The interview process is ultra-competitive. But with proper preparation, it is possible to stand out. Here are 10 common interview questions, what they really mean, and how to nail them: 1 - “Why this company?” This is a standard test for for shotgun blast applicants. A generic answer can derail your process. Do your research. Write down 2-3 unique points about the company that appeal to you. You won’t get the job with your answer, but you can definitely lose it. 2 - “Tell me about yourself.” This isn’t an invitation to recite your resume. This is a test of whether you can provide a concise, thoughtful overview of your past, present, and future. Keep it short. Focus on key information, decisions, and insights that may not pop off the page. 3 - “Why should we hire you?” Direct and intimidating, it serves as a test of the candidate’s selling skills and stress capacity. A golden opportunity to exhibit your preparation for the interview. A clear, concise review of your relevant skills, experience, and desire wins here. 4 - "What would you do in the first 100 days on the job?" This is a test of your preparation, research, initiative, and humility. Have a concrete plan for how you would approach your early days. Be sure fact-finding and learning is a key part of it. 5 - “Where do you see yourself in 10 years?” This is an assessment of (1) your ambition and (2) whether it aligns with your growth opportunity at the company. In answering, keep those two in mind. And it’s ok if you don’t have a perfect answer (I still don’t know mine!). 6 - “Why are you leaving your job?” This can be a test for negativity. Never say anything negative about your former employer. Stay positive and highlight why the new company and role is a better fit for your goals. 7 - “What would your prior boss say about you?” This is a good opportunity to highlight a qualitative strength that you haven’t been able to talk about. Examples: Dependability, consistency, team-orientation. Be honest, but put one in the win column. 8 - "How do you handle stress?" Saying you never get stressed is not a viable path with this question. Talk about 1-2 specific tactics for stress management. Highlight a time when stress led you to rise to the occasion. 9 - "Is there anything else we should know about you?" This is a standard closing question. Resist the urge to say "Nope!" to end the interview. Give a summary of your excitement for the opportunity at this company. Leave a good final impression. 10 - “What questions do you have for me?” This is a test of preparation and personality. Generic questions won’t kill you, but they won’t help either. Ask something unique and get them talking. I like: “What are you most excited about that you’re currently working on?” -- Those are 10 common interview questions, what they really mean, and how to nail your response. What would you add to the list? Follow me Sahil Bloom for more content on careers, growth, and productivity.
It always amazes me how many people skip over 1) Do your research. It shows.
Sahil Bloom You have posted some really practical, valuable things in the last few days. They have been laid out really well, actionable, practical, and helpful. Appreciate you putting out such great content!
For #10 I ask "What does success in this position look like to you?" and I also ask "How would you characterize your management style?" These questions help me to assess expectations.
this sounds like tinder tides. people you are hiring professionals to do job not somebody who made best essey where he sees himself in 10 years. Only answer on that question is: None of your business.
Nice to meet you, it's a great privilege for me to exchange a few words with you if you don't mind then tell me
Great recap thanks for sharing! would add “how will you measure success in this role?” As a good question to ask the interviewer
Yeah yeah true, it's always about candidates...All the questions are outdated. Most 10 common questions but are useless in anyway. How to handle stress - Why do you have to put me in stress in the first place. Ten years from now, please really
Great. In most cases it's upon the recruiter to decide which candidate they'll onboard. You might answer all questions correctly, have the best graduation but not all times the best at interviews are recruited. At time it's by luck and at times you might just impress the recruiter because if your character, physique etc. By the time you apply for the job, you've already shown interest in the job but still I beats my mind why recruiters insist whether job seekers are interested. This is brought about by stuff competition targeting a few jobs. Thus recruiters resort to uncalled-for excuses in my opinion
When I used to be one of the hiring Managers, I always looked for a candidate that will fit my existing Team. I want someone with similar skills but I focus more on the right dynamics and attitude that the hire can bring. I don’t want my Team to adjust to the new hire but to blend well and grow together. After all, they will be working together for the long haul.😊
Helping 100,000+ solopreneurs build a fulfilling life through lean, profitable, one-person business.
2yI've found that the most curious candidates are often the best performers because curiosity is a trait that naturally leads to good outcomes. The curious learn more, ask more, try more, and end up performing. Therefore, my favorite part of the interview is when they get a chance to ask questions. Come prepared, be thorough, and show people your curiosity.