtain a common goal successfully. Having played sports the majority of my life, I understand the importance of supporting your fellow teammates to the best of your ability."

Rachelle's Feedback

Your sports background is a fantastic way to support your answer. Very good response!

Show More Answers

Anonymous Answer

"I work well with others and tend to build relationships outside the workplace."

Rachelle's Feedback

This is a good start; however, try to dig a bit deeper. You can even mention a positive comment from a co-worker or a great performance review.

"I get along well with my coworkers by getting to know them and what they enjoy doing outside of work. My fellow teammates often mention that they enjoy how approachable I am, and my boss recently applauded me for being such a great team player."

Anonymous Answer

"Communicating and helping co-workers are great tools to maintain healthy relationships with them in the office. I am not a computer expert, but I have basic skills. I always help my coworkers if I see somebody having problems doing something on the computer. I greet them by name and discuss work-related matters."

Rachelle's Feedback

Good! I have reworded this to help with the flow.

"I get along well with others at work. I am strongest when it comes to helping others and communicating with them."

Anonymous Answer

"I enjoy the ability to laugh with my co-workers, especially on the tough days. It makes those days a lot more fun. I am passionate about music and animals and have bonded with co-workers on those subjects and shared pictures and CDs with them. I really love being able to support my teammates as well regarding personal and work issues. I appreciate their support too. We all need it."

Rachelle's Feedback

It sounds like you are someone who makes the workplace a better place to be for all! Your compassion and kindness really shine through in this response.

Anonymous Answer

"I get along really well with my co-workers. I believe that my positive attitude makes me a great team player. I am always honest, loyal, and supportive to my team and the company that I work for."

Rachelle's Feedback

It seems that you are easy to work alongside, which is very important! A positive attitude goes a long way :)

Anonymous Answer

"I get along well with my co-workers. I have always had this helpful attitude to other members of the team especially if they get overwhelmed with workload. I want to work with a happy attitude and with an open mind to accept and understand that any feedback from the team will make me a better person to do my job."

Jaymie's Feedback

It sounds like you're very easy-going and do not often have conflicts with others in the workplace. Diversity and inclusion are important, so consider discussing that you value different perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences and appreciate what others bring to the team.

Anonymous Answer

"Overall I get along great with my co-workers. I make an effort to talk with the supervisors about the challenges they are having. I also enjoy playing golf with people from other departments to build relationships outside of my group."

Rachelle's Feedback

It seems you take the care needed to develop meaningful relationships with your co-workers.

Anonymous Answer

"I get along great with my co-workers as I always try to maintain a positive attitude and be supportive of each team member with their new creative ideas."

Rachelle's Feedback

It seems that you are a stellar team player. This answer will show the interviewer the ways that you will fit in with their existing team.

Behavioral

10. How would your most recent manager describe you?

The Goal

The interviewer wants evidence that you have a history of building positive relationships with previous leaders and employers. The goal of your response is to show that your character is strong, that you have built healthy relationships in your previous role, and that your character aligns with the hiring company.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

What to Avoid

Avoid guessing what your most recent manager thinks of you. If you respond in a way that sounds unsure, the interviewer may not feel confident in your employer/employee relationships. For instance, rather than saying, 'I think maybe my manager would describe me as dedicated to my work,' try saying, 'My manager would describe me as dedicated to my work because I deliver on deadlines and often make myself available after hours when my clients need me.'

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Pro Tip

Hopefully, your current leader is communicative with you and regularly expresses what they enjoy and appreciate about your work ethic. If possible, form your response around takeaways from your last performance review or a piece of feedback you have recently received from your leader. You can further solidify your response by referring to reliable references, such as any LinkedIn recommendations on your profile.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

How to Answer

Offer 1-3 traits when you respond. Then, support those traits with an example of when you emulated those behaviors. You can also provide details of a measurable accomplishment. For instance, if you received a 100% customer satisfaction survey result, tell the interviewer about this achievement as supporting evidence. For example, you could say, 'My most recent manager would say that I am customer-focused. In fact, I recently received a 100% customer satisfaction rating in our company's latest customer happiness survey.'

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Answer Example

"In my last performance review and also in some casual discussions, my manager has described me as motivated, encouraging to others, and consistent. I strive to exceed expectations when I can, and I encourage my fellow team members to deliver their best work. My current manager is happy to speak on my behalf as a positive reference."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Admin Example

"My last manager and I had a close relationship. She appreciated all of my efforts when it came to working overtime and taking my work home when required. In the past, she described me as unique, reliable, and energetic. I have many emails from her expressing thanks for my positive influence and reliability."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Manager Example

"My District Manager and I get along well. He values my industry knowledge and gives me the freedom to do my job with autonomy. If asked, he would tell you that I am dedicated and will go the extra mile to deliver results. My performance metrics confirm this as well, and I am happy to show you a performance report from my last 90 days."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Sales Example

"My manager often has nice things to say about me. In my most recent performance review, he was impressed that I exceeded February's sales target by the 9th of the month. He also mentioned how he appreciates my initiative in tackling new projects, such as the product roll-out I have been working on with the marketing team for the past three months. I feel fortunate to have a great rapport with my leader. I would be happy to put you in touch with my manager when the time comes for a verbal reference."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Retail Example

"I am confident that my most recent manager will give me a glowing reference. She lobbied for my promotion to assistant manager and mentored me when I stepped into the new role. She would describe me as dedicated, loyal, a quick learner, and highly adaptable to change. I am proud of these traits and love that she, and others, have recognized these characteristics in me."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Teacher Example

"The department head at my current school has described me as passionate, excited, and reliable. I brought a copy of last year's performance review if you'd like to read it. I am very proud that my passion and love for teaching shines through to my department head, the students that I teach, and my esteemed coworkers."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Marketing Example

"My marketing director recently reviewed me, noting that I show fortitude during long-term and challenging projects. She also noted that I am creative in my approach to new marketing roll-outs and great with client communication in situations of ambiguity. My project results reflect these traits, and I am happy to ask her to be an employment reference should you need."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"My most recent manager would describe me as dependable, patient, and dedicated. They know that I am always willing to help in any way that I can. Because of that, I always form positive relationships with my managers that last long after I move on."

Rachelle's Feedback

This answer is perfect, with the exception of your final sentence. You want to avoid drawing attention to movement or creating a sense that you often leave your jobs. I have provided a slight revision, below.

"My most recent manager would describe me as dependable, patient, and dedicated. They know that I am always willing to help in any way that I can. I am keen on forming positive relationships with my managers."

Show More Answers

Anonymous Answer

"My manager would describe me as a dependable, flexible, hard worker and consistent employee. We had a close relationship."

Rachelle's Feedback

Great! I like the added fact that you had a close relationship with your previous manager. It says a lot about your work ethic.

Anonymous Answer

"In my most recent check-in with my director, I was described as someone who is bringing forward new leadership ideas to the team, someone who is not afraid to have difficult discussions with his direct reports and someone who takes responsibility for his team's performance."

Rachelle's Feedback

It's wonderful that you lean on actual feedback from a recent review - this is a strong response!

Anonymous Answer

"My manager will describe me as dedicated and punctual, never missed a scheduled shift while employed. I never miss a deadline, I always deliver by the deadline, I often make myself available in times of short staffing issues and I stay after hours if my client needs me."

Jaymie's Feedback

These are solid qualities and traits you would bring to the team! If you received a performance review, be sure to share areas where you met and exceeded expectations.

Anonymous Answer

"My most recent manager described me as a reliable and dedicated employee, and I take pride in my work. He was satisfied with my attention to detail and my ability to work well independently. As part of a team, he was pleased with my strong communication skills and effective collaboration with colleagues."

Marcie's Feedback

Awesome! Did he tell you this directly or write it in a review? If so, be sure to mention this. Also, do these comments about your skills and qualities align with this role? If not, try to focus on those that do as this will most interest the interviewer. Nice job!

Anonymous Answer

"Hardworking and loyal."

Marcie's Feedback

Awesome! To make your answer more memorable, consider explaining why your manager would use these terms to describe you and how these qualities will help you excel in this new role.

Anonymous Answer

"My manager describes me as dependable, reliable, loyal, and detail-oriented. I was given to handle certain challenging accounts, where the basis of my thorough analysis and regular hard work, I was in complete control of the portfolio. Since it was also a stress account, I had to also keep the top management updated in a very concise manner, which made it very easy for the top management to make decisions."

Jaymie's Feedback

You did a great job including keywords that employers would find valuable in candidates! If you've recently had a performance review, feel free to share some of the specific positive feedback from that as well!

Anonymous Answer

"My manager described me as a reliable, honest, humble, and hardworking person who can go the extra mile to help his colleague and reach the goal of his team.

She also described me highly efficient and well-organized physician who can see high patient volume with high quality of care without delaying and compromising care. Because of this quality, I got promoted to UMD at NE 9 at the hospital within 2 years of joining."

Marcie's Feedback

Did you receive this feedback during a review or verbally? Mention this to the interviewer so they know you aren't just making up these descriptions (this will add credibility to your answer). Your promotion also helps add validity to your assertions. Good job!

Creative Thinking

11. Tell me about an idea you implemented at your last job.

The Goal

The interviewer is asking this initiative-based question because they want to know if you are the type of employee who will be proactive if you notice an opportunity for improvement. The goal of your response is to show the interviewer that when you see room for improvement or new implementation, you take action rather than sit back and wait for change to happen.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

What to Avoid

Avoid giving a general response like, 'I am always looking for ways to implement more effective systems.' The interviewer wants you to recall a specific instance when you implemented an idea. Choose a time when your implementation positively impacted the workplace, such as generating cost or time savings.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Pro Tip

When answering a 'Tell me about...' question, it's best to outline a specific story using the STAR interview method. STAR is an acronym for Situation, Task, Action, Result. First, describe the situation or the problem that you faced. Then, outline your task or responsibility in this situation. Then, give details of your actions in response to the situation/problem. Lastly, summarize the positive results of your actions. In this instance, discuss the positive impact your idea/implementation had on your work, team, and employer.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

How to Answer

Think of the ways you have made a positive impact at work. Then, provide a story-based example that shows you have the confidence and employee engagement level required to recommend or implement change. Choose an example that highlights your efficiency as an employee. Express to the interviewer that you value making recommendations that benefit your company.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Answer Example

"(Situation) In my most recent position, I was alerted to a decline in profits, which may result in the cut back of hours and staff. (Task) As the general manager, my first instinct was to help the company while creating a fair solution for my team. (Action) After reading a few industry-related case studies of other companies and their successful approaches, I suggested implementing a work-share program. Our corporate head office agreed, and we implemented a 12-week work share program. (Result) This solution was the answer to pending layoffs, and although it temporarily cut hours back for our warehouse staff, it saved us from having to make permanent layoffs."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Admin Example

"(Situation) Last month, I noticed that my department was spending increasingly more funds on paper and ink. (Task) As the lead administrator, it's part of my job to watch for potential cost savings. (Action) So, I crunched some numbers in an Excel spreadsheet and pitched a change to the company's president. I suggested that we eliminate fax machines and reduce our printing tasks by better utilizing our company's digital technology. (Result) The president agreed to try my idea, and so far, we have saved over $1500/month on paper, ink, and other related supplies. Not to mention the positive environmental impact and an increase in speed and productivity!"

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Manager Example

"(Situation) Last quarter, I noticed a 4% increase in minor safety incidents. (Task) As the safety manager, I look into our workplace incident data regularly and react to any increase. (Action) First, I introduced a virtual 'suggestion box' through Google Forms on workplace safety initiatives. The employees were full of great ideas for the continual improvement of our safety standards. After analyzing the suggestions, I implemented the top three safety initiatives over one month. (Result) This exercise helped the employees to feel heard and cared for, which boosted morale on-site. It also helped reduce minor workplace incidents by 12%, and we have had no major safety issues since the implementation."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Sales Example

"(Situation) While working for Company ABC, the corporate head office wanted to increase accountability among the sales team. (Task) I was the Sales Manager at the time and agreed with the need for a stronger accountability initiative. (Action) We put together a committee of all six sales managers company-wide. We agreed on the core issues that needed addressing and then crafted a program outline that included better onboarding and continued support for sales team members. In particular, I identified the need for a formal mentorship program for new hires. So, we created one! We crafted guidelines, gained approval from corporate, and implemented the program. (Result) After six months, we reported a 20% increase in productivity, a 17% boost in sales, and far less employee turnover."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Retail Example

"(Situation) When I worked for Independent Retail Store ABC, we had weak merchandising initiatives compared to the other stores in the mall. (Task) I was the store manager and believed that a boost in merchandising initiatives would increase sales and customer traffic. (Action) I approached the store owners and pitched the idea of outsourcing a display and merchandising company to overhaul the look of our store. The owners agreed, and I was responsible for finding the right service provider and working with them to create a merchandising plan that would change seasonally. (Result) I quickly saw my vision come to life and was thrilled to report a 30% boost in foot traffic and a 25% increase in transactions after just 45 days."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Teacher Example

"(Situation) Last year, our school district encouraged each school to come up with a student initiative focused on increasing global awareness and cultural sensitivity. (Task) As a Social Studies and Language teacher, I felt it was my duty to head the initiative since the focus aligned so well with my curriculum. (Action) I created the plan for a program where we teamed up pen pals between our students and students from a school in Spain. One day per month, the students would write and send letters in their language. When our kids received their letters from the students in Spain, they were so excited! We even arranged a virtual 'party' at the end of the school year so the kids could have some face time. (Result) The kids loved the social component and learned so much about another culture. The school board awarded our program 'most-immersive,' which was a nice perk. We plan to repeat this initiative with a different school every year."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Marketing Example

"(Situation) When I started my current position, the company did not have an organized email marketing system or an organized list of subscribers. (Task) As the new digital marketing lead, it was up to me to develop an initiative. (Action) I proposed better segmenting our current customer list and rolling out an email marketing campaign to connect target customers to our resource-based blog and various lead magnets. (Result) Over three months, we increased our subscriber list from 426 to 1754 people. We also saw a 14% boost in e-commerce sales conversions in the first two months."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"In my current position, I streamlined the process for our warehouse workers to pick up their checks. There was a lot of confusion between the warehouse and the Central Office. It was an answer to the workers showing up when checks weren't available and also easier to log who received a check."

Rachelle's Feedback

This streamlining sounds very effective and a good way to maximize resources. Nice work!

Show More Answers

Anonymous Answer

"One of the responsibilities at my job was related to customer service. Customers came to the office all the time with or without an appointment. I created a numbering system, where people could take a number and wait in the waiting area until we called them. We would still call people with appointments as scheduled."

Rachelle's Feedback

This is a great example of taking initiative and thinking creatively. Nice answer!

Anonymous Answer

"I do not recall implementing idea, but had the chance to help our second shift supervisor to do our machine maintenance when the machines are new. And now I conquered all our daily weekly and monthly maintenance.calibrations on our new machines."

Lauren's Feedback

Your response was hard to follow; I rephrased your response to balance out the lack of idea implementation.

"I cannot recall an idea I have implemented, but I have supported my shift supervisor with the maintenance of new machinery. This experience expanded my knowledge and improved my quality of work."

Anonymous Answer

"I have a high level of engagement and the required confidence to recommend changes with the USPS when I see the opportunities for the USPS to improve customer satisfaction."

Kristine's Feedback

With this question, the interviewer wants to hear about a time you shared a specific idea to make an improvement in your company. Once you come up with your example, talk about it using the STAR method where S = Situation, T = Task, A = Action, and R = Result.

Anonymous Answer

"- Situation /Task: In my current position, there was a huge transformation in my unit with our rostering system. The shift hours for each personnel were previously 48 hours a week. For each shift, everyone had to work 12 hrs. This was not too bad since you get the time off for two days after you work 48 hours in a week. However, the roster was structured as a four day shift on and two days off, and a four night shift on. Action: I was concerned about morale in work as people's sleeping routines were unstable. Due to this reason, I suggested to my chain of command that the roster be changed to be as two day shift and two nights shift on, then two days off. Result: Since I approached the conversation with my supervisors with the data and the facts, they changed to two day shift and two night shift on, then four days off. The outcome was even better than I expected."

Rachelle's Feedback

This sounds like a wonderful recommendation. It's terrific that you approached the situation with professionalism and data to support your idea. In the end, if you can share some measurable positive outcomes, that would be a perfect touch.

Anonymous Answer

"The unit where I worked in my former hospital uses supplies for the daily care of inpatients, we are having a problem with the stocks of supplies. At times we ran out of items that we usually used, the situation was brought up during the unit meeting. I suggested a solution to the problem and requested supplies refills were not accurate, we could put index cards below each item and when staff gets an item they should indicate how many were taken out, that way it's easy for the ordering team to know how many items are still available by looking at the index card and it solves the problem when we implemented it."

Jaymie's Feedback

This is an excellent example to use. Great job!

Anonymous Answer

"As a lab assistant, my colleague and I realized that we were having trouble cleaning our MLP tubes due to the fat residue from the milk samples. We researched different cleaning solutions and suggested using a solution of alcohol and water. We worked with our colleagues to test this method and found it to be effective without damaging the tubes or affecting the accuracy of their results. Implementing this new cleaning method helped improve the accuracy of their lab results and demonstrated problem-solving skills and ability to come up with new ideas."

Jaymie's Feedback

You did an excellent job utilizing the STAR method in your response. This is a good example to share that shows your ability to identify a problem and take action to create a solution.

Anonymous Answer

"(Situation) - I was given a portfolio, where the teammates were tracking the collections only on half yearly basis, which led to ambiguity in analysis. (Task) - As a portfolio manager, I wanted to streamline the account conduct for better monitoring. (Action) - I followed up with the client to ensure monthly billing is been provided and created a common file for weekly tracking of the collection and matching it with the billing. (Result) - Basis the exercise, we came to know, that the collections had not been routed through our accounts for a few months. Basis, we came to know by further due diligence, that the wind turbines from where the collections were coming they had stopped due to local authority issues. With improvement in tracking, we were able to monitor the account proactively."

Jaymie's Feedback

Great job using the STAR method to answer this question. You selected a specific example that highlights your skills and abilities, and you gave a concise, easy-to-understand response to the interviewer.

12. What are your weaknesses?

The Goal

Any time an interviewer asks about your most significant weaknesses, they are curious whether you're aware of your shortcomings. The more emotionally intelligent you are, the greater the likelihood you'll embrace opportunities to grow and improve. Someone who is focused on their professional growth will prove a more valuable asset than an employee who operates at the status quo. Someone who is reluctant to share their growth opportunities will come across as having something to hide and is therefore someone who is less likely to take ownership of their development. Whereas someone who doesn't hesitate to share their growth opportunities is already working on them and takes pride in advertising where they are at in their development.

Written by Kevin Downey on March 28th, 2024

What to Avoid

Avoid sharing any weaknesses that are potential red flags or potentially suggest you would be a liability. Rather, it's best to choose weaknesses that will not impact your ability to succeed in the role. Choose a weakness that is not a core skill for the position. For instance, if you are interviewing for an administrator role, your greatest weakness should not be your Excel skills.

Avoid cliche or overused statements such as stating you work too hard, are a perfectionist (unless it infringes on your time management or prioritization of other tasks), or try to use humor to relieve any discomfort.

Written by Kevin Downey on March 28th, 2024

Pro Tip

Some interviewers ask this question in singular form ("What is your greatest weakness"), and some will ask this question in plural form ("What are your greatest weaknesses"). While these are the most straightforward ways to ask this common question, your interviewer might also phrase the question as:

- What professional skills do you want to improve on this year?
- If we offered training in any area, what would you choose to learn?
- Which skills mentioned in our job description do you need to refine?

Be prepared to answer questions about your shortcomings in a variety of ways.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

How to Answer

The goal of your response is to show the interviewer that you are self-aware, reflective, and can readily identify areas for improvement. The interviewer needs every candidate to be honest and forthright. When discussing your most significant weaknesses, display your interest in professional growth. Be sure to maintain a positive tone, show confidence in your ability to improve, and demonstrate a desire for improvement. Also, prepare in advance, and try to identify any ways in which the company you are applying to can help further your development, and surpass any developmental goals or milestones nearing the horizon.

Written by Kevin Downey on March 28th, 2024

Entry Level Example

"I believe my biggest area for improvement is in my proficiency with InDesign. I consider myself an intermediate-level user, but that is not as strong as I would like to be, so I'm working on improving. I have watched many YouTube tutorials and recently enrolled in an online course for advanced InDesign. I plan to be much more comfortable, confident, and efficient in my use of the InDesign program by the end of the six-week course."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Admin Example

"One specific weakness that I am focusing on right now is my ability to be concise when I send email updates to the department. Brevity has not always been my strongest point; however, I have been practicing brevity by writing a draft first and then asking myself which words or points could be deleted from the communication. So far, I have noticed a marked improvement; however, I believe that clear communication is a work-in-progress and can always be improved and tweaked in some way."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Manager Example

"My professional weaknesses are around the topic of delegating to team members. I know what needs doing and how I would like to see it done, so it's often easier to do it myself. However, it can inhibit my ability to grow and my team's ability to grow. To change this habit, I have been training employees who are not fulfilling their requirements or meeting standards. Rather than re-doing their work, I will coach them on what I want to see and then ask them to try again. Since making these changes, I have noticed a decrease in my overtime hours and will continue to provide more employee empowerment and training opportunities."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Sales Example

"My areas of weakness are around documentation. I sometimes get so wrapped up in my cold calling or in the sales cycle that I forget to document my activity until the end of the day. I've spoken with my current manager about it, and we've developed a system where I set an alert every 2 hours to spend a 20-minute time block solely on the task of documentation in the CRM. After blocking this time for the past two weeks, I can see myself forming better habits already."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Retail Example

"I would say the area I need to focus on improving would be my Retail POS proficiency. I am proficient, and it does not hinder my ability to do my job successfully, but it's certainly something that I need to improve. I have started asking other managers to show me their tips and tricks, which has been very helpful."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Teacher Example

"Areas of weakness that I have noticed include my skills when it comes to the more advanced use of our cloud-based education platform called D2L. I am learning how to customize learning 'shells' and accept student assignment submissions with greater ease. I have committed to watching tutorials for one hour per day in an attempt to become more familiar with these areas."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Marketing Example

"I have good working proficiency in Photoshop; however, these skills are not as strong as I would like, and I'm always looking to improve. I have enrolled in an online Photoshop course, which will boost me from an intermediate user to an advanced user level in a matter of a few months, which is a goal that excites me."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Counselor Example

"I would say that a weakness of mine is not participating in the sessions as much as my patients. I too frequently wait until the end of the session and assign homework and materials for them to read for discussion in our next sessions. But my patients rarely read them, even if I loan them the book. Rather, I should be relating and validating their situations. Mirroring them and walking around in their shoes. Then sharing what I learned from these books in real time. I am working on this, and when I do it well, confidently, and out of my own nature, it has a real impact and my patients have real breakthroughs. But sometimes I struggle with jumping in and circling back to something I took note of. Like I said, I am working on this, but it has proven difficult to habitualize. Practice makes perfect."

Written by Kevin Downey on March 28th, 2024

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I usually get nervous and worried before I engage in something, but it has taught me relaxing and preparing for the situation thoroughly to avoid any mistakes. For example, there was a non-thesis research presentation while in the master's program. So I practiced the speech by speaking loud many times to avoid getting nervous and any unnecessary mistakes. As a result, I did a great job, and through the experiences, I think I'm trying to overcome and getting a better person."

Rachelle's Feedback

This is a good example; however, I recommend being a touch clearer on the fact that it's public speaking/presenting that makes you feel nervous. I have provided a slight revision for you below.

"I get nervous before giving a presentation. It is tough for me to relax. For example, I had a non-thesis research presentation during my Master's program. I practiced the speech by speaking aloud many times. This practice helped me to calm my nerves and avoid any unnecessary mistakes. As a result, I did a great job. It's important to me that I overcome my weaknesses, and practicing helps me achieve this goal."

Show More Answers

Anonymous Answer

"my weakness is I am not good at public speaking and I feel nervous when I speak in front of people. But when I was in university, I applied for a tutor job. This experience really helps me develop my communication skills. Also, I push myself to express my idea more frequently in a group meetings. Although it is relatively small, I build up a lot of confidence. In my last internship, I feel more comfortable communicating with others and sharing my idea."

Marcie's Feedback

Excellent answer! You aren't shy about explaining your weakness, and you do a great job of showing how you've taken steps to overcome it. This is a great response. The interviewer will appreciate that you've made progress in this area.

Anonymous Answer

"I am very impatient at times, as I want to see results fast and move forward. I have managed this by setting short and long term goals. I also conduct the end of the day meeting with my manager to get an idea about the progress of the project and plan the coming days accordingly."

Rachelle's Feedback

We can often make impatience work in our favor if it's reigned in just a touch. It seems you have done this well, through your small goal setting and communication approach. Nice response.

Anonymous Answer

"Sometimes. I tend to do several things at the same time. When this happens, I organize myself by setting priorities and using time-management skills for each activity. This is how I ensure that I finish all my responsibilities well."

Rachelle's Feedback

This is a good start! By saying that you 'want to do several things at the same time,' are you referring to multitasking in the workplace, or are you referring to a difficulty focusing? If you could add details regarding how you approach organizing yourself and setting priorities, that would be a valuable addition to your answer.

Anonymous Answer

"I don't have any professional experience with Federal Acquisition Regulations. In order to close that gap, I've recently completed two FAR comprehensive courses, including one provided by the American Purchasing Society, and have been reviewing the FAR itself ever since, provision by provision. Now that I know what I'm dealing with, I'm confident I'll be able to navigate FAR and use it successfully given my legal training and natural skill in dissecting and analyzing any body of law."

Rachelle's Feedback

Your approach to this question is smart! You mention the one shortcoming related to this role but focus the majority of your response on what you are doing to strengthen your knowledge in FAR. Well done!

Anonymous Answer

"I am focused on improving my ability to be concise and to the point. I have a tendency to provide more information than needed. I have been trying to improve this by writing down my thoughts and deleting those that are non-essential or repetitive. I usually pay too much attention to the details which extend tasks needlessly. To improve, I divide tasks into different parts and set up a timeline for completing each. I have noticed a marked improvement; however, I am still working on it."

Rachelle's Feedback

Relevancy of information is important, indeed - especially when you are relaying complex information to patients, for instance. The brevity practices you're putting into place will be very effective. Great to know that you already see marked improvement. Nice job!

Anonymous Answer

"I hate to see people, especially close teammates, fail or even struggle when I know what to do. I always give my opinion, when I feel like it's necessary, even when they could potentially be "better" than me."

Stephanie's Feedback

"While this response clearly shows a commitment to your colleagues, it doesn't clearly answer the question. What exactly are your weaknesses, in a professional context? How are you working on these areas or reworking them as strengths?"

Anonymous Answer

"My weakness is language since English is not my native language. I am able to communicate by email/phone, but I feel more comfortable writing. When I have a phone meeting, I always send an email afterwards to summarize the agreed upon points or the actions to be taken."

Cindy's Feedback

Ok, that's quite clear. Can you enhance your answer by explaining how you are addressing your weakness? How do you ensure clarity?

View This Question and Answers

Capability

13. What do you know about our organization?

The Goal

The interviewer wants to know that you have a genuine interest in the company and the opportunity. The goal of your response is to show that you have a passion for the company and that you've taken the time to properly research the position and organization before attending your interview.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

What to Avoid

Avoid giving a generic answer such as, 'I know your organization values diversity and inclusion and treats its employees well.' Recruiters and hiring managers often receive hundreds of applications per job. If you are lucky enough to land an interview, you must put in the effort to research the opportunity and go to your interview well-prepared with a highly-specific response. If you can apply your answer to any company, it's too generic.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Pro Tip

You don't need to be an expert on the company history, but you should be knowledgeable about the company mission, goals, and job mandate. Start by searching the company website and take particular note of any recent news articles, events, or contributions they have made to the community. Identify their mission and values, then make a connection between the company's values and your own.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

How to Answer

The depth in which you answer this question will show the interviewer your level of enthusiasm for the role, and it will highlight your diligence as an employee. First, do your research on the company and highlight some stand-out factors that set the organization apart from its competitors. Focus your response on the positive aspects that have attracted you to the company. Put a spotlight on those factors and then connect them to why you are a good fit for the role and organization.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Answer Example

"While preparing for this interview, I learned a lot about the company's mission to deliver excellent customer service and its commitment to environmental responsibility. I appreciate that the organization is working to make all offices green in the next 12 months through a better recycling program and optimizing new energy initiatives. I am an active promoter of lowering our company's carbon footprint by automating a range of customer interactions in my current role. Some of the initiatives I've helped implement this year have boosted customer satisfaction rates while improving our corporate response to climate change. I was excited to see a strong alignment between my values and the goals and mission of Company ABC."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Admin Example

"I conducted a great deal of research before coming in today. I was excited to see that Company ABC is expanding into the South American market. This expansion is an exceptional sign of growth and success and a good indicator that the new CEO has made impactful changes. I am thrilled to think that I could be an active member of the administration team in an organization with global reach."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Manager Example

"I have thoroughly researched Company ABC and see that the team recently earned an industry innovation award for a new ABC Software rollout. Congratulations on this amazing achievement! As an industry insider, I know that this award came with stiff competition, which tells me that your team is incredibly dedicated and focused on industry disruption and highly targeted customer solutions. Learning about the successes that Company ABC has experienced in the past 18 months adds to my high level of enthusiasm to join this organization."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Sales Example

"It's been my desire to join a high-growth startup for some time, so I was sure to perform detailed research on Company ABC before applying to this role. It seems this organization has crafted a healthy workplace culture centred around industry achievement, continued growth, and professional accountability. The energy here is contagious, and I am excited for the opportunity to learn more."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Retail Example

"I know that Company ABC is the industry leader, both in new product rollouts as well as excellence in employee training. I appreciate that the organization is dedicated to educating, training, and promoting team members from the inside. I read that your average full-time employee tenure is more than six years. That longevity is nearly unheard of in the retail sector and a quality that I value in my next employer."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Teacher Example

"In my research, I found that this school is a state leader in student test scores. I have also heard that this school was voted the 'best place to work' within the district. The focus placed on nurturing students both academically and in personal growth is impressive. I was pleased to read the school's robust diversity, equity, and inclusivity plan since I am an active DEI advocate. I also appreciate that this school has numerous, highly active student-led groups focused on social issues; another passion I bring as an educator."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Marketing Example

"I have researched many marketing agencies in our city and greatly appreciate Agency ABC's stand-out dedication to bringing affordable tech marketing solutions to small and medium business owners. As a marketing professional, I believe that great marketing can be accessible to all companies, regardless of size or budget. In addition to this alignment, I have spoken to a couple of your current employees, and they mention that the culture here is top-notch, a factor that is incredibly important to me as I look for my next opportunity."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"ABC Company is the oldest bank in XXX country, it has over 200 years history. Also, ABC is one of the big four banks in XXX, it is the largest bank in YYY country. ABC emphasis on customer service, the vision of ABC is to be one of the world's great service company, and help people, customers, and communities to grow and prosper."

Marcie's Feedback

Great! Your answer makes it apparent that you have definitely researched the company and have a high opinion of it. The interviewer will appreciate this. Nice job!

Show More Answers

Anonymous Answer

"NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of the Comcast Corporation and one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the industry that includes a huge portfolio of television networks, film companies, theme parks, Internet-based businesses and a streaming service. NBCUniversal also has a solid reputation of delivering premium content and with the recent reorg to a centralized structure and to focus on streaming, I feel that there will be a lot of growth potential for the business and a new challenge which is one of the reasons that drew me to this role."

Cindy's Feedback

Great. I might add a bit about how your background can contribute to the company's goals (in other words, how is your candidacy solving a problem or making an answer to a need) rather than just mentioning why the opportunity is attractive to you.

Anonymous Answer

"I know they're the largest health care organization in the world. And that St. David's has been in Austin Texas since 1920."

Cindy's Feedback

Good start. It would help to do a little more research so you're prepared to talk about it in some depth. For example, what's its specialty? How is it ranked? What is there to be proud of if you work there?

Anonymous Answer

"I have been able to do a lot of research over your company; It was founded in 1941 by Homer Stryker, making a rotatable hospital bed. Over the years, your company has won numerous awards, and a top place in the country to work. You have also been named a military-friendly employer, which is something that personally drives me to your company."

Rachelle's Feedback

You have performed some important research, which the interviewer will be thrilled to hear. Try to dive deeper into why being a military-friendly employer is so important to you. This could allow the interviewer to make a stronger connection with you.

Anonymous Answer

"Your company values itself on having a strong culture and providing outstanding service to customers and treating each other and your customers the way you want to be treated.

Your company also has a deep commitment to serving communities which I think is awesome!"

Rachelle's Feedback

Great work! You bring a lot of enthusiasm for your answer. If you have details on their core values or mission statement, it would be a nice touch to add these into your response.

Anonymous Answer

"The company values excellence, integrity, and teamwork. While reading through the company's website I share the same values; I continue my education and undergo training, attend lectures to further my knowledge to provide the highest standard of care to my clients, own and accept any shortcomings, and share success with the team emulates community belongingness, a value that the company and I have in common."

Jaymie's Feedback

It's great to demonstrate your knowledge by sharing the organization's mission, vision, and values and how you align with those aspects. If you are aware of any other positive information like patient satisfaction, quality or care awards, employee reviews, etc., feel free to share that information as well.

Anonymous Answer

"Your company vision which is to drive the shift towards a sustainable transport system, creating a world of mobility that is better for business, society and the environment. It is why you standing strong towards your competitors. The prestigious Green Truck Award 2017 is awarded to Scania's new generation R 450 Highline truck, based on its superior fuel performance was something that impressed me. You had a lot of competition when it comes to winning this award, so this tells me that your team is incredibly dedicated and focused toward a sustainable transportation future."

Rachelle's Feedback

I would suggest using complete sentences, summarizing the information you learned, and relating it back to why you want the job. The research you have done on the company is good!

"I love the vision of your company, which is what sparks my interest in this role. Your mission and vision are why your organization is standing firm against competitors. The prestigious Green Truck Award given to your R450 Highline Truck was very impressive, seeing that there was a lot of fierce competition for this award. This recognition shows me that your team is incredibly dedicated and focused on a sustainable solution for the future of transportation."

Anonymous Answer

"I have conducted research on your organization and have been impressed by the work that you do. From what I understand, your company specializes in [insert specific products or services] and has a strong reputation for [insert key achievements or values].

As a laboratory technician, I see working for your organization as a unique opportunity to join a top-notch team in the field of [insert specialized area]. With extensive experience in molecular techniques and microbiology, I am excited about the prospect of collaborating with your team of experts. I believe that my skills and expertise align well with the type of research and experimentation that your organization is known for."

Jaymie's Feedback

Interviewers want to know that you are knowledgeable about their organization because it's important that you align with their mission, vision, and values. Sharing what you know about the work that they do, any accomplishments or recognition they have earned, and their culture will be helpful to share in your response.

Career Goals

14. Why are you looking for a new job?

The Goal

As much as a hiring authority understands the desire to seek new work, the question around your personal or professional motivation remains. The interviewer wants to understand the circumstances that sparked the desire to leave your current or most recent position. The goal of your response is to assure the interviewer that this role, and the company, will meet your needs in the long term rather than be a band-aid for any dissatisfaction you feel around your current job.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

What to Avoid

Avoid being too vague by responding like, 'My current position is no longer a fit.' You'll also want to avoid all negative talk such as, 'My current company has a toxic work environment, and my boss is awful.' Another important approach to avoid is the typical answer that most candidates give, such as, 'I am looking for a new job because I need to feel more challenged.' Be honest about your current situation, but be careful not to overshare or speak negatively about your current position. It is best to focus primarily on your future wish list versus dwell on what is going wrong in your current job.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Pro Tip

If you aren't sure how to approach this question, consider that some of the most common reasons for leaving a job include:

- Misalignment of values
- Company restructuring, merger, or acquisition
- Lack of growth opportunities or little engagement from leadership
- Underutilization of your top skills
- Relocation of your family or the company's office
- Desire to explore a new industry

Be honest about your current situation, but be careful not to overshare or speak negatively about your current employer. It is best to focus primarily on your future wishes vs. dwelling on what is going wrong or what went awry.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

How to Answer

Clearly outline how this new opportunity aligns with your professional goals. Make a connection between your desires and how the hiring company will benefit from hiring you.

If you are employed and looking for a new opportunity, the hiring authority will want to know how their job differs from the one you are looking to exit.

- First, set up the situation and mention the challenges you faced/currently face.
- Then, outline the positive actions you took/have taken to overcome these challenges.
- Next, highlight the transferable skills you have developed despite the situation.
- Last, Discuss the benefits of these transferable skills and provide measurable examples of how these skills will ensure your success in this new role.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Answer Example

"I currently work for a small family-run organization with minimal opportunities for career growth. The owners' son holds the position I would like to secure next, showing that I have reached my peak with the organization. I am very thankful for everything my current employer has offered me the past four years, including continued education in business development and customer care. If hired, I believe your organization will benefit from this knowledge and experience. I am ready to grow in my career and generate great successes for Company ABC."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Admin Example

"My current company recently closed its doors. It was a small family-run business, and the owner wanted to retire, so he decided to sell the business. The new owners merged the company into their existing operations, which meant my colleagues and I were laid off. Despite the unexpected change, I find myself excited for the opportunity to grow my career. I am ready to progress with an organization like Company ABC where I can lend my expertise in office support tasks and record-keeping."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Manager Example

"My company went through a merger last quarter. Since the structural change, the production quality has declined significantly, and my customers are dissatisfied. There is no plan for improvement. My biggest desire is to feel pride in the products and services that I represent, so I have decided to start looking for a fresh opportunity with an organization like Company ABC that emphasizes quality and genuine customer care."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Sales Example

"Taking my most recent job was a misstep. While I was excited to be headhunted to join the start-up, the framework, leadership, and business plan described to me do not match the reality. I have remained in the role for one year, doing everything I can to influence change. However, it is time to move forward. I am approaching my next move with more care, ensuring that I make a fully informed decision. After thoroughly reading through Company ABC's job description and performing due diligence, I am confident that the product, customer base, and work environment is a strong match."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Retail Example

"I recently graduated with my business degree. While attending school, I worked as a supervisor on evenings and weekends at a local pub. Now, I am ready to leave my job in hospitality and move into a retail sales management role. If chosen for this role with Company ABC, I will diligently apply my customer service expertise to ensure the store's sales goals are exceeded every month."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Teacher Example

"I am seeking a new teaching opportunity with a school closer to my home. Now that my kids are out of elementary school, I can take a new position without the conflict of being assigned to their school. Teaching at School ABC has been a dream for a long time, and the timing is finally right. If chosen for this opportunity, I will bring the same passion and care that I have with School XYZ over the past ten years."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Marketing Example

"I have outgrown my current role of marketing coordinator, and since my agency is a boutique firm, any opportunity for advancement is still a few years away. Last month, I began searching for opportunities within larger advertising agencies, and luckily, I was alerted to your job posting. I look forward to learning more about this opportunity and showing your team how my skills in prospect research and developing marketing proposals will benefit Agency ABC should I be hired."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"As I am a recent graduate, and I want to apply the theoretical and practical knowledge in today's healthcare world."

Rachelle's Feedback

Nice, simple response, fitting to your current situation.

Show More Answers

Anonymous Answer

"I relocated and I have the desire to explore new environments and opportunities. As I am shifting from a technician to an RN role in dialysis this job posting is what I'm looking for."

Jaymie's Feedback

Relocation, growth, and development opportunities are valid reasons to seek a new position. You did a great job giving a brief, informative, and direct answer.

Anonymous Answer

"I am looking for a new job as a lab assistant because I am seeking new opportunities to expand my skills and knowledge in this field. While I have gained valuable experience in my current role, I am looking for a position where I can continue to learn and grow. Additionally, I am interested in working full-time as my previous job was part-time, and I am excited about the prospect of dedicating myself to a lab assistant role full-time. Overall, I am eager to find a new job where I can contribute my skills and experience to a team."

Jaymie's Feedback

Great! Your answer is positive and contains no red flags to the interviewer (i.e., you didn't get along with your manager, you were underpaid, etc.). Your reasons for wanting to move into a new role where you can work full-time and continue to grow and develop will be acceptable to the interviewer.

Anonymous Answer

"It is my childhood dream to pursue a GI fellowship as I mentioned in my PS. After residency, my family had financial issues and one of my immediate family members had a health issue. I had to support my family and stabilize before I pursue my dream."

Marcie's Feedback

Sharing these details makes your answer memorable and meaningful - good job! Can you talk a bit more about how you knew it was time to pursue your dream again? Emphasize your desire to move up in your career and expand your knowledge. Excellent job!

Anonymous Answer

"My previous company was a food company and I am now looking for a pure tech company. In particular, I like that you are an analytics company and I feel like my analytical side can be better utilized at your company. Also, the project at my previous company was more or less done."

Amanda's Feedback

This is a good start. Consider starting your answer by more directly answering the question and then following up with what excites you about working for this particular company. You can share that the project you were working on in your previous role has been completed and you're ready to take on your next challenge in the tech space so that you can put your analytical skills to work solving a new problem.

Anonymous Answer

"Eventually, I would like to work with just patients going into delivery and not postpartum if I'm being honest."

Amanda's Feedback

I appreciate how directly you answered the question, but this question typically requires a bit more finesse. Narrowing your focus too much can make you appear inflexible or unwilling to adapt if needs change. Consider adjusting your answer to share what you've learned in your current role and that you're looking for the next step that will empower you to best use the skills you've honed to focus on labor patients because your experience has shown you that this is where your passion lies.

Anonymous Answer

"I was furloughed from my travel career in March 2020 due to the Covid pandemic, I accepted a contract position that is scheduled to end on October 31, 2021."

Amanda's Feedback

Well done! This is a very clear, considerate response.

Anonymous Answer

"The opportunity presents itself and it is the career path I've always wanted for myself."

Stephanie's Feedback

This is a great start, but I suggest developing this response a bit more. Why is now the right time? Example: "I have grown so much in my current role and it has been a meaningful experience, but I am excited to grow in my career and this is the perfect time for a change."

Leadership

15. Describe your leadership skills.

The Goal

The interviewer wants to know which skills make you a stand-out leader. They also want to see that you bring a passion for leadership. The goal of your response is to highlight the skills that showcase your ability and desire to be a positive person of influence in the workplace.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

What to Avoid

Avoid overlooking the importance of possessing leadership skills. Even if you are not applying for a formal leadership position, it's still an expectation that you act like a leader in the workplace. Regardless of your job title, be prepared to discuss the skills that showcase your ability to be a role model for others.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Pro Tip

Author and speaker Simon Sinek says: 'Leading is not the same as being the leader. Being the leader means you hold the highest rank, either by earning it, good fortune, or navigating internal politics. Leading, however, means that others willingly follow you--not because they have to, not because they are paid to, but because they want to.'

With this definition of leadership in mind, take some time to think about how you influence others because you want to, not because you have to. Perhaps you are skilled at motivating and encouraging others, or maybe you are a person with a lot of creativity whom others want to learn from. Maybe your leadership superpower is empathy or even decisiveness.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

How to Answer

Go to your interview prepared with examples of when you have been a proactive leader. If this is an entry-level role without a leadership component, the interviewer will still want to see that you can take the initiative when there is an opportunity.

If you're having a hard time thinking of which leadership skills you possess, consider this list of skills and qualities:

- Accountability
- Active Listening
- Creativity
- Critical Thinking
- Decisiveness
- Delegation
- Emotional Intelligence
- Empathy
- Integrity
- Motivational
- Patient
- Positivity

Choose 2-3 leadership skills that describe you best, and be prepared to give an example of these qualities in action.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Answer Example

"I have an open, enthusiastic style of leadership. A leader should want to nurture others to their fullest potential, something I have enjoyed most of my career. I strive to be an example for others to follow and help guide people to better themselves and improve their career trajectory. By emulating these leadership qualities, I have found that my teammates aren't afraid to bring me their questions or most significant challenges. They know I am here to help them and am always willing to collaborate to find a solution."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Admin Example

"As a Director of Account Administration, I live by the open-door leadership model. I remember how hard things could be when I started my career. Remembering the challenge, I give our account administrators space and freedom to complete their work while always leaving the conversation open for brainstorming, giving guidance, and providing advice. I genuinely want to see my team members grow and succeed."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Manager Example

"My leadership style can be described as creative, open, and encouraging. For instance, I strive to do what I can to foster an environment conducive to my team members' learning and growth. I find that by leading this way, I retain staff much longer, and productivity increases."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Sales Example

"In previous performance reviews, my leadership style has been described as attentive, open, and confident. I listen to my team members and give them the room to perform their jobs well. For example, when one of my team members is not hitting their quota, I will step in and begin coaching. I want to believe they are capable of their job unless they show me otherwise. This leadership approach has worked well with my team, and as a result, we are the top sales team in our region."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Retail Example

"When it comes to leadership, I think of myself as a coach. My role is to help the retail sales reps flourish. Each team member has unique strengths and weaknesses that I help them identify and then improve. Every team member learns differently, so I try to understand their needs, what motivates them, and how they like to learn."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Teacher Example

"My most vital leadership skills include empathy, creativity, and adaptability. These skills are beneficial for me as a teacher since they help me to see each student as a unique individual while introducing new and creative ways to draw out the natural strengths in each of my students. Since my first year as an educator, I have participated in a local student/teacher mentorship program. This program has helped me hone my leadership skills while adapting to a wide variety of student needs."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Marketing Example

"I strive to do the right thing and hope that others will follow my example. Although I have yet to work in an official leadership position, I feel that my commitment to adaptability and innovation has made a positive impact on the team members around me."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I feel I have an open and enthusiastic style of leadership. To me, a leader wants to nurture others to their fullest potential, and it is something I have enjoyed since childhood. I love to be an example to follow and help guide others to bettering themselves and their careers. I've found that my teammates aren't afraid to bring me their questions or mess-ups, since they aren't afraid of repercussions, but rather know we will collaborate to figure it out and learn from it together."

Rachelle's Feedback

This answer and shows what type of leadership style you prefer, but doesn't quite address your leadership skills. I would suggest giving examples of some leadership roles you have had and the skills you gained. If you mention a skill you've used since childhood (a bold statement and one that is overused) then back it up with facts.

"I am an open and enthusiastic leader. I strive to be a leader who nurtures others to their fullest potential. This trait is one I have carried since childhood when I would spend my time teaching the neighborhood kids how to improve their reading skills! I consider myself a positive example for others, helping to guide them to better career moves and further successes. My teammates aren't afraid to bring their mistakes to me, knowing I will collaborate with them to learn together."

Show More Answers

Anonymous Answer

"I feel I am an attentive and open leader. I believe that communication is very important. I try to encourage performance by nurturing and mentoring team members."

Rachelle's Feedback

It sounds as though you have some excellent leadership skills! If you have leadership-specific training, this is an excellent opportunity to discuss.

Anonymous Answer

"I am the lead design intern for the Design office at my university. I manage new interns every year and I have been able to teach and guide two so far to create a smooth running office of design. I am also the lead researcher for my research group, leading and instructing the other team members on what is to be expected of them and to promote collaboration. Finally, I also worked as a student supervisor, managing 10-15 students at a time, delegating tasks and answering any questions."

Rachelle's Feedback

Perfection! Love this response! I have reworded slightly, for clarification.

"Currently, I am the lead design intern USC's design office. I manage new interns every year, with an approach of guidance and mentorship. I have been able to create an office that runs very smoothly. I am also the lead researcher for my research group, instructing three other team members on next steps so that we can smoothly collaborate and meet our deadlines. Finally, I work as a student supervisor, managing up to 15 students at a time, answering questions and delegating tasks."

Anonymous Answer

"I enjoy being positive, efficient, and accountable. What I have noticed is people will naturally follow my lead, even when I am not in charge, I still thrive as leading projects and everyday tasks. I attribute this to my communication skills and problem-solving skills, as well as my work ethic."

Chad's Feedback

Great response; it sounds like you are a natural leader who leads by example. My only suggestion would be changing the language slightly to directly answer the question posed by the interviewer. In the "Revised Answer" box, I have suggested a way you can restate your answer slightly.

"The leadership skills I pride myself on are being positive, efficient, and accountable. What I have noticed over the course of my career is people will naturally follow my lead. Even when I am not the one in charge, I still thrive on leading projects and everyday tasks. I attribute this to my strong communication skills, my problem-solving skills, as well as my work ethic."

Anonymous Answer

"I teach what I preach. I do as I lead. Being a leader I set a good example."

Jaymie's Feedback

These are ideal leadership skills for a nurse to possess! Have you had the opportunity to mentor or lead anyone in the workplace? If not, what about in school or volunteer work? Use this opportunity to discuss and showcase your experience in this area.

Anonymous Answer

"I feel I have an open door, active listener, and enthusiastic style of leadership. I want to have a healthy, positive, friendly, and collegial relationship with my work family. Honest and clear communication is the best way to understand each other. give an example of the NE 9 UMD role."

Marcie's Feedback

Make sure to line up several different examples to talk about when answering questions during an interview so you don't bore the interviewer with the same one over and over again! In terms of your leadership skills, can you give an example that shows your open door, active listening, and enthusiastic style of leading? Talk about how you've successfully led a team or mentored a junior employee. Great job!

Anonymous Answer

"My leadership style changes based on the situation I am in. Generally, I prefer a collaborative style of leadership, where I get buy-in from others about my ideas. However, I am an instinctive decision-maker and not afraid to make a decision on the spot if it is called for."

Amanda's Feedback

Your answer gives the interviewer a good idea of what your leadership style is. You can enhance your response by talking about the leadership skills you have that make your style effective, such as communicating well, the ability to motivate others, handling and/or delegating various responsibilities, listening to feedback, and the ability to adapt to solve problems in the workplace.

Anonymous Answer

"Whenever there is a new employee in our Birmingham Office I greet them at the reception desk and lead them through the office. I email them all of the info they will need to get set up on their phone and laptops. I contact IT Dept to get them set up. I order business cards and the supplies they need. I let them know to contact me whenever they have any questions and need anything and I will take care of them.

I also have trained my new HR manager on everything I do on the phones, mail, and deposits because she is my backup when I am out of the office."

Marcie's Feedback

Nice! It definitely sounds like you take charge and enjoy helping new employees. If possible, mention other leadership skills that also pertain to you (like confidence, empathy, strong communication skills, humility, integrity, creative thinking, decisiveness, delegation, and so on). Great job!

Adaptability

16. Would you be willing to work over 40 hours a week?

The Goal

It's common for hiring companies to ask about your preferred work hours. The interviewer wants to know what kind of commitment they can gain from you if hired to join their team. The goal of your response is to express that you are a reliable and dedicated individual. You also want to show that you can finish your tasks in a reasonable amount of time.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

What to Avoid

Avoid giving a closed-ended answer like, 'No, I cannot work more than 40 hours per week.' If it turns out the hiring company's schedule expectations won't work for you, think about what you CAN offer and see if you can come to a compromise. Also, avoid sounding like a workaholic. Responsible employers do not want to hear that you work 12 hours, seven days a week since they know this can be a quick route to burnout.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Pro Tip

Before answering scheduling questions, it's essential to be clear on the interviewer's expectations. In many states, provinces, and regions, an employer cannot demand that an employee work more than 44 hours per week. Be sure to know your rights as an employee before answering questions about hours and scheduling commitments.

Also, be clear about what kind of commitment you can give your new employer. If the company needs you physically in your office by 7:30 am until 6:00 pm Monday to Friday, and your personal life doesn't allow for that, it's much better to discuss these factors in detail before committing to a schedule that won't work for you.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

How to Answer

When you respond, express that you are a reliable and hard worker. Show the interviewer that you are capable of proper time management, ensuring you complete your tasks every week within an appropriate amount of time. You can then express that you have the flexibility for situations that require your time over and above the typical work week.

If you haven't had a chance to clarify the hiring company's scheduling needs, now would be the perfect time to ask. Consider asking what the scheduling expectations are for the position. If the employer expects you to work 12 hour days, it would be vital to know that before you respond with, 'Absolutely! No problem!' You want to be sure that you can meet their expectations.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Answer Example

"I am available for full-time work, which is preferably 8-5 Monday to Friday. I am happy to be a team player and work some overtime, as required. Will these hours meet your expectations?"

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Admin Example

"I am excellent with task and time management, allowing me to complete my assignments within a 40-hour workweek typically. If overtime is required at times, I am happy to accommodate. My only restriction is Wednesday nights as I have an evening course to attend for the next 12 weeks."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Manager Example

"I am willing to work overtime as needed; however, I would like to know if overtime work is an expectation. Could you share more with me detail in regards to the schedule and hours expectations for this role?"

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Sales Example

"I wish to retain my current schedule as much as possible, which is Monday through Friday from 8:00-5:00. I understand that, with sales-based roles, there will be times when I need to put in more hours to close a deal or meet a quota. I intend to exceed my goals, and if putting in additional hours is what's needed, I'm 100% committed."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Retail Example

"I value a healthy balance between work and my personal life; however, I anticipate working over 40 hours per week at times, especially around the holidays. Could you share with me the expectations for this role?"

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Teacher Example

"As a teacher, I often work overtime. While the school day may be from 7:45 to 3:15, I take my laptop and marking home with me on nights and weekends. I am currently a soccer coach, so I am no stranger to long days and nights. I fully dedicate myself to my job and students."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Marketing Example

"In a salaried role such as this, I expect to commit more than a typical 40-hour workweek. I will dedicate more time to the team as needed while preserving a healthy balance. Are there specific instances of overtime that I should be aware of?"

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"As a salary employee, I have always believed my hours a week may change depending on the current needs of that position. There are times I may need to come in early or stay late, and this is all part of getting the job done that I am happy to do."

Rachelle's Feedback

Your philosophy on work will be much appreciated by any hiring authority. You know exactly what it takes to succeed on the job!

Show More Answers

Anonymous Answer

"Yes, I would be willing to work what the job requires and will be available for extra hours if the job requires it."

Jaymie's Feedback

You did a great job demonstrating your flexibility and willingness to go above and beyond regular shifts to support the team and patients.

Anonymous Answer

"I am a physician who is committed to his patient's well-being. I am ready to work as many as hours to be well trained and to provide high-quality care. I will assure you that I will take care of my physical and mental health without delaying and compromising patient care. I am a reliable, flexible hardworking, and dedicated team player who can go the extra mile to help my colleague and reach our team goal. Currently, I have been working over 40 hours a week for the last 10 years without any issues."

Marcie's Feedback

Wow! Without a doubt, this response will show the interviewer that you are fully capable and willing to work more than 40 hours a week. It's good that you also acknowledge taking care of your physical and mental health too. How exactly do you plan to do that? Great job!

Anonymous Answer

"Yes, I am able to work 40 hours a week. I have worked for startups where it was the norm to work around 10 hours a day. I am more eager to pull longer hours at startups because I feel like there is a stronger cohesion between my teammates, work hard then play hard. Also since I know I am not a cog in the big machine, I feel more passionate about my work and putting extra effort into it."

Amanda's Feedback

You're right. In the startup space, the hours can be longer as teams work hard to launch new products, services, or technology. You've done a good job expressing that you're willing to put in more hours because you truly enjoy the startup environment and are passionate about being part of a collaborative team.

Anonymous Answer

"Yes, I am willing to assist whenever and wherever needed."

Amanda's Feedback

Your response indicates that you're a dedicated team member. However, if there is a limit to the number of hours you'd be willing to work in a week, it's appropriate to express that limit as well.

Anonymous Answer

"Yes, that is nothing new in the hospitality industry"

Stephanie's Feedback

In the "Revised Answer" section, I have suggested a slightly revised response to this question.

"Yes, I have quite a bit of experience working overtime, due to my previous professional experience in the hospitality industry, and I understand that it comes with the territory. I'd be happy to work over 40 hours a week when it is necessary."

Anonymous Answer

"I am willing to do some overtime and holiday cover."

Stephanie's Feedback

Working overtime and evening/weekend/holiday hours is often an important component of retail work, so it's great that you have a willingness to accommodate your employer in this area.

Anonymous Answer

"Absolutely! I am not scared of putting the hours in at work, I do value time with my family and a work/life balance. I feel you can accomplish this balance while still working over 40 hours a week."

Chad's Feedback

Great! The interviewer will undoubtedly appreciate your commitment and willingness to put in extra work when necessary. If the scheduling expectations for the position have not been made clear, this presents a perfect time to ask for clarification from the interviewer.

Education

17. Tell me about your education.

The Goal

Hiring companies commonly ask this question of recent graduates. The interviewer wants to know how your education or training has prepared you to succeed in the job. The goal of your response is to highlight your education and training. Then, make a connection between the knowledge you gained and how you will apply that knowledge to succeed in the role.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

What to Avoid

There are many ways to gain education, so avoid underestimating the training you've received by stating that you don't have any education to discuss. Whether it be formal (college, university courses, or career training modules) or informal education (self-learning, self-guided courses), the hiring company wants assurance that you have the training or knowledge required to do the job successfully.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Pro Tip

If you do not have a formal post-secondary education, that is okay! Self-learning is education, too. Perhaps you recently gained skills through an online course or masterclass that will help you perform very well in this new role. If that's the case, be proud of your accomplishment and be prepared to talk about how this training will ensure your competency and success.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

How to Answer

Whether or not the hiring company requires a certain education level, it's essential to show the interviewer that you have the necessary knowledge to do the job correctly. When outlining your training, be sure to discuss the learning opportunities and experiences most relevant to the position. You will also want to highlight any particular involvement, awards, or accolades you received along the way.

If you attended post-secondary studies, you likely learned core skills transferable to any career path. For instance, if you worked on group projects in school, you could share how your education improved your ability to collaborate in challenging environments. In addition to the core knowledge gained from your diploma, certificate, or degree, think about the soft skills that you have earned:

- Time Management
- Creative Thinking
- Proposal Writing
- Public Speaking
- Presentation Building
- Independent Learning
- Academic Research
- Self-Motivation

Confidently discuss what you learned and highlight how you will apply the knowledge to benefit the hiring company.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Answer Example

"I graduated from USD with my Bachelor of Science, major in computer science in 2007. I received various scholarships due to my strong grades, and I was on the Dean's List for three out of four years. My best grades were in algorithms courses, and I did very well with learning complex concepts. My education helped build a strong foundation and professional discipline, allowing me to continue to develop in-demand skills while working for the fastest-growing tech companies in the world."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Admin Example

"My post-secondary education was in communications and journalism. The courses in this program helped me to develop stronger business relationships through professional correspondence. I also learned persuasive writing skills, which have proven to be incredibly helpful when editing client proposals."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Manager Example

"I received my Master's in Computer Engineering and Computer Science in 2009. Before that, my undergraduate degree was in computer science. These valuable educational experiences helped me build my career in an in-demand and competitive industry. One area where I particularly flourished was in Computer Science Project Management, making me well-suited for leadership roles where I oversee developers and engineers."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Sales Example

"I have a Bachelor of Arts in English and a minor in Spanish from UBC. I graduated with a 3.8 GPA, which I am very proud to have earned. I worked full-time while going to school, so I learned a lot about time management and discovered that I work best under some degree of pressure. The skills that I learned during university have helped me grow my career quickly. I have above-average communication skills, and since graduating, I have continued to refine many competencies. This continued education includes learning the art of negotiation and building my confidence in public speaking. I look forward to bringing my knowledge and professional skills to your company and complimenting your incredible team."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Retail Example

"I have my associate's degree in fashion merchandising and a bachelor's degree in media and communications. I received a scholarship for my excellent grades, and I was involved in various student body groups. My fashion merchandising knowledge helps me in my current job, as I plan a store's displays, assist with curating collections, and develop social media campaigns. My training in media and communications helps me to build better connections online and in person. Whether working alongside a customer, our seasonal buyers, or going to a local fashion event, I can fit in easily and contribute to critical goals by utilizing the knowledge that I gained from my formal post-secondary education."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Teacher Example

"In 2011, I completed my Bachelor of Education degree with a minor in kinesiology. I graduated from UofS with honors and made the Dean's List for three years. During university, I played competitive sports and was the volleyball team captain in my final year. Currently, I am entertaining the idea of furthering my education to include a Master of Education, which I can complete online through Yorkville University. As a teacher, I value continuous learning and want to ensure that I set an exceptional example to the high school students that I teach."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Marketing Example

"I earned my business degree with a major in economics from UW, where I also took part in their international exchange program. This exchange took me to Singapore for 12 weeks, which was an incredible experience. I even learned how to speak a little bit of Malay and Mandarin Chinese. So, while I focused my education on macroeconomics and the global trading system, I also gained valuable soft skills in culture and communication. Additional soft skills that I gained, which will certainly help me in this new role, are time management, cross-collaboration, and how to be intrinsically motivated."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I have a bachelor's degree in Criminology from the University of Florida. That program was heavy in research and statistics and helped me cultivate an analytical ability that I'd spend a great deal of time honing thereafter. Last year I received a J.D. degree from a Law School in New York. Law School had a substantial and positive impact on my analytical skills and ability to work through a problem. I recently completed two comprehensive courses covering the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR). I understand the role of the FAR in government contracting so, despite not having related job experience, I took the initiative to begin developing that knowledge and adding it to my existing skillset."

Rachelle's Feedback

Excellent answer! Your response is easy to follow, and you seamlessly tie in the ways that your education has benefitted you. Great initiative at the end - well done!

Show More Answers

Anonymous Answer

"I graduated with my bachelor of science in June this year as a member of the dean's list. My major was biology, and my minor was anthropology. I gained many skills through undergrad including time management, motivation, and commitment"

Rachelle's Feedback

Nice recap!

Anonymous Answer

"I have a bachelor's degree in Economics, a Master's in Business Administration, and Graduate Certificate in Business Data Analytics. I learned the different areas of the business, and use data to make a logical decision. I made sense of different business issues and find a creative way to solve those issues."

Chad's Feedback

Wow! Your educational background is certainly impressive, and you should be very proud of your academic achievements. Be sure to also highlight to the interviewer any awards, accolades, or scholarships that you have received.

Anonymous Answer

"I graduated with my bachelor's of science in nursing from the University of Wisconsin in 2015. I got my ADN in 1998 from Harper College."

Amanda's Feedback

This is a good beginning! Consider starting your response by talking about what made you want to initially join the nursing profession. Then, share what made you want to pursue your BSN several years later. Because education can take many forms, you can also share any other specific training you've undertaken since earning your BSN.

Anonymous Answer

"I graduated from the University of Central Florida where I studied event management. This taught me all the bits and pieces that go into a hospitality job. I truly believe it is a job that encompasses being a jack of all trades. You have to know sales, marketing, day-of coordination, conflict resolution. It requires adaptability every day and I truly believe I was taught that through my four years in the Rosen hospitality program."

Stephanie's Feedback

Great--you do a good job of highlighting your education but also directly linking it back to the skills needed for this position.

Anonymous Answer

"I studied for a master's of xxx at xxx university. During my study, I had learned a wide range of skills and knowledge in statistics and machine learning. But more importantly, I have developed a strong learning ability and analytical thinking skills. I believe my skills and qualities will make a valuable contribution to your company."

Marcie's Feedback

Nice! You do a good job here of talking about your education. What about any degrees you received prior to your masters? You should mention them as well as any certifications or online courses you've taken. You can also mention any relevant extracurriculars too. Also, how will your analytical qualities allow you to contribute to the company? Connecting what you've learned to the role will impress the interviewer.

Anonymous Answer

"I graduated from one of the highest-ranked associate respiratory care programs in Texas.

At graduation, I had performed almost 100 ABGs and was able to use either hand to draw them.

I graduated at the top of my class and was awarded the Lambda Beta national honor society."

Cindy's Feedback

This is a good start! Next, I recommend providing details of how your education has prepared you for work in this industry, the company, and particularly the role. Here's a guide if you'd like to read further about answering this type of question:

https://www.mockquestions.com/interview/Entry Level/How-has-your-education-prepared-you-for-this-caree-GQT23181928.html

Anonymous Answer

"I earned my Master of Business Administration from the University of Redlands. I also have two Bachelor's Degrees from California State University, San Bernardino both Bachelor's of Arts, one in Business Administration specialty in Human Resources and the other Bachelor's of Arts in Information Management. My education has helped me through my career in higher education by being well-rounded. I have been able to manage multiple projects, budgets, and provide exceptional customer service."

Marcie's Feedback

Wow! You clearly have an exceptional academic background that will undoubtedly impress any interviewer. You've done a nice job of highlighting the degrees you have earned, in addition to connecting them to the role. Excellent!

Communication

18. Tell me about a time when you disagreed with your boss.

The Goal

The interviewer wants to know more about how you handle conflict between yourself and someone you report to. The goal of your response is to highlight your strong communication abilities in the face of conflict. Show the interviewer that you can face a challenging situation such as disagreeing with your boss, and handle the situation with respectful professionalism.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

What to Avoid

Avoid giving a general response like, 'If I disagree with my boss, I'll have a one-on-one conversation with them to sort out the issue.' Although this shows your willingness to address the disagreement, a vague answer like this fails to showcase your behavior, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills. Instead, be prepared to give an actual story example of when you faced this type of situation.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Pro Tip

When asked a 'Tell me about a time when...' question, it's important to remember that the interviewer is looking for a specific story-based example that highlights your behavior in challenging situations. Using the STAR interview method (an acronym for Situation, Task, Action, Result), you can more easily form a story-based response.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

How to Answer

Finding common ground with your boss, despite disagreeing with them, shows the interviewer that your desire to collaborate is stronger than your need to be correct. Overcoming disagreements with your boss also highlights your ability to problem-solve while facing a difference of opinion.

Even though you may have a great relationship with your employer, there may be times where you don't see eye to eye. Think of a conflict or disagreement you had with your boss where you responded well and resolved the dispute.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Answer Example

"(Situation) A few months ago, the opportunity of administrative lead opened up in a different department. (Task) My boss and I disagreed about whether my assistant was right for promotion. I knew that I needed to support my recommendation for her promotion factually. (Action) He believed that she should remain in her current role, and I also knew she wasn't quite ready; however, I knew that we'd lose a valuable team member if she weren't given a new opportunity soon. I made a 30-day growth plan for her, along with milestones and regular check-ins. (Result) After the 30 days, my boss and I agreed to promote her since she responded very well to the additional coaching and met promotion requirements."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Admin Example

"(Situation) My previous boss wanted to have a large hand in our social media marketing despite his lack of understanding of how it worked. He wanted to add complicated pricing and photo collages. (Task) As an experienced designer, I felt that a simple teaser and call to action was enough. (Action) After much discussion, we compromised, and each did it our way for one week. We then collected the insights related to customer engagement on each. (Result)I was correct in my stance. After that, he allowed me to manage our social media independently."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Manager Example

"(Situation) Some time ago, I had a boss that regularly forced overtime on employees at the last minute. (Task) I was the Assistant Manager at the time and could quickly see team morale sinking. (Action) I spoke with him at length about team morale. I approached the conversation with data and facts rather than emotion. (Result) He agreed to start giving the overtime notice sooner, making everyone's lives easier."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Sales Example

"(Situation) Last year, my sales director and I disagreed on the pending termination of one of my sales employees. (Task) As a Sales Manager, my philosophy is to train and coach before terminating. (Action) I expressed my desire to spend additional time training this employee. I presented that it would be more expensive to replace this person than to re-train. The director and I agreed that we would move forward with termination if this person missed their targets for another 30 days. After coming to a middle ground, I created a plan to spend five additional hours per week with this individual for three weeks. (Result) Remarkably, his performance improved by over 40%! This sales rep is still with us and often lands on the company's 'Top 10' list for sales performance."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Retail Example

"(Situation) One situation that stands out was a disagreement with my boss at Company XYZ over the distribution of tasks among the two store shifts. (Task) I was the floor manager, and I could see that my night shift team was struggling to keep up with expectations. (Action) I asked my boss for a private meeting to discuss the situation. I provided examples of how the existing methods seemed to be hurting the night shift team morale. (Result) At first, my boss was not thrilled since the conversation questioned her team knowledge. However, after explaining how it impacted team morale, productivity, and ultimately my influence as a leader, she agreed to try my approach. In the end, we were able to disperse tasks evenly among day and night shifts while maximizing productivity and increasing store sales."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Teacher Example

"(Situation) Last semester, my department lead and I did not see eye to eye on a curriculum change. (Task) I am the learning leader, and we collaborate regularly. I have worked carefully to develop a good rapport with her, so I needed to approach the discussion with diplomacy. (Action) In this situation, I created a short presentation with stats and facts to support my opinion. (Result) Although she did not agree with my points, I did learn that it's okay to disagree as long as the conversation remains respectful. As a result, we have become more innovative and thoughtful with the policies, curriculum, and lessons we implement."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Marketing Example

"(Situation) In a previous role, my supervisor believed that the company did not need to invest time or money into growing an email distribution list. (Task) As a skilled marketing manager, I strongly disagreed. (Action) I approached the topic gingerly, used hard numbers from case studies, and tied them to business goals. By removing emotion from the equation and focusing strictly on data and analytics, I could lay my stance out in a way that would be hard to dispute or elicit an emotional response. (Result) Ultimately, my supervisor gave the green light for piloting the program, and it was a great success. I built an email list of over 10,000 contacts, and our conversion rate increased by nearly 25%."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"Although, I have great respect for my employer, sometimes we have disagreements on some issues.

For instance, We had an upcoming project for that we needed to finalize our team for a satellite site, my boss recommended hiring a new experienced team for this project and I opposed this idea for the following reasons

1. it's been difficult to manage a new team remotely

2. The working area of a satellite office is too small so the new team might not comfortable working as compared to our current staff

3. Project required a fast-paced environment and new staff required more time to adjust and I had a feeling that the project might not be completed in a timely manner.

My boss listened to all my suggestions and fears with a great deal of passion and agreed with my recommendation.

In this tensed meeting, I was so calm and relaxed and presented my point of view

In a presentable way."

Stephanie's Feedback

Disagreements in the workplace are bound to happen on occasion, and you do a great job of normalizing this experience and sharing how you presented your view and navigated the best path forward. Good work!

Show More Answers

Anonymous Answer

"In my current role, I disagreed with my boss when they were continuously saying to me to push our stakeholder test faster. I am explaining to them why I don't do that currently because our stakeholders at the client side are busy with more critical assignments right now and we don't want to harm the relationship with them. Also, we can not push the other projects we are dependent on either because they are so much bigger and the way they do things is then regulated much stricter."

Rachelle's Feedback

This response is okay; however, it leaves the interviewer with more questions that answers. What was the resolution? Did you and your boss come to an agreement?

"I recently disagreed with my boss on how to communicate with our stakeholders. I wanted to take a more personable and communicative approach where he wanted to push harder. Of course, I did not want to harm the relationship with the stakeholders, so I chose to take a stance against his recommendations. In the end, I was able to continue communicating with the stakeholders how I saw fit."

Anonymous Answer

"My boss was so angry with me that I didn't notify her about the patient's condition and she received a call from the patient's family and she had no idea what they were talking about, I apologized and tried my best not to do it again."

Cindy's Feedback

Take another look at this question and think about revising your answer. The interviewer may be seeking information about a time when you diplomatically disagreed with your manager and continued to work productively with him to her. Can you think of an example to draw on?

Anonymous Answer

"Disagreeing with a boss happens in the workplace. I disagreed with my former boss about the unit patient allocation, the reason being that my boss did not want the charge nurse to handle patients, but when she asked me to do the role due to understaffing I took 2 very stable patients. She then agreed to the idea that charge nurses can take a stable patient and can still function in the role of a charge nurse. It is just a matter of time management and the presence of mind of the staff assigned."

Jaymie's Feedback

You're right; disagreements are normal in the workplace. It's how you handle them that's important! Focus on how you communicated your concerns and suggestions to your manager. Your communication, interpersonal, and conflict-resolution skills can be well highlighted when responding to this question.

Anonymous Answer

"As a lab assistant, I have always aimed to maintain effective communication with our boss and colleagues and collaborate to achieve our goals. While I have not had a specific experience of disagreeing with my boss, I believe it is important to have different opinions or perspectives on certain tasks or experiments.

In those situations, I make sure to express my perspective respectfully and provide evidence to support my reasoning. I also ensure that I actively listen to my boss's perspective and take it into consideration.

Through these discussions, we can come to a mutual understanding and make informed decisions that ultimately benefit the experiment and the lab as a whole."

Jaymie's Feedback

It's best to be upfront as you have here and explain that you've not had a specific disagreement with your boss before. You took the right approach by discussing how you would handle it in a hypothetical situation and focusing on effective communication, professionalism, and respect.

Anonymous Answer

"I will stay calm and respectful. I learned that conflict is often a symptom of poor communication. Communication is a way to resolve conflict and disagreement. I will try to approach people respectfully and try to listen actively and understand their perspectives because they may have more experience. We will work as a team to find the core point of disagreement and work toward a solution and prevent the situation from happening again. If I still have concerns, then I will follow the chain of command. If the patient's safety is at risk, then I will reach out attending directly. I will give an example of UMD and nurse manager experience in how to train new nurse graduates from locum nurses vs experience nurses from another floor to save money with STAR."

Marcie's Feedback

Nice! It sounds like you have a good process in place to handle conflict. Using the STAR method to describe an example of a time when you successfully managed a conflict will make your answer even more meaningful to the interviewer. Excellent!

Anonymous Answer

"One time my boss was giving me UI designs for the website that was not optimal. He was just blindly listening to the business team and not thinking through if the customer would actually like it. I pointed this out to my boss by asking him specifically "how will this new design solve X problem", once he was unable to answer, he then saw the flaw in his plan. I also acknowledge that he has the final word but I will say to him "once things go wrong, I'm going to point it out to show that my idea should have been taken seriously"."

Amanda's Feedback

You've done a good job using an example to illustrate your ability to navigate conflict in the workplace and get to the heart of an issue by asking probing questions that help others see the issue in a new light. Consider enhancing your answer further by eliminating the last sentence because it is more negative and feels like an "I told you so" statement. You can wrap your answer up by going back to your example and telling the interviewer what happened. Did your boss adjust the UI to be more customer-friendly?

Anonymous Answer

"(Situation)My Adviser wanted me to converse experimental data with the theoretical model for higher doped samples using the MR measurement like MR for low doping. However, the higher doped 15% sample did not meet at zero fields at 0K, which meant that the experimental result did not converse with the theoretical model or prediction. I was confident that the field-induced QCP for higher doping was antiferromagnetic in nature and this

should lie in the coexistence region of SC and AFM that I learned in much literature. (Task) As a project leader, I proposed to measure bulk properties via heat capacity HC in which we could see how magnetic field would affect AFM peak in heat capacity and correlate it why Hmax was not suppressed significantly with increasing doping at low temperature in H vs T phase diagram. She said that it would take a long time and be expensive. (Action) I showed that preliminary data showing the signature of the AFM in group discussion and convinced her. I completed the measurement of HC. and R in the field. (Result)I was correct in my stance. After that, she allowed me to measure and accepted my proposal to process forward quickly."

Amanda's Feedback

Great job! Using the STAR method ensures your response is well organized, concise, and includes all elements needed to showcase your expertise and the positive outcome you achieved even though your boss initially disagreed.

Accomplishment

19. What is your greatest achievement so far?

The Goal

The interviewer wants to know which career-related accomplishment you are most proud of so far. The goal of your response is to talk about your proudest career moment while describing the skills, qualities, characteristics, and action steps that helped you to achieve that goal. Your answer should clearly show how your recent achievements indicate your future success with the hiring company.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

What to Avoid

Avoid giving a not career-related response such as, 'My greatest achievement so far has been marrying the woman of my dreams.' Although it may sound heartwarming, this type of personal response tells the interviewer very little about your work ethic and career goals. Instead, speak about an achievement that connects to your career success and tells the interviewer more about why they should hire you.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Pro Tip

Before your interview, make a comprehensive list of your most recent career achievements, preferably within the last couple of years. Perhaps you recently received an award or accolade for your stand-out performance. Maybe your research was published, you just earned a raving performance review, or you exceeded a sales goal last month by 500%.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

How to Answer

Whether the interviewer asks for a professional example or not, choose to discuss one work-related victory that has positively impacted you, your team, and your employer. Whatever achievement you choose to highlight, be sure to express the actions you took to earn the win. The interviewer should connect your most significant accomplishment to the successes you might bring to their organization should they hire you.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Answer Example

"My most significant career achievement was being the youngest person ever awarded a sales management position at my current company. For 16 months, I often stayed late to make additional sales calls and would go on-site to dormant accounts one to two days per week. I worked very hard for that promotion, and my dedication paid off. Now, I am eager to earn similar accomplishments in this role with Company ABC."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Admin Example

"My most significant achievement so far is graduating from university top of my class while working full time. Some days, I would put in 18 hours of commitment between work and school to ensure my success. I am very proud of that achievement, and the situation taught me a great deal about accountability, time-blocking, and prioritization which are all qualities that will benefit Company ABC when I join the team."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Manager Example

"My greatest achievement was winning the North American Top Manager award three years in a row. The award is nomination-based, with the final decision based on staff retention rates, production rates, and tenure. Winning this award was a great confirmation that my dedication to my company and my team is well-balanced. I am eager to continue my success as a top contributor for Company ABC."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Sales Example

"At Company XYZ, I earned the fastest promotion to sales manager in the organization's history. I received this promotion after exceeding my sales goals by 100 - 125% to goal for two quarters in a row. I was proud of myself for earning this recognition, and I also received verbal accolades from the VP of Sales in front of the entire company at our annual sales conference. That moment was extraordinary and highly rewarding. As you can see, my dedication and drive will benefit Company ABC, should you choose to bring me onto your team."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Retail Example

"My greatest accomplishment is last year's promotion to the department manager. I began working for Company XYZ in a sales role three years ago. Now, I manage the third-largest department in the store. I attribute this success to my willingness to work overtime and my mentorship-based staff training and development approach. I see that Company ABC is looking for an achiever who understands servant leadership, two areas in which I excel."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Teacher Example

"Last year, my school district was doing a referendum and proposed cutting funding to the elementary Spanish program. My students' parents rallied and fundraised to ensure that the Spanish department remained intact and fully funded. It made me feel exceptional that my students and their families loved the program so much that they would show their support in such a generous way. I look forward to building strong relationships like this with School ABC should I be chosen for this opportunity."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Marketing Example

"I would say my greatest achievement is the highly successful marketing campaign that I led for Agency XYZ's largest client. I have helped launch compelling, revenue-generating campaigns; however, this particular campaign's results were off the charts. I included some of the marketing results in my portfolio if you would like to take a look. I am proud of this accomplishment and am ready to generate new notable successes with Agency ABC."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"My greatest achievement is my college degree and certificate. It took me 7 years. I never gave up."

Rachelle's Feedback

This is an excellent achievement! Fabulous job :)

Show More Answers

Anonymous Answer

"Getting my ASCP MT license"

Lauren's Feedback

Wonderful. I helped make your response a complete sentence.

"My greatest professional achievement has been earning my ASCP MT License."

Anonymous Answer

"When I was interning at my old law firm, there was a foreclosure action against a client of ours. He was unfortunately very ill with cancer and fell into default after he and his siblings took over the mortgage from their father. While the senior attorneys were struggling to find a way to save the client's home and running out of time, I discovered a procedural nuance that gave us standing to claim that the foreclosure notice was improperly served which bought us the time we needed to build a case and ensure the client was able to keep the house. I was praised for the work I had done and helping save that poor man's home."

Rachelle's Feedback

Wow - it must have felt incredible to know that you could make such a positive difference in someone's life! How encouraging, as an intern as well :) This answer is terrific, and the pride in your work shines through.

Anonymous Answer

"My greatest achievement so far has been graduating from Culinary school, because it gave me the education and the confidence to get promoted to full time at my current job. With full-time benefits, I can make plans with family, look forward to the future, and it gives me a great sense of accomplishment."

Rachelle's Feedback

You should be very proud of your accomplishment! Culinary school is challenging, and you are opening up many exciting opportunities for yourself.

Anonymous Answer

"I would say my greatest career achievement to date was increasing subscribers counts annually by 3%-5% for the business product lines I was responsible for. This was a significant achievement for me because it was a lean team I was working on (just the director and myself) and we had a tight budget. We became resourceful and strategic in our marketing development in order to meet the forecasted goals and I am proud at all we accomplished year over year."

Rachelle's Feedback

It's great that you add many specifics here, including tangible outcomes!

Anonymous Answer

"My greatest achievement was earning my bachelor's degree. I had to overcome many challenges and obstacles, such as retaking a couple of classes. However, by studying hard and being dedicated, I still managed to achieve my goal."

Rachelle's Feedback

It's so great that you were able to achieve your goal of completing your Bachelor's degree. To strengthen your answer, be sure to dive into the details of how you made this happen (ie: what challenges you faced and the action steps you took to overcome).

Anonymous Answer

"Two come to mind.

1 being promoted to assistant manager in my previous job.

2. running both the social media platforms and achieving new customers and club holders from promoting stock online."

Stephanie's Feedback

These are both wonderful achievements! In order to strengthen your response, you may wish to share what led to these achievements. For example, "After consistently exceeding sales goals, I was promoted to assistant manager at my previous job."

Anonymous Answer

"I'd say it was becoming a subject matter expert at my last job. This allowed me to help many engineers solve problems every day."

Rachelle's Feedback

Excellent response! This is specific and shows off a very important success.

Discovery

20. Tell me about yourself.

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

Many interviews begin with this question, or some iteration of it, such as, "Tell me about your career journey," "Talk to me about your career," or "Walk me through your professional background." It is open-ended for a reason, designed as an icebreaker to launch the interview. It's the job of a hiring manager to get to know you better. They also need each candidate to be relaxed, otherwise they may not present their best self. The last thing a recruiter wants is to not identify their target talent and miss out on an opportunity to hire an ideal employee. How you answer will also stand to inform them of how strong a communicator you are, and may provide other insights worth following up on later in your interview.

Written by Kevin Downey on March 28th, 2024

What to Avoid

Avoid providing too much personal information, or focusing on factors unrelated to your career. Adding a splash of personal information is fine, but your primary focus should be on your professional profile. So, keep your answer as work-related as possible.

Written by Kevin Downey on March 28th, 2024

Pro Tip

Give your interviewer a glimpse into your character and who you are as it relates to your career journey and the job opportunity. Know your audience. Your interviewer is a representative of their company, and it is incumbent on them to continue to build upon and foster the culture of their teams. So go into your interview with a clear picture of why you are a strong fit, and what you would contribute to their culture, proving you could be trusted to represent their company. Also, learn what you can about your interviewer if you are able. Visit their LinkedIn page, and see if their career journey is in any way similar to your own. The better a fit you seem, the stronger a candidate you'll be.

Written by Kevin Downey on March 28th, 2024

How to Answer

Many interviews begin with the question, "Tell me about yourself." This question can turn any well-prepared candidate inside out because it's open-ended. You might wonder where to begin and where to end! The Past, Present, Future framework is beneficial for forming an answer to this common interview question.

1) Past: Provide a brief overview of your career journey.
2) Present: Discuss your current career situation as it relates to the job opportunity.
3) Future: Talk about your career aspirations and how this future opportunity fits.

When you frame your response using the Past, Present, Future method, it helps you keep your thoughts on track, allowing you to deliver a well-organized answer with impact. If it feels more natural, you can also frame your answer as Present, Past, Future.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Healthcare Example

"(Past) I have worked as a patient care coordinator for over five years, consulting with patients and determining their needs. I have always enjoyed delivering patient care with compassion and empathy. (Present) Currently, I work for a private functional medicine clinic developing care plans and coordinating patient-care services. This role helped me expand my program development knowledge while meeting unique patient needs. (Future) Now, I am looking to broaden my experience to include actively educating patients and working with an established care team to evaluate interventions. Your organization's focus on care plans is one reason why I was thrilled to apply for this career opportunity."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Admin Example

"(Past) I have worked as an administrative assistant for four years, primarily working in the automotive industry. I have always enjoyed greeting new customers, being helpful on the phone, and helping the sales team to keep their paperwork organized. (Present) Currently, I work for the BMW dealership in the south of the city, where I manage the front desk in the showroom. This role has helped me learn more about the auto industry, how to approach high-end buyers, and how to keep myself organized in a bustling and open environment. (Future) I plan to grow my career and learn more about sales. Your sales assistant position seems like the next best fit in my career, and it would be an honor to grow my knowledge with your dealership."

Written by Kevin Downey on March 28th, 2024

Manager Example

"(Past) My background is in the hospitality industry. I spent many years as a customer service manager, where I hired and trained service staff and resolved customer complaints. (Present) Most recently, I left my job as the service desk manager at Hotel ABC, where I was responsible for a team of fifteen, including front desk agents and room service attendants. After two years with Hotel ABC, I realized that my skills and interests are best suited for the fast pace of the restaurant sector. (Future) After realizing my true passion is within restaurant environments, I set up job alerts for roles such as your restaurant service manager position. I've dined with your restaurant group many times before and jumped at the chance to apply."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Sales Example

"(Past) I have worked in the consumer product industry for over fifteen years, focused on key accounts and business development within commerce and e-commerce environments. (Present) Right now, I work as the VP of Business Development for a large toy manufacturer. My primary responsibilities include initiating and setting up meetings to sell multi-million-dollar contracts to large-size retailers and big-box stores. (Future) Over the past few months, I've discovered my excitement for the SaaS and Fintech industries, which is where I see a significant amount of opportunity. I wish to expand my business development experiences across sectors, which is why I am interested in growing my career with your company."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Retail Example

"(Past) I recently completed high school, where I was valedictorian thanks to my high grades and dedication to the Students' Association. (Present) Currently, I am seeking out an opportunity to strengthen my leadership skills and learn more about the business and retail industry before selecting my post-secondary educational path. (Future) I am eager to start my career on the right foot, and I believe that this part-time seasonal retail sales opportunity will help to guide and shape me for the future."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Teacher Example

"(Past) Initially, I pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, where I became fascinated with children's mental health, specifically the rise of anxiety, depression, and ADHD. Upon graduation, I interned at a school for children with behavioral concerns. The internship sparked my interest in education, so I returned to obtain my education degree. (Present) I have gained considerable confidence in my knowledge of children's mental health, emotions, and behaviors. Now, I am also highly equipped to begin my teaching career. (Future) I plan to grow my career, specifically in outreach-based schools. I understand that your school focuses on launching outreach programs for families in this community. Your mission aligns perfectly with my core passions, and it would be an honor to grow my teaching career with this esteemed organization."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Marketing Example

"(Past) I am thrilled to have had the privilege to raise my children for the past ten years. Although being a stay-at-home parent took me out of the traditional workforce, I kept myself busy and relevant in many ways. (Present) Currently, I volunteer for the Parent-Teacher Association, where I facilitate healthy relationships between parents, teachers, and schools. This work includes building online engagement for the school and putting together fundraising campaigns. As my kids get older and more independent, I find myself seeking more. (Future) I have developed exceptional skills in social media management, creating compelling campaigns, and learning the art of persuasion. These skills align very well with the qualities your agency seeks for this marketing assistant opportunity. I am ready to step into the next phase of my career and would be happy to apply these skills with your agency."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Counselor Example

"I've always been that person that after a few minutes of talking to someone, they start opening up to me, oversharing, and telling me their life story and all their personal struggles. I suppose it is because I am validating, extremely empathetic, always show a genuine interest in them, and am a strong listener. So, when I was deciding on a degree to pursue in college, my mother pointed out that I was already taking several sociology and psychology courses and that I should pursue psychology as a degree. So I did. I am certified as a family therapy counselor and am currently pursuing my master's in psychology. After reading everything about your clinic, the clinic's values, and the requirements of the job, this seemed like the fit and opportunity I've been looking for. Thank you so much for meeting with me."

Written by Kevin Downey on March 28th, 2024

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"It is clear that you are looking for a candidate whom is extremely familiar with the responsibilities associated with the USPS window clerk role and one whom could perform these responsibilities confidently."

Kristine's Feedback

Good start. You can elaborate by talking about three things. First, you can explain your present employment situation. Second, you can shift to the past to give a brief overview of career highlights, achievements, and professional interests as a story. The interviewer has seen your resume; connect the dots. Briefly explain when you discovered interests, why you chose the field, why you left jobs, or what you've learned. Finally, you can say something about the future, like why you're excited about the job.

Show More Answers

Anonymous Answer

"I started my career as a Tax Preparer where I was helping people file their taxes as per the legal regulations using electronic software. I also had an opportunity to work as an analyst recently. As an analyst, my work is basically researching the market online, providing supply chain analysis of competitors, and reporting the recommendations for the clients. I am currently working part-time and updating my knowledge with programming and database development while looking for full-time job opportunities."

Marcie's Feedback

Great answer! Perhaps consider also mentioning any degrees or higher education you've completed and what you majored in. You might also talk about how you got into preparing taxes and why you switched over to an analyst position. Finally, consider offering more details about the type of job you're currently looking for and what type of courses you're taking to improve your knowledge about programming and database development. These additional details will help to really impress the interviewer!

Anonymous Answer

"I am a graduate of xxx university. I study xxx and achieved excellent academic results. Also, I was a tutor at university. I have been tutoring undergraduate and postgraduate students for two years, I received positive feedback from students in terms of effective and respectful communication. Apart from academic study, I have an internship at xxx company. During the internship, I use data analytics skills to solve business problems. One of my achievements was I developed a customer retention model by myself. Over years, I have built up a wide range of skills and qualities. I have a strong learning ability and a can-do attitude. Also, I have analytical thinking and problem-solving skills. Now, I am looking for an opportunity to work in XXX company and I believe my skills and qualities will make a valuable contribution to your company."

Marcie's Feedback

This is a very strong answer. You have taken the opportunity to really sell yourself and show how you are different from other candidates. Good job! Plus, your answer is thorough, and it really explains your background and skill set and how these are applicable to the role you're trying to land. Perfect!

Anonymous Answer

"I recently graduated with honors with a Master's degree in public administration with a concentration in public management. I've been working as a legal administrative assistant for the past seven years, and I have been providing excellent client customer service. Looking back at it now, I must have done an exceptional job because customers specifically request me when they have any questions or concerns. My volunteer experience during my undergrad allowed me to realize that everyone has a story and that we must acknowledge everyone is an individual. Also, small changes can make a big impact."

Rachelle's Feedback

Great edits! I have provided a sample below that you can tweak as per the company you are interviewing for.

"I recently graduated with honors with a Master's degree in public administration with a concentration in public management. I've been working as a legal administrative assistant for the past seven years, and I have been providing excellent client customer service. I did an exceptional job, and customers would specifically request me when they had questions or concerns. My volunteer experience at (name of organization) showed me that everyone has a story. I feel these lessons and experiences have prepared me to be highly successful in this role with (interviewing company name)."

Anonymous Answer

"I'm a QA automation engineer with 7 years of experience. My patience and love to problem solving led me to getting a master's degree in Applied mathematics.

My journey in test automation began in 2012 when I attended a course for QAs. After finishing the course, I was offered a Junior position at a company.

From my first day, I fell in love with this profession. I was impressed by the team collaboration, how knowledgeable everyone was, and how much effort they put into delivering the best quality product.

Throughout my career I worked on a number of different projects participating in a different stages of SDLC.

My hard-work, adaptability, organizational skills and my commitment to the work I'm doing helped me grow professionally and develop a great set of hard and soft skills.

I look forward to discussing my skills today and show that I'm the best candidate for the role."

Rachelle's Feedback

Fabulous response! You use the Past, Present Future framework very well, and you do an excellent job highlighting the ways that your experiences will benefit the hiring company. Bravo!

Anonymous Answer

"I am a dedicated and hardworking person who enjoys learning new things each day about myself and the things around me. I enjoy finding solutions and fixes to problems when I can but not in a way that can become obsessive. I have my Bachelor's degree in Psychology and my Master's in Criminal Justice, so I consider myself equal parts analytical and empathetic."

Rachelle's Feedback

This summary is wonderful! You show balance in your approach to work.

Anonymous Answer

"This is for a Nursing school interview

Thank you for inviting me to be interviewed today.

I am very relational, empathetic, and love to help people feel welcome and comfortable. I enjoy working as part of a team and in a fast-paced environment. I have applied to become a nursing student at your school because I firmly believe I have the skills, qualities, and experience to perform to a very high standard and meet the school's expectations.

I have worked in a variety of nursing positions and I have gained considerable experience in dealing with challenging patients, working with healthcare team members from different departments, and ensuring the treatment and care provided are safe. I'm looking forward to gaining further experience and bringing my unique skillset and experience to this school.

My nursing knowledge and expertise and my flexibility in terms of being available to work the hours needed and more whenever required. On a more personal note, I am married, I have a 10-year-old daughter I have two dogs and I love hiking."

Marcie's Feedback

Awesome! This is a very strong response. You do an excellent job of reminding the interviewer of all the qualities, skills, and experience you have that will allow you to excel in nursing school. The personal details you mention are also a nice touch and interesting (although don't feel obligated to talk about your family or child at all unless you want to). Great job!

Anonymous Answer

"I work as a police officer and I love to serve and help other people.

Providing security was always something natural to me because my father and my 3 older siblings are in the air force, navy, army, and police.

It was something like a family tradition.

So, in 2012, I graduated from Hellenic Police Academy for Lieutenants and since then I have been working as a Police Officer.

I served in the Road Traffic Police Division of _____ and in _______ Police Department.

I also worked in the Anti-Terrorist Unit and specifically in the Department for Combating Domestic Terrorism.

Since 2016 I have been serving in _______ Police Department, where I was appointed Head of the sea Border Crossing Point in the harbor of Megisti island which is a small island between Rhodes and Cyprus.

Also, I have a second bachelor's degree in nursing from the University of Thessaly in Greece.

and since last December I moved to Warsaw because my husband joined Standing Corps in June 2020 and currently (at the moment) he is working in ______________ as a Satellite Imagery Analyst.

I requested maternity leave for 2 years and if necessary I will request another 3 years of unpaid leave until I reach my goal to join FRONTEX."

Marcie's Feedback

Excellent! Your passion to serve and help others shines through in your answer. The background information you give about your family is interesting and supports your desire to continue in this career path. You've also done an exceptional job of providing and explaining your professional and educational experience. You might consider leaving out any mention of maternity leave. While this shouldn't impact an employer's perception or opinion of you, it's still probably safer not to mention this at all in this stage. Great answer, though - very thorough, interesting, and informative!

View This Question and Answers

Adaptability

21. Are you willing to travel for work?

The Goal

Depending on the role you're interviewing for, the hiring company may require you to travel for work. The interviewer wants to know your thoughts on work-related travel and how much travel you are comfortable performing. The goal of your response is to express that you understand any travel requirements for the role and that you can be relied on to meet these needs.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

What to Avoid

Avoid giving a basic yes or no response. Saying, 'Yes, I am willing to travel for work,' is too vague to help the interviewer accomplish their goal of gauging your availability and flexibility. Saying 'No, I cannot travel for work' sounds inflexible and will quickly close the conversation between you and the interviewer.

- Instead of giving a flat yes, try offering a measurable answer such as, 'Yes, I am willing to travel for work up to 15% of the time.'
Instead of giving a flat no, try saying something like, 'My overnight travel availability is limited; however, I am happy to be as flexible as possible with some notice.'

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Pro Tip

If you aren't entirely clear on the travel expectations for the role, it is okay to ask questions. The number of expected overnights and the overall travel schedule are essential factors for you to know before accepting a job offer. Most jobs that include overnight travel require 50% or less time away from home. If the position in question requires more than 50% travel time, be sure to consider if this expectation works with your personal life.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

How to Answer

If overnight travel is an expectation in your current role, answer by expressing the amount of travel you currently perform and the amount of travel you are comfortable performing in your next opportunity. When you respond, consider providing a percentage or number of days. For instance, 'I currently travel 30% of the time and am comfortable with this level of travel in my next opportunity.' Or, 'I am comfortable with overnight travel up to 10 business days per month.'

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Answer Example

"I understand that regular travel is not a requirement of this role; however, I am certainly willing to travel up to 20% of the time for trade shows, conferences, or client appointments as needed. Could you share with me a bit more about any travel requirements for this position?"

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Admin Example

"Travel requirements are new to me, but I am certainly happy to accommodate the travel needs for this position. Could you share with me how much travel is involved in this position?"

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Manager Example

"In my current position, I travel approximately six overnights per month, which is a comfortable pace for me. I am willing to discuss your travel schedule further and come up with a solution that works well for the company and my family responsibilities."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Marketing Example

"Much of what I do as a marketing director can be done from remote work situations. For that reason, in my previous roles, I have not traveled more than 10-20% of the time. With that said, I am happy to discuss your travel requirements and accommodate the needs of this position."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Retail Example

"Traveling for work is something that has always interested me. Could you share more details with me regarding the travel opportunities in this position?"

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Sales Example

"As a sales professional, I am accustomed to a great deal of travel. Currently, I spend half of my month on the road for overnight trips. Your job posting mentioned 40% travel time. I'd like to know more about your travel requirements and the preferred schedule."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Teacher Example

"As an educator, travel is not something that I have truly considered; however, I am not opposed to the idea! If you could share more details of potential travel requirements for this position, I would appreciate that very much."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I understand that regular travel is not a requirement of this role; however, I am certainly willing to travel to training, conferences, or client appointments as needed. Could you share with me a bit more about any travel requirements for this position?"

Rachelle's Feedback

Perfect response! Short and sweet.

Show More Answers

Anonymous Answer

"Yes... in fact I'd be excited about traveling."

Rachelle's Feedback

Fantastic! Showing excitement and enthusiasm is always the best approach :)

Anonymous Answer

"Could you please describe to me the length of, and types of, work-related travel that you are thinking about?"

Kristine's Feedback

Great answer! The interviewer will be pleased to hear you are available to travel for work. If the job description does not mention travel, and you are asked this question, you may take the opportunity to ask questions to learn more about the travel requirements for the position. I made some adjustments to your response for conciseness and incorporated a question you could ask as well.

"Yes, I would definitely be willing to travel for work. Could you please share with me any travel requirements for this position?"

Anonymous Answer

"No. I have a son who is dependent on me."

Lauren's Feedback

I am glad you are transparent with your response here. The interviewer must know your expectations.

"Unfortunately, I am unable to travel for work due to caring for my son."

Anonymous Answer

"I understand that this position doesn't require regular travel, but I am willing to travel if necessary, or if the right opportunity comes along."

Rachelle's Feedback

You sound very agreeable and flexible, which any interviewer should appreciate.

Anonymous Answer

"In my current role, I travel around 18-20% every year. I would be looking for my travel to stay around this level or be reduced."

Rachelle's Feedback

Good answer! You are nice and specific. These are details that will be very helpful for the interviewer when determining fit.

Anonymous Answer

"Yes, I am willing to travel when needed. I understand that travel may be 25% of the time. Can you explain that to me in more detail?"

Rachelle's Feedback

Good start! When asking questions for clarity, try being more specific rather than using phrases such as 'explain that.' I have provided an example below.

"Yes, I am willing to travel when needed, and I understand that travel might be 25% of the time. Could you please break down the travel schedule and expectations for me in further detail?"

Anonymous Answer

"I understand that regular travel is not required, but occasional is required as you have more than 30 centers. I have been traveling for my previous job to meet clients and check on various hospitals, so I am completely okay to do the same here."

Rachelle's Feedback

Great response. You are agreeable and also show that you have been delivering this need for some time already.

Discovery

22. How did you hear about this position?

The Goal

Interviewers often ask this question to job applicants in a pre-screen phone or video interview. They want to know which talent attraction strategies are delivering the best results. They also want to see if you have a genuine interest in pursuing the role rather than simply applying because the job posting came up. The goal of your response is to tell the interviewer how you became aware of the open position while expressing your enthusiasm for the opportunity.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

What to Avoid

Avoid sounding cavalier about the opportunity. For instance, saying, 'I've put in so many online job applications lately I can't even remember where I heard about this position!' will likely result in a job rejection.

Instead, you could say, 'I have been actively searching for suitable roles online using Indeed and LinkedIn. I believe it was Indeed that sent me the posting via email as a recommended job. I read the description, researched the company, and felt compelled to apply. I'm happy I did!'

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Pro Tip

If an employee of the hiring company referred you to the role, be sure to let the interviewer know. Hiring authorities often give preference to employee referrals since they are statistically a more successful hire.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

How to Answer

Start by explaining how you first heard about the job. The most common avenues for job discovery include:

- Employee referrals
- Online job boards
- Emails from job boards pushing out recommended job matches
- Searching on LinkedIn or other popular social media sites
- Visiting the company's careers page and browsing open jobs
- College job boards or alumni support services

Once you've identified how you heard about the job, briefly describe your enthusiasm for the role and the company.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Answer Example

"I learned about this role from Indeed when searching for internship opportunities. The keywords that I used were 'recent graduate' and 'business development.' I was thrilled to see this opportunity come up and am eager to learn more while showing you how my skills can be a strong match for this internship."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Admin Example

"The position details were sent to me by a former colleague who knew that I was looking for a role within the oil and energy industry. I believe she saw your job posting on an industry-specific job board and felt that my skills and experiences were a strong fit. I am thankful for the opportunity to meet with you today to learn more about how I can add value to Company ABC."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Manager Example

"I was referred to this position by your Team Lead, John Doeadeer. He mentioned that Company ABC was searching externally for someone to fill this floor manager position, and he thought of me right away. I am glad he thought of me! The more I learn about this role and the organization, the more enthusiastic I feel about the opportunity."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Marketing Example

"A recruiter from ABC Recruitment firm approached me regarding this role. After meeting with her and reviewing all of the details, I knew this position was a fantastic fit for me, which is when I chose to apply."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Retail Example

"When shopping in the mall last weekend, I noticed the 'Now Hiring' sign in the store window. I came by the next day and dropped my resume off with your assistant manager. Thank you for seeing me so quickly! I'm eager to learn more about the position and how I can contribute to your team."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Sales Example

"I worked with one of Company ABC's clients on a major project a couple of months ago. The project manager recently mentioned that the organization was hiring a full-time sales manager. This PM knew that I was looking for career growth and a change. I am thrilled he thought of me for the role, and thank you for the opportunity to meet with you today."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Teacher Example

"I applied to School ABC shortly after relocating to this city. The school is just a few blocks from my home! The location is convenient, and I have heard great things about this school after getting to know a few members of your teaching community."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I learned about this role from LinkedIn while searching for full-time opportunities. I believe the keywords were recent graduate and healthcare management."

Rachelle's Feedback

Fabulous! You are super-specific, which the hiring authority should appreciate.

Show More Answers

Anonymous Answer

"Current employees contacted me about the opening."

Cindy's Feedback

This is a good opportunity to talk about why the position is a good fit from your perspective. Why did you agree that this was the right move for you? What does the company offer and what can you offer the company?

Anonymous Answer

"I came across the job listing on Glassdoor."

Rachelle's Feedback

Good! This information is always helpful for organizations to know where to spend recruitment dollars. If you want to get super detailed, you could also include which keywords you used to find this posting.

Anonymous Answer

"I have been searching for a suitable role since the day I got my RN license. I have searched the web and I found the ad about this job posting, submitted my resume and I got a reply, I'm glad I did."

Jaymie's Feedback

Great! Take this opportunity to express why the organization aligns with your values and goals.

Anonymous Answer

"I read about it on Indeed."

Ryan's Feedback

Even though it's a basic question, more information and a general sense of enthusiasm would go a long way.

"I came across your position on Indeed after searching for {job title} positions. I was excited to see you were hiring, because I always wanted to work with your company."

Anonymous Answer

"I came across this position as a lab assistant while actively searching for suitable roles online using platforms like Indeed and LinkedIn. The job was recommended to me via email, and after carefully reading the job description and conducting extensive research on the company, I felt confident that I could excel in this role. The opportunity to contribute my skills and expertise to your esteemed organization excited me, which is why I decided to apply. I am eager to be considered for this position and believe it aligns perfectly with my career goals.

I learned about this position through a referral from your team member. During a conversation, she mentioned that ABC Company was actively looking for a candidate to fill the lab assistant role and thought that my skills and experience would be an excellent fit for the position. Her recommendation inspired me to explore the opportunity further, and upon reviewing the job description and researching your organization, I became genuinely enthusiastic about the chance to work with your team. I am grateful for the referral and thrilled to be considered for this role."

Marcie's Feedback

Excellent! Either response works great because they both show that you are interested in this specific role and company. Nice job!

Anonymous Answer

"I have been conducting thorough job searches for biological lab positions. I eventually came across this position on Linkedin and knew it would be perfect for me and vice versa."

Jaymie's Feedback

A direct and concise answer is appropriate here. Good job!

Anonymous Answer

"I work here so I learned about this role from a fellow. I am thrilled he thought of me for the role, and thank you for the opportunity to meet with you today. I'm eager to learn more about the position and how I can contribute to your team."

Marcie's Feedback

Nice! Your answer is honest, straightforward, and enthusiastic. Expressing gratitude is great, and the interviewer will appreciate it. Consider adding a sentence or two that convey why you believe you're the perfect fit for the position. Great job!

Conflict

23. Has a co-worker ever been mad at you?

The Goal

The interviewer would like to know more about how you communicate and interact with your co-workers. They also want to know that you can face conflict and resolve disagreements without causing them to escalate. The goal of your response is to show the interviewer that you are a poised professional who understands how to resolve workplace conflict and communicate with team members even if they are displeased with you.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

What to Avoid

Be honest with the interviewer, but avoid telling an extreme story-based example that raises red flags. For instance, talking about a time when you knowingly caused a conflict with a co-worker could make the interviewer wonder if you are the type of individual to create chaos in the workplace. Instead, talk about a time when you faced an upset co-worker and introduced a resolution by exercising emotional intelligence and strong interpersonal skills.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Pro Tip

It's a good idea to approach situational interview questions like this one by telling a brief story from the recent past. Using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), try organizing your story to ensure that you provide the interviewer with the right amount of information and detail to form a memorable story-based response.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

How to Answer

Discuss a time when there was a miscommunication. Talk about how you smoothed the situation out, and be sure to mention if your relationship with that co-worker ended up being harmonious in the end. Focus the bulk of your response on how you approached a solution rather than dwelling on the problem. Assure the interviewer that you are a well-equipped professional to handle conflict and promptly problem solve.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Answer Example

"Last week, I had a co-worker mad at me. This situation doesn't happen too often since I am easy to get along with, but we had a miscommunication around the work schedule. She was working off the old schedule, and I was working from the new one. She thought that I had not shown up for my shift when, in fact, it was my day off. We worked it out, and each apologized for the communication gap. Together, we asked our manager to put the schedule into a cloud-based program rather than in Word so that changes would appear in real-time, and nobody would be stuck with poor communication over the schedule again."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Admin Example

"Some time ago, I worked with an individual who was often upset with me for the speed at which I worked. I am a go-getter and a multi-tasker, and she felt that I was making her look bad since her pace was much slower. I assured her that it was just my personality and that my work speed did not reflect poorly on her. She was insecure about her performance, and it was not my responsibility to make her feel better about her work ethic, but I chose to remain a team player. I continued being my true self, and went about my business, often helping her when she fell behind in her work."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Manager Example

"As a general manager, I have encountered times when employees are upset with me. These situations might occur when I change the schedule, cut hours back, or terminate those who need to be let go. However, I work hard to maintain harmonious relationships. I am friendly, easy-going, and I deliver clear expectations to my team members. Just last week, one of my team members needed to help a customer after hours, and they were upset with taking on the responsibility. The customer service rep came to me and argued about their schedule. I discussed the situation with her calmly and explained why the customer needed to be cared for at that time. The team member understood the issue and agreed to be available in the future if similar customer needs arose. I am actively communicative and respectful of my team members, and I find these traits to be critical in resolving workplace conflict."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Marketing Example

"In our marketing department, we will come across disagreements on creative direction from time to time. These disagreements rarely amount to a full-blown conflict; however, they can happen when the stakes are high. Last year, upon approaching a significant deadline, I had a co-worker yell at me for not meeting a deadline. It turns out she had missed my email with the attached document that she needed. I stood up for myself and told her that she was not welcome to speak to me like that again. We eventually made up, but it took a few days for her to apologize for inappropriate office behavior. I believe in keeping the utmost professionalism in the workplace, and that includes remaining calm and respectful of others."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Retail Example

"Earlier in my retail career, I worked with a person who would blatantly steal sales and the attached commissions. It was a toxic work environment, and I was always on edge. I would often bring up concerns with my boss regarding this person's behavior, however, there was no resolution. I left that job when I realized that the environment was not where I wanted to shape my profession. It's important that I get along with my co-workers and feel comfortable in my workspace. I strive to contribute to that positive culture wherever I go."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Sales Example

"Sales environments can often be stressful, which can create more opportunities for conflict than certain other industries or job types. I recently had a co-worker angry with me when they thought I was poaching their client. This colleague did not realize that I had already added the lead into their Salesforce funnel for them. We worked out the misunderstanding quickly, and I focused on building further trust with that individual."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Teacher Example

"I have never experienced a full-blown conflict with a co-worker, however, my work has always been quite independent. If I experience conflict with a co-worker, I would want to mend the situation as soon as possible. It's essential to maintain a harmonious workplace environment, especially in the education sector."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I'm sure they have. I do my best to keep the peace and distance myself from drama and gossip. In health care, people get stressed and snap sometimes. I never take these things personally. And in the case I snap, I always make it a point to apologize once I have had a chance to calm down."

Cindy's Feedback

Ok, good philosophy. Perhaps discussing the extreme circumstance of "snapping" isn't necessary to answer this question. Coworkers can disagree without reaching that level of friction. If you've had a negative relationship, discuss how it happened and how you were able to mend the relationship.

Show More Answers

Anonymous Answer

"I have this situation where a co-worker felt bad that I was ignoring her while I was very much consumed with the patient's bedside care. It was another co-worker who told me, so I went and talked to the one who felt bad and told her that I don't ignore people and made it clear to have a conversation when it's not too busy or if I'm not occupied with something."

Jaymie's Feedback

This is a good example. You unintentionally upset a coworker but took immediate action to talk to them face-to-face and explain the misunderstanding. Excellent job!

Anonymous Answer

"Yes, I had a co-worker who was upset with me when I accidentally spilled some chemicals on their lab coat. I immediately apologized and offered to have the lab coat cleaned. Despite my efforts, my co-worker was still upset with me for a few days. After some reflection, I realized that I could have communicated more clearly with them about the spill and taken more care in handling the chemicals. I made sure to be more careful in the future and to communicate better with my co-workers, and we were able to work together effectively afterward."

Jaymie's Feedback

This is a good example to share because it was something minor and caused by an accident, not intentionally. Your response shows that you take ownership when you make a mistake, and you make every effort to make things right. You also self-reflected and learned from the experience, which is important.

Anonymous Answer

"workplace, communication, conflict, UMD"

Marcie's Feedback

Use the STAR method to describe a situation when a coworker was upset with you. Explain what actions you took to resolve the situation and what the end result was. Be descriptive and detailed so your answer resonates with the interviewer.

Anonymous Answer

"Yes, one time my coworker got mad at me for not following proper software protocols. However, I deliberately ignored those protocols because the team leads and I decided it was not worth pursuing at the moment. I politely said to him that the team leads and I did agree to shelve this issue for another time.

I also acknowledged that he was mad at me because he assumed I was lazy so I informed him he should contact me about an issue beforehand before assuming bad intentions. He was civil about the matter and acknowledged fostering better communication."

Amanda's Feedback

Well done! Using a specific example is the best way to approach this question. You've done a good job explaining why the coworker was upset and how you resolved the issue. Consider taking it a step further to share what you learned from the situation as well so that your answer is more balanced. Did you agree to proactively communicate protocol decisions so that team members are aware of changes?

Anonymous Answer

"Yes, once we had a disagreement about how an upset customer should have been handled. We were able to discuss the situation and were able to come to an agreement on the best way to resolve the customer's payment issues using both of our ideas."

Amanda's Feedback

Fantastic answer using a real-world example!

Anonymous Answer

"This has happened to me once when I was working on the NOC shift, generally, the noc shifts are 7AM to 4PM and 10AM to 7PM. One day we both came together at 7AM in the morning and there was a miscommunication in the schedule. We both worked it out, by me taking a 3-hour break in-between the noc shift with permission from my manager and I was able to cover the late shift. We also suggested the manager to create a Microsoft teams calendar so we could sync the schedule over there and decide who would cover the NOC during the week."

Rachelle's Feedback

It sounds like you did a good job working around the situation. This story is a nice example of a time where you compromised to overcome a miscommunication. The piece that is missing is if the co-worker was upset with you. I suggest further expressing this part of the story or exploring a different example from your work history.

Anonymous Answer

"I have had a co-worker get upset with me before, generally, I am easy to get along with and don't struggle with this often. Recently I had performed a rematch in my section of the store, I did this early one morning and bit off more than I could chew. I needed the additional help from the rest of my co-workers to finish before we opened, and they couldn't accomplish their normal duties. Naturally, this made them unhappy with me. We finished and I took responsibility for my mistake and made sure they knew I appreciated the help, I also helped catch them up on their duties. There were no hard feelings, and I work every day and have a great relationship with my co-workers today."

Chad's Feedback

It is great that you were able to repair the relationship with your co-workers by taking responsibility for your error, and returning their assistance, and helping them complete their duties by the end of the day. This was a professional approach, and it sounds like it paid off in the end.

Direct

24. Have you ever been terminated from a job?

The Goal

Most interviewers will ask questions about your job movement, especially if your resume includes short-lived roles or jumping around between companies. The goal of your response, if you have ever been terminated from a role, is to explain the circumstances around your exit. If you were terminated with cause, show that you took responsibility for your mistakes and describe the lesson you learned from the situation.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

What to Avoid

Avoid allowing emotion to get in the way of responding to this question diplomatically. Perhaps you were terminated, or your company closed their office and laid you off. Maybe you were blindsided by a wrongful dismissal. Whatever the reasoning, respond in a positive and future-focused tone. Most importantly, do not speak poorly about any employer or organization.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Pro Tip

If you are currently unemployed, a skilled interviewer will have a variety of approaches to discover what happened in your last position. If you have unexplained gaps in your resume, these are some of the questions you can expect to encounter:

- Why did you leave your most recent job?
- Tell me why you left Company ABC.
- Why are you looking for a new job?
- Why did you leave your latest job without another one secured?
- Have you ever been terminated from a company?
- Why have you not provided a reference from your previous employer?
- Did you leave your most recent employer on good terms?
- Was your latest job separation voluntary or involuntary?

Depending on your interviewer's curiosity, you can expect follow-up questions. For this reason, it's always best to be truthful and well prepared to discuss your latest job leave without emotion getting in the way.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

How to Answer

Being let go from your position can feel very confusing, emotional, and it's often an event that's out of your control. If you have ever lost your job, be honest about the situation. When you respond, be diplomatic about the events surrounding your termination. Focus on what you learned from the situation and how it helped you grow as an individual.

If you have never experienced a job termination, you can briefly respond by saying that you have not been released from a job while still showing empathy. For instance, you could say, 'I have never been terminated, however, I understand that job loss is challenging for employees and employers alike.'

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Answer Example

"I experienced a termination once before. Earlier in my career, I was not as prompt as I am today. After coming to work late a couple of times, my boss lets me go. The situation was embarrassing, and it changed how I viewed my professional responsibility. Now, I am much more dedicated and have not been late for work in years."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Admin Example

"I have never been asked to leave a role, however, I have worked in temporary positions that were not a good fit. I understand what it is like to feel the insecurity of unemployment and always commit to delivering my finest work."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Manager Example

"Earlier in my career, I was let go for not meeting my sales numbers. I could have used further training, but I could have taken more ownership of my performance. Today, as a manager, I have terminated about six employees. Terminations are always tough conversations to have, but because I experienced a firing in the past, I can approach the situation in an empathetic way."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Marketing Example

"Luckily, I have never experienced a termination. If I am not performing up to my employer's standards, I would appreciate an open and transparent conversation so that I have the opportunity to adjust my approach and deliver better work."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Retail Example

"Although it was not a termination, I did lose my job when Company XYZ merged with another retailer. I hoped to have kept my job through the acquisition, but I did not receive preference because I was only a part-time associate. Since then, I have grown to appreciate companies that offer employment stability."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Sales Example

"I was terminated from my most recent position due to missing my sales target for three months in a row. I did everything in my power to meet my numbers, but unfortunately, it was not enough. Since then, I have taken two sales-related courses through the Dale Carnegie program. I have my confidence back, along with some great new techniques in my sales arsenal."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Teacher Example

"I have never been terminated or even written up for poor performance. My reputation as an educator is critical to me, and I strive to excel every day."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"No, I have not been terminated."

Rachelle's Feedback

You could use this question as another opportunity to discuss your excellent work ethic.

"I have never been terminated. I give my all to each employer."

Show More Answers

Anonymous Answer

"Yes. The store that I was manager of was closing, and the new District Manager only gave me a choice to move to Chicago or lose my job."

Rachelle's Feedback

It will be important to add a touch more detail here. How did you handle the situation?

Anonymous Answer

"In my entire working career, I have never been terminated. In my jobs during college, I was always welcomed back to work during Christmas and summer breaks due to my strong work ethic."

Rachelle's Feedback

Your interviewer will be very happy to hear this. The fact that you were always welcomed back says a lot about your work ethic.

Anonymous Answer

"I have never experienced being terminated; I always give my best and try to be professional at all times."

Rachelle's Feedback

Good! Your response is clear, positive, and straightforward.

Anonymous Answer

"I have never been terminated, as an employee, I have always received 10/10 performance review and have been awarded twice best employee."

Rachelle's Feedback

Your stellar work history will be great news for any potential employer! What did you do to earn these two awards?

Anonymous Answer

"I was terminated from one of my positions in college. I was very young and arrogant at that time. I arrived late to work too many times, and I lost my job. I learned a lot from this situation and made sure to leave plenty of time on the road since then."

Rachelle's Feedback

Most of us have been there in our younger years! It's important that you learned and pivoted from experience - which you did.

Anonymous Answer

"Yes, I have been terminated; however, it was due to the company going through financial difficulties and wasn't due to my work ethic."

Rachelle's Feedback

It's good that you make the distinction between your performance and the company's financial issues, as 'termination' can mean many things!

Anonymous Answer

"I have never been terminated."

Rachelle's Feedback

Short and sweet, and to the point! It could be nice to also add in a statement verifying your excellent work ethic. I've provided an example below.

"I have never been terminated, and I attribute this to the fact that I am dedicated and hold myself to an exceptionally high standard."

Career Goals

25. Tell me about your dream job.

The Goal

The interviewer would like to know how this position fits your career goals and dreams. The goal of your response is to help the interviewer get to know you better while highlighting the alignment between your career dreams and what the hiring company has to offer.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

What to Avoid

Avoid giving a specific job title in your response. For instance, instead of saying, 'My dream job is to be a photographer,' consider focusing more on the general vibe of what you'd like to do - 'My dream job is one that would allow me to exercise my creativity.'

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Pro Tip

This open-ended question can be tricky to navigate! First, remember that you are not talking to a friend about your hopes and dreams. You are giving a career-related response to a potential employer.

Maybe you want to be a university professor, but you're applying for a summer swim coach position. In this case, make a connection between what excites you most about teaching university students and the accountabilities of the seasonal swim coach role. Using this example, you could state that your dream job includes teaching and training others, and you look forward to helping your swim students learn new swimming techniques.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

How to Answer

This question is one of the very few interview questions where you can be slightly ambiguous in your response. Consider taking one or more of these approaches:

- Focus your reply on the skills, abilities, and knowledge you wish to gain in your career, regardless of the job title.
- Make a connection between your career desires and what the hiring company offers.
- Talk about what motivates you in your career and how the company's approach aligns with your motivational factors.
- Consider the company's mission, and values then discuss how they align with your dream organization.
- Describe the career achievements you want to bring to fruition. Then, define how you can accomplish these achievements with the hiring company.

Make sure to tailor your response to the job and company you're interviewing with.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Answer Example

"My dream job is to work for a company that will allow me to grow in the hospitality industry while applying the knowledge I gained while earning my hospitality management diploma. I am most excited about this role with Hotel Group ABC because it will allow me to put into practice everything I learned about guest services, business management, human resources, and hospitality marketing."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Admin Example

"My dream job is not necessarily a specific function but more focused on the workplace vibe and company culture. I set my sights on your organization after seeing its name on the city's 'Top 25 Employer' list. I researched your methods and mission and was very impressed. Company ABC would be a dream 'fit' for me."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Manager Example

"My dream job is one where I have the tools and support to be a great mentor to my team members. I am passionate about investing in my top performers, so a dream employer would be an organization that supports this passion. Would you agree that this describes Company ABC?"

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Marketing Example

"My dream job is one where I can exercise my creativity in a variety of ways. I appreciate that Agency ABC works in pods and that the agency allows engaged team players to try their hand at a variety of tasks that interest them. I look forward to joining this talented and diverse team."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Retail Example

"I love retail and fashion, which is why I applied to Company ABC. I am deeply interested in working my way up in the organization, perhaps in a merchandising or even a buyer role one day."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Sales Example

"Being a business development representative is my dream job! I am thrilled to be considered for this role and career path with Company ABC. The fact that the organization will provide international travel and continued education opportunities makes this position even more enticing."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Teacher Example

"My dream is to be an educator in a school that focuses less on traditional learning methods and allows for creativity in the classroom. When I read an article about the new teaching methods this school has implemented in its classes, I knew I had to apply."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"My dream job is working in a big company where I can apply my knowledge and skills to solve real-world problems. Also, I can grow and develop in a long term. I have a strong interest in this role at your company because I believe my skills and qualities are a good match. I have a strong learning ability and a can-do attitude. I truly believe this role is my dream job."

Marcie's Feedback

Nice! It sounds like you want to work for a large company where there are opportunities for growth and that you believe your skills and qualities suit this particular role. That's great! You've mentioned 'real-world problems' a few times now - what types of real-world problems do you hope to solve? Also, what kind of growth are you hoping for? Do you want to one day manage other people? Your answer is strong but adding more specifics will make it even stronger.

Show More Answers

Anonymous Answer

"My dream job is the position that will allow me to grow and learn new aspects of industry and help apply my current education knowledge. I am most excited about this role with your company as it ticks all the boxes as a practice manager."

Rachelle's Feedback

This is a good start; however, adding in more detail will improve your response. For instance, in what ways do you want to grow? What would you like to learn? Which parts of your current education and knowledge will you be able to apply most frequently in this role?

Anonymous Answer

"A dream job would be one where I can contribute to growing the business in more than one way. Being in sales or a BDM is a dream job because it allows me to focus on being the face of the company. I have a passion for working with people and strive to become successful with all of the teams that are essential for continuous growth."

Rachelle's Feedback

This answer is a strong start. If the role that you are applying for falls into this 'dream job' category, be sure to include why you feel this way. When using terms such as the face of the company, passion for working with people, etc., be sure to support these frequently use phrases with real data on how you would execute on these initiatives.

Anonymous Answer

"A job where my skills may provide a meaningful contribution to a cause that deeply resonates with me. The workspace is a positive environment that encourages continual learning and growth."

Rachelle's Feedback

These are wonderful qualities to find in a dream job :) When it comes to the contribution you make, the factors that resonate with you, and the workplace environment, there is an opportunity to provide more specifics. I have provided a starter for you, below.

"My dream job is one where my skills provide a meaningful contribution to a cause that deeply resonates with me. When it comes to this role, that would be my ABC skills working toward your company's goal of XYZ. I also value a workspace with a positive environment (add some descriptors or an example of what a positive environment means to you). I also value an environment that encourages continual learning and growth. For myself, I would like to grow in the areas of A, B, and C."

Anonymous Answer

"My dream job is a hybrid position in a downtown city working with node.js and react. I prefer a full-stack position because I like a diverse, holistic view of the product. I like a job in which I am able to give my own personal input into the features of a product. And finally, I prefer a fun, "startupy" type company to a pure tech company."

Amanda's Feedback

It sounds like you know what kind of environment and work you like to do. You can take this answer another step further by talking about the kind of team you like to work in, the products or services you enjoy creating, or the industries you're most interested in impacting.

Anonymous Answer

"My dream job is to work with a team to bring something different and unique to the company. I believe that as a Boeing Defence Australia employee, I will be able to join other innovative, ethical people who have the critical skills required to develop and deliver world-class capabilities and systems to protect Australia and its national interests. I believe that joining your company would be a great chance for me to make my mark and work with a diverse team united in pushing the boundaries of imagination and excellence."

Rachelle's Feedback

Your passion for this job and the company shines through! You focus a lot on the feelings of the role and the environment instead of specific responsibilities, which is a great way to avoid pigeonholing yourself into one particular job title. The interviewer should be able to picture you flourishing in their work environment for many years to come, in this role, and through future advancements.

Anonymous Answer

"it is always my daily goal to be able to help others. This job I'm applying for not only allows me to do that but I will be able to practice my skills as well. Since I am always out and about, driving around to places/sites to provide treatment to patients is an added excitement for me."

Jaymie's Feedback

The interviewer will be pleased to hear this! Good job!

Anonymous Answer

"My dream job is to work for a company that allows me to grow while using the knowledge I have gained during my undergraduate studies and internships. I am excited about this role at the ABC Group Laboratory because it will allow me to apply everything I have learned about laboratory techniques such as bacterial culture and analysis, while also providing opportunities for me to learn and develop new skills that will further my career goals."

Marcie's Feedback

Nice! Can you talk in more depth about some of the skills you've learned and why you anticipate being able to use them in this role?

Behavioral

26. What is the hardest decision you have had to make recently?

The Goal

The interviewer wants to know more about your critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the workplace. They also want to gauge the level of decisions you are responsible for in your current or most recent position. The goal of your response is to show the interviewer that you are a decisive individual capable of choosing the right plan of action for the hiring company when faced with a difficult decision.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

What to Avoid

Avoid discussing decisions that are not work-related. The interviewer doesn't want to hear that you had to make a tough choice in your personal life and, getting too personal with near-strangers usually makes them feel uncomfortable. Instead, they want to know about your critical-thinking process and decision-making methods when it comes to workplace scenarios.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Pro Tip

The example you use in this answer will help the interviewer determine the level of responsibility you have in your current position. For instance, if your hardest decision is what to have for lunch, you may not leave a fantastic impression on the interviewer. Instead, consider some of the weightier responsibilities and decisions assigned to you in your current or most recent role.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

How to Answer

Once you have chosen a work-related decision to discuss, be prepared to tell a brief story around the situation using the STAR framework (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

Make sure to describe why the decision was difficult. You can achieve this by talking about competing priorities or potential risks you faced. Emphasize the method you used to reach your conclusion or plan of action. Be sure to highlight the critical-thinking skills you deployed while facing this difficult decision.

At the end of your response, remember to give a qualifying statement that addresses how your decision-making skills will contribute to your success in this new opportunity.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Answer Example

"The hardest decision I made recently was related to budget cuts. Tasked with eliminating non-core expenses in the sales department, narrowing down which ones to cut was more challenging than I initially thought. After a day of deliberation, I presented two options to my boss. He is currently weighing the options I brought to him. The experience taught me a great deal about cost analysis, and I even strengthened my knowledge in Excel spreadsheets, a skill that I know will be very important in this new role."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Admin Example

"Last quarter, I had to decide which temporary associate to choose for our sales administrator's vacation coverage. I carefully chose a temp associate who I knew would catch onto the job quickly and fit in well with our clients and staff. This responsibility strengthened my skills in reading resumes and performing better pre-screen interviews. I understand that this role requires some HR administrative responsibilities, and I am glad to have gained even more exposure to these tasks."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Manager Example

"Just yesterday, I faced a very challenging situation. I terminated two of our lowest sales performers. These terminations came after providing many coaching opportunities and performance plans with no marked improvement. It is never fun to let people go, but sometimes it needs to be done to keep productivity and reach corporate goals. I read a book last month called 'How to Fire an Employee.' It sounds basic, but there were some useful scripts that I ended up utilizing as a guideline for these terminations. Now, I bring increased confidence in my ability to have valuable exit interviews."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Marketing Example

"My agency owner asked me to fire a client last month. It was challenging because I do not enjoy conflict, however, it needed to happen. The client was not cooperating with the processes required to deliver our best product within their demanding timeline. I researched and learned how to have constructive conversations surrounding expectations. I discussed the broken communication and unrealistic demands while providing supporting examples. In the end, the client agreed, and we parted ways amicably. As tough as the situation was, I learned a lot about outlining expectations and leading difficult conversations."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Retail Example

"The hardest decision I made recently was while creating the staff schedule for the next week. My manager usually does the team schedule, but I was in charge of this task when she took a holiday. Building a balanced staff schedule is harder than it looks! I wanted to make everyone happy while also being aware of not stacking the schedule or giving someone too many prime shifts. I believe that I did an excellent job, and I gained confidence in my scheduling abilities - a skill that I can bring to your company!"

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Sales Example

"Due to an imbalance of client numbers, I had to swap around the territories of our team last month. A few sales reps were not happy about the change, but they were also the ones who were underperforming. I explained the system and reminded them that the premium client accounts belong to the top performers. I never find it easy to disappoint someone; however, I also will not shy away from making tough decisions that benefit my employer."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Teacher Example

"I recently recommended the suspension of a student with severe behavioral issues. It was not an easy choice, however, I had to evacuate the classroom a few times over the past couple of months. This behavior was unfair to other students, and I needed to take action. I have completed training on de-escalation in the classroom, and this knowledge was beneficial in this particular situation."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"The hardest decision that I had to make was to let go of employees due to budget cuts. The company no more could afford the extra burden of employees, so in that place, we had to let go of the employees who were not technology-friendly."

Rachelle's Feedback

This would have been challenging, indeed. Try walking the interviewer through how you decided on who to let go, what the benchmarks were for your decisions, and how you led the termination conversations.

Show More Answers

Anonymous Answer

"The hardest decision I had to make was to let go of a long term employee. I gave her adequate notice and helped with the hiring process. I made sure she found good employment. Because I was empathetic in the job process, I was able to retain her for future projects."

Rachelle's Feedback

It's terrific that you were able to keep a good relationship with this person for future projects. The primary goal with this question is to discover your process amid challenging times. When it came to deciding to terminate, be sure to take the interviewer through that decision making process.

Anonymous Answer

"The hardest decision was moving from my country to America to live and work, but tough decisions must be made for the better. I get too comfortable that I don't want to leave my workmates and my country, but I have to adapt to my new country, new people, and new environment. The willingness for growth and new ideas is what keeps me going."

Jaymie's Feedback

This is a good example to use! Can you share insight into your decision-making process? What research did you do, or what factors did you take into consideration? What ultimately helped make your decision? Do you have any regrets?

Anonymous Answer

"After the other design intern ended her time at the office, they tasked me with finding her replacement. It was hard to decide if it was my time to leave the job, to move onto the next stage in learning. As much as the job taught me and the rewarding outcome it provided, I chose to leave for new opportunities."

Rachelle's Feedback

This response seems a touch scattered. Try to reign it in by thinking about a really hard decision you had to make in the workplace or in you schooling. Whether to quit your job or not sounds flip-floppy and the interviewer will see this as a warning sign that you are unsure about leaving your current job.

Anonymous Answer

"After working part-time for 1 year and a half, I realized that I needed a full-time job in order to advance my career and achieve my long-term goals. Although I enjoyed my part-time job and the flexibility it provided, I knew that I needed more stability and opportunities for growth. It was a difficult decision to quit my part-time job, especially since I had developed strong relationships with my coworkers and enjoyed the work I was doing. However, I knew that it was the right decision for my career."

Jaymie's Feedback

This would have understandably been a difficult decision to make. It sounds like you weighed the pros and cons and evaluated what options aligned best with your career goals. Great job!

Anonymous Answer

"NE9 UMD role STAR"

Marcie's Feedback

Make sure you're specific about the decision you had to make and why it was difficult. Talk the interviewer through the steps you took as you decided what to do. Explain what the result was and what you might have done differently.

Anonymous Answer

"We had only two nurses in our labor and delivery unit. Staffing calls for at least three nurses. I had to either have the resident doctor ask the attending doctor if he could put the hospital in a status c, or I could call the attending myself. I chose to call the attending, even though he was upset. I professionally explained everything. I feel the attending physicians respect nurses who go through them first."

Amanda's Feedback

I like the specificity of your answer, but I think you can make it better by giving clearer insight into your decision-making process. Share the values or characteristics that made you choose to call the attending, such as taking initiative, commitment to providing the best possible care, or dedication to working within organizational guidelines and standards. You can also share what the consequences would have been if you hadn't called, providing greater support for the decision you ultimately made.

Anonymous Answer

"Deciding not to go back into the travel industry, Covid did a number on so many industries but travel was one of the ones that were hit the hardest and it showed me that the industry was not stable."

Amanda's Feedback

You've answered clearly; however, consider sharing how long you worked in the travel industry and what about that experience made it difficult to leave the travel sector behind. You can share what you enjoyed about the industry, your expertise in specific travel areas, etc., and then how COVID directly impacted your company or role - ultimately requiring you to make a decision about your future.

Experience

27. What will you deliver to us in your first three months?

The Goal

The interviewer would like to see that you have put thought into your action plan and goals when they choose to hire you. The stronger your 90-day plan, the brighter your enthusiasm for the role will shine. The goal of your response is to show the interviewer that you have taken the time to picture yourself performing successfully in the position.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

What to Avoid

Avoid underestimating the importance of an action plan and targeted goals, even if you are in an entry-level job or are brand new to your career. Whatever the job function for which you are interviewing, there is always room to make a difference in the workplace. Impress the interviewer by showing them that you have already put some thought into your success with the hiring company.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Pro Tip

Suppose the hiring company has shared specific role expectations or discussed the company's pain points. In that case, this question is an excellent opportunity to address those factors and spotlight exactly how hiring you will help. For instance, if you know that the hiring company faces concerns due to employee turnover after a merger, perhaps one of your 90-day action plan items is to support the company culture re-build.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

How to Answer

Here are some ways that you can quickly make an impact in any new job:

- Getting a head start on your new employee training by self-learning their most frequently used tools, programs, or software.
- Taking additional coursework that you know will support you and help you excel in your new position.
- Making a 30, 60, 90-day action plan for yourself, including specific targets and goals, then sharing this plan with your new leaders.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Answer Example

"I understand that Company ABC has seen a decrease in closed sales contracts over the last six months, and I plan to spring into action right away. In my first 30 days, I will complete my training faster than expected by spending extra time learning internal processes on the weekends and evenings. In the first 60 days, I will have reached out to all of my new clients and built a rapport with them. After 90 days, I plan to be exceeding sales targets. I believe you'll be very impressed with my drive and steep learning curve."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Admin Example

"You mentioned in our first meeting that you need someone to come in and re-organize all of your digital and physical files from the past five years. This organizing is a task I know I can do well and very quickly. I would like my 30 to 90-day impact to be in that area if this suits you."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Manager Example

"For my first three months, I would like to get to know each of your staff members and become acquainted with their performance and recent results. From there, I can make an exciting action plan to motivate and encourage the team - especially the underperformers who are causing a strain on your company's bottom line."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Marketing Example

"The first three months, while I train, the best thing I can do is study hard and soak in all of the mentorship available to me by your leadership team. You mentioned that you'd like to see your team have stronger skills in Facebook marketing, so I can certainly take additional coursework in that topic."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Retail Example

"I believe the best thing that I can deliver in my first three months, and long after that, is being a reliable and engaged employee who encourages customers to try new products. I plan to be well-versed in your product's features and benefits right out of the gates, making me a top performer."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Sales Example

"I have brought with me a 30, 60, and 90-day plan. This plan outlines how I will exceed my targets in the first three months while getting to know my new clients, learning the territory, and gaining knowledge of your products. I am very excited to get started!"

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Teacher Example

"In the first few months of this new teaching role, I will put a significant focus on getting to know my students. It's most important to me that I connect with them quickly, as this will build the foundation for a fruitful year of learning. This connection will allow me to reach them where they are, resulting in more effective classroom time."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"In my first 3 months, I plan to learn company processes and adapt as fast as possible. I also plan to demonstrate my dedication to the role through my timeliness, reliability, and knowledge."

Rachelle's Feedback

Excellent answer! You sound dedicated and focused, two qualities any interviewer should love to see.

Show More Answers

Anonymous Answer

"In my first three months, I plan to be the fastest trainee you have ever brought onboard! I will spend extra time learning the ropes. You'll be very impressed with my steep learning curve. Also, I will get to know the colleagues and the other trainees to start good team chemistry between us."

Rachelle's Feedback

This answer is energetic; however, hard to measure since you do not know the learning curve of past hires. Try adding something more concrete such as numbers, percentages, or the solving of a pain point mentioned by the interviewer.

"You mentioned that this department had seen a higher turnover rate than usual. I will work hard to remedy this, conducting interviews with current employees to gauge what can be done to increase employee buy-in levels. Also, I will analyze client data, working to revive dormant accounts from the past 12 months."

Anonymous Answer

"In my first three months, I'll try to learn company culture, process, and adapt as fast as possible. Create, innovative, time-sensitive design solutions align with company perspectives and goals."

Rachelle's Feedback

These are strong goals to have your sights on for the first 90 days. I recommend that instead of saying 'try,' you remove that word to show more confidence. I have offered a slight reword, below.

"In my first three months, I'll learn company culture, processes, and adapt as fast as possible. I plan to create innovative, time-sensitive design solutions. I will also work hard to align with the company's perspectives and goals (such as...)."

Anonymous Answer

"In my first three months, I plan to complete your training program as fast as possible. I will spend extra time learning the new software that is installed within your organizational computers to develop more efficiency at work."

Rachelle's Feedback

You come across as very diligent and focused. Nice response! The interviewer should appreciate your eagerness.

Anonymous Answer

"I have created a 30,60,90 day plan that outlines my primary focus within the first 3 months."

Rachelle's Feedback

Good initiative! Do you plan to share this via a presentation?

Anonymous Answer

"During my 1st 30 days, I will absorb as much information as possible in order to provide an exceptional customer service experience to every client."

Amanda's Feedback

Your response is specific and clear but references only the first 30 days rather than the first 3 months. You can improve your answer by sharing what you would deliver in month 2 and month 3.

Anonymous Answer

"I want to build a passionate team around me that can make events a TIAA bank field an experience that the guest can remember and want to be a part of for years to come."

Stephanie's Feedback

This is a great goal, but would it be accomplished within three months? How would this measurable? For this type of question ("tell us what you will deliver in three months, six months, etc.) I suggest being as specific and measurable as possible.

Anonymous Answer

"In the first three months, I will focus on my training and learning all the small detail of my new job, so I can fulfill my duties diligently. Aside from the training, I will establish good relationships with my team members to create a positive working environment. "

Stephanie's Feedback

Becoming well trained and establishing good working relationships are important for the first three months in any job. However, I would suggest looking closely at the job description and anticipating what type of outcomes this employer might be hoping for at the three-month point. For most roles, the formal training period is over befor three months have passed, and there are likely outcomes to focus on.

Tough

28. What negative things have you heard about our company?

The Goal

The interviewer wants to know if you've heard anything about the company that would cause you to hesitate to join the organization. The goal of your response is to show the interviewer that you have researched the company thoroughly and that you have prepared intelligent questions to any potential issues you've uncovered in your research. If the negative factors you've heard are valid, the other goal of your response is to ensure the hiring company is working towards making improvements.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

What to Avoid

Avoid speaking negatively about the hiring company or expressing concerns in a blaming manner. For instance, saying, 'I heard that Company ABC doesn't offer equitable salaries to women and POC in its organization,' might make the interviewer go on the defensive.

Instead, you could say, 'A couple of former employees commented on Glassdoor that Company ABC offers inconsistent pay to its minority employees. It's important that Company ABC offers fair and equitable pay, so I am interested in learning more. Could you share with me what Company ABC has done in the past 12 months to ensure equitable treatment for all employees?'

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Pro Tip

The transparency brought by employer review sites can be beneficial for job seekers; however, it's important to note which negative reviews sound constructive and legitimate vs. those published online for pettiness.

For instance, if a former employee comments on Glassdoor that Company ABC has slow growth opportunities, this could be a legitimate and constructive review. However, if a former employee comments that Company ABC fires people for no reason, this is a comment to take with a grain of salt. It might just be that the former employee was let go with reason, felt upset by the situation, and placed 100% of the blame on the company.

In short - while researching a company, be sure to value balance in the reviews and forums that you read.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

How to Answer

This question is tricky because you do not want to sound too critical and create an air of negativity in your interview. If you have heard anything negative about the hiring company, and the matter is concerning, you should bring it up and ask questions. Be diplomatic in your approach and ask the interviewer for further information or explanations.

As a well-researched and informed job seeker, it's essential to approach this question with a genuine interest in learning more rather than pointing a finger. Ask questions, listen to what the company has to say, and then make a judgment call that is best for you.

Let's say that you did hear a concerning factor about the hiring company, and you chose to ask questions in the interview. If the interviewer gets defensive by saying something like, 'That's not true at all,' this is a red flag. It could be a sign that the company does not have a culture of accepting feedback or working toward improvements.

However, if the interviewer shows transparency by saying something like, 'I have heard this criticism of Company ABC in the past, and we are doing X, Y, Z to ensure we improve in this area,' it's a great sign that the company is aware of its weaknesses and is working towards improvement.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Answer Example

"I have primarily heard remarkable things about Company ABC. One area for improvement that came up was surrounding slow growth and limited career trajectory. Could you comment on that for me? I am interested in joining an organization where growth is present when I prove myself to be a valuable team member."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Admin Example

"I cannot remember where, but I did hear that Company ABC's hiring process can be slower compared to the average hiring cycle. Do you have a timeline in mind for filling this particular position? I am willing to be patient with your process, either way. Hiring someone new is an important decision that requires care."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Manager Example

"Negative does not always mean it's true, and this is one lesson that I have learned after years of being in a leadership role. I have heard primarily great things about Company ABC. Anything negative that I have heard, such as turnover or slow growth, are complaints that all enterprise-level organizations receive."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Marketing Example

"I read a critical review about Company ABC on Glassdoor, likely from a disgruntled employee. I take those comments with a grain of salt, as there are always two sides to a story. When looking online, the positive far outweighed any negative comments."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Retail Example

"I have heard the usual comments retail stores receive regarding lack of training, unhappy customers, and high turnover. I asked around before coming here today as I have a couple of friends who have worked for Company ABC. Everyone I spoke to said it was a great environment, so I am going to lead with those positive thoughts instead!"

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Sales Example

"One thing I have heard was that Company ABC's sales targets are very challenging to achieve. Are you able to speak to that comment? I am a proven top performer who loves a challenge, but I certainly want to be set up for success."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Teacher Example

"School ABC has a wonderful reputation. The only negative I have heard was related to small budgets and some additional cuts. I am happy to discuss this further if you are open to that."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I have not heard anything negative so far. I've done lots of research and have not seen any negative press."

Rachelle's Feedback

Perfect answer! It's great that you showcased the fact that you have done extensive research.

Show More Answers

Anonymous Answer

"I read on Glassdoor.com that growth within your company can be slow. Could you comment on that for me? I am interested in joining an organization where growth is present when I prove myself to be a valuable team member. With that said, I have heard many more amazing things about your company, as opposed to negative."

Rachelle's Feedback

It's good to end on a positive note, so the idea is there! Try to add a specific positive comment to ensure the interviewer that you have performed research on their company.

"I read on Glassdoor.com that growth can be slow within your company. Are you able to comment on that? As you know, I am looking for growth opportunities that match my diligence and engagement in continuous learning. With that said, I have heard excellent things about your continued education program, and I look forward to learning more!"

Anonymous Answer

"I didn't hear any negative things."

Rachelle's Feedback

That's great! This question is a good opportunity to mention the consistent feedback/reviews that you have seen on behalf of the company.

Anonymous Answer

"I have heard that some jobs for Kaiser start only on call. But the good thing is to get your foot in the door and possibly the position can become permanent. With that said, I have heard from some of my friends that they love working for Kaiser."

Rachelle's Feedback

It's great how you turn this around into a positive response. Great approach!

Anonymous Answer

"I read on glassdoor.com that the growth of the company is stagnant since 2018. Could you please elaborate on that as I am truly excited to join your organization."

Rachelle's Feedback

This is good research and an important question to ask. As a quality candidate, you want to make sure you are making the best career choice :)

Anonymous Answer

"I have not heard anything negative about your company; however, I was curious why two similar companies in the area had the same field, and I looked up the law suit between yourself and the other company. I have spoken with a trusted friend and am in complete confidence that you are the leader of your field and have reliable products. I would be proud to work at your company."

Rachelle's Feedback

It seems you have done a substantial amount of research, which any hiring company should appreciate"”a great job doing your homework and delivering this answer in a positive light.

Anonymous Answer

"I haven't heard any negative things. In fact, I have a cousin who has been with State Farm for close to 20 years & is very happy with his career here."

Rachelle's Feedback

Awesome! Having an example from an existing employee with that kind of longevity sure says a lot. Be sure to include some information on what your cousin says about the company :)

Anonymous Answer

"I have had mostly positive things about your hospital during my research. One of the things that came has been able to survive the cold in New York. And remember, I have lived here in New York for many years before. I have had friends currently in your residency program, which has given me positive reviews. So I am confident that your hospital has the qualities I'm looking for in a residency program"

Rachelle's Feedback

It's wonderful that you have heard primarily positive things about the hospital! It would be nice to offer details on some of those positive factors to show the interviewers that this is more than a general statement. The cold can certainly be a negative factor...I know - I live in Canada! :). However, that is not a factor that the hospital can control. For that reason, I suggest thinking of a more direct response to the query.

Compatibility

29. Which other companies are you interviewing with?

The Goal

The interviewer wants to know if you are entertaining close competitors or discussing similar roles with other hiring companies. They also want to know if your job search stage will impact their preferred timing for making a hiring decision. The goal of your response is to inform the hiring company of your job search status while further expressing your interest in their particular opportunity.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

What to Avoid

Avoid giving the impression that you are only counting on this particular opportunity. Think of this interview question as a 'first date' question. If the person you are on a first date with asked for the names of other people you're dating, you wouldn't start listing the names of other people. You also wouldn't say, 'I'm fully committed to only you.' Instead, you want to express your interest while remaining open to other opportunities.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Pro Tip

You are never obligated to disclose the names of the companies you're entertaining. Instead of saying, 'Tomorrow I have a second interview with Company ABC and a third interview booked with Company XYZ at the end of the week...' consider giving an overview of the interviewing company's industry instead. You could say, 'I am actively interviewing with two other companies. One is a healthcare tech company, and the other is a SaaS company focused on education...'

A more general response protects the companies actively interviewing you. If the interviewer is interested in moving forward with your candidacy, an answer like this should elicit some urgency in putting you through the interview process at an appropriate pace.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

How to Answer

Be direct without giving away too much information about your job search and the other companies with which you're interviewing. Let the interviewer know that you are active in your job search. Then, make sure to bring your answer back to the opportunity you're currently discussing by expressing your interest in their role. Talk about what caught your interest and why you see this specific job as an excellent match.

If you are not interviewing elsewhere, you can express that you are not actively interviewing with other companies; however, you expect to hear back from various recent applications. Again, be sure to bring your answer back to the hiring company and why you are enthusiastic about their opportunity in particular.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Answer Example

"I have been interviewing for a couple of similar positions. I am furthest in the interview process with your organization, however. I am very pleased with the impressions Company ABC's management and HR team members have left on me so far."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Admin Example

"I am interviewing with two other organizations for similar roles. I am in the third interview stage for one of these positions. It is important that I find work shortly. However, I will wait for the right opportunity before I accept a job offer. Could you share with me the approximate timeline for this hiring decision?"

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Manager Example

"I am most familiar with Company ABC, which is my preferred opportunity. However, a competing organization has approached me to discuss a similar management role. I'd like to ensure the timeline is mutually beneficial. Do you have a date in mind for this hiring decision?"

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Marketing Example

"I have been actively interviewing and realize how tight-knit the marketing industry is in our city. Three other local marketing firms have approached me with interest, however, I look forward to joining an organization like Agency ABC where the work environment is flexible and the projects are highly creative."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Retail Example

"There are many seasonal retail positions available right now. With that said, Company ABC's position is of great interest because it is a full-time opportunity, and I am in love with the brand! I shop at this store all the time and would love to join your team. Could you share with me your timeline for making a hiring decision?"

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Sales Example

"I am in early to mid-interview stages with two other companies. Company ABC is my first choice since I know this industry the best and this organizations' products are superior. I look forward to discussing the next steps with you and your hiring team."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Teacher Example

"School ABC is my first choice because I know that I can learn a lot from your talented leadership team. Also, this location is ideal for my family. I have applied to three other schools, but I certainly hope to be your first choice!"

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I have been interviewing for a couple of similar positions; however, I am furthest in the interview process with your organization. I am happy with the impressions your management and HR team members have left on me so far."

Rachelle's Feedback

Avoid giving too much away. You can also ask questions re: next steps.

"I am actively interviewing; however, I am keenly aware of the roles that are best for me. I am very pleased with the impression of your HR and management team. Could you share with me your timeline for the next steps?"

Show More Answers

Anonymous Answer

"This is the only company I'm interviewing with."

Rachelle's Feedback

Try expanding on why you have chosen only to apply to this company.

"This company is the only one I have applied to at this point. Your job description, as well as the company reputation, are significant drivers for me in my job search."

Anonymous Answer

"I have applied for several data analyst jobs. And I got a few phone interviews with other companies. But I have a strong interest in this position at your company because I like the working culture here and I believe my skills and qualities are a good match for this role."

Marcie's Feedback

Good response! It's great that you emphasize how much you want this job over the others. Also, you might omit the mention of 'phone interviews' and just generally indicate that you've interviewed with other companies (the interviewer doesn't need to know all the gritty details unless they ask). This might help create some urgency around this company moving to hire you if they are interested (if they know other companies may be interviewing you and interested as well).

Anonymous Answer

"I have applied for a few other positions, and have an interview scheduled. Lockton Affinity is my first choice, though, and your company has been the quickest and most welcoming that I have worked with."

Rachelle's Feedback

You compliment the company very nicely! Be sure to share with them at least one reason why they are your first choice.

Anonymous Answer

"At this time, I have been very selective in my job search as I currently work for an amazing company, and I want to make sure leaving it will be for a company that is going to raise the bar even higher."

Rachelle's Feedback

You find yourself in a fantastic position where you can be choosy with the next career move that you make. You tackle this question very well!

Anonymous Answer

"I have been interviewing for a couple of similar positions; however, I am furthest in the interview process with your organization."

Rachelle's Feedback

You offer up enough information to satisfy most interviewers as it's likely the timing to hire that they want to assess the most.

Anonymous Answer

"I have been interviewing for similar roles; however, I am most interested and impressed with your company and this role more than anything."

Rachelle's Feedback

This is a good start! When speaking about the ways you are most impressed/interested, be sure to give as much detail as possible.

Anonymous Answer

"This company is the only one I have applied to at this point. Your job description and the company reputation are significant drivers for me in my job search."

Rachelle's Feedback

To the point, complimentary, and well delivered. Good work!

Communication

30. What do you think we could do better?

The Goal

As a candidate, you have a unique advantage because you have gone through the company's hiring process and have performed unbiased research on the organization. For that reason, the interviewer wants to know your insights and observations regarding opportunities for business improvements. The goal of your response is to discuss what you have observed as a candidate or even as a recent customer.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

What to Avoid

Avoid approaching this question with a 'savior complex' by insinuating that you can fix all of the company's problems when hiring you. The interviewer doesn't want to hear that you have all of the answers (since nobody does), and they also do not want a long list of improvements you believe the company should make. Instead, show thoughtfulness by mentioning both a positive and a negative factor and then bring your response back to how you can assist.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Pro Tip

Your interviewer might ask this question in other forms, including:

- What do you think we could do better?
- How do you think you could improve our company if we hired you?
- If this were your company, what would you do differently?

Be prepared to answer the question, 'What do you think we could do better?' in various forms.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

How to Answer

Begin your response with a compliment about what you've seen and experienced so far. Then, bring in an observation regarding what you think the hiring company could do better. Whenever possible, loop in another positive statement so that your answer sounds thoughtful and balanced. Your response should focus on what you can do (specific action steps) to help the company improve on its potential weaknesses. Ensure that your answer is not a severe critique. Instead, it's a thoughtful observation on an area where there is room for improvement and you can assist.

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Answer Example

"I have been through much of Company ABC's hiring process, and I must say that this company has the fastest callback time, and your team is the most responsive overall. The only point I could mention is that the job portal was a bit tough to navigate on my mobile phone. This factor aside, I am thrilled with the candidate experience your company has created. I look forward to joining the team and contributing to this exceptional workplace culture."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Admin Example

"I did notice that Company ABC's social media profiles could be stronger. Company profiles on LinkedIn, Facebook, and even Instagram can be helpful resources for candidates. I set these social profiles up for my previous employer and would be happy to do the same for you, should I be the successful candidate."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Manager Example

"I have heard excellent things about this organization, including how Company ABC managed its 2008 merger. You mentioned in our previous interview that the company could be more efficient in the hiring process. This task is one that I can certainly help with once I am on board. I have a lot of experience in talent selection and corporate DEI planning."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Marketing Example

"I find Agency ABC highly creative yet a touch underrated compared to other local agencies. I believe your value proposition could be pushed further by strategically leveraging social media channels. This approach is something I can certainly help to deliver."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Retail Example

"I truly appreciate the effort Company ABC puts into its onboarding process and how quickly your team has moved with my candidacy so far. I am happy with nearly everything I have seen. One suggestion I have is to ensure that the storefront is always immaculate. I did notice today that the storefront looked a touch unkept. Should I be hired, I can help with that! I am a very tidy and organized retail associate."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Sales Example

"I have been a customer of Company ABC and now a candidate, giving me a well-rounded view of your organization. If I could recommend any change, I would suggest strengthening the company's social media presence. Most of the next generation of customers are online. I can help engage those audiences through a stronger sales-based social strategy, similar to what I did for Company XYZ."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Teacher Example

"As an experienced educator in the public sector, I can guess that any pain points or areas of improvement come from public education budget cuts. Is this correct? If so, I have many creative recommendations and suggestions to help stretch classroom dollars and introduce complementary community programming and other publicly available initiatives that would benefit our students."

Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"Describe in detail how your education and work experience qualify you for this position as the ideal candidate (see ideal candidate section in the position description). Include any certifications, training, or classes you have attended that are relevant to this role."

Stephanie's Feedback

This question is asking what the company you're interviewing with could be doing better, so you'll want to center your response around this question. It's best to build a "compliment sandwich." For example: From my research, I really value the company's innovation and commitment to XYZ. One idea I have for improvement is _________________. In joining your team, I would be eager to use my talents and passion to the improve ________________.

Show More Answers

Anonymous Answer

"UHG is a leader in the insurance sector, I can't think of anything that needs to be done better at this time."

Ryan's Feedback

Well done! An honest and short response is often best for this question. If insurance would be a new industry for you, consider shaping your response as indicated in the "Revised Answer" below.

"I've only recently started exploring the insurance industry, and based on my research UHG is considered a leader in the space. Based on my knowledge, I'm not aware of any areas of improvement at this time."

Anonymous Answer

"I have been through a great deal of your interview process at this point. I heard that your company could be more efficient in the hiring process. This task is one that I can certainly tackle once I am on board."

Rachelle's Feedback

This response sounds passive since you "heard" the company could be more efficient in the hiring process. You are in the middle of it, so you should work from your own experience. Try to be as specific as possible.

"I have found your hiring process quite efficient up to this point; however, I would recommend taking a look at the user-friendliness of your current ATS. Most candidates are on mobile these days, and the current system is not mobile friendly. When initially applying, I lost my work a couple of times and had to return to my application on my desktop at a later time. I feel this could hinder your company in capturing keen applicants quickly. I do have some recommendations for down the road, should this be a conversation you would like to explore."

Anonymous Answer

"I am a very frequent user of Facebook marketplace applications. Usually, whenever I had to sell any furniture I post ads in these applications. Similarly, I buy a lot of stuff using this application too. However, many times when I am looking for a particular item, I am not able to see the best ad services nearby me. Usually, good options appear after a week or so after I am looking for a particular item. In my opinion, FB can bring some more real-time ad services to its users."

Cindy's Feedback

Great example. You're demonstrating familiarity with the company's product while being responsive to the question.

Anonymous Answer

"I have been thrilled with the interview process. I felt that your company was very responsive and welcoming. The only thing that I could even mention is that I would have loved a more detailed timeline of the 18-month training period. Overall, my entire experience has made me excited about the opportunity to work for such a great company."

Rachelle's Feedback

Your answer is very positive! Asking for more detail on their training period is a fantastic decision because it further showcases your interest in the position.

Anonymous Answer

"I am incredibly impressed with your company. I reached out to a friend who uses your products and had nothing but good things to say. The only thing I would mention is to list perhaps your jobs on other sites other than your own, and at the same time, I am glad they are not all out there on all external sites since I found this listing on your internal site."

Rachelle's Feedback

This is a good recommendation for any roles they may have trouble filling. It's nice that you approached this response with a positive, to start.

Anonymous Answer

"I have been thrilled with the interview process. I felt that your company was very responsive and welcoming. The only thing that I could even mention is that I would have loved a more detailed timeline of the interview process. It would be helpful to know how long and how many people I would be talking to. Overall, my entire experience has made me excited about the opportunity to work for such a great company."

Stephanie's Feedback

Your response shows thoughtfulness and clear enthusiasm. However, depending on the company, this question is sometimes used to gauge how much a candidate knows about the company itself and any suggestions you have for improving a service or product, rather than improving the actual interview process itself.

Anonymous Answer

"Using edjoin makes it easy to find available jobs within the District, and the format is easy to navigate. I would only suggest that a longer open application might be helpful to applicants, especially if they are not checking the site daily."

Stephanie's Feedback

Good feedback--you delivered this well!