8 Interviews questions you can't afford to fumble

Getting a new job requires several interviews. For everyone this is an anxiety producing situation, but for those who haven’t interviewed in a several years it can be more difficult.

Be sure you have prepared for the interview in advance so you aren’t as nervous and know what you intend to say.

1.???? How do you feel about being laid off from your previous job?

In the old days being laid off was something that was rare and hard to explain. Now adays it’s very common. Layoffs have gotten more common with the financial downturn in 2018, then Covid in 2020, and more tech layoffs in 2024. Interviewers are more sympathetic but you will still be compared to other candidates and need to put your best foot forward.

When answering the question focus on what experience you learned from the last job, and how that will help this employer. It’s ok to say it wasn’t easy, and you miss some of your co-workers but it’s time to make the most of your skills and move forward.

2.???? Would you tell me about yourself?

This is a common interview question and one that is difficult to answer. Prepare you answer in advance and customize it based on the company’s values that are listed on the corporate website. Begin by thinking about 3-4 common themes that are part of your entire life. If you aren’t sure what they are take a free values test to identify you core values so you know how to get started. Then think about how these values influenced your decisions during high school and in choosing the college you went to. Move from there to how you used these values to find/land your first job. From there you want to show how these values helped you get promoted to other jobs, or sent you in new directions as your skills and values changed. Then highlight some key accomplishments and how you create value (align it with the job description ). You do not need to give dates of when things happened. If you are older, I wouldn’t bring up grand children or social security etc. as they will put undue emphasis on your age and not on your skills. Remember you are in a competitive position so focus on being your best.

3.???? Where do you see yourself in five years?

All candidates will likely get asked this question but those candidates who are older will have a more difficult time. You want to be sure that the employer feels you aren’t just going to work for a few years and then retire or they will likely choose a younger candidate. Instead focus on the love of the job, wanting to mentor others and make a difference.? They want to be sure you’ll be around a while.

4.???? How are you keeping up with technology and AI skills?

When answering this question talk about what you’ve been doing. I’ve taken classes, I have gotten certifications, I am in an online group that meets weekly to discuss this, I subscribe to several newsletters, I have a coach etc. Make it clear you are actively keeping up and are excited to learn new tech skills and to contribute to their organization.

5.???? What is your ideal work environment or Tell me what you’re looking for.

Work is constantly changing. You want to show that you agile and can adjust to whatever comes your way. You should put the emphasis on continuous learning, adaptability, flexibility, etc. Think of success stories from your previous jobs that show you have these skills and talk about that. Your answer should show that you understand the way business is run. Say something like: ?a. I’m looking for a company that is well run. Financially sound, and is growing/profitable. This will enable me to grow in my role and help the company move forward and I’ll be able to stay for a long period of time.

6.???? You have a lot of experience. Are you sure you’ll be happy in this position?

The interviewer is signaling that they think you are over qualified for the job. You need to tell the interviewer why you are a great fit and excited about this role. You can say at this point in your career you aren’t looking for a CEO position, but it will be a chance to learn some new skills, give you an opportunity to mentor others and to support your manager by being a clear communicator and being proactive about solving problems before they escalate and get out of hand. It also gives you a chance to show your current skills and reinforce the value you bring and your ability to synthesize information and convey it to others in a simple and easy to understand manner. Show excitement so people are convinced you want this job, not that you are settling for now and when a “bigger” job comes up you’ll be leaving.

7.???? What are your salary expectations?

This is always a difficult question. In some states like NY the salary must be posted but for many jobs this is not the case. In general ,they think that older employees will want more money and will cost more in health benefits. Focus on your skills match and try not to give an answer. If you can’t avoid it say something like I am expecting something in the range of “x-y” for total compensation-this includes the base salary, bonus, and benefits. Does that work for you ( the employer). In many states they are not allowed to ask you for what you were previously paid. Put your focus on the job and why you are a great fit.

8.???? Will you be fully remote or can you come to the office?

More companies require in person attendance at an office, even if the office isn’t headquarters. Do your homework to determine if there are other facilities near you that would qualify as an “office.” If not, think about your willingness to travel once or twice a month to an office location. Also consider driving to the office on a regular basis. Once you’ve figured out what will and will not work for you, then answer the question. Start out by saying you’re looking forward to meeting your co-workers. Then ask about how many days per week you need to be in the “office” and if that office could be in a different geography closer to your home. In general, those who are fully remote are less likely to get promoted as they are out of site and out of mind. You need to balance your personal situation with the needs of the company but see if you can go to the office on some kind of a schedule that will work for you.

If you need help please feel free to reach out to a career coach who can help you prepare your answers and land the job you deserve.

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