The secret to acing any job interview?
Preparation.
To really shine, you must walk in with:
?Knowledge of the company and the role
?Your top 3 points about why you'll do great
?5+ stories from past jobs that highlight your skills
?And answers to these 12 very common questions
[More details on the graphic!]
1) Tell me about yourself
?Tip: Decide in advance which of your skills and career highlights best fit the role
?Answer: Share those as a personal and interesting story, showing how you got started, where you are now, and how this role is the next logical chapter
2) What interests you about this position?
?Tip: Research the company and role beforehand
?Answer: Get specific about the impact you want to have and how your skills fit well
3) What are your strengths?
?Tip: Decide ahead of time which strengths best match the role
?Answer: Highlight just 2-3 and back them up with memorable stories of times you shined
4) Tell me about a time you failed. How did you deal with the situation?
?Tip: Show you are humble and growth-oriented
?Answer: Tell a story of a setback that you quickly recovered and learned from
5) Describe a time when you motivated colleagues. How did you do it?
?Tip: Show leadership
?Answer: Highlight a time when you were positive, persistent, and persuasive
6) Tell me about a time you had to handle multiple projects at once - how did you get it all done?
?Tip: Focus on your time management and reliability
?Answer: Share an example where you used a repeatable system
7) Describe a time you went through a major change at work. How did you adapt?
?Tip: Employers are looking for people who are excited about change, not just tolerant of it
?Answer: Tell a story about a big change that impacted you directly and that you adjusted to quickly
8) Tell me about a time you set a goal for yourself. How did you ensure you achieved it?
?Tip: Show you can get. things. done.
?Answer: Pick an example where you succeeded in a replicable way
9) Tell me about a time you disagreed with a boss or colleague. How did it go?
?Tip: Never badmouth the other person
?Answer: Pick a time when you had a valid case, communicated it professionally, and reached a positive resolution
10) What are your weaknesses?
?Tip: Don't use "I care too much" or other cliches - this is about self-awareness
?Answer: Describe 1-2 that aren't critical to the role and how you've been working on them
11) Any questions for me?
?Tip: The only question almost guaranteed to be asked
?Answer: Ask questions that show you're focused on success
12) Anything we didn't get to discuss that you'd like to add?
?Tip: Don't say no! Before the interview, think about the 2-3 main points you want to communicate
?Answer: Reiterate those here
Make sure you're prepared enough to use every question as an opportunity to show why you're the best person for the job.
Good luck!
? Repost to help anyone in your network who's interviewing.
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