Career paths are routes that individuals take from their first foray into the job market through to their final position before retirement. Generally speaking career paths start with the most junior position and end with the most senior position. This is not always the case but is likely the intention of the individual.
2. Tell me a little about yourself?
One that's concise and compelling and that shows exactly why you are the right fit for the job. Start off with the 2-3 specific accomplishments or experiences that you most want the interviewer to know about, then wrap up talking about how that prior experience has positioned you for this specific role.
3. How did you hear about the position?
This is actually a perfect opportunity to stand out and show your passion for and connection to the company. For example, if you found out about the gig through a friend or professional contact, name drop that person, then share why you were so excited about it. If you discovered the company through an event or article, share that. Even if you found the listing through a random job board, share what, specifically, caught your eye about the role.
4. What do you know about the company?
Any candidate can read and regurgitate the company's "About" page. So, when interviewers ask this, they are not necessarily trying to gauge whether you understand the mission-they want to know whether you care about it. Start with one line that shows you understand the company's goals, using a couple key words and phrases from the website, but then go on to make it personal.
5. Why do you want to do this job?
First, identify a couple of key factors that make the role a great fit for you (e.g., "I love customer support because I love the constant human interaction and the satisfaction that comes from helping someone solve a problem"), then share why you love the company (e.g., "I've always been passionate about education, and I think you guys are doing great things, so I want to be a part of it").
This question seems forward (not to mention intimidating!), but if you are asked it, you are in luck. There is no better setup for you to sell yourself and your skills to the hiring manager. Your job here is to craft an answer that covers three things that you can not only do the work, you can deliver great results; that you will really fit in with the team and culture; and that you'd be a better hire than any of the other candidates.
7. What do you consider to be your weaknesses?
It is to gauge your self-awareness and honesty. So, "I can not meet a deadline to save my life" is not an option-but neither is "Nothing! I am perfect!" Strike a balance by thinking of something that you struggle with but that you are working to improve. For example, maybe you have never been strong at public speaking, but you have recently volunteered to run meetings to help you be more comfortable when addressing a crowd.
8. What is your greatest professional achievement?
A great way to answer is by using the S-T-A-R method:
Set up the situation and the task that you were required to complete to provide the interviewer with background context (e.g., "In my last job as a junior analyst, it was my role to manage the invoicing process"), but spend the bulk of your time describing what you actually did (the action) and what you achieved (the result).
9. What are your greatest professional strengths?
You should be accurate (share your true strengths, not those you think the interviewer wants to hear); relevant (choose your strengths that are most targeted to this particular position); and specific (for example, instead of "people skills," choose "persuasive communication" or "relationship building"). Then, follow up with an example of how you have demonstrated these traits in a professional setting.
10. Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
Be honest and specific about your future goals, but consider this, a hiring manager wants to know:
a) If you have set realistic expectations for your career.
b) If you have ambition.
c) If the position aligns with your goals and growth.
Your best bet is to think realistically about where this position could take you and answer along those lines.
Along similar lines, the interviewer wants to uncover whether this position is really in line with your ultimate career goals. While "an NBA star" might get you a few laughs, a better bet is to talk about your goals and ambitions and why this job will get you closer to them.
12. What other companies are you interviewing with?
It can be helpful to mention that a common characteristic of all the jobs you are applying to is the opportunity to apply some critical abilities and skills that you possess. For example, you might say I am applying for several positions with IT consulting firms where I can analyze client needs and translate them to development teams in order to find solutions to technology problems.
13. Why are you leaving your current job?
This is a toughie, but one you can be sure you will be asked. Definitely keep things positive-you have nothing to gain by being negative about your past employers. Instead, frame things in a way that shows that you're eager to take on new opportunities and that the role you are interviewing for is a better fit for you than your current or last position.
14. Why were you fired from your job?
if you get the admittedly much tougher follow-up question as to why you were let go (and the truth isn't exactly pretty), your best bet is to be honest (the job-seeking world is small, after all). But it does not have to be a deal-breaker. Share how you have grown and how you approach your job and life now as a result. If you can position the learning experience as an advantage for this next job, even better.
15. What did you like or dislike about your previous job?
I enjoyed the people I worked with. It was a friendly and fun atmosphere and I actually enjoyed going into work each morning. I felt the leadership team was great as well. They knew all of their employees on a first name basis and tried to make those personal connections. I also enjoyed that fact that the office tried to do community outreach with local organizations.
16. What were your responsibilities?
Try to tie your responsibilities in with those listed in the job description for the new position. That way, the employer will see that you have the qualifications necessary to do the job. Focus most on your responsibilities that are directly related to the new job's requirements.
17. How would you handle stress and pressure?
Stress is very important to me. With stress, I do the best possible job. The appropriate way to deal with stress is to make sure I have the correct balance between good stress and bad stress. I need good stress to stay motivated and productive.
18. What was the biggest accomplishment or failure in this position?
The best way to respond is to give an example of something you accomplished that is directly related to the job you are interviewing for. Review your resume and review the job posting. Find the best match and use that to show how what you accomplished will be beneficial to the company you are interviewing with.When you are asked about your accomplishments, give a specific example of what you did in your last position.
19. How would you evaluate success?
In your answer, you should be cognizant of the type of job you are applying for. Whereas a large corporation might place all their emphasis on the bottom line, a non-profit would measure success not in money but in social impact.
20. What are your future goals?
My long-term goals involve growing with a company where I can continue to learn, take on additional responsibilities, and contribute as much of value as I can.
21. What is your salary range?
Once you know what you should be earning, how do you go about getting it? Start by being very patient. When interviewing for a new position, do your best not to bring up compensation until the employer makes you an offer.
22. What are you passionate about?
One of my greatest passions is helping others. When I was younger, I have enjoyed helping mom with household repairs. As I grew older, that habit grew and I desired to help others as well. I like helping people find solutions that meet their specific needs.
23. How many hours a day/week do you need to work to get the job done?
I use my time efficiently at work and, for the most part, it is not the number of hours I work; but how effective my time has been to accomplish the job. I am sure my references will tell you I was more than willing to put in the time to be sure the job was completed as quickly and as professionally as possible.
24. Who was your best boss and who was the worst?
I have learned from each boss I have had. From the good ones, what to do, from the challenging ones - what not to do. Early in my career, I had a mentor who helped me a great deal, we still stay in touch. I have honestly learned something from each boss I have had.
25. What would be your next move if you stayed with your current company?
The upward mobility at my current company would most likely be in the global marketing department.
