Top 15 Job Interview Questions and Answers Examples - Career Sidekick

Top 15 Job Interview Questions and Answers Examples - Career Sidekick Top 15 Job Interview Questions and Answers Examples Interview Preparation / https://www.edenscott.com/blog If you have interviews coming up, this article is for you. Youre going to get the top job interview questions and answers examples, plus dos and donts to get you ready to ace your next interview.Make sure youre ready for each of these questions by reviewing our notes on what the hiring manager is looking for, the mistakes to avoid, and example answers that will impress the employer.Lets get started..15 Interview Questions and Answers ExamplesThese are the top interview questions you should be ready to answer, with word-for-word examples for each answer along with dos and donts.Practice and get comfortable with these questions and answer examples before your interview and youll feel more confident, while giving much better answers.1. What do you know about our company?This is one of the most common questions to practice for. Youre very likely to hear it in an early-stage interview, especially a phone interview.In the sample answers below, youll see that the goal is to show them youve done your research and didnt apply to their company without knowing anything about them.If you dont seem like you know anything about them, youll come across as desperate somebody who will take any job they can find. And thats going to make you unattractive to any good employers out there.So when they ask, what do you know about our company?, your primary goal is to show youve done your research or knew about their company before applying. If you do this, youll be fine.Do:Make sure to research the company before the interview (on their website, their LinkedIn page, and Google)Understand what industry theyre in, what they sell and how they make moneyTry to have some sense of their company size. Are they 100 employees? More than 10,000 employees?In your answer, show youve done research and show that youre excited about interviewing with their particular companyDont:Say you dont know anythingSay facts that are incorrect or you arent sure about (its bett er to know one or two facts that you can say accurately, than five facts youre not sure of)Interview answer example 1:From what I read, your company is one of the leaders in providing security software to other businesses. I read the list of clients on your website. Do you mostly serve Fortune 500 clients? I saw a couple big Fortune 500 companies mentioned on the list, including ___ and ___.Interview answer example 2:Youre one of the largest investment banks in the US. Your headquarters is in Raleigh, NC, and you have 25,000 employees worldwide based on what I read on your website.2. How did you hear about the position?When they ask how did you hear about the position?, the interviewer just wants to know if youve taken the time to research the company and if you have a genuine reason for wanting to talk with them. Mention a product, a mission statement on the website, a reputation for talented employees, or whatever else seems applicable to that specific company. Come up with a grea t reason. Dont make it seem like theyre just one company among many. Or that youre sending your resume out to themfor no particular reason other than wanting a job.This is one of the simplest question and answer scenarios in any interview, but that doesnt mean it cant ruin your chances at the job if you answer incorrectly.Do:Be clear, direct and upfrontTell the truth unless its something very embarrassing (for example, when I was much younger, my Mother actually found me a job to apply to. That does *not* sound great, so I told them a friend saw the job posting and mentioned it to me. A white-lie is okay but only when needed).Explain why the job interested you, if possible (e.g. I was excited to apply because ___)Compliment them if possible (e.g. My colleague said youre one of the top software firms in Dallas)Dont:Say you dont remember or dont knowSound unsure of yourselfHesitateGood answer examples:I found the position while looking for jobs onlineI heard about it from a colleague/ friendYour company was recommended to me by somebody I worked with in a previous job and had heard good things about your organizationI saw the job posted on LinkedIn, and the position seemed interesting so I wanted to learn more3. Why did you apply for this position?When they ask why did you apply for this position?, pick something specific that interested you. If you say you love their products, tell them why. Thats the key to giving a convincing answer for this job interview question.Stay away from sounding like youre desperate, or that you want just anyjob. Yes, if you were laid off its okay to say that, but then re-focus the conversation on exactly what youre looking for in the next opportunity and why you feel their company might have it.You need to sound like you want the RIGHT job and that youre being picky. Companies want the best performers, and the best performers are picky in their job hunt. Stay away from negatives and complaints too. Dont bad-mouth your current company or boss. Focus on the positives of the company youre interviewing with.Do:Make them feel like youre interested in them for a specific reasonShow youve done your research and understand what the job involvesPhrase everything as a positive. Dont badmouth your current situation, just talk about what you hope to gain by coming to work for them (experiences, challenges, opportunities).Dont:Say you just need a job in generalExplain that youre unemployed and just need to find workSay you just need money or have bills to pay so you need workBadmouth your current boss or company and sound like you just want to leave there, however you canSound desperate, or sound like you will take any job you can get and you dont care what it ends up beingMention any other personal reasons like I need to find a shorter commute.Example answer 1:Since beginning my career, Ive wanted to work for a larger organization in this industry, and I know youre one of the leaders in this space. Im very interested in yo ur products/services, especially the mobile applications youre building recently, so Id be excited to come here and grow my skills with an organization like yours.Example answer 2:Ive heard great things about the work environment here from a few colleagues. And when I saw this job posting, it seemed to match my skills very closely. For example, I saw on the job description that you need somebody whos an expert in Java programming. This is what I focused on in both of my previous positions, and was even the focus of my academic work before graduating university. I consider myself an expert in Java and its a skill I hope to continue specializing in.4. Why are you looking to leave your current company?Now, not everyone is job searching while employed, but if you are this is one of the most important interview questions and answers to know.The most important thing when they ask why you are looking to leave your current job is to stay positive and never badmouth.How do you sound positiv e? Rather than complaining or talking badly about your current situation, say that youre looking for more of something.Is your current boss a jerk ? Say that youre looking for an environment with more leadership you can learn from.Do:Sound positive and focus on what you want to gain by making a moveShow gratitude for your current job (e.g. This job has been great and Ive learned a lot in the 2 years Ive been here, but I feel Im ready for ___ now.)Sound like youre ambitious, motivated, and eager to find the next challenge in your career.Dont:Badmouth your current employer in any waySound like youre trying to escape a bad situation, or youre failing or not fitting in at your current jobSay youre struggling or failing to perform the workSay its too difficult or stressfulSay youre not sureGood sample answer:Im looking for more leadership opportunities. Ive been at my company for three years and have really enjoyed the experience but I feel in order to take the next step in my career, it d be helpful to join a larger organization and use what Ive learned in the past to lead more projects. Thats why this Project Manager role excited me.5. Tell us about a challenge youve faced and how you handled itFocus on a specific work-related challenge and talk about how you overcame obstacles, used it as a learning experience, used the resources around you (including people/colleagues if applicable), and ended up with a positive result! Thats how to answer this interview question. Keep it work related, not personal.Do:Explain the situation, the task you needed to accomplish, and what method you chose (and why)Share the outcome. What was the result?Share what you learned from the experience. Did you take away knowledge that has helped you in your career?Dont:Share any story that involves personal conflicts, arguments or disagreements at workTalk about an argument you hadTalk about a challenge that you didnt overcome, or didnt find a solution forAnswer example:In my last job, we w ere facing a tough deadline and my boss was out for the day. Our client was expecting a project to be delivered by 5PM, but we were far behind schedule. I took the lead on the project, delegated tasks to the four other team members in a way that I thought would utilize everyones strengths best. And then I re-organized my own personal tasks so I could dedicate my entire day to contributing to this project as well. The project was a success and we delivered the work on-time. I went on to lead more projects after that, and used what I learned to be a better project manager.6. How much money are you looking to earn?Unfortunately this question is left off of many lists of job interview questions and answers examples. But its extremely important, and the wrong answer here can cost you thousands of dollars in the negotiation later on.DONT say a number.Why? you have the least amount of leverage possible at this point, assuming youre early in the interview process. You havent finished interv iewingwith them, they dont know if youre any good or if they even want to hire you. So you cant command a high salary right now. If you go too low with your price, theyll hold you toit later. Go too high? Youll scare them off before they even know what youre worth!Its a lose-lose. Dont do it. So remember when youre preparing what to say in a job interview, especially an early stage interview, salary goalsshould not be a part of it!Do:Stand your ground and tell them you dont have a number in mind yet, or arent sure.Repeat this multiple times if needed (if they pressure you or push back after your first response).Dont:Tell them a specific salary youre hoping forTell them a range youre hoping forExample answer:Right now Im focused on finding a job thats the right fit for my career. Once Ive done that, Im willing to consider an offer you feel is fair, but I do not have a specific number in mind yet, and my priority is to find a position thats a great fit for me.For more info, heres a fu ll article on how to answer desired salary on applications and interviews.7. Do you have any questions for us?If you dont ask good questions to each person you speak with, you are very unlikely to get hired.You can ask about the work, the training, the challenges youd face, the overall direction of the company.Dont ask about salary, benefits, time off, or anything that isnt related to the work. Wait for them to bring it up, or until you know they want to offer you the position.FYI here are the 105 best questions to ask the interviewer.Do:Be ready to ask questions to every single person you meet withAsk about the company, the team, and most importantly the specific jobAsk about things you heard during the interview that youd like more information aboutAsk about the interview process: (e.g. when will I hear feedback, and who will be in touch after this?)Dont:Say you dont have any questionsSay so-and-so answered all my questions alreadyAsk about salary, benefits, work hours, dress-cod e, or anything else that isnt related to the actual work youll be doing for them. Wait for them to bring this up in a second or third interviewExample answer:Yes, I have a couple of questions actually. The first thing I wanted to ask: is this a newly-created position, or did somebody hold this role in the past? And if so, what did that person go on to do after this position?8. Why should we hire you?Employers ask, Why should we hire you to see how well you understand the role, and to hear your perspective on how your skills can help them.Try to talk about them and how youll help them. What will be better for them if they hire you? What will you improve for them?And show youve done your research. Make it clear that you know what this position involves, and youre ready to perform the tasks.Do:Be confident in your skills and abilitiesTalk about specific things you can help them do or achieve if they hire youDo your research before the interview and understand their needs, so you can ta ilor your answers and target the specific things theyll need if they hire you in this roleDont:Say I dont knowSay You should hire whoever you wantGive a generic answer thatd fit any company. You really need to tailor this to the specific duties youll be performing in THIS specific job. Otherwise your answer will not impress them.Example interview answer:“I read on the job description that you’re looking for someone with experience in ____. I’ve done that for 3 years and can immediately help you accomplish ____”.9. Why do you want to work here?If they ask why do you want this job?, show youve done plenty of research to learn about them before coming in to interview. You want to make them feel like you chose them for a reason. This is very similar to the previous question: Why did you apply for this position?Show them that you know what that their job involves (at least as much as you could learn from the job description and company website), and that youre excited to be inter viewing for this position.Do:Mention specific, work-related reasons why their job and company interest youTalk about your own career goals and how this job and company fits those goalsSound excited about the opportunity to work for themShow youve done your researchDont:Say, I have bills to pay and need moneySay, I just need a job.Share any personal details like, I live 5 minutes away so it would be a very short commuteSample interview answer:“I’ve been actively searching for jobs since graduating with my Nursing degree. I’m interested in intensive care and emergency medicine and I’ve seen your hospital mentioned as having one of the best ER’s in the region. I thought the job description matched up well with my background, and saw some of my personal strengths mentioned, like multitasking and being able to thrive in a fast paced environment, so Id love to begin my career here.”10. Tell me about yourselfThis is one of the most popular interview question and answer examples people look for, because its extremely common to hear AND difficult to answer. Heres how to handle it:Keep it professional when answering the question of tell me about yourself. You dont need to share personal details.To answer, walk them through your background, starting at how you began your career or your current line of work. Take them through key accomplishments, key career moves youve made, and end by sharing what youre looking to do next in your career and why youre job hunting.Do:Focus on sharing your professional story onlyKeep it under 2 minutesWalk them through how you got started in your career, key moves youve made, and then bring them up to speed on your current situationDont:Share personal detailsTalk for more than 2 minutesInterview answer example:?“I started my career in Marketing after graduating with a Business degree in 2013. I’ve spent my entire career at Microsoft, receiving two promotions and three awards for outstanding performance. Im looking to join a smaller company now, and take on more leadership and project management.11. Why did you leave your last job?There are a lot of good answers to this interview question. There isnt just one right answer. Here are some guidelines:If you chose to leave on your own terms, stay positive and focus on what you wanted to gain from the decision, rather than bad-mouthing or focusing on negatives you wanted to avoid.And if you were fired or laid off, be upfront and clear. Youre not going to make employers want to hire you by being vague or trying to hide something.If you got fired, show what youve learned from the experience, and what youve done to make sure this doesnt happen again. Thats how to spin it into a positive.Do:Be clear and direct and address the question head-onIf you were fired, own up to it and share what youve done to make sure this never happens againIf you chose to resign, focus on the positive things you hoped to gain by moving to the next opportunity, rather than badmouthing or talking about the negatives in your last roleDont:Dont badmouth or complainNever say you resigned because of a disagreement or argument with a coworkerDont make it sound like money is your main priorityDont try to hide facts or avoid the question; this will just lead to more questions and suspicion from the interviewerExample answer:“I was hired for a project management role, but over time that changed and I was no longer being given the opportunity to do the work I was interested in. I left to pursue an opportunity that I felt was more aligned with what Ive chosen to focus on in my career.”You can also get more ideas for how to answer this on our list of 20 answers for why did you leave your last job.12. What is your greatest weakness?When they ask, whats your greatest weakness? , you want to name a real weakness.I highly recommend picking something skill-based, not personality-based.You never want to say you struggle working with others, or youre bad at resolving disagreem ents, or taking direction from a manager, etc. Those things will get you rejected in the interview.So pick a specific skill, butpick something that wont severely impact your ability to do this job.For example if the job involves data entry with Excel spreadsheets all day, you do not want to say Excel is your weakness. Or that you struggle paying attention to details.Finally, end your answer by explaining what youre doing to overcome or improve your weakness.Take a look at the dos and donts, and the interview answer example below, to get a sense of what your answer might sound like.Do:Name a real weaknessPick something thats skill-based, not personality-based. For example, say, Im not particularly strong in Microsoft Excel, rather than, My weakness is working on a team and following directions.Mention what youve done to overcome this weakness and improve recentlyDont:Dont give a fake weakness like, I work too hardDont try to be funny with an answer like, Kryptonite. Hiring managers h ave heard it over and overDont tell them you have no weaknessesDont name a personality-based weakness (like I have trouble getting along with colleagues)Dont name a weakness that will severely impact your ability to succeed in their jobExample interview answer:“Im not particularly strong in social media marketing. For the first few years of my career, I focused entirely on email marketing. Thats still what I specialize in, which is why I applied for your Email Marketing Manager job. But Ive realized its also helpful to understand the principles of social media marketing because some of the strategies that work there also work well in email. So Ive started spending a couple hours a week of my own time studying and learning this new area, and its helped me a lot.13. Where do you see yourself in 5 years???There are three big reasons interviewers love to ask where do you see yourself in 5 years?:?They want to see if youve thought about your professional futureThey want to make sure yo ure ambitious and hard-workingThey want to make sure the job theyre offering fits with your goalsSo, pick a work-related goal of where you’d like to be 5 years from now, and make sure it’s slightly challenging or ambitious-sounding.Youdon’t want to say, “I see myself in the same position 5 years from now.”And make sure to share a goal that is related to the type of job youre interviewing for. You want to sound like the experience you’ll gain in this job fits your long-term goals.Otherwise theyre going to be scared to hire you. Why would they offer you the job if it doesnt fit the goals you described to them? You’d be unsatisfied, bored, and would probably quit within the first year. No company wants this.Do:Show youve thought about this topic and questionSound ambitious and motivatedBe realistic. Dont say you want to be CEO in 5 years if youre entry-levelMake sure your answer is related to this job. They wont hire you for a job that has nothing to do with your 5-year g oalDont:Be sarcastic or give a joke answer like, I plan on having your jobSay youre not sure, or say youd be happy staying in the same role for 5 years (most companies do not want to hear this)Example interview answer:Im glad you asked. In 5 years I see myself taking on more responsibilities, either through management or higher level individual contributions. I’m not sure which path will make sense to pursue, but I know my goal right now is to build a strong foundation and gain valuable experience so that I’ll have a successful future in this industry.14. Tell Me About a Time You FailedThis is a common interview question that employers ask to see if youre able to learn from mistakes and bounce back when things dont go your way.They always want to see if you can own-up to it and be accountable and actually admit to your failures.So when you answer, tell me a time when you failed here are the most important dos and donts to follow:Do:Admit to a real failureDescribe the situation a nd what went wrongShow that you take responsibility (rather than blaming others), and show you learned from itIdeally, talk about how you used that lesson to get a different outcome next time you were presented with a similar challenge (e.g. how you turned a past failure into a future success)Dont:Say you never failTalk about a failure but then blame others and talk about how it wasnt really your faultGive a long-winded answer that goes off-track. You really need to be concise and show you can tell a clear story. Thats one more thing employers look for when they ask this interview question.Sample interview answer:“In my most recent position, I had recently been promoted to Supervisor, and was managing the department on my own right before the department closed. An employee was acting out and I confronted him in front of everybody. It made the situation worse and caused a lot of distraction for every employee on the floor. I failed to lead properly in this situation, and spoke to m y manager the next day to discuss what I could have done differently. We both agreed that I should have handled this in-private with the employee, by asking them to step inside my office with me. If I had done this instead of reacting the way I did, the situation would have turned out much better. From that point onward, I am always consciousof whether a discussion with a team member should occur in public or behind closed doors, and it made me a better leader.”15. How do you make decisions?This is another one of the most common interview questions youll hear in any industry.You may also hear it phrased as behavioral interview questions like, Tell me about a time you had to make a difficult decision? How did you handle it and what did you decide?With any of these decision-making interview questions, hiring managers will want to know that youve made good decisions in the past and are comfortable with the pressure of a tough decision. This will make them comfortable that youll make good decisions in your next job, too while working for them.So to show the hiring manager that youre a good fit, prepare to explain how you organize and structure your decisions. You want to show them youre calm and follow a logical system when you make important decisions.Answer sample:I typically list out all available options and then weigh the pros and cons and expected outcomes of each. If other teams or people are impacted by the decision, Ill ask for their thoughts, too. Sometimes a peer will point out a pro or con that I hadnt seen, so I find it helpful to talk to others when appropriate. After this, Ill choose the course of action that I feel is most likely to bring about the best outcome. I also weigh risks of each possible decision. If one decision has a good potential outcome but comes with too much risk for the company, then it may not be the right choice. Would you like me to give an example? Or did that answer your questionUPDATE:Ifyou have interviews coming up and d on’t want to leave anything to chance, I’ve created anew guide where you can copymy exactstep-by-step method for getting job offers. You canget more details here.