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!
“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.
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.
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/
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.
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.
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/
Managing Director and Attorney at Alliance Compensation & Litigation Lawyers
Answered 2 years ago
A memorable interview query I encountered was, "Can you describe a difficult legal case you successfully navigated and the strategies you employed?" I responded with a description of a complex legal case involving contractual disputes. I emphasized the significance of meticulous investigation, effective client communication, and skilled legal team collaboration. It was crucial to emphasize problem-solving skills and my adaptability to changing circumstances. My advice for others confronting similar questions is to prepare in advance by identifying relevant experiences that showcase your skills and accomplishments. Focus on the STAR method to effectively structure your response: Situation, Task, Action, and Result. In addition, emphasize your collaborative, adaptable, and solution-focused skills. These characteristics are frequently highly esteemed in the legal profession and can make a significant impression during job interviews.
"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.
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.
I was once asked how I handle feedback, both positive and negative. I emphasized my openness to constructive criticism and my willingness to learn and grow from it. I shared an example where I actively sought feedback from a supervisor, implemented their suggestions, and significantly improved my performance. My advice to others facing similar questions is to embrace a growth mindset, view feedback as an opportunity for improvement, and actively seek feedback to demonstrate your commitment to personal and professional development.
In an interview for a project management role, I was asked, 'If you were a brand, which one would you be?' I responded with, 'LEGO.' Much like LEGO bricks, I believe in connecting disparate pieces together to build something magnificent. My core strength lies in assembling teams and resources, much like the tiny bricks, to craft a cohesive final product. My advice for others facing quirky questions is to relate them to core strengths and values. By doing so, you’re not just answering the question but also highlighting an attribute that makes you an asset to the organization.
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.
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 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.
How will this role motivate you to progress yourself? I will admit, I was rather taken aback at first. After giving it some thought, however, I realized that this was a very solid and very important question as it goes a few steps further than the classic "where do you see yourself in 5 years". It assumes that you will want to develop yourself, correctly in my case, and tries to find why this role in particular will be a good fit for you to grow. I recommend being honest with this one - some roles might motivate you because there is a clear set of expectations for progression and some might not, meaning you might want to look elsewhere.
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.
In a recent interview I had with an individual who was less involved in the specific role I was applying for, he would follow up to my responses with questions such as "why did you do it this way" or "can you explain how that works?" - I was initially caught off guard because I'm not often asked the rationale behind my actions and it required me to be more explanatory and informative of my process, my thinking, and rationale. If you find yourself in an interview where you're speaking with someone who may not be as involved in the day-to-day of your role or in the department as a whole, I would advise you to not be afraid of being informative - explaining yourself fully and detailing your processes and rationale with confidence - you're the expert here!
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.