Photo by Olga Lioncat from Pexels
If you’ve landed an interview, congratulations!
The first round interview often consists of common interview questions like “What can you tell me about your job history?” “Why did you apply for this position?” "What are your biggest weaknesses?" and “What are your strengths?"
There are also money questions like "What are your salary expectations?" that you can expect early on. Then, after your first interview, the questions can begin to get a lot trickier.
From more specific questions about the job description to unique interview questions you might have never heard before, acing the second, third, and fourth-round interviews isn’t easy.
But, rest assured, this article will cover the rarest and most interesting interview questions you could possibly encounter—plus, we'll provide help with answering them in your job interviews.
Table of Contents
- Unique Job Interview Questions
- Emotional Intelligence Job Interview Questions
- Situational Job Interview Questions
- Behavioral Job Interview Questions
- Problem-Solving Job Interview Questions
30 Unique Job Interview Questions
1. If you get the job, what do you hope to accomplish in your first week, month, and year?
This is a unique question because it’s one that potential employees often ask their employers to understand the expectations of the role. By flipping this and asking it to interviewees, though, the interviewer is trying to gauge if your understanding of the role and expectations for your time at the company are aligned with their own.
As such, there’s no one perfect answer.
How to Answer: Be honest. Even if you think they want to hear that you’re going to use this job as a stepping stone into a PhD or CFA, don’t say that unless you believe it, too.
With questions like this, it’s best to be detailed. Your responses can help set you apart from your peers. What are your Big Dreams if you’re at this company for a year? What accomplishments do you hope to have under your belt? Now is your time to share them!
Example Answer: “In the first week, I hope to quickly onboard, get trained, and become familiar with ongoing projects at the firm. In my first month, I want to create more organized tools, taking many of the Excel spreadsheets with six tabs and condensing them to one, while placing the data on a dashboard that will be updated every two weeks.
This way we can share a lot more of our wins with clients and show off our numbers in a more creative way. By the end of a year, though, I want to establish a CSR report template we can easily update every year, establish a clear pipeline for interns to be hired full-time, and create an unbiased recruitment system.”
This way we can share a lot more of our wins with clients and show off our numbers in a more creative way. By the end of a year, though, I want to establish a CSR report template we can easily update every year, establish a clear pipeline for interns to be hired full-time, and create an unbiased recruitment system.”
2. What excites you most about this job?
An employer ideally wants to hire someone who's got passion and a genuine interest in the role and/or company. They aren't looking for a fluff answer, and if you sound like a lackluster robot, it will show.
How to Answer: Draw a specific connection between something you enjoy and something required for the job. Perhaps the job requires problem-solving and you can point to an experience where you not only used that skill but you also enjoyed the process. Maybe it's the company's product or audience type. Just be sure to talk about something specific.
Example Answer: "I'm really excited about the company's latest pivot into offering a streaming subscription product. I've been a streaming subscriber for years and as more media companies enter the space and create competition, I'm excited to be part of this new launch and find creative ways to acquire and retain customers."
3. In what way will your skills contribute to the mission and values of this company?
This is another unique question since usually the mission and values of a company are brought up by the prospective employee to emphasize a fit for the role. But here, the company wants to know how you see their mission and values evolving with time and what your role is in that journey.
How to Answer: Only hit on one to three top skills that align with the company’s mission and values. You don’t want to overwhelm recruiters by mentioning 15 or 16 traits.
Use examples. Be specific and direct about how your skills will help propel this company forward while remaining true to its core values.
Example Answer: “I have long been passionate about equitable data science, so while I bring the necessary coding and technical skills to this role to succeed, I am also extremely thoughtful and think deeply about the impact our products have.
I believe that this ability of mine to take a step back and see the big picture, and not just get caught up in lines of code, enables me to align better with the company’s mission of building equitable data networks.”
I believe that this ability of mine to take a step back and see the big picture, and not just get caught up in lines of code, enables me to align better with the company’s mission of building equitable data networks.”
4. How do you feel when someone criticizes your work?
This is often a tough question because being vulnerable isn’t easy, but interviewers want to know how you respond to feedback and whether you’re a good fit for a team where feedback is freely given by team members.
How to Answer: Be positive. Even if you do get upset when you receive criticism, put a positive spin on your honest reaction. Maybe you can get in your head about feedback but you always listen and learn—emphasize that!
Emphasize work style. Everyone has a different work style, and there’s a big difference between criticism and constructive criticism. Be sure to hit on these points, as you are looking to grow but not looking to be bullied. You can also let them show that you're open to feedback—you're not interested in being the employee on the deserted island working alone. You welcome input from colleagues.
Example Answer: “This is a great question, and I love that feedback is such a major component of this job. While I can be upset when someone criticizes my work, my initial reaction is always to be quiet and just listen. I thrive on feedback and am always looking to improve, so constructive criticism is always welcome! I like to take some time to really digest the feedback that was given, make adjustments, and then push back where needed.
For example, maybe I agreed with the majority of the comments but feel really strongly about including a particular quote in a slide deck. I like to be collaborative and do my best to not repeat errors with my work while also trying to understand each person’s unique work style and communication skills.”
For example, maybe I agreed with the majority of the comments but feel really strongly about including a particular quote in a slide deck. I like to be collaborative and do my best to not repeat errors with my work while also trying to understand each person’s unique work style and communication skills.”
5. How are you going to continue to develop your professional skills and knowledge?
Hiring and cultivating a team with a growth mindset can lead to more success overall, so it's no wonder hiring managers want to know how you plan to keep learning.
How to Answer: Get specific and share past examples of how you've learned new skills while on the job. Did you enroll in online courses? Did you start an employee resource group?
Another way to answer this is to talk about new software programs you've had to learn at work. Usually, when you join a new team, there's a learning curve for their processes, so you shouldn't be short on examples to pull from.
Example Answer: "I'm a big believer in investing in my professional development year-round. In the last six months, I've kept a work journal and then used that information to enroll in some public speaking courses since I realized I got really nervous before presenting.
The course has helped a lot, and now I'm learning how to use PowerPoint more efficiently. As a result, my presentation decks take less time to create with better graphics."
The course has helped a lot, and now I'm learning how to use PowerPoint more efficiently. As a result, my presentation decks take less time to create with better graphics."
6. Can you explain one concept you know really well to me in under three minutes?
You might feel like you've been put on the spot with this one, but the employer is curious if you're able to be concise yet thorough when needed. Plus, the employer wants to see what concept you pick and why.
How to Answer: Prepare ahead of time and think about a concept you know well. Is it a technical concept like SEO or a skillset like how to do something in Excel?
Pick a concept you know well but also would be relevant to the job. Next, prepare to be the teacher and practice your explanation and time yourself. It doesn't have to be exactly three minutes, but you don't want to share a 10-minute story for this answer.
Example Answer: "Part of my role in content marketing is using SEO. It works like this: for an article to get picked up by search engines like Google, we need to not just write a great article but also include keywords and use headers to help tell Google what an article is about.
We can find these keywords through keyword research and then make sure we include them in the outline of the article."
We can find these keywords through keyword research and then make sure we include them in the outline of the article."
7. What’s one thing you’d want to remove from your daily or weekly work routine?
A lot of good time management skills will come down to good self-awareness skills. The interviewer is looking to learn about both of these concepts in this question.
How to Answer: Spend some time thinking about how you spend your week, including the specific types of tasks and the amount of time you spend on them. Next, draw a connection between those tasks and the results that matter most at work.
Perhaps when you're reviewing your week, you realize you spend a lot of time replying to customer emails for a similar group of questions. Or maybe you have a weekly meeting that isn't very organized, and you wish it would be sent as an email instead.
Be sure to state a specific item and explain why you'd remove it. The goal here is not to come off as lazy or entitled but rather aware of which of your work is the most valuable for the team and company.
Example Answer: "We have a weekly team meeting that doesn't currently have an agenda. In order to optimize everyone's time, I would change this to a monthly meeting with an assigned meeting leader, agenda sent 24 hours in advance, and recap post-meeting. This would make sure we're still connecting as a team but make better use of everyone's time and communication styles."
8. If you’re offered more than one job, how will you decide which one to accept?
The interviewer is curious about your decision-making skills. This means you don't need to over-promise anything here—just walk them through how you make important decisions.
How to Answer: Describe your decision-making process, including the people you might connect with, the additional work you would collect to help you decide, and anything else you normally consider.
You do not need to promise to accept this company's job, but you can explain some of the top priorities you'll be considering in your next role.
Example Answer: "For big decisions like a job, I usually set up a pros and cons list and filter through each priority I've listed. For example, I will list out each item included in the compensation package and review my interview notes so I can also consider the responsibilities, projects, and people I would be working with.
Having it all written out helps me visually evaluate each opportunity and then fully commit to the one I choose."
Having it all written out helps me visually evaluate each opportunity and then fully commit to the one I choose."
Emotional Intelligence Job Interview Questions
9. What are the three most important attributes you’ll bring to the team?
Likely, at this point in the interview, the hiring manager already knows what you’re like and what attributes you bring to the team, but they want to know what you consider to be your top three strengths.
Ideally, this is an opportunity to reveal something about yourself that the interviewers don’t know about you as of yet. Maybe it's a way to describe your work ethic. Or maybe you can share insight into your achievements in your current job.
How to Answer: Brainstorm. It’s always good to have a list of your strongest attributes ready to share before any interview. You can use some of the adjectives you might have mentioned in your resume or cover letter, too.
Use examples. While listing three attributes sufficiently answers the question, it’s best to use a few examples to showcase your best traits.
Example Answer: “I believe the three most important attributes I bring to the team are creativity, thoughtfulness, and efficiency. I always try to find the most efficient way to complete a task, even if that means using my creativity to come up with a new method.
I also bring a unique degree of thoughtfulness to every project and believe this has made me especially successful with clients.”
I also bring a unique degree of thoughtfulness to every project and believe this has made me especially successful with clients.”
10. What would your coworkers say about you if we asked?
With this question, a recruiter wants to get at what makes you tick beyond just the attributes you shared. For instance, are you funny and infuse a good dose of humor into your work? Are you the most organized person they’ve ever met? Well, this is your time to share!
How to Answer: Offer fun anecdotes, like being organized, or cracking a joke to diffuse tension, or offering encouragement when people are stressed.
Also mention more traditional aspects, such as being hardworking or punctual.
Example Answer: “My coworkers would primarily describe me as punctual, hardworking, and enthusiastic. I’m always the first person on a Zoom call and never shy away from taking on a new task. I typically bring the energy up when my team gets together and am known for slipping a pun or two into the conversation just to lighten up the mood.
I’m a team player, so I always remember birthdays or other personal events since I love to make the workplace feel more intimate and friendly.”
I’m a team player, so I always remember birthdays or other personal events since I love to make the workplace feel more intimate and friendly.”
11. What qualities do you admire most about yourself?
There's nothing wrong with being confident in your own strengths! In fact, it's helpful to work with people who have the self-awareness to know what skills and qualities help the team and maybe even which ones are less helpful!
How to Answer: Try to think of some qualities that are also related to the skills needed for the job. Maybe the job requires a lot of communication and collaboration skills, and you've recently been complimented on your email communication. Share examples to explain why you admire that specific quality, too.
Example Answer: "One of the qualities I admire most in myself is my ability to be a self-starter. I'm not afraid of getting into the weeds of a project and thinking about the workflow or improving something that isn't working. In my last role, I re-worked the process for contributors to submit their work which saved our team time and money.
This was an idea I pitched to my boss and then ran the experiment. It worked so well we still use this process today."
This was an idea I pitched to my boss and then ran the experiment. It worked so well we still use this process today."
12. Who are your role models and mentors?
There's no such thing as being self-made. We all depend on other people for support, and sometimes that includes our mentors or the role models that inspire us.
How to Answer: Be honest about who inspires you in your life! Is it a parent? Teacher? Manager? This is not meant to be a trick question but rather to shed light on who inspires you and why. Being able to share a concise answer around "why" they inspire you will be key.
Example Answer: "My role model is my mother. Not only does she manage multiple projects at a time, but she always found a way to be present in the events in my life as well. I've learned a lot from her about how to be a good listener and how to prioritize the things that matter most, and not get distracted by the other stuff.
Although I have multiple projects each quarter, I map out a schedule and task list to make sure I meet deadlines, provide updates to project teams and stakeholders, and still keep in mind that I am present for the people that matter in my life."
Although I have multiple projects each quarter, I map out a schedule and task list to make sure I meet deadlines, provide updates to project teams and stakeholders, and still keep in mind that I am present for the people that matter in my life."
13. What work pet peeves do you have?
It’s not a negative thing for you to have things you don't always love at work. It's totally normal, so don't pretend otherwise. This question allows for some light yet relatable conversation about office life. The interviewer might also share their own pet peeves that they have in common.
How to Answer: Be honest yet light-hearted. This is not the time to bring out a laundry list of annoyances and the list of employees who you can't stand.
Example Answer: "Recently, my biggest pet peeve has been with the technology our team uses for meetings. We seem to always be having connection issues or misalignment on software use.
On one hand, it's made me very adaptable, but I'd prefer to be aligned on software that included all the tools we need. It could streamline our meeting approach."
On one hand, it's made me very adaptable, but I'd prefer to be aligned on software that included all the tools we need. It could streamline our meeting approach."
Situational Job Interview Questions
14. What is an experience you had where you felt as if you failed?
Prospective employers always want to know about “failures”—not because they want to make you feel bad, but rather because they want to know how you overcame a difficult situation.
How to Answer: Emphasize your learnings and cover the basic premise of the situation quickly. If you focus on how you improved yourself and fixed the situation, your interviewer will be much more impressed.
Pick a situation that is a failure, but not the worst failure you've had. Remember, you still want to paint yourself in a good light to your future employer.
Example Answer: “An experience where I felt as if I failed was when, during an early client presentation, I was caught off guard by questions that didn’t pertain to the issue areas I cover.
While clients don’t have the expertise I do, I felt as if the questions were a curveball. I have since vowed to be better versed in all areas of the company as opposed to only the ones I am responsible for. That way, I can better answer future client questions.”
While clients don’t have the expertise I do, I felt as if the questions were a curveball. I have since vowed to be better versed in all areas of the company as opposed to only the ones I am responsible for. That way, I can better answer future client questions.”
15. Tell me about a time you were the hero in your workplace.
Maybe no one actually used the word "hero" to describe your work, but the interviewer is looking for you to share an example of a time when you made a big impact at work.
How to Answer: You'll want to share a specific example and story that showcases your thought process, how you completed the task, and why it made a difference for others at work.
Example Answer: "We were already working on a tight deadline with a big client when we got the news that they wanted to change directions and wanted new proposals within 48 hours. Did I mention it was also right before a holiday weekend when most of our team had vacation plans already scheduled?
I knew how important it was for us to keep this client and show them we could meet the new deadline, so I had the sales team record a quick tutorial video and walk me through a presentation deck. Next, I used those training videos to create a new proposal, so the client had it in their inbox on Monday morning.
Now our team uses training videos for a variety of tasks so that all the knowledge of one thing is never with just one person. The client loved our new proposal, and we ended up working with them for a few years."
I knew how important it was for us to keep this client and show them we could meet the new deadline, so I had the sales team record a quick tutorial video and walk me through a presentation deck. Next, I used those training videos to create a new proposal, so the client had it in their inbox on Monday morning.
Now our team uses training videos for a variety of tasks so that all the knowledge of one thing is never with just one person. The client loved our new proposal, and we ended up working with them for a few years."
16. If you were our CEO, what’s the first thing you would do?
This is a creative question to determine how well you know and understand the company (i.e., did you read their website and do your due diligence beforehand?). What is this company in the news for? As their CEO, in what ways would you enact change?
How to Answer: Bring up recent news articles or other areas of their website and media presence to emphasize that you’ve done your due diligence and are knowledgeable about the company.
Don’t criticize the current CEO; rather, praise them and mention that you would continue to expand on projects or initiatives they’ve begun.
Example Answer: “The current CEO is a role model of mine because of their emphasis on expanding DE&I training for all employees and spearheading an unbiased recruitment effort. I want to continue to expand on this, as well as work on promotion and retention rates for minority groups.
The recent press coverage this issue is receiving is commendable, and I hope it can be a model for other companies to follow.”
The recent press coverage this issue is receiving is commendable, and I hope it can be a model for other companies to follow.”
17. In what ways do you think our product, website, customer service, etc. can be improved?
This is another question where the interviewer wants to test your familiarity with the company but also see how you think they can improve. Do you have creative suggestions for improvement or are you just looking to keep your head down and do your work?
Neither is better, but with this type of question, they are likely looking for the former and want someone in a leadership position who can shake things up.
How to Answer: Research the company thoroughly and mention the articles you’ve read or unique aspects from the website you want to bring up, so they know you’ve done your due diligence.
Be creative! This is clearly an out-of-the-box question but it’s an opportunity to showcase your creativity and highlight what you bring to the table that sets you apart from other candidates.
Example Answer: “I was really drawn to the website when I was looking up the company, primarily because of the colors and the easy-to-find reports on your research.
An area I do think could be improved, though, is adding a fun, short survey on the website to allow visitors a more personalized experience. With so many products, this could be an engaging way to reel clients in so that they’re not lost or overwhelmed.”
An area I do think could be improved, though, is adding a fun, short survey on the website to allow visitors a more personalized experience. With so many products, this could be an engaging way to reel clients in so that they’re not lost or overwhelmed.”
18. What has been your biggest challenge with X technology and how did you resolve it?
This question is more about assessing your technology skills without having you complete an actual exercise or assignment. These are especially popular questions to ask if specific software is used a lot on the job. The job description will probably mention specific software required as well.
How to Answer: Try to be specific without taking too long to share your story. We want to know the software or technology you were using and the problem that you had, but we don't need to know every detail and step it took to resolve.
The goal is to let the interviewer know how familiar you are with a tool and how you're a self-starter when it comes to problem-solving.
Example Answer: "We do use Google Analytics to track marketing efforts on my team. One of the challenges we had recently was moving from the old version to the new Google version.
To help us make the transition, I watched some online videos and then set up a beta site to make sure all the tracking was happening correctly while I could still compare to the older version. By transitioning to this new Google tool early, we will have over a year of data when Google sunsets the older version."
To help us make the transition, I watched some online videos and then set up a beta site to make sure all the tracking was happening correctly while I could still compare to the older version. By transitioning to this new Google tool early, we will have over a year of data when Google sunsets the older version."
19. What project is your most significant career accomplishment and why?
Interviewers love to ask extreme questions like this. It helps them understand what you value based on what you share, too.
How to Answer: Prepare ahead of time and try to think back on your biggest accomplishments and try to select one that is relevant to what this new job is looking for. For example, did you hit a sales quota that you thought you had no chance of hitting when Covid-19 impacted your business that would stand out for this new sales job you're applying for?
The other important part of answering this question is explaining why this accomplishment meant so much to you. Preparing ahead of time can help you think back to how you felt and share those reasons in the interview.
Example Answer: "My most significant accomplishment was when I was a project manager at a design agency. I was part of a small team assigned to redesigning the agency website to attract new clients, which was a big company goal that year.
I spearheaded the process for the website redesign by having clear creative milestones and regular check-ins with the agency owners. I identified our unique positioning, hosted weekly meetings with agendas, recaps, and clear next steps, and I was able to engage other team members in a way that made everyone feel valued and motivated.
To make sure details weren't miscommunicated, I sat alongside my design counterparts to make edits right to their files ensuring efficiency. Our team completed the redesign on schedule, and with the help of our marketing squad, we were able to see an increase in site traffic within two weeks. We landed five new client pitches within 45 days and secured all of them for long-term contracts.”
I spearheaded the process for the website redesign by having clear creative milestones and regular check-ins with the agency owners. I identified our unique positioning, hosted weekly meetings with agendas, recaps, and clear next steps, and I was able to engage other team members in a way that made everyone feel valued and motivated.
To make sure details weren't miscommunicated, I sat alongside my design counterparts to make edits right to their files ensuring efficiency. Our team completed the redesign on schedule, and with the help of our marketing squad, we were able to see an increase in site traffic within two weeks. We landed five new client pitches within 45 days and secured all of them for long-term contracts.”
20. If you had an unlimited budget, what innovation would you want to create in our industry?
Asking unique big-picture questions shows how a candidate might relate to the company and shows their ability to think in a big-picture way. This is the time to be creative!
How to Answer: Interviewers want to see how in touch you are with the industry and what you know about industry trends.
This is your chance to showcase your overall knowledge of the industry and then apply it to the specific company, department, and/or role. It's important to share a specific idea that solves a problem. Start by setting up the context of what a current problem or issue is in the industry. Then share your solution and how it would help. Lastly, share why this might not exist currently.
Example Answer: "If I had an unlimited budget within the higher education industry, I would want to create a way to offer virtual learning in a hybrid environment. Zoom learning is not sustainable, but I think we could create a way to gamify the learning, so that kids are able to learn from home without losing interest."
Behavioral Job Interview Questions
21. What is a work environment that you thrive in? Describe what that environment is like and how coworkers can support you to be the most effective worker possible.
With this question, an interviewer is trying to understand both how well you know yourself and also how well you would fit in with the company. If the ideal work environment you describe aligns with the environment the team has created, that’s an extremely positive sign. But, it also means that you can’t possibly know the exact right answer.
How to Answer: Be honest! As mentioned above, you’re not going to be able to guess at what the company culture is and tailor your answer to fit what the interviewer wants to hear. Instead, be honest about how you work best and the team and culture that brings out the best in you.
Know yourself. The best way to prepare for questions like this is to become self-aware and think deeply about your work style. If you know yourself well, you can better answer questions like this as well as work within a team effectively.
Example Answer: “The work environment that I thrive in is one that is collaborative and thoughtful. I work best on teams where there is open communication and a willingness to work together on projects.
While I enjoy individual tasks and am comfortable structuring my own day, I come up with my best ideas when I have others to bounce ideas off of and discuss projects with. That being said, I love being part of a small team where we all know each others’ tasks and can jump in to help on projects, even last-minute ones.”
While I enjoy individual tasks and am comfortable structuring my own day, I come up with my best ideas when I have others to bounce ideas off of and discuss projects with. That being said, I love being part of a small team where we all know each others’ tasks and can jump in to help on projects, even last-minute ones.”
22. Tell me about a time when you were part of a team that was fun to work with. How did you balance productivity and fun with your coworkers?
Interviewers want you to describe your working relationship with previous coworkers to find out how well you work with others. This interview question gives employers more insight into your working style and things you find to be fun at work. Your response is your opportunity to show that you can get along with others, create a positive work environment, and produce impactful work as a team.
How to Answer: Even if you found some of your previous coworkers challenging to work with, try to only discuss the positive aspects of working in a team. Think back on the fun times with your team and what contributed to that. Next, share your strengths and highlight your ability to balance teamwork and hard work.
Although you can develop friendships with your colleagues and have fun at work, you need to remember that you are an employee of the company. Use your answer to explain that even when you're having fun at work, you make sure to stay focused on the objectives and goals of the business.
Example Answer: "As a manager, I had to maintain a balance between being a supervisor and being a friend. Over time, my small team became very close-knit, and we would regularly connect for lunch and have fun banter before a meeting. I made sure that all these interactions remained professional yet friendly by ensuring we were also spending equal amounts of time discussing work projects.
I've always wanted to be someone they felt comfortable talking to about any questions or concerns they might have. At the end of the day, I was their manager and guided them toward the company's goals.
For me, it was fun to work with people I enjoyed being around and could relate to, but it was also fun for us to reach goals and stay motivated at work."
I've always wanted to be someone they felt comfortable talking to about any questions or concerns they might have. At the end of the day, I was their manager and guided them toward the company's goals.
For me, it was fun to work with people I enjoyed being around and could relate to, but it was also fun for us to reach goals and stay motivated at work."
23. What kind of support do you need from a boss?
While some bosses are extremely hand-off, others can want weekly one-on-ones or even daily check-ins. As such, this question is trying to get at how effectively you would fit into the team and work with your direct supervisor.
How to Answer: Be honest. Even if you have an inkling that the role you are interviewing for is extremely hands-off and independently-driven, don’t say that you are an independent worker unless you truly are.
Use examples. Now is a great time to use examples of past relationships with bosses that have worked out, especially if you have a story about a successful project that grew out of your interactions with your supervisor.
Example Answer: “I work best with bosses who communicate their expectations clearly but also trust that I can accomplish the tasks I’m delegated. At my previous company, my boss supported a number of my creative ideas which allowed our firm to grow significantly.
Being able to collaborate on projects and receive encouragement when faced with my creativity allowed us to produce material that made a difference in the company’s trajectory.”
Being able to collaborate on projects and receive encouragement when faced with my creativity allowed us to produce material that made a difference in the company’s trajectory.”
24. Tell me about a time when a job or company felt like a bad fit for your personality and why.
This is another interview question that helps give insight into your work style and how you build work relationships. The interviewer also wants to know what type of company is a bad fit for you since they know more about their company culture and can evaluate how well you would fit in.
How to Answer: The interviewer isn't ready to become your therapist and listen to all the reasons why your team was horrible or how bad your suffering was. Instead, they are interested in your tone, attitude, and ability to give an honest yet professional answer. Put a genuine reason in front of them without all the drama.
Example Answer: "There was a time when I no longer felt like a good fit for my previous employer there was no room for learning anymore. The company and my specific team were great and very talented, but I wanted a new challenge, which is what led me to this role. I work well on teams that are not just maintaining current projects but building and growing as well."
25. Describe a time when you had to collaborate with a team member in another department in your company. How did you overcome the differences in department goals?
Collaboration is a natural part of almost every job today. Employers may ask you to describe a time when you collaborated with another team to learn more about your teamwork, leadership and communication skills. If you're interviewing for a position that involves working in a team, this question may provide valuable insight into how you perform in this type of environment.
How to Answer: Show you can collaborate effectively with other members of the organization to achieve common goals. The best way to do this is with a real example. Set the context—what department did you need to work with and why. Be sure to mention how each department's goals varied. Next, describe the actions you took to work together and the results of that work.
Example Answer: "In my previous position as a marketing coordinator for a travel blog, I worked with a large team of travel agents and sales managers. We faced a challenge when registering new customers where many potential customers began the registration process but never completed it.
Our team identified several steps within our registration process that weren't essential and suggested we removed them to guide more people through the registration process. The sales team didn't want this because then it meant they would need to manually collect information left off the initial registration form.
The answer was we needed to make the original registration experience easier and faster for customers. I worked with the two teams to create a new registration process that collected the information they both needed but worked faster so customers wouldn't quit the process.
As a result, our conversion rates for new customers rose significantly in the quarter following the implementation of the new system."
Our team identified several steps within our registration process that weren't essential and suggested we removed them to guide more people through the registration process. The sales team didn't want this because then it meant they would need to manually collect information left off the initial registration form.
The answer was we needed to make the original registration experience easier and faster for customers. I worked with the two teams to create a new registration process that collected the information they both needed but worked faster so customers wouldn't quit the process.
As a result, our conversion rates for new customers rose significantly in the quarter following the implementation of the new system."
26. Tell me about a time when a deadline suddenly changed to much sooner than expected. What did you do to ensure you met the new timeframe?
Here's the thing about deadlines and timeframes—they can change. The interviewer wants to know how you respond to situations in the workplace where you need to adapt quickly. Describe to the interviewer how you react when things change suddenly and you need to create a new plan.
How to Answer: Whether you underestimated how long a project was going to take or a distraction at work is changing the timeline, start by setting the scene. Discuss the situation, why the deadline changed what you did, and the outcome. Show the interviewer that you do not have a fixed mindset where you can't pivot when needed. Nobody is perfect! The interviewer knows that there will be times when deadlines pass and projects go sideways. They want to know how you react despite the initial failure or change.
Example Answer: "We were working with a pharmaceutical company on marketing a new migraine drug. National Migraine Month is June, so we were aiming to have our marketing campaign also roll out in June.
However, the survey we created wasn't ready until August, so we re-organized our marketing plan. In order to not miss the momentum of migraine month, we came up with a new creative concept we could execute in May and pivot our message to be awareness for National Migraine Month. This allowed us to cut through the noise of other migraine marketing efforts taking place in June and also we were able to use our May efforts to lead to a bigger campaign that launched in August.
Instead of one month of promotion, we were able to get three months' worth of press and attention. Our client was thrilled."
However, the survey we created wasn't ready until August, so we re-organized our marketing plan. In order to not miss the momentum of migraine month, we came up with a new creative concept we could execute in May and pivot our message to be awareness for National Migraine Month. This allowed us to cut through the noise of other migraine marketing efforts taking place in June and also we were able to use our May efforts to lead to a bigger campaign that launched in August.
Instead of one month of promotion, we were able to get three months' worth of press and attention. Our client was thrilled."
Problem-Solving Job Interview Questions
27. If you had multiple projects and limited time, how would you prioritize your tasks?
With this question, interviewers want to know how you think about your work. They want to understand if you prefer to lean on your team or work mostly independently.
How to Answer: Be honest. Don’t say that you’re going to delegate to coworkers if that isn’t how you would typically react.
Ask for help. It always seems better to just power through a situation on your own but in reality, asking for help is tough—and also a good answer when faced with questions like this. Your boss wants to know that you aren’t too proud to ask for help if you’re overwhelmed. In communicating effectively, you put your team ahead of your own gains, which is what every employer wants to see.
Example Answer: “If I had multiple projects and limited time, I would speak with my boss about upcoming deadlines and how to prioritize my projects. I’d be open to delegating some of the tasks if needed so that, as a team, we could tackle what we needed to get done.
I would prioritize work based on the deadlines and which projects would benefit the team more than others.”
I would prioritize work based on the deadlines and which projects would benefit the team more than others.”
28. Is it better to have a job done perfectly, albeit late, or merely good but on time?
The interviewer is curious how you decide when a job needs to be done perfectly vs. good enough. How do you filter through quality when you're against a deadline? They are also curious about how quickly you work.
How to Answer: Since perfection is the enemy of good, don't be afraid to share that you do turn in "good enough" work at times. The key here is to explain what your standards are for quality work. Someone who does an incredible job but can never meet a deadline isn't going to be a great fit for the team. But someone who rushes through work just to check the box doesn't help either.
Example Answer: "In my experience, it's better to be on time with work that meets a reasonably high-quality bar than always missing a deadline.
Time matters a lot and when you're working with other people's schedules and deadlines, being late—no matter how good your work is—can cause more damage than good."
Time matters a lot and when you're working with other people's schedules and deadlines, being late—no matter how good your work is—can cause more damage than good."
29. What is something you struggled with early in your career?
Here, interviewers want to see a growth mindset. Name a problem you had early in your career, but explain how you are a different employee now than you were then.
How to Answer: Have an example. Be ready to share a clear and concise answer that showcases how you have grown over time.
Interviewers want to know how you have improved from your early career days but also how you will keep improving in your current role. What are ways this position can help you become an even stronger professional?
Example Answer: “Early in my career, I struggled with boundaries. I was eager to prove myself and would work far longer than was required of me, taking on additional projects and responsibilities that I actually couldn’t handle.
I realized that, unlike school, it is important to consider the benefits to the team above your own gains. Since then, I’ve worked hard to be more transparent with my manager about my workload and the expectations I have for myself. That way, I’ve been able to work on projects that directly affect my future career goals while also benefiting the team.
I’ve become better at setting boundaries in the workplace, though this is certainly something I continue to work on since my enthusiasm for new projects can still sometimes get the better of me.”
I realized that, unlike school, it is important to consider the benefits to the team above your own gains. Since then, I’ve worked hard to be more transparent with my manager about my workload and the expectations I have for myself. That way, I’ve been able to work on projects that directly affect my future career goals while also benefiting the team.
I’ve become better at setting boundaries in the workplace, though this is certainly something I continue to work on since my enthusiasm for new projects can still sometimes get the better of me.”
30. Tell us about a challenging goal you set and how you achieved it.
The interviewer is curious about how much and how often you push yourself. Are you open to new challenges, or would you rather do the same repetitive task each day?
The interviewer is also asking this to determine if your personality would be a good fit for the team since they know how often people are taking on new challenges.
How to Answer: The best way to answer this is by sharing a story and letting the interviewer visualize your goal. Think about the steps you took to achieve a goal. Also, think about the schedule you kept to make it a reality. Time management and scheduling can make it much easier to actually achieve the goals you set and are a great detail to include in your answer to show the hiring manager you will be able to achieve other goals in the future. It is important your reply shows you understand the work that goes into the goals you set and your appreciation of the different potential outcomes available.
Example Answer: "When I started out in the banking industry I didn't have a lot of technical or financial experience. I thought I would pick it up along the way and I was also unsure if I would stay in the industry.
But after about a few years in the field, I realized I wanted to commit to this industry and would need to fill some skills gaps if I wanted to progress in my career. That is when I decided to pursue a certified financial planner certification. The certification normally takes two years to complete, but I wanted to be done in a year so I could qualify for a promotion. I looked at the courses I needed to take and created a detailed schedule.
Thanks to the small goals I had set along the way and the schedule I had created, I was able to get my certification in a year, and with that certification, I was able to get the promotion and progress in my career."
But after about a few years in the field, I realized I wanted to commit to this industry and would need to fill some skills gaps if I wanted to progress in my career. That is when I decided to pursue a certified financial planner certification. The certification normally takes two years to complete, but I wanted to be done in a year so I could qualify for a promotion. I looked at the courses I needed to take and created a detailed schedule.
Thanks to the small goals I had set along the way and the schedule I had created, I was able to get my certification in a year, and with that certification, I was able to get the promotion and progress in my career."
Bonus Unique Job Interview Questions
Here are a few more unique interview questions we've come across. Even though they are less common than the ones we shared above, you never know when one of these unexpected interview questions or types of questions will pop into the interviewer's head.
And for good measure, make sure none of these illegal interview questions are asked of you.
So, for fun, here are a few more unique interview questions.
- Curveball questions like "If you could have one superpower, what would it be?"
- Icebreaker questions like "What's the last book you read?"
- Funny questions like "If you were a deep-sea animal, what would you be?"
- Budget questions like "If I gave you $100,000 for marketing, what would you spend it on?"
- Fun facts questions like "What's your favorite food to eat?"
- Self-awareness questions like "How would your current boss rate your work?" or "How would your co-workers describe your work?"
- Time-management questions like "How do you prioritize a heavy workload? What gets completed at A+ grade vs. a C+ grade?"
- Personal (and legal!) questions like "Do you have a hobby?"
