Compatibility Interview
Questions

15 Compatibility Interview Questions

By: Rachelle Enns

Question 1 of 15

Tell me about your relationship with your previous boss.

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How to Answer

The interviewer would like to know about your relationship with your most recent employer. Be sure to remain positive, even if the experience wasn't. Avoid talking about any previous drama and do not speak poorly of your employer. Keep your answer short and respectful.

Answer Example

"I had a very healthy relationship with my previous employer. She was easy to approach, and we would bounce ideas off of each other quite often. I would sum it up as a relationship lead by strong mutual respect."

Admin Answer Example

"My previous boss and I got along well. We had very different interests, so we did not spend a lot of time chatting, but our work interests were aligned, and we respected each other."

Manager Answer Example

"My previous boss and I had a great working relationship. We were in sync when it came to accomplishing things we needed to do in our department. We scheduled weekly touch base meetings to stay current on our progress and address any issues that came up along the way. I learned a lot from them on leadership while adding great value to the team."

Marketing Answer Example

"I have worked for the same boss for the past eight years. We have an incredible working relationship, taking every opportunity to learn together and bounce ideas off of each other. He will provide an excellent reference once we get to that stage."

Retail Answer Example

"My previous boss spent a lot of time mentoring me when I first started working at the store. She is the regional manager but held my role before her promotion. We get along very well, and she has already agreed to provide a positive reference on my behalf."

Sales Answer Example

"I have had healthier relationships with previous employers, but my most recent boss and I did the best that we could. Our communication styles were very different which made it challenging at times."

Teacher Answer Example

"My most recent Principal was an inspiration to me and helped to guide my career in education for the past three years. I have the utmost respect for her."

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Question 2 of 15

What do you know about our company culture?

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How to Answer

The interviewer would like to know that you have researched their organization before your interview. Company culture and fit is a critical factor when considering a career move. Assure the interviewer that you have put thought, research, and consideration into how the company culture will work for you.

Answer Example

"I have researched your company through your social media channels and on glassdoor.com. Your employees have great things to say, and overall it seems that you have fun while you work. I am looking forward to joining an organization, like yours, that is upbeat and thoughtful with an eye on helping the community at the same time."

Admin Answer Example

"I know that you have a great reputation with your clients and that you treat your staff very well. I have a friend who worked with your company on a temporary basis last year, and she said it was one of the best administrative positions she had ever held. I look forward to learning more about this role."

Manager Answer Example

"I read many positive reviews online about your organization and company culture. You offer great incentives to keep people motivated, and it seems to be the type of fast-paced environment that values innovation and performance. My type of place!"

Marketing Answer Example

"Your agency is well known for crafting great brands and fun marketing schemes. It sounds like your team has a great deal of fun, and I look forward to joining!"

Retail Answer Example

"Your stores are well known for encouraging continued education opportunities and offering advanced training, compared to your competitors. I appreciate your focus on employee development and cannot wait to learn more!"

Sales Answer Example

"I only know what I read on your website, and reviews on LinkedIn, Google, etc. Your website information was very appealing, but there were mixed reviews online. I do not put a lot of emphasis on reviews, as I know that most people only take the time to leave a review if they are upset. There was only a handful total, and I see that you have hundreds of employees. Overall, I feel comfortable with your organization and the information you have shared with me here today."

Teacher Answer Example

"Your district is well known for community involvement and offering unique field trip opportunities, as well as electives, for your students. I look forward to being part of a school that cares so deeply about their students and the experiences they have during their elementary education."

Question 3 of 15

Describe your working relationship with your previous or current colleagues.

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How to Answer

The interviewer would like to know more about your relationship with your colleagues. Remain positive, even if the experience wasn't. Avoid talking about any previous drama and do not speak poorly of your colleagues.

Answer Example

"I get along well with most personalities. My colleagues were great team players, and we would often meet up after work for drinks or team activities."

Admin Answer Example

"I get along with just about everyone with whom I work. I respect other people's knowledge, experience, and opinion, even if I don't agree. I think that is why I can work with nearly anyone."

Manager Answer Example

"Our leadership team is collaborative, and we work well towards our common goal. If we have a difference of opinion, we will talk it out in our management meetings."

Marketing Answer Example

"All of the colleagues I have worked with have shared a very respectful relationship with me. We have similar goals, and we exchange knowledge to accomplish those things to the best we can. Each of us has a part in the company's success, and we utilize communication to make it happen."

Retail Answer Example

"Our team is amazing! We support each other when customers are a bit cranky, we help each other reach the store's targets and goals, and we help to cover when someone needs a day off."

Sales Answer Example

"I have had better relationships in the past, but we did the best that we could. Our communication styles were all very different which made it challenging at times. And, as you know, in sales things can become very competitive! Of course, the competition was friendly most of the time."

Teacher Answer Example

"As a teacher, it's incredibly important to get along well with your fellow faculty. In my current role, we go to great lengths to support each other in the workplace. I have worked in environments where this is not the case, and those have been incredibly challenging."

Question 4 of 15

How would you describe your personality?

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How to Answer

The interviewer would like to know how you see yourself. Personality and character are two very different things. The interviewer is looking for more information on your traits vs. your integrity. Your answer should include buzzwords such as introverted, energetic, and confident.

Answer Example

"I would describe my personality as approachable, light-hearted, and positive. I believe that, if asked, my colleagues and supervisor would say the same about me."

Admin Answer Example

"I am quite, focused, and determined. You won't hear a lot from me unless I need you, but rest assured that I am working hard."

Manager Answer Example

"I am energized, focused and motivated to do my best. I always take the high road and treat my leaders, colleagues, and team with respect."

Marketing Answer Example

"Great question! I describe my personality as exuberant, inventive, and intuitive. I have an uncanny ability to understand my clients' needs and a keen ability to build rapport with them."

Retail Answer Example

"I describe my personality as outgoing, adaptable, and capable of fitting into a multitude of situations. I can take on challenges like upselling and managing customer disputes."

Sales Answer Example

"As a sales professional, my personality lends itself well to a highly commissioned role such as this. I am persistent, resourceful, and sincere which my clients seem to like very much."

Teacher Answer Example

"My personality is the same as my teaching style: actionable, considerate, and compassionate. Are these personality traits you are looking for in your next teacher?"

Question 5 of 15

What type of work environment allows you to be the most productive?

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How to Answer

The interviewer would like to know how to ensure a healthy level of productivity from you. Are you able to be productive in any environment? Are there particular types of situations that you find distracting? Discuss your preferences with the interviewer. Be sure to research the kind of environment that offered in this position before the interview.

Answer Example

"I understand that your work environment is very collaborative. I come from a similar environment and found that I could be very productive when there was the 'buzz' of a team around me. I can also be productive in quieter environments although that isn't my preference."

Admin Answer Example

"I am most productive when I am allowed to take on my projects and complete them my way, with trust that the final product will be exactly what my manager expected from me. I am very detail oriented, and you can be sure that, no matter how I get there, I will exceed your expectations."

Manager Answer Example

"I am productive in work environments where there is little nepotism or hierarchy. I want to continue to be the type of manager who has an open-door policy where my staff can feel comfortable coming to me with questions and needs."

Marketing Answer Example

"As a marketing director, I work best in collaborative environments where all ideas respectfully accepted. You can quash creativity, and it comes in many forms!"

Retail Answer Example

"I work well in environments where I am trusted to do my job without micro-managing, after I learn the ropes of the business, of course."

Sales Answer Example

"I work well in a high pressure, demanding environment that requires you to work smart and make your mark. I am competitive and love a significant challenge."

Teacher Answer Example

"I work best in environments that are organized, well-scheduled, and positive by nature. I hear that your school offers this type of environment. Is that correct?"

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Writers for Compatibility Answers and Questions

Ryan Brown

Ryan Brown, is the creator of MockQuestions. He has over ten years experience creating interview questions. His website has helped over 10 million job seekers in their interview preparation.

Rachelle Enns

Rachelle Enns is an executive head-hunter and job search expert. Utilized by top executives from Fortune 100 & 500 companies like Fitbit, Microsoft, General Electric, Nestle, and more, she helps professionals position themselves in a competitive marketplace. Rachelle founded Renovate My Resume, a company that focuses on helping job seekers get their edge back. Renovate My Resume creates stand-out resumes, cover letters, LinkedIn profiles and professional summaries for new grads, all the way to corporate executives. Rachelle spends much of her time training career coaches, recruiters, and resume writers. She also holds interview workshops for students and interns, globally. For great tips and tricks, follow Rachelle on Instagram @_rachelle_e or @renovatemyresume.

First written on: 01/06/2017
Last modified on: 08/11/2018

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