14 In-Depth Questions To Ask Yourself Before Any Interview

Before any interview I always advise candidates to prepare an accomplishments list based off hard skills and facts. This will allow the interviewer to best understand the specific and tangible qualities you can and will bring to their company, and lets them see the bigger picture of how you’d fit into their organization.

I’ve found that it’s usually hard for us to drum up these accomplishments and feats without an initial nudge. Well folks, here’s your nudge. Now go and tell the world why you’re so awesome!

1. Were there any special problems you were hired to solve?
What did you do? How did you do it? What were the results?

2. Have there been any areas in the past where you were unusually creative?
Whether it be markets, accounts, products, applications, solutions to problems or others. 

3. When and why did you receive promotions?
Why were you promoted? Where you given added responsibilities or significant salary increases or raises? What was the length of time between promotions (this is important to note, especially if you’ve steadily progressed in your career)? Did you do something especially outstanding or manage additional people?

4. How have you helped to increase sales, productivity, efficiency, etc.?
What was the dollar contribution or percentage and how did you accomplish this? Was there a particularly unique approach that created different or more successful results than your peers?

5. How have you saved the company money?
How did you do this, what additional savings (either dollar amount or percentage) did you achieve, and how did it compare to others? Did you receive any specific award or recognition for your savings?

6. How have you helped to establish new goals or objectives for your company?
Did you convince management to adopt the goals or objectives and what were the reasons for their buy-in?

7. Have you ever suggested any new or supplementary programs/continuing education?
What constituted the suggestion of a new program and what were the results? Did what you suggest increase efficiency or sales, were they published or adopted globally by the company? Did you receive any awards or special recognition for your contribution?

8. Have you ever established new systems or changes?
What circumstances led to the change and who approved it? Why was your system chosen over others and how did it compare? What were the results?

9. Have you ever recognized a problem that was previously overlooked by management?
What was the problem and solution, and why had it initially been overlooked?

10. Have you ever trained/coached/mentored anyone?
Did you develop any unique training techniques or write training programs or manuals? Did you coach or mentor new-hires or other individuals on your team or in your company? If so, where are they now? Have they been promoted?

11. Was there a time where you redefined the nature or scope of your job title or responsibilities?
How and why did you reinterpret your position or responsibilities? As a result, were other comparable positions redefined and what were the resulting responsibility changes? Describe those changes.

12. Did you ever assume a project that wasn’t a part of your original responsibility because you wanted to solve the problem?
If yes, this is a demonstration of interest in your job and ability to see the bigger picture as well as the ability to take initiative.

13. What have you done to make your job easier or more efficient?
Did this result in increased profits, efficiency or productivity?

14. In your opinion, what are the most important qualities for the position or opportunity you’re currently seeking.
Put yourself in the shoes of your prospective boss. Now describe five or six qualities and look for examples you have for reach of those- how do you stack up?

All 14 of these questions may not pertain to your specific career or job, but pick and choose what stands out to you, so YOU stand out during your interview!

Good luck!