Whether you're interviewing for an entry-level position or a director role, there are some common interview questions that you can almost guarantee will be asked at some point through the process.
While you cannot prep yourself to have readymade, robotic answers to any and every question a hiring manager might ask (and actually, we don't recommend you do that), you can prepare yourself for some of the heavy hitters, especially those that will determine cultural fit or value fit at your future company.
We aren't here to tell you *exactly* what to say, but we do want to help you avoid answering in a way that minimizes your chances of getting that job offer.
"Tell me about yourself."
Wrong Answer:
I was born in White Plains, NY on a stormy August night… (10 minutes later) and that’s how I ended up with 12,000 Instagram followers.
Right Answer:
Tell the hiring manager about yourself as it applies to the open position. You can almost count on this “tell me about yourself” portion of the interview, so think about a few impressive qualities. Even if this is a brand new position you have never held, there is likely something that drew you to it. Come prepared with two or three experiences that led you to this opening.
"Why did you leave your last position?"
Wrong Answer:
My boss is a jerk.
Right Answer:
Your boss may very well be the worst (we believe you) but…you can’t say that. Perhaps your boss isn’t giving your work the attention or you haven’t been able to advance in your role. Instead of lamenting your boss, explain your passion for your work, your ideas and how you are ready to grow. Talk about how this role you're interviewing for will be a better fit for you.
Always avoid any outwardly negative language in the interview process, especially when speaking about former bosses or coworkers.
"Where do you see yourself in five years?"
Wrong Answer:
I might just be the CEO.
Right Answer:
This is an answer you want to carefully consider. While you don’t have to commit to dying in this role, at this company, a hiring manager will want to see some level of long-term compatibility.
Consider instead the skill set in your specific role. Are there certain initiatives you want to start? Are there skill sets you want to improve and grow? Describe here how you see your role fleshing out over the next few years. Within reason, you may describe how you hope this role will advance you to a more advanced version, whether at a management or director level.
"Why [This Company]?"
Wrong Answer:
You have a really cool office.
Right Answer:
This is where you can flex your knowledge. Prior to an interview, you should have conducted pretty thorough research of the company. You might also be a brand ambassador of sorts already, if you've used the company’s product. Speak to the ways the product and service has affected you in the past.
Additionally, use this question as an opportunity to insert yourself into the framework of the company’s future. This foresight will show a hiring manager that you have already considered the role and how you see yourself in it.
"Do you have any questions for me?"
Wrong Answer:
Nope, I'm good!
Right Answer:
The right answer here is literally anything. Okay, not literally. This is your chance, face to face, to find out about company culture, company history, future trajectory and almost anything you can imagine asking.
Have these questions prepped before the interview. With a great hiring manager, some of these miscellaneous questions will likely be answered throughout the interview. We have a list of a few questions you can ask that will really reiterate your interest in the open position, and hopefully, impress your interviewer.
In Conclusion
My last piece of advice for you? Think positively.
Even if you are leaving your current job under horrible circumstances, even if you got splashed by a gigantic mud puddle on your way into the interview and your favorite dress is ruined, frame everything positively.
Employers, in any industry and at any level, are looking for problem solvers and optimists. Coming across negative or defensive in an interview will likely destroy your chances of getting any job. When all else fails, (especially when all else fails) think positive.
