Hi there, My name is Travis Hann, and I'm a co-founding partner at Pender & Howe, a boutique recruiting firm sourcing executives for clients ranging from pre-seed startups to global public companies. Thanks for the query. Years ago, a hiring manager asked me where I preferred to do my shopping. We were wrapping up the interview and the question seemed to come out of left field. Startled, I began calculating what she might really be asking. Was this about my future salary? A way to gauge my financial responsibility? A check on my creativity? Then she followed up -- turned out, she loved my suit and wanted to buy a similar fit for her husband. I explained where my mind had went and we both laughed. It was a good reminder to stay relaxed and not look too deeply for a hidden meaning in every interview query. Best regards, Travis Hann Partner, Pender & Howe https://penderhowe.com/toronto-executive-search/
I'll always remember a question from my very first interview for a management role. I had zero experience, and when they asked me to ‘describe a time when you showed leadership’, I panicked. Looking back, I think I did what I would advise today. I told them a short anecdote about an experience I had leading a group of hikers during a camping expedition. When telling a story about yourself like this, its important to structure your story to showcase your skills and achievements, even if they aren't work-related. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) if you need a bit of help doing this. Emphasize transferable skills like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability. These skills can be valuable in any job, even if you lack direct experience. Landing a job without much experience is difficult but a crucial step that needs to be taken, so be confident and show them how good you are!
Job interviews can be daunting, and some questions are particularly memorable. One such question is the classic, "Tell me about yourself." It's crucial to craft a concise yet engaging response highlighting your professional background, achievements, and how they align with your interviewing role. Another commonly asked question is, "What is your greatest strength?" This presents an opportunity to showcase your skills and competencies, ideally aligning them with the job's requirements and providing specific examples to support your claims. Conversely, "What is your greatest weakness?" requires careful handling. Candidates should choose a weakness that is not a deal-breaker for the role and demonstrate their commitment to self-improvement. In conclusion, preparing thoughtful responses to these memorable interview questions is essential for job seekers looking to make a positive impression on potential employers and increase their chances of landing the job.
The hardest question I've ever been asked in an interview was, "tell me something impressive." This came from an executive and it was his opening question! It totally caught me off guard and I completely fumbled the answer. What it did teach me though is that I need to prepare for my interviews with executives differently than other interviews. Executives are less interested in your skills and far more interested in how you think. So, going forward I now look up the latest industry news before going to any executive interview. And, while I've never been asked "tell me something impressive," when I've gotten similar questions from other executives I'm much more prepared with a smart answer. The lesson here is: prepare for every interview based on WHO you'll be talking to, not just based on the company you're interviewing for.
“What is something you are not proud of in your career?” There are 3 main aspects to consider when answering this question: 1 - Don’t pretend your career was perfect - instead, share a real example that will demonstrate that you have self-awareness and the you improved with time. 2 - Don’t mention something that is directly related to the job you are applying for, and that will make the recruiter doubt you are a good fit - for example: if the job you are applying for now requires constant customer service support, sharing that “you regret working too long in a company that had terrible clients because that was dragging your energy and affecting your healthy” is probably not the smartest answer. 3 - Use the 20% - 80% rule - use 20% of the time only to start the fact or situation you are not proud of, and the other 80% to share what you did to change it, what you learned from this situation and how do you handle it now.
Early in my career, I recall being asked, "If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?" This was before I was a career and interview coach, so I merely answered the question. Looking back, I would've approached the question much differently, and recommend that job seekers do the same. As you prepare for the job interview, develop a half-dozen talking points you want to ensure that you convey during your conversation. These talking points should build upon the job posting, your company research, and what sets you apart from other applicants. Then, when asked a question during the interview, connect your answers back to your talking points, rather than simply answering the question. This approach ensures you highlight your strengths and unique qualifications throughout the interview, even if the recruiter or hiring manager never explicitly asks about them.
I was once asked a memorable interview question: 'If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be and why?' I responded by highlighting my ability to adapt quickly to change and my superpower would be 'Adaptability.' I explained that in today's fast-paced business environment, being adaptable allows me to embrace new challenges, learn new skills, and quickly adjust to different circumstances. My advice to others facing similar questions is to think creatively and link your answer to relevant professional attributes. For example, you could relate a superpower like 'Time Management' to effectively prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
I remember being asked, "If you could be any animal, what would it be and why?" I responded by saying that I would want to be a bird because they are free to explore new places and experience different perspectives. This particular question tested my creativity and ability to think outside the box. My advice for others facing similar questions is to not overthink it and just be honest. Employers are looking for individuals who can think on their feet and provide unique insights. So don't be afraid to show your personality and let your individuality shine through in your response. Additionally, it's important to remember that there is no right or wrong answer to these types of questions. They are designed to see how you handle unexpected situations and showcase your problem-solving skills. So stay calm, take a moment to think, and give the best answer that reflects your true self.
One memorable interview question I've been asked is "What is the most important thing you've learned in your career?" I think this question is great because it gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your leadership skills and how you've grown over time. It also allows you to share a story about something that you've learned, which will help the interviewer get a sense of your personality and what makes you unique as an individual. My advice for others facing this question is not to be afraid of it! This is an opportunity to tell a story about yourself that can really set you apart from other candidates, so don't let it pass by without using it as an opportunity to showcase your accomplishments and unique qualities.
One of my favorite questions was, “What would you do if you had to work with a team of people who all thought exactly like you?” I responded, “That would never happen!” The interviewer then asked me what I meant. I said, “If everyone on the team thought like me, then they wouldn't be on my team, because they would have been replaced by someone who wasn't like me. This is a question about diversity and inclusion in a team environment. If everyone was just like me and there was no diversity or inclusion in our workplace at all (which is never going to happen), then we wouldn't have any reason for being there together. We're all different and we bring our own skillsets and experiences to the table, which adds value to our work and makes us more effective as a team. So having people who aren't like me around is helpful in every way possible—it helps me learn from them and improve myself as well as keeps things interesting."
Practice Mock Interviews: Practice your responses with a friend, family member, or career coach. Conduct mock interviews to simulate the interview experience and receive feedback on your answers. Tailor Your Answers: Customize your responses to align with the specific requirements and culture of the company you're interviewing with. Show how your background and skills make you a good fit for their organization.
I was once asked “What makes you different from the other candidates?” in an interview, and that question stuck with me. When I’m rooting for a candidate, I ask them this same question. My answer was that I’d prefer to show them that with my actions, and performance, instead of empty words. It was the right answer. I’ve heard many people differentiate themselves from the pack by answering this question, and everyone has a unique answer. But the way that they answer it always says a lot more than what they have to say. Name: Rick Berres Website: https://www.honey-doers.com/ Title: Owner of Honey-Doers
I always remember interviews when I'm asked to describe something outside of my resume. When asked about this, people generally understand it as an opportunity to talk about their hobbies. Don't get me wrong - this can be exciting and insightful for interviewers, but I, however, wanted to differentiate myself. I chose to focus on describing experiences that were formative to me as a person: a conversation with a mentor and a life-changing accident I experienced in college. When faced with this question, don't underestimate how much it can add to your interview. What you share to choose can reflect a lot about you as a person, so try to ground your answers more on deep experiences, rather than superficial aspects.
Several years ago in an interview, I was posed with the question, "Why would you want a junior position?" suggesting that the role might be beneath my qualifications. This is akin to being told one is "overqualified" for a job. If confronted with this question, it might hint that the company is leaning a different way. Your response will determine whether they gracefully exit the conversation or continue to consider you for the position.
Hi there, My name is Rob Reeves, and I'm the CEO of Redfish Technology, a recruiting firm specializing in the tech sector. As a recruiter I've seen all kinds of bizarre questions; in fact, it's a trend. Recently, my candidate was asked what they would do with an elephant they couldn't give away or sell. Of course, the correct answer is to open a business with it -- and that's just what they said. But then they were tasked with making a brief business plan. Unlike most people, who suggest opening a zoo or offering rides, their business plan hinged on investing in a second elephant, in order to start an elephant supply with the potential to go global, developing partnerships with existing zoos and circuses around the globe. By thinking big, they set themselves apart from the other candidates. The right answer isn't always enough. Remember it's a competition, and aim to impress. Rob Reeves CEO & President, Redfish Technology https://www.redfishtech.com/fintech-recruiting/
"How do you handle difficult patient situations, and can you provide an example?" was one of the most memorable interview questions I was asked. I responded with a specific instance in which a patient was apprehensive about an upcoming procedure. I explained how I empathized with the patient's concerns, communicated effectively, and amended my approach to make them comfortable. In the end, the patient was content. Real-world examples that illustrate your skills and abilities should be prepared in advance, as this is my advice to those who will face comparable questions. Consider instances in which you effectively overcame obstacles or demonstrated essential qualities such as empathy, communication, and problem-solving. Providing specific, in-depth responses will assist interviewers in comprehending your capabilities and forming a favorable impression.
‘When do you plan to quit?’ The question really caught me off guard and made my mind race trying to discern what they were wanting. Was it a backward way of asking my future plans? Were they checking my potential commitment to their company? I answered something to the effect of ‘I never take a job planning to quit. However, for this to be a long term position for me I would like to see regular advances in responsibilities and pay.’ Questions like these are I think designed to throw you off and illicit a more honest response. My advice, take a breath before answering and then just answer honestly. Honest answers are what they want.
One memorable interview question I was asked was, 'If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?' It was a unique and unexpected question that caught me off guard, but I knew that my response could provide insights into my personality and suitability for the job. In my response, I chose to be a dolphin because they are intelligent, social, and adept at navigating their environment. Dolphins communicate well with others and work together as a team to achieve common goals. One piece of advice I would offer to others when facing similar questions is to think about the qualities of the animal you choose and how they can relate to the job role or your personal attributes. This way, you can provide a thoughtful answer that showcases your creativity and personality.
During an interview for a creative role, I was asked about my preferred superpower and how I would use it to benefit my career. I chose enhanced creativity as my superpower, explaining how it would allow me to consistently generate innovative ideas and contribute to the company's growth. I highlighted how I would use this superpower to think outside the box, solve complex problems creatively, and drive impactful marketing campaigns. My advice to others facing similar questions is to align the chosen superpower with a relevant skillset that can bring value to the role they are applying for.
"Can you explain a project where you failed, and what did you learn from it?" In an interview, I was asked to discuss a project's failure and its lessons. I spoke about a marketing campaign that failed to produce the desired results. I highlighted my capacity to accept responsibility, objectively examine failure, and change my approach for future projects. My advice is to approach such inquiries with humility and an open mind. Showcase your capacity to learn from mistakes and your resilience. Employers value applicants who can transform setbacks into opportunities for growth and advancement.