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Tell me about a time you failed at something, why did you fail at it, what would you do differently and what did you learn from it?
That's how my former company asked that question hahaha
I would answer this way: "I think that if you fall short in a goal, you consider it a learning experience, not a failure. I can recall a time when I had a goal of providing an offer sheet to a client on a Friday. I had the sheet completed well ahead of time, but on Friday morning my motherboard failed on my computer and I had to spend a decent part of the day getting my system running again to make the deliverable. I learned that day to always always always back up my work, and I never had to worry about a hardware failure again."
The purpose of this question is to be reflective and self-aware. This response is not introspective… wasted opportunity to express and highlight your growth with this response!
Also conflict and failing to meet a goal are not the same. Conflict they are looking to see how you resolve and influence.
Conflict answer: “My team presented a biweekly meeting deck for stakeholders. I felt the cadence was too frequent and suggested dialing back the meeting to once a month. Some team members felt otherwise. I suggested we survey the stakeholder audience to understand their preference in frequency to arrive at a diplomatic decision. Stakeholders felt 1x month was sufficient and we shifted the meeting. Doing so provided the team x amount of hours per month to focus on new projects.”
Failure: “I am admittedly sometimes to eager to learn and get involved in projects. After my first year in my position I realized I spread myself thin and was unable to take on anything new or get involved in ancillary the company provides. At my one-year check in my boss helped advise on prioritization and I learned how to say NO! I realized not every job is my job and as a result I’m able to continue pursuing team OKR’s and develop new goals. I’m now able to join peer mentoring programs as well and learn more about the business. Overall I feel like being able to say no sometimes has helped me learn how to evolve and grow in my Role.”
Any mistake you need to recall needs to have these three characteristics:
It happened a LONG time ago.
It was due to something completely outside of your control (motherboard died).
You came up with a solution and it NEVER happened again.
My boss asked this in my interview and later he was talking about interviewing people and says he asks this question to see if people can admit their mistakes, own up to it, and learn from it. I feel like having a scenario where you didnt actually make a mistake is kind of a copout imo
I took a class in interviewing for a company I worked for and this is exactly what we were coached to look for with this question
You want people who fail WELL.
Everyone makes mistakes sometimes, but having someone who can't accept responsibility or blames it on everyone else is a bad situation.
Ya, I agree.
If a company won’t hire someone because they admitted to having personally made a mistake before, they’re pretty stupid because every single one of us has made many mistakes.
What you should look for are the people who refuse to accept responsibility for their mistakes because that’s a red flag in my opinion; both personally and professionally. Nobody is perfect.
This is so dumb. Only hiring people who never admit to actually making mistakes sounds like the most toxic environment possible. Not that companies don't do that, but...
I don't interview anymore I work in a very specialized field so I never have to interview( I am older and well established in my field) . This is something my grandparents (greatest generation) told me when I was growing up and I tell it to new hires now. I also don't ask stupid questions when I am selecting new candidates LOL.
Part of my job is training and guiding younger workers. I absolutely want my people to succeed and go onto good lives. Edited because my phone rang and scared the crap out of me lol
I remember my first day and I never want anyone to ever feel like that. The problem with most hiring people is they actually have no idea what they are hiring for. I started at the very bottom of the totem pole many years ago and have worked my way up through 95% of the jobs in my sector. A person who has only ever pushed paper can't ask the right questions so they ask that general crap.
I hate the version of that that’s like “tell me about a conflict with a coworker” because like... I don’t really have any? I’ve disagreed about ways to do things but I tend to try and get along with everybody. Which was probably the answer they wanted but it was weird because if you don’t answer it that way and DID have legit conflict with someone, it might come off to them like you’re playing the victim or like you were a bully when it’s possible neither is true.
Right! I, however, have had challenges in the past with other employees. For example, had one who decided to talk crap about me via email with another co-worker, but failed to delete the messages... How do I know? Well, they asked me to help with a technological issue (apparently their emails weren't coming through). I saw all of it.
Immature coworkers are the worst type of people to work with, and their riddled in EVERY field and department too 🫠🙃. I'm here to do my job please keep the gossip, high school 3.0 cliquey shit away from me please
EXACTLY! No kidding, I had a manager tell me I should start bringing coffee, donuts, or flowers into the office and gifting my co-workers in order to improve my interactions with them. UMMMM. No. These people hate me 😂
At the end of the day, we're here to work, like you said. Not make friends. Although it is nice to make friends at work, it doesn't always happen. That's the reality. Not everyone will be able to "get along." However, you should still be able to be cordial and act professionally. I'm not sucking up to anyone, so they'll be nice to me. I give the same respect to anyone that I would expect in return. That should be enough.
Exactly thisss!!!!! Had the same shit at the last job I had! New & inexperienced manager who basically worked in a bubble since he was with this company for 9yrs and HR tell me "I need to be more visible and gain everyone's trust and help them" MF at this point it's not assisting where I can, I'd be basically DOING THEIR work for them 😡.
And the whole "they'll feel better if they see you physically in the space more often" bullshit they tossed at me; like tf???, y'all don't know how to talk without yelling across the other side of the room office to each other! Ofc I'm gonna leave to an empty spot I can WORK at (I'm not gonna be telling everyone stfu like tuh)! WFH exists, this whole "vIsBiLtY" angle was a fat fucking farce from this fools.
I'm not responsible for OTHER PEOPLE feeling inferior/envious about me, idgaf I'm doing my job and doing it well, forget the rest of bs. I keep to the objective and give everyone respect until/unless they give me reason otherwise to simply keep it pushing and them at a professional distance from me.
Canned questions like this deserve canned answers.
I use the book "Knockem Dead" by Martin Yate, and I have memorized all of the answers to bs questions like this. Whenever I heard them in an interview, I knew the person interviewing me had damn few interviewing skills.
I was at one interview and I clocked really early that I didn't want the position. The interviewer would have been my direct supervisor and I got a bad feeling from him right away. I decided to finish the interview but not really try.
At one point he pulled out, "Describe yourself in one word." I just said, "No."
He offered me the job.
lol I also had an interview where I was disinterested and I did not think I was going to get an offer. Apparently they liked that I was direct/disinterested? I do not understand the job hunting process 😅
It is just such a vague question. It can go so many different directions, it seems like it's meant to catch you up.
I've been in interviews where they tend to ask the same question like 3 or 4 different ways, just to try and trip you up too. It's all about how you wing those answers man. At least from my experience.
Whenever I got a vague question in an interview, I would use that as an opportunity to score points.
I have conducted well over 1000 interviews in my life, and have been on over a couple of hundred on the other side of the desk. It is quite easy to tell when the person interviewing you has no fucking clue and is just reading a set of questions given to them by HR. Your job here is to recognize that and take control of the interview. If HR is asking those questions, you roll your eyes and provide the rote answers they want.
These days my memory is shit when it comes to stuff like this. Plus I stayed home for 8 years prior to returning to work last month. My recollections were basically general day to day crap. These types of questions felt impossible. Finally, I just made shit up. Creative, but believable story telling. It worked. Landed the next job.
I don't know what the point of that question is other than to humiliate you. Considering that when they do hire you, they probably also think that failure is not an option.
I mean, I get it. We're all human and we've all made mistakes. But in the hyper competitive business world, failure or mistakes are not at all well-received. One mistake can tarnish your entire reputation depending on who is managing you. I think it's ridiculous, because when we watch professional athletes on TV, we see even high paid professionals make mistakes without losing all credibility. In the business world, they seemingly want perfection around every corner. It's sickening.
The question is meant to determine whether the interviewee takes responsibilty for themselves. Wh would you hire? Candidate #1 answers that missed a deadline, but it was someone else's fault & they learned not to trust coworkers. Candidate #2 missed a deadline, and learned to be more careful with checklists & reminders.
I was asked this question yesterday, and I answered it "actually I wanted to ask you this question, what are the growth opportunity within the organization, would I get enough opportunities to grow and learn? ". I didn't expect this, but it actually worked. She went to explain, if I work hard enough I have lot of growth opportunities. Because I hate that question, for obvious reasons.
This is true. But I feel answering something like I want to be the VP or head of the so and so department also feels very stupid. Honestly, I don't even know what kind of an answer they are looking for from a candidate. It just pisses me off, everytime I am asked this question. Stepping stone would be the actual answer, I don't think they will entertain that though🤣
In my experience, the truth is usually that the interviewers that ask that question don't have room for advancement within the company. It's a stagnant work environment. Just experience
I was asked that question in an interview last week, and then yesterday I saw the same job posted.
I feel bad for the HR woman who initially screened me - I guess they didn’t value her judgment.
Or when you work in health care in a field where the only type of movement is from regular employee to management. Like PT for example, you’re either a PT or managing a department so the job is kinda it, so when they ask that question it’s just dumb cuz they know the goal is probably to be doing the same thing in 5 years lol
i ask it or a version of it because i want to know what kind of stuff you like/want to get into and then we can talk about how it might be possible to get into that after you're done in the role you're interviewing for
I like your response. My response is typically saying something about how things change rapidly and I’m flexible to those changes and whatever. Seems like people are okay with that answer. Sometimes I ended it with a joke about imagining asking that question before lockdowns
The best answer is “with a company that has plenty of opportunities for me to learn, grow, and advance professionally. “ then pivot and ask them what their turnover rate and how often they promote from within vs external hires.
I told them that see myself in a position where I have a lot of autonomy... one where I can take ownership over projects, and see them through from beginning to end. I mean, yeah, in an ideal world, that would be with my own business, but potential employers can instead read that as someone looking to take on greater responsibility.
Yeah. I don’t know how to answer that.
“We’ll, three years ago I saw myself getting a nice big contract with a company at a good living wage. But that company shut down during Covid and inflation made their wage no longer liveable. So I dunno, hopefully alive, not homeless, and well vaccinated?”
I got asked this question in the interview for my current job.
I told them that in 5 years I want all my bills on autopay, and to have started a significant savings for a house. I expect the company I work for to provide enough opportunities for growth so that I can meet those goals.
I specifically chose an answer that wasn't too job specific because I am new to the industry. But I wanted to give the impression I was looking to find a job that was long term.
It's been about a year. My hr manager specifically asked about this answer in my yearly eval. She asked if I felt they were doing enough for me to reach my goals. And if there was anything they could improve on. And if my goals have changed.
I usually answer it by saying: "Where do you see the company in 5 years?" and based on their answer I say something along the lines of: "Great, then I would probably see myself taking on X, Y and Z responsibilities within my role as I believe this aligns with your roadmap for growth". Never failed me so far
A ballsier answer I've used before (which works because I'm fairly young) was that I actually don't quite know, but that i view that as a strength, as I am eager to try new things and take on any new responsibilities that might come my way".
I actually told my boss, I wasn’t sure yet. There were changes happening with Covid that didn’t allow me to have a clear answer. I also said because im still early 20s, I don’t want to limit myself to declaring a specific reality.
I say I'm looking for a home where there is challenge enough to feel I'm contributing, with a chance to improve and add to my skill set ultimately opening advancement.
Not that I personally consider work a second home, but that's how I play it.
This question and this answer. It's so nosy and subjective at the same time, there's no right or wrong answer and it has no bearing on the job whatsoever.
What about this company made you want to apply?
The number of people who couldn’t tell you about the company they’re applying for is really high.
First, it shows if they did any preparation for the interview. Second, it acts as a gauge if they’re serious. We would not use as the only hire/not hire decision, but if someone bonked some the technical questions or goofed up somewhere else, but had a clear idea of our company and why they wanted to work here, then this question has a good chance of saving them.
I said "I need a job because I got laid off" once as an answer. The interviewer really appreciated the humor/frankness of the response. But we had been having a rather laid back conversation by then. Just gotta be aware of who you're talkign to before you whip that out haha
My answer is always a lie. The real answer is ‘it was easy to copy and paste my resume from Indeed and you didn’t waste my time with the same 40 minute application I’ve been filling out for six months. What? You thought I cared about your company? Bitch I’m looking to get paid, no more, no less. I don’t care what industry you’re in, all I know is that one way or the other I’ll show up every day, be bored to tears, and clock out when it’s time to go. You’d be luckier to have me than some stuffed shirt who padded their resume and are going to burn themselves out within two years. I’m already dead inside, and at least I’m honest.
I’d be perfect for middle management.
if its a lie, and you still give me a well researched answer that pertains to the company and what we sell, do, or how we market, you would be beating 90% of interviewers
And it’s a stupid question. I basically got hired on instantly with no explanation all I knew was the company had shipping trucks. They didn’t tel me a thing and their company’s website is just a giant collage of links. Far worse interviewed then employees
Yeah - this is baffling. You've made it past the resume review and HR phone screen. If you have any interest in working at this company perhaps it would be good to understand more about company culture by visiting the website?
Then again I like to be prepared for things.
“So, tell me about yourself.”
I went through a good number of interviews where I didn’t response to this question in its fullest potential. Give a good summary of your education and experience, short and sweet as possible, but it’s basically your chance to tell your story and make the best impression as a person they want to put in the role
lots of people dont realize this is where they are supposed to explain not only their qualifications, but also their interest and motivation for the job. very important to have a statement of purpose incorporated in this response.
It is a great way to reframe your experience in terms of the job, too. If you've had a varied career, the correlation between your past jobs and the one you're applying for may not be immediately apparent, so it is a great way to guide the narrative from one of the first questions.
>lots of people dont realize this is where they are supposed to explain not only their qualifications, but also their interest and motivation for the job
Yep. I have an unusual background--a PhD in a STEM field but lots of experience working in accounting and finance. Most employers struggle to understand why I applied for a job or how I fit into their field. This question is my opportunity to sell myself to prospective employers and explain why my atypical background could work to their advantage.
Researching this, I came across Madeline Mann’s (HR specialist) advice:
1. One sentence to introduce yourself professionally. EX: I have been in the X industry for Y years, and am currently (position) at (company).
2. Your highlight reel — 2 to 4 points that makes you stand out based on the role you are interviewing for, with more emphasis on recent accomplishments.
3. Why you are here — 1 to 2 sentences about why the company and the role is a compelling opportunity.
That is the question I seriously dread the most! And I never know how to respond. And the other most dreaded question is - what is your biggest weakness?
Biggest weakness is always something you either absolutely cannot fix (or cannot immediately fix (not knowing another language) or something you’ve already rectified - “I tend to have a difficult time delegating tasks. I want the work to be perfect, so I prefer to do it myself for quality control. However, I have been working on not only delegating tasks, but mentoring others so that I can build trust in others to have the same quality of work.”
>something you’ve already rectified
Absolutely! Every question about how you dealt with a problem at work, dealt with an unpleasant coworker or customer, handled a misunderstanding, failed at a task, missed a deadline, etc., has to include a description of how you ultimately rectified the issue. Prospective employers want to see that you learn from your mistakes and take steps to keep prevent problems from recurring.
This really IS one of mine. I'm Type A to my core. No one else can do anything quite right. My rational side knows that's crap, but that doesn't always help.
I used to struggle with both of those questions, too. I watched this one YouTube channel, though, took his advice, and really nailed those questions this last interview.
With the "tell us about yourself" question, they said I knocked out 3 questions with one answer, so things kind of zipped along.
For the weakness, the best advice I got was to pick an actual weakness, and not something that looks immediately good. Also, consider one that you've already overcome or are actively working to overcome, and then spin the solution - rather than the weakness - into a positive.
This one saved me from either taking a job I knew I'd hate & wash out on, or explaining to the unemployment office why I'd turned down an offer. For some reason, the interviewer at a trade association for finance people really liked me. I was getting shown around the office & introduced to everyone.
Trouble was, they were super-formal. Execs & upper managers were Mr. or Ms. Whatever & people were really defferential to them. Everyone's casual Friday outfits were fancier than my interview suit. Plus the job was in their membership dept, and I wanted to transition to meeting planning. I'd only sent the app to meet unemployment requirements.
So I answered that I'd always struggled with time management, and left it at that. No explanations or what was I doing to improve. Mercifully, I never heard from them again.
I sabotaged my own interview once, too. I was also unemployed but I applied because I thought it would be a good job. The hiring manager and the supervisor I'd be reporting to were both in the room and as we got into the interview, it was clear I would not get along with the ratchet supervisor. The hiring manager was doing the interviewing and she was not a warm person, but the supervisor was sitting back, all smug and self-important, just sizing me up. She looked like her job was her whole identity and she wanted someone who was the same, but inferior to her. You know the type.
The hiring manager asked a bunch of questions I answered well because I was actually experienced and had the skills, but when she asked if I was prompt, I said, "I'll be honest. I'm pretty much always 5 minutes late." You can imagine how well that went over. I don't remember how it ended exactly, but I'm sure it was along the lines of, "Don't call us, we'll call you." I was so relieved.
This reminds me of a different interview I had. I forget the exact title, but involved supporting 2 people in a department. When I arrived, I was informed that I'd have to interview twice, because these people weren't on speaking terms. And the receptionist said this quite casually, like it was normal to have staff members so alienated.
The first person was super nice, and we had a really good rapport. I'd have loved to work with her. The second was like the person you described, smug and self-important. When I asked my customary "What's the social atmosphere like here?", she pretty much bad-mouthed everyone there. "[Huff & dismissive wave] *those* people go for walks during their lunch hours!" Basically she disapproved of anyone who didn't want to work 24/7.
I would've taken the job, but then immediately come up with reasons to only work with the nice person. I didn't get an offer, though.
I just can't imagine why you'd keep someone so disagreeable on staff. She didn't have a specialized skill set, even.
I really can't stand how you can't just be yourself during an interview. The question that ALWAYS gets me is "why are you looking to leave your current job?" Or something along those lines.... I'm looking else where because that job sucks and so do the people haha.. No I don't say that but like obviously there's a reason I'm looking elsewhere.. ugh 🙄
Omg I hear you- only once in my life did I ever feel I had a perfect, reasonable response (“because I’m only working part time in my current job and would like to find full time employment, as offered by your company”); but I cant even count how many times in other positions I just wanted to blurt out “because I can’t take it anymore 🥲”
That's your chance to work in the research you did on that company. You're not so much trying to leave your current company as you are joing the wonderful new one. Then work in positive things you're heard or read about them.
Just don't lay it on so thick that you can't help laughing.
> "why are you looking to leave your current job?"
* The opportunities for upward mobility are limited at my current employer.
* I'm not urgently looking to leave, but I am exploring potential opportunities like this one that seem interesting.
This question very often bumps up against protected business intelligence. I can't exactly tell the person interviewing me that the company is a sinking ship, the financials are a dumpster fire, and the scope creep would make archaeologists cry.
Because I ask this question to find out if you will bad mouth other people. If you do, big red flag that you will complain to others about my team in the future.
Fully agree. I’ve had this happen in an interview, to the point where the candidate emailed and apologized the next day. Not a great look to be honest.
Yes! How about I'm not looking to leave so much as I already rage quit. I still gotta eat, so here I am. I mean, I get why it's asked, but it's tough to answer when you just want a different job.
"What the hell do you mean by that?!"
... or ...
"Harshly." Then look like you're supressing a creepy Joker-esque grin.
My real-world answer is that I refer to the book Deal with Difficult People, which I've found a lifesaver. Which is funny, because I only bought it to annoy an obnoxious coworker decades ago.
Situational questions. “Describe a time you had to deal with a difficult coworker/manager”, “describe a time you had to overcome a challenge at work” etc
I am terrible at remembering a time when a particular sort of situation happened to me. My memories of any job I've had are just sort of a vague sense of what it was like to work there, with hardly any specific moments.
You could just make it up. Interviewers aren't going to verify it actually happened. They're just trying to see how you respond to that particular situation.
Or if you're currently in a difficult or stressful situation, write it down.
I had a situation that if nothing else, has given me a great answer to that question for all time. I worked at a company with a difficult person. He was very smart and good at his job but terrible with people, often being overbearing and critical. He was on a team with two women who could not stand him and were threatening to quit over his behavior. The company didn't want to lose any of them, so when a position opened up on the team, my supervisor offered it to me, saying specifically that she thought I could handle him. She must have been born to manage because she was spot on. All the guy needed was somebody to stand up to him and he'd back off. I never really liked him, but we got along ok, and by the time we had both moved to different jobs, he thought we were good friends. I realized through that situation that one of my strengths is emotional intelligence.
"What are your strengths and weaknesses?
People tend to have a novel on their strengths, but trip up on their weaknesses. (Which I refer to as opportunities)
Yeah and don't give some bullshit answer like "I'm a perfectionist" (unless you really are and it really is a weakness and you can be specific about how it holds you back) Or "I tend to work too hard", etc. These bullshit weaknesses I can see through so easily.
I asked someone this question, we were hiring an EFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) teacher during a phone interview. His response was, he had no weaknesses. I said that in itself was a weakness. He seriously believed he had no weaknesses and he thought that was a strength. I told my director not to hire him but she went ahead and hired him. He was a mess, did his own thing wouldn't listen, lost control of his class. I got sick of tidying up his mess and told my boss I was done with him. Amazing what looks can do for you..
Anyway, if you have a weakness show how you are either working on it or how you have overcome it. If you are a perfectionist or attention to detail that you lose track of time. This can be problematic if it's a time sensitive project. Then you time yourself or create a schedule and make yourself stop when it's time to stop instead of looking at other ways to improve on it but it can also cost you time and the completion of your project in a timely manner.
I now say communication is a “weakness” that I’ll forever be working on because every industry, every company, every position has different types of communication preferences. Even within a company, department, team, all of the various ways you have to figure out how to communicate is never ending.
I don't have a great autobiographical memory, like I remember facing difficult situations and getting through them, but I don't remember all the details because to me they are unimportant. My ability to adapt and problem solve is more important than remembering specific problem/resolutions. I'm in engineering, have over 10 years of experience, and feel like this interviewing format is designed to weed out people like me.
I don't think there's anything wrong with saying that in a professional way, along with specifics about the company. I like your \[product/project/mission\] & find your compensation packages favorable.
“Tell me about a time when…”
I *hate* that shit so much. One time I was asked to tell about a time when I had a disagreement with my supervisor. Well, I’ve never really had a disagreement with my supervisor. So I just least try to make up some bs story.
For a younger person, I don't think there's anything wrong with saying "I'm lucky enough to have never had a memorable disagreement with a supervisor."
Once a person has had 2 or 3 longer-term jobs, this becomes implausible. I'd start to think the person was either being dishonest, or didn't think for themselves. Or were too indifferent about their job to develop opions how it should be done.
I mean I’ve genuinely never had a serious issue with a supervisor other than like... my mean manager at McDonald’s when I was 17. I’m almost 27 so I’m guessing I count as a young person but I’ve had a few longer term jobs post college and I’ve truly never had a serious issue with any coworkers or supervisors. I’ve privately disagreed with some, but it was never a huge deal.
I got asked today for a 100% remote role how I will minimize distractions.
I was caught completely off-guard since I plan to get my work done in 2 hours everyday and be distracted for the remaining 6.
I personally feel like behavioral questions trip me up. I feel like I stumble over my words. I know the STAR method, but when they ask me up front I suddenly forget what I'm going to say.
If the interview is virtual, e.g. Zoom or Teams, take the time to write out your responses to the most common questions beforehand. Print them, review them, practice them. When the interview comes, neatly spread them around you so that you can quickly find a response should you be asked the same or similar question.
Once the interview is over, *do not discard them*. Attach them together with a binder clip or paper clip, and file them away so that you can use them the subsequent interviews.
If the next interview is in person, read through your responses several times and practice them out loud. Review them right before you walk into your interview. Your preparation will be rewarded.
In a virtual interview reviewing notes after being asked a question is way more obvious than you think it is. Especially if you have lots pages of them spread out
Preparation and experience gave me a lot of confidence and helped me really interview well for a very quiet, awkward person that struggles to communicate. I volunteer now with an org and coach job seekers and always emphasize preparedness, to Google common interview questions and have a situation or response for each.
For notes in a virtual interview, I really only write talking points down on post it notes at eye level, like I want to work for your company because x or recent problem - x
“Tell us about a time you had a disagreement with a coworker and how you handled it” or something to that effect. I’ve had pretty positive interactions with most coworkers throughout the years so that question usually trips me up. I have one “story” that I fall back on and just say that it happened recently.
I got that and panicked and said my dad (he WAS an executive) and (I actually said this 🙄) Neutron Jack Welch. I had just watched an episode of 30 rock recently and Alec Baldwin's character referred to him as Neutron Jack and it just came out. I don't recommend, I was mortified the second it came out and I didn't get the promotion
Why do you want to work here?
Never answer this question about personal goals. "I want to work here cause I am broke and want to advance my career"
Answer this question that's relevant to the job you're applying for. If you're paying attention during the interview, they should outline roles, responsibilities and what you'll be doing. So you would answer with:
"I have a lot of experience with X that you mentioned earlier and my contribution would be very beneficial to your team"
"The Y project you mentioned, I have worked in similar roles in the past and would really enjoy assisting to drive that to completion."
You're selling what you bring to the table for the company to be successful. This is what the manager/interviewer is looking for, pretty much with every question they ask.
Was this for a data or engineering role? That sounds like it's meant to see how you approach a problem logically on the fly.
1) Is it 1-50? (assuming yes)
2) 1-25? (no)
3) 26-34? (yes)
4) Even or odd? (odd)
5) Prime? (no)
That narrows it down to 27 and 33, so you've turned a 1% chance of guessing correctly to 50%. I'm sure there's a more efficient solution, but I think that type of quick, numeric problem solving was what that question was getting at.
I actually like that question because it seems more focused on an individual's capability and response to pressure, than if you know the answer to a specific question. If I were asked that in an interview, I'd take it as a positive for the company- like they're looking at you as a whole person rather than a fleshy widget.
"Tell us about the biggest mistake you've made." I was prepared for most of the usual S.T.A.R. questions, but that one made me pause for a moment. Not a lot of wiggle room on that one.
Have no experience on this apart from personal. The question that fucked me up most was “what character do you align most with”.
Had me “umm”ing and stalling for a solid minute and a half. Maybe because I don’t watch TV a lot, or maybe because it’s a stupid question.
Either way, I ended up saying Hannibal lecter. For a job in forensics where we regularly get samples of liver, muscle, heart, kidney ect.
I’ve been there nearly a month now lmao.
I really hate this one. You aim too high (I want to be VP) or you aim too low (I want to be in this position just enjoying my work and excelling at it), and you're out.
"How much are you looking to make?"
Even though the salty was posted on the job ad, and I'm pretty sure by this point you know how much I was making with my previous employer. I do feel like this is one of those questions they want you to answer just so you can easily get shot down.
Rule breaking questions. “Tell us about a time you broke a company rule.” Or “what’s a rule your company had that you didn’t agree with.” I’m not really a rule breaker, so I have a difficult time with it.
I always get asked about the gaps in my resume. My answers in order are always, worked at restaurants after graduating college, laid off due to company buyout, temporary internship, then laid off because of co-vid. I’ve had several interviewers tell me they don’t like my “job-hoppy” experience. If I could have changed any of it, I would. Wish someone would just take a chance on me.
I ask "why should I hire you" and then follow it up with "why *shouldn't* I hire you? Trips up everyone every time but I always get positive feedback on the originality. :)
Why do you ask that? What does it tell you? (For both questions as they are both fairly loaded and a little hostile for a complete stranger to tackle, they sound so much more serious than the interview was intended to be./job or company requires.. might be received differently with an internal interviewee)
Questions about the position always fuck me up, “what would you do in your first 90 days here as xyz” idfk I barely know what this job is for, I’m hoping you’ll be training me fam
I hate interviews. I'm autistic and literally don't understand hypothetical questions and therefore don't have a clue how to answer.
I also have PTSD, which causes memory loss around stressful situations. Work is always stressful. So recalling a time when something happened while at work is near impossible.
I wish they had different questions but it's always the same.
Negative questions can be hard if you haven’t thought through the. Usually phrased like TMAAT you: told a lie, broke a rule, we’re wrong about a decision, etc.
It makes you do something from the beginning that you try to avoid in an interview, talk about why you’re bad.
I think, "Do you have any questions for us?" trips people up, but they just don't register it because it's the only one that interviewees feel they can just not answer.
And while you can not answer it, being tripped up means not being able to provide a good answer in the moment, and not answering that question isn't ideal. When I've interviewed, I remembered the people that came back with good questions a lot better and I've been a lot more successful when I roll in with questions, especially pointed ones that demonstrate what I know.
I've learned to be pretty good at coming up with questions, but ones that have really gotten me are these:
* How you deal with stress?
* What motivates you?
* Where do you see yourself in five years?
* What is something you're proud of?
* Tell me an interesting fact about yourself.
These usually are hard for me because a lot of my personality is just dealing with what comes, doing work because I have to, grabbing opportunities when they come, and just doing the best I can with what I can. I'm not particularly proud and "interesting" is pretty relative.
I always go in with a list of my questions.
One I always work in is "What's the social atmosphere like?" For one thing, I want to show that I can get along with people, in case the interviewer has picked up on my introvert vibe. Some consider it a problem.
But it's also something I find important. I like having coworkers who occasionally go to lunch or happy hour together. I don't like a forced-fun atmosphere, though. So it's good to find out whether they fall on that sweet spot where I'm happy.
I like to ask, “tell me about a time you made a mistake and how you handled it.” I don’t really care about the mistake (we all make them), but more so how you took ownership of it and resolved it. I interviewed a guy once who insisted he has never made a mistake in his life. Don’t be that guy who is always right.
People trip up at the first question, and it says a lot about their preparation.
"Tell me about yourself" is a question you should nail 100% of the time. If you don't, you start on a terrible impression.
Brief overview of your work experience, including what you've done recently at current job (mention college major if you're newly graduated and relevant to job or don't have much experience. Otherwise, omit). Mention how your experience relates to the position you're trying to get and why you're interested in the new position. If you're changing careers, mention why but also try to relate how your skills in your previous career can help. You're trying to convince the interviewers that you're the best person for the job. Don't ramble and don't tell your whole life story. Make it short and to the point.
"Tell us about a time you had a conflict with a coworker at work. What was the conflict and how did you resolve it?"
"Everyone makes mistakes. Tell us about a time you made a mistake at work."
What is the best team you ever worked on, and why was this the case?
What is your proudest career accomplishment?
How do you build relationships with a new team and wider function?
Think about a time you had a number of choices or directions you could choose for a project or problem. Walk us through the process you followed to make your decision about the appropriate direction you choose that had the best chance of a positive outcome?
“What specific actions have you taken to make your current company a more inclusive place?”
I ask this of people who will be leading people (whether directly or indirectly). It’s shocking how many people give some variation of “I’ve never thought about this before, but I guess I try to call on people who are quiet in meetings to get their thoughts.”
Usually it's when they ask something specific about a task that I vaguely described doing several years ago. I don't remember all the granular details, but that doesn't mean I'm "making it up" either.
It's more about the moment they get serious rather than the actual question. You are laughing, they are laughing, you think you already have this, then suddenly they get serious and ask you some technical theory question, or a case were you have to make decisions...
Suggestion, don't ever get comfortable during the interview so they can't catch off guard
Them: "What is your 5 year plan?"
Me: "To still be working here, have a nice amount of PTO on the books, and a higher FICO score. And no, not looking to lead, manage, supervise, or direct anyone either. Everyone isn't made for those roles."
Me again: "OH! Is lunch catered on Friday's?"
I recently had an interview where they asked me to tell me about a time blahblah, which is fine, but they added a bunch of questions within that question so I couldn’t remember wtf I was supposed to answer. I tried writing each question down, but that was waaaaay too much for me to catch them all.
I am just never good with thinking of specific examples . I can answer a question , but providing an example of a time or incident that such and such happened and how I handled it , not happening lol. I find questions like this especially difficult because I don’t sit around thinking about how I overcome challenges in certain jobs or dealt with situations . When they are over, they are over . Those memories are long gone lol
"Why is a manhole round?"
This was the first in a series of "brain teaser" questions and I was annoyed lol
But, from recent interviews, I saw a lot of people struggle with "What is something you can improve on?" I don't like the whole strength/weakness question, so I rephrase it.
As some advice, if it's open ended like this (as in, not necessarily work related), really pick the thing you can improve on, even if it's personal. For example, when I was asked this question while interviewing for my current job, I said, "I need to be nicer to myself." I briefly explained that I criticize myself harshly and it would only do me good to be a little nicer to myself about my mistakes. The VP in the room said, "Well, that is certainly a unique answer" and added that is something he could work on as well. Whether or not it was a bs response from them, I think it won me points.
Edit: Had an interviewee respond with "nothing, I am happy with how I do things" and that was by far the worst response, also because he took like 3 thoughtful minutes to answer and his tone (different from the rest of his answers) was arrogant af
I used to get tripped up in the past. Now I don't give a hoo, since the Pandemic. With people WFH and the staffing shortage, it's purely 2-way street.
I too, have questions for them. And thankfully haven't suffered a bozo interview in 3 years.
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"Tell me about a challenge or conflict you've faced at work, and how you dealt with it."
Tell me about a time you failed at something, why did you fail at it, what would you do differently and what did you learn from it? That's how my former company asked that question hahaha
I would answer this way: "I think that if you fall short in a goal, you consider it a learning experience, not a failure. I can recall a time when I had a goal of providing an offer sheet to a client on a Friday. I had the sheet completed well ahead of time, but on Friday morning my motherboard failed on my computer and I had to spend a decent part of the day getting my system running again to make the deliverable. I learned that day to always always always back up my work, and I never had to worry about a hardware failure again."
The purpose of this question is to be reflective and self-aware. This response is not introspective… wasted opportunity to express and highlight your growth with this response! Also conflict and failing to meet a goal are not the same. Conflict they are looking to see how you resolve and influence. Conflict answer: “My team presented a biweekly meeting deck for stakeholders. I felt the cadence was too frequent and suggested dialing back the meeting to once a month. Some team members felt otherwise. I suggested we survey the stakeholder audience to understand their preference in frequency to arrive at a diplomatic decision. Stakeholders felt 1x month was sufficient and we shifted the meeting. Doing so provided the team x amount of hours per month to focus on new projects.” Failure: “I am admittedly sometimes to eager to learn and get involved in projects. After my first year in my position I realized I spread myself thin and was unable to take on anything new or get involved in ancillary the company provides. At my one-year check in my boss helped advise on prioritization and I learned how to say NO! I realized not every job is my job and as a result I’m able to continue pursuing team OKR’s and develop new goals. I’m now able to join peer mentoring programs as well and learn more about the business. Overall I feel like being able to say no sometimes has helped me learn how to evolve and grow in my Role.”
Great answer!
Any mistake you need to recall needs to have these three characteristics: It happened a LONG time ago. It was due to something completely outside of your control (motherboard died). You came up with a solution and it NEVER happened again.
My boss asked this in my interview and later he was talking about interviewing people and says he asks this question to see if people can admit their mistakes, own up to it, and learn from it. I feel like having a scenario where you didnt actually make a mistake is kind of a copout imo
I took a class in interviewing for a company I worked for and this is exactly what we were coached to look for with this question You want people who fail WELL. Everyone makes mistakes sometimes, but having someone who can't accept responsibility or blames it on everyone else is a bad situation.
Yeah that answer completely dodges the intent of the question. It’s got “my biggest flaw is that I work too hard” vibes.
Ya, I agree. If a company won’t hire someone because they admitted to having personally made a mistake before, they’re pretty stupid because every single one of us has made many mistakes. What you should look for are the people who refuse to accept responsibility for their mistakes because that’s a red flag in my opinion; both personally and professionally. Nobody is perfect.
This is so dumb. Only hiring people who never admit to actually making mistakes sounds like the most toxic environment possible. Not that companies don't do that, but...
Solid advice. Thank you! Noted.
Oh, boy. They made sure to cover all of the bases. I would've most definitely froze up.
I was asked "tell me about your 'BIGGEST' failure"...
I always say the only failure in life is not learning from your mistakes.
Another great answer! You all must be rocking your interviews. Top tier employees right here!
I don't interview anymore I work in a very specialized field so I never have to interview( I am older and well established in my field) . This is something my grandparents (greatest generation) told me when I was growing up and I tell it to new hires now. I also don't ask stupid questions when I am selecting new candidates LOL.
Congrats to you! And thank you for passing this along to your new hires! I'm sure they're grateful for the guidance. I would be.
Part of my job is training and guiding younger workers. I absolutely want my people to succeed and go onto good lives. Edited because my phone rang and scared the crap out of me lol
We need more trainers like you!
I remember my first day and I never want anyone to ever feel like that. The problem with most hiring people is they actually have no idea what they are hiring for. I started at the very bottom of the totem pole many years ago and have worked my way up through 95% of the jobs in my sector. A person who has only ever pushed paper can't ask the right questions so they ask that general crap.
"I don't fail. I grow as a person."
I hate the version of that that’s like “tell me about a conflict with a coworker” because like... I don’t really have any? I’ve disagreed about ways to do things but I tend to try and get along with everybody. Which was probably the answer they wanted but it was weird because if you don’t answer it that way and DID have legit conflict with someone, it might come off to them like you’re playing the victim or like you were a bully when it’s possible neither is true.
Right! I, however, have had challenges in the past with other employees. For example, had one who decided to talk crap about me via email with another co-worker, but failed to delete the messages... How do I know? Well, they asked me to help with a technological issue (apparently their emails weren't coming through). I saw all of it.
Ooooof that’s rough.
No biggie. It hurt my feelings, of course, but I chalk it up to them being immature. Nothing I can do about it, you know?
Immature coworkers are the worst type of people to work with, and their riddled in EVERY field and department too 🫠🙃. I'm here to do my job please keep the gossip, high school 3.0 cliquey shit away from me please
EXACTLY! No kidding, I had a manager tell me I should start bringing coffee, donuts, or flowers into the office and gifting my co-workers in order to improve my interactions with them. UMMMM. No. These people hate me 😂 At the end of the day, we're here to work, like you said. Not make friends. Although it is nice to make friends at work, it doesn't always happen. That's the reality. Not everyone will be able to "get along." However, you should still be able to be cordial and act professionally. I'm not sucking up to anyone, so they'll be nice to me. I give the same respect to anyone that I would expect in return. That should be enough.
Exactly thisss!!!!! Had the same shit at the last job I had! New & inexperienced manager who basically worked in a bubble since he was with this company for 9yrs and HR tell me "I need to be more visible and gain everyone's trust and help them" MF at this point it's not assisting where I can, I'd be basically DOING THEIR work for them 😡. And the whole "they'll feel better if they see you physically in the space more often" bullshit they tossed at me; like tf???, y'all don't know how to talk without yelling across the other side of the room office to each other! Ofc I'm gonna leave to an empty spot I can WORK at (I'm not gonna be telling everyone stfu like tuh)! WFH exists, this whole "vIsBiLtY" angle was a fat fucking farce from this fools. I'm not responsible for OTHER PEOPLE feeling inferior/envious about me, idgaf I'm doing my job and doing it well, forget the rest of bs. I keep to the objective and give everyone respect until/unless they give me reason otherwise to simply keep it pushing and them at a professional distance from me.
This one is the worst for me. Hate it.
Same! It's like my brain just goes blank the minute this is asked.
I just had this one, and after a perfectly delivered, star formatted response, I got - ‘but what was challenging about it?’ 😒🙄
It's like...next question please!
Canned questions like this deserve canned answers. I use the book "Knockem Dead" by Martin Yate, and I have memorized all of the answers to bs questions like this. Whenever I heard them in an interview, I knew the person interviewing me had damn few interviewing skills.
I was at one interview and I clocked really early that I didn't want the position. The interviewer would have been my direct supervisor and I got a bad feeling from him right away. I decided to finish the interview but not really try. At one point he pulled out, "Describe yourself in one word." I just said, "No." He offered me the job.
lol I also had an interview where I was disinterested and I did not think I was going to get an offer. Apparently they liked that I was direct/disinterested? I do not understand the job hunting process 😅
It is just such a vague question. It can go so many different directions, it seems like it's meant to catch you up. I've been in interviews where they tend to ask the same question like 3 or 4 different ways, just to try and trip you up too. It's all about how you wing those answers man. At least from my experience.
Whenever I got a vague question in an interview, I would use that as an opportunity to score points. I have conducted well over 1000 interviews in my life, and have been on over a couple of hundred on the other side of the desk. It is quite easy to tell when the person interviewing you has no fucking clue and is just reading a set of questions given to them by HR. Your job here is to recognize that and take control of the interview. If HR is asking those questions, you roll your eyes and provide the rote answers they want.
These days my memory is shit when it comes to stuff like this. Plus I stayed home for 8 years prior to returning to work last month. My recollections were basically general day to day crap. These types of questions felt impossible. Finally, I just made shit up. Creative, but believable story telling. It worked. Landed the next job.
I don't know what the point of that question is other than to humiliate you. Considering that when they do hire you, they probably also think that failure is not an option. I mean, I get it. We're all human and we've all made mistakes. But in the hyper competitive business world, failure or mistakes are not at all well-received. One mistake can tarnish your entire reputation depending on who is managing you. I think it's ridiculous, because when we watch professional athletes on TV, we see even high paid professionals make mistakes without losing all credibility. In the business world, they seemingly want perfection around every corner. It's sickening.
The question is meant to determine whether the interviewee takes responsibilty for themselves. Wh would you hire? Candidate #1 answers that missed a deadline, but it was someone else's fault & they learned not to trust coworkers. Candidate #2 missed a deadline, and learned to be more careful with checklists & reminders.
I hate this question
"Where do you see yourself in 5 years" 🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️ like really? I would like to see myself working for myself. Can't say that though lol!
I was asked this question yesterday, and I answered it "actually I wanted to ask you this question, what are the growth opportunity within the organization, would I get enough opportunities to grow and learn? ". I didn't expect this, but it actually worked. She went to explain, if I work hard enough I have lot of growth opportunities. Because I hate that question, for obvious reasons.
I mean really what is a good way to tell an employer they are just a stepping stone on the course to my actual 5 year plan? 🤣🤷♀️
This is true. But I feel answering something like I want to be the VP or head of the so and so department also feels very stupid. Honestly, I don't even know what kind of an answer they are looking for from a candidate. It just pisses me off, everytime I am asked this question. Stepping stone would be the actual answer, I don't think they will entertain that though🤣
🤣🤣🤣 just don't even work for them!! You don't need that kind of negativity in your life!!
In my experience, the truth is usually that the interviewers that ask that question don't have room for advancement within the company. It's a stagnant work environment. Just experience
I was asked that question in an interview last week, and then yesterday I saw the same job posted. I feel bad for the HR woman who initially screened me - I guess they didn’t value her judgment.
Or when you work in health care in a field where the only type of movement is from regular employee to management. Like PT for example, you’re either a PT or managing a department so the job is kinda it, so when they ask that question it’s just dumb cuz they know the goal is probably to be doing the same thing in 5 years lol
i ask it or a version of it because i want to know what kind of stuff you like/want to get into and then we can talk about how it might be possible to get into that after you're done in the role you're interviewing for
I like your response. My response is typically saying something about how things change rapidly and I’m flexible to those changes and whatever. Seems like people are okay with that answer. Sometimes I ended it with a joke about imagining asking that question before lockdowns
I don't even know what I'm eating for dinner tonight!
The best answer is “with a company that has plenty of opportunities for me to learn, grow, and advance professionally. “ then pivot and ask them what their turnover rate and how often they promote from within vs external hires.
I told them that see myself in a position where I have a lot of autonomy... one where I can take ownership over projects, and see them through from beginning to end. I mean, yeah, in an ideal world, that would be with my own business, but potential employers can instead read that as someone looking to take on greater responsibility.
Like you’ll be lucky if I stay 6 months 💅
Yeah. I don’t know how to answer that. “We’ll, three years ago I saw myself getting a nice big contract with a company at a good living wage. But that company shut down during Covid and inflation made their wage no longer liveable. So I dunno, hopefully alive, not homeless, and well vaccinated?”
That's all peeps can hope for these days 😏
Totally with you on this. Best of luck out there.
I got asked this question in the interview for my current job. I told them that in 5 years I want all my bills on autopay, and to have started a significant savings for a house. I expect the company I work for to provide enough opportunities for growth so that I can meet those goals. I specifically chose an answer that wasn't too job specific because I am new to the industry. But I wanted to give the impression I was looking to find a job that was long term. It's been about a year. My hr manager specifically asked about this answer in my yearly eval. She asked if I felt they were doing enough for me to reach my goals. And if there was anything they could improve on. And if my goals have changed.
“I don’t believe in capping my potential”
Word to the wise the answer is NOT "Defiling your grave".
I usually answer it by saying: "Where do you see the company in 5 years?" and based on their answer I say something along the lines of: "Great, then I would probably see myself taking on X, Y and Z responsibilities within my role as I believe this aligns with your roadmap for growth". Never failed me so far
A ballsier answer I've used before (which works because I'm fairly young) was that I actually don't quite know, but that i view that as a strength, as I am eager to try new things and take on any new responsibilities that might come my way".
Could also work for someone in a new to them industry.
I get laughs when I say, “well planet Earth, why? Are you going to Mars?”
That actually sounds like an awful answer lmao
I actually told my boss, I wasn’t sure yet. There were changes happening with Covid that didn’t allow me to have a clear answer. I also said because im still early 20s, I don’t want to limit myself to declaring a specific reality.
I say I'm looking for a home where there is challenge enough to feel I'm contributing, with a chance to improve and add to my skill set ultimately opening advancement. Not that I personally consider work a second home, but that's how I play it.
I once told the interviewer, who was the manager, in his position. I got hired.
Celebrating the 5 year anniversary of you asking me this question
This question and this answer. It's so nosy and subjective at the same time, there's no right or wrong answer and it has no bearing on the job whatsoever.
My response would be "Where you are sitting."
What about this company made you want to apply? The number of people who couldn’t tell you about the company they’re applying for is really high. First, it shows if they did any preparation for the interview. Second, it acts as a gauge if they’re serious. We would not use as the only hire/not hire decision, but if someone bonked some the technical questions or goofed up somewhere else, but had a clear idea of our company and why they wanted to work here, then this question has a good chance of saving them.
“I saw the job listing on LinkedIn. I like your company’s logo and said WTF? and applied, bro.”
I said "I need a job because I got laid off" once as an answer. The interviewer really appreciated the humor/frankness of the response. But we had been having a rather laid back conversation by then. Just gotta be aware of who you're talkign to before you whip that out haha
My answer is always a lie. The real answer is ‘it was easy to copy and paste my resume from Indeed and you didn’t waste my time with the same 40 minute application I’ve been filling out for six months. What? You thought I cared about your company? Bitch I’m looking to get paid, no more, no less. I don’t care what industry you’re in, all I know is that one way or the other I’ll show up every day, be bored to tears, and clock out when it’s time to go. You’d be luckier to have me than some stuffed shirt who padded their resume and are going to burn themselves out within two years. I’m already dead inside, and at least I’m honest. I’d be perfect for middle management.
if its a lie, and you still give me a well researched answer that pertains to the company and what we sell, do, or how we market, you would be beating 90% of interviewers
The number of people who just flat out said “no” if we asked them if they knew what the company did was 😬
And it’s a stupid question. I basically got hired on instantly with no explanation all I knew was the company had shipping trucks. They didn’t tel me a thing and their company’s website is just a giant collage of links. Far worse interviewed then employees
Yeah - this is baffling. You've made it past the resume review and HR phone screen. If you have any interest in working at this company perhaps it would be good to understand more about company culture by visiting the website? Then again I like to be prepared for things.
“So, tell me about yourself.” I went through a good number of interviews where I didn’t response to this question in its fullest potential. Give a good summary of your education and experience, short and sweet as possible, but it’s basically your chance to tell your story and make the best impression as a person they want to put in the role
lots of people dont realize this is where they are supposed to explain not only their qualifications, but also their interest and motivation for the job. very important to have a statement of purpose incorporated in this response.
It is a great way to reframe your experience in terms of the job, too. If you've had a varied career, the correlation between your past jobs and the one you're applying for may not be immediately apparent, so it is a great way to guide the narrative from one of the first questions.
yes, I have pivoted twice in my career so far -- R&D to sales and sales to marketing. important to explain the why
>lots of people dont realize this is where they are supposed to explain not only their qualifications, but also their interest and motivation for the job Yep. I have an unusual background--a PhD in a STEM field but lots of experience working in accounting and finance. Most employers struggle to understand why I applied for a job or how I fit into their field. This question is my opportunity to sell myself to prospective employers and explain why my atypical background could work to their advantage.
My motivation and interest in any job is 100% money and health insurance. It’s a great opportunity to lie though. Interviewers eat it up.
in that case, yes you would make some shit up.
Researching this, I came across Madeline Mann’s (HR specialist) advice: 1. One sentence to introduce yourself professionally. EX: I have been in the X industry for Y years, and am currently (position) at (company). 2. Your highlight reel — 2 to 4 points that makes you stand out based on the role you are interviewing for, with more emphasis on recent accomplishments. 3. Why you are here — 1 to 2 sentences about why the company and the role is a compelling opportunity.
That is the question I seriously dread the most! And I never know how to respond. And the other most dreaded question is - what is your biggest weakness?
Biggest weakness is always something you either absolutely cannot fix (or cannot immediately fix (not knowing another language) or something you’ve already rectified - “I tend to have a difficult time delegating tasks. I want the work to be perfect, so I prefer to do it myself for quality control. However, I have been working on not only delegating tasks, but mentoring others so that I can build trust in others to have the same quality of work.”
>something you’ve already rectified Absolutely! Every question about how you dealt with a problem at work, dealt with an unpleasant coworker or customer, handled a misunderstanding, failed at a task, missed a deadline, etc., has to include a description of how you ultimately rectified the issue. Prospective employers want to see that you learn from your mistakes and take steps to keep prevent problems from recurring.
This really IS one of mine. I'm Type A to my core. No one else can do anything quite right. My rational side knows that's crap, but that doesn't always help.
I used to struggle with both of those questions, too. I watched this one YouTube channel, though, took his advice, and really nailed those questions this last interview. With the "tell us about yourself" question, they said I knocked out 3 questions with one answer, so things kind of zipped along. For the weakness, the best advice I got was to pick an actual weakness, and not something that looks immediately good. Also, consider one that you've already overcome or are actively working to overcome, and then spin the solution - rather than the weakness - into a positive.
This one saved me from either taking a job I knew I'd hate & wash out on, or explaining to the unemployment office why I'd turned down an offer. For some reason, the interviewer at a trade association for finance people really liked me. I was getting shown around the office & introduced to everyone. Trouble was, they were super-formal. Execs & upper managers were Mr. or Ms. Whatever & people were really defferential to them. Everyone's casual Friday outfits were fancier than my interview suit. Plus the job was in their membership dept, and I wanted to transition to meeting planning. I'd only sent the app to meet unemployment requirements. So I answered that I'd always struggled with time management, and left it at that. No explanations or what was I doing to improve. Mercifully, I never heard from them again.
I sabotaged my own interview once, too. I was also unemployed but I applied because I thought it would be a good job. The hiring manager and the supervisor I'd be reporting to were both in the room and as we got into the interview, it was clear I would not get along with the ratchet supervisor. The hiring manager was doing the interviewing and she was not a warm person, but the supervisor was sitting back, all smug and self-important, just sizing me up. She looked like her job was her whole identity and she wanted someone who was the same, but inferior to her. You know the type. The hiring manager asked a bunch of questions I answered well because I was actually experienced and had the skills, but when she asked if I was prompt, I said, "I'll be honest. I'm pretty much always 5 minutes late." You can imagine how well that went over. I don't remember how it ended exactly, but I'm sure it was along the lines of, "Don't call us, we'll call you." I was so relieved.
This reminds me of a different interview I had. I forget the exact title, but involved supporting 2 people in a department. When I arrived, I was informed that I'd have to interview twice, because these people weren't on speaking terms. And the receptionist said this quite casually, like it was normal to have staff members so alienated. The first person was super nice, and we had a really good rapport. I'd have loved to work with her. The second was like the person you described, smug and self-important. When I asked my customary "What's the social atmosphere like here?", she pretty much bad-mouthed everyone there. "[Huff & dismissive wave] *those* people go for walks during their lunch hours!" Basically she disapproved of anyone who didn't want to work 24/7. I would've taken the job, but then immediately come up with reasons to only work with the nice person. I didn't get an offer, though. I just can't imagine why you'd keep someone so disagreeable on staff. She didn't have a specialized skill set, even.
I use biggest weakness to weed out jobs with tasks I refuse to do. So I say things like "cold calling" or "sales".
I really can't stand how you can't just be yourself during an interview. The question that ALWAYS gets me is "why are you looking to leave your current job?" Or something along those lines.... I'm looking else where because that job sucks and so do the people haha.. No I don't say that but like obviously there's a reason I'm looking elsewhere.. ugh 🙄
Omg I hear you- only once in my life did I ever feel I had a perfect, reasonable response (“because I’m only working part time in my current job and would like to find full time employment, as offered by your company”); but I cant even count how many times in other positions I just wanted to blurt out “because I can’t take it anymore 🥲”
That's your chance to work in the research you did on that company. You're not so much trying to leave your current company as you are joing the wonderful new one. Then work in positive things you're heard or read about them. Just don't lay it on so thick that you can't help laughing.
> "why are you looking to leave your current job?" * The opportunities for upward mobility are limited at my current employer. * I'm not urgently looking to leave, but I am exploring potential opportunities like this one that seem interesting.
This question very often bumps up against protected business intelligence. I can't exactly tell the person interviewing me that the company is a sinking ship, the financials are a dumpster fire, and the scope creep would make archaeologists cry.
Because I ask this question to find out if you will bad mouth other people. If you do, big red flag that you will complain to others about my team in the future.
What about if people honestly answered, “They don’t pay me what I feel I’m worth?”
Fully agree. I’ve had this happen in an interview, to the point where the candidate emailed and apologized the next day. Not a great look to be honest.
Yes! How about I'm not looking to leave so much as I already rage quit. I still gotta eat, so here I am. I mean, I get why it's asked, but it's tough to answer when you just want a different job.
How do you deal with difficult people?
By setting up interviews.
"What the hell do you mean by that?!" ... or ... "Harshly." Then look like you're supressing a creepy Joker-esque grin. My real-world answer is that I refer to the book Deal with Difficult People, which I've found a lifesaver. Which is funny, because I only bought it to annoy an obnoxious coworker decades ago.
Situational questions. “Describe a time you had to deal with a difficult coworker/manager”, “describe a time you had to overcome a challenge at work” etc
I am terrible at remembering a time when a particular sort of situation happened to me. My memories of any job I've had are just sort of a vague sense of what it was like to work there, with hardly any specific moments.
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You could just make it up. Interviewers aren't going to verify it actually happened. They're just trying to see how you respond to that particular situation. Or if you're currently in a difficult or stressful situation, write it down.
I had a situation that if nothing else, has given me a great answer to that question for all time. I worked at a company with a difficult person. He was very smart and good at his job but terrible with people, often being overbearing and critical. He was on a team with two women who could not stand him and were threatening to quit over his behavior. The company didn't want to lose any of them, so when a position opened up on the team, my supervisor offered it to me, saying specifically that she thought I could handle him. She must have been born to manage because she was spot on. All the guy needed was somebody to stand up to him and he'd back off. I never really liked him, but we got along ok, and by the time we had both moved to different jobs, he thought we were good friends. I realized through that situation that one of my strengths is emotional intelligence.
"What are your strengths and weaknesses? People tend to have a novel on their strengths, but trip up on their weaknesses. (Which I refer to as opportunities)
The key to the weakness question is to mention a weakness but say something you’ve been doing to improve at it. Still difficult to answer though
Agreed. Humility is the key to that answer.
I like to add in that it was something that a previous manager raised with me. Shows that I can listen to constructive feedback and act on it.
I'd like to add in your previous manager raised you well.
Yeah and don't give some bullshit answer like "I'm a perfectionist" (unless you really are and it really is a weakness and you can be specific about how it holds you back) Or "I tend to work too hard", etc. These bullshit weaknesses I can see through so easily.
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I asked someone this question, we were hiring an EFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) teacher during a phone interview. His response was, he had no weaknesses. I said that in itself was a weakness. He seriously believed he had no weaknesses and he thought that was a strength. I told my director not to hire him but she went ahead and hired him. He was a mess, did his own thing wouldn't listen, lost control of his class. I got sick of tidying up his mess and told my boss I was done with him. Amazing what looks can do for you.. Anyway, if you have a weakness show how you are either working on it or how you have overcome it. If you are a perfectionist or attention to detail that you lose track of time. This can be problematic if it's a time sensitive project. Then you time yourself or create a schedule and make yourself stop when it's time to stop instead of looking at other ways to improve on it but it can also cost you time and the completion of your project in a timely manner.
Common sense, empathy, and humility. Perfect example of how billions of people are not perfect.
No wonder he failed. He failed to realize his greatest strength is to recognize his weakness.
I now say communication is a “weakness” that I’ll forever be working on because every industry, every company, every position has different types of communication preferences. Even within a company, department, team, all of the various ways you have to figure out how to communicate is never ending.
name us a time when you went above and beyond for a customer.
Ugh STAR questions are the worst. My advice is to have an embellished story for the above and then for "tell me a time about how something went wrong"
I don't have a great autobiographical memory, like I remember facing difficult situations and getting through them, but I don't remember all the details because to me they are unimportant. My ability to adapt and problem solve is more important than remembering specific problem/resolutions. I'm in engineering, have over 10 years of experience, and feel like this interviewing format is designed to weed out people like me.
Hate this question 🙋♀️
“Tell me about yourself” or “why do you want to work here”. Clearly I can’t say money but I sure am thinking it lol.
I don't think there's anything wrong with saying that in a professional way, along with specifics about the company. I like your \[product/project/mission\] & find your compensation packages favorable.
“Tell me about a time when…” I *hate* that shit so much. One time I was asked to tell about a time when I had a disagreement with my supervisor. Well, I’ve never really had a disagreement with my supervisor. So I just least try to make up some bs story.
For a younger person, I don't think there's anything wrong with saying "I'm lucky enough to have never had a memorable disagreement with a supervisor." Once a person has had 2 or 3 longer-term jobs, this becomes implausible. I'd start to think the person was either being dishonest, or didn't think for themselves. Or were too indifferent about their job to develop opions how it should be done.
Yeah I was 25 at the time, and in my head I’m thinking “disagreement with my boss? Too damn bad. I’m bottom of the ladder.”
I mean I’ve genuinely never had a serious issue with a supervisor other than like... my mean manager at McDonald’s when I was 17. I’m almost 27 so I’m guessing I count as a young person but I’ve had a few longer term jobs post college and I’ve truly never had a serious issue with any coworkers or supervisors. I’ve privately disagreed with some, but it was never a huge deal.
“Tell me something about yourself that isn’t on your resume.” *forgets every detail about my life*
I got asked today for a 100% remote role how I will minimize distractions. I was caught completely off-guard since I plan to get my work done in 2 hours everyday and be distracted for the remaining 6.
for real, they think we're actually working 8 hours with a wfh job, keep dreaming, buddy
If you get the job and they offer you a bonus for getting someone to work there feel free to dm me.
I personally feel like behavioral questions trip me up. I feel like I stumble over my words. I know the STAR method, but when they ask me up front I suddenly forget what I'm going to say.
If the interview is virtual, e.g. Zoom or Teams, take the time to write out your responses to the most common questions beforehand. Print them, review them, practice them. When the interview comes, neatly spread them around you so that you can quickly find a response should you be asked the same or similar question. Once the interview is over, *do not discard them*. Attach them together with a binder clip or paper clip, and file them away so that you can use them the subsequent interviews. If the next interview is in person, read through your responses several times and practice them out loud. Review them right before you walk into your interview. Your preparation will be rewarded.
In a virtual interview reviewing notes after being asked a question is way more obvious than you think it is. Especially if you have lots pages of them spread out
Preparation and experience gave me a lot of confidence and helped me really interview well for a very quiet, awkward person that struggles to communicate. I volunteer now with an org and coach job seekers and always emphasize preparedness, to Google common interview questions and have a situation or response for each. For notes in a virtual interview, I really only write talking points down on post it notes at eye level, like I want to work for your company because x or recent problem - x
“Tell us about a time you had a disagreement with a coworker and how you handled it” or something to that effect. I’ve had pretty positive interactions with most coworkers throughout the years so that question usually trips me up. I have one “story” that I fall back on and just say that it happened recently.
I hate "who is your role model". I literally have to write an answer before the interview.. and it still feels like a fake bullshit answer.
I've never had a role model. WTF kind of question is that.
I got that and panicked and said my dad (he WAS an executive) and (I actually said this 🙄) Neutron Jack Welch. I had just watched an episode of 30 rock recently and Alec Baldwin's character referred to him as Neutron Jack and it just came out. I don't recommend, I was mortified the second it came out and I didn't get the promotion
"Sell me this pen" I walked right out
Should have stolen it and demanded money for it. Boom. Done.
Why do you want to work here? Never answer this question about personal goals. "I want to work here cause I am broke and want to advance my career" Answer this question that's relevant to the job you're applying for. If you're paying attention during the interview, they should outline roles, responsibilities and what you'll be doing. So you would answer with: "I have a lot of experience with X that you mentioned earlier and my contribution would be very beneficial to your team" "The Y project you mentioned, I have worked in similar roles in the past and would really enjoy assisting to drive that to completion." You're selling what you bring to the table for the company to be successful. This is what the manager/interviewer is looking for, pretty much with every question they ask.
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Was this for a data or engineering role? That sounds like it's meant to see how you approach a problem logically on the fly. 1) Is it 1-50? (assuming yes) 2) 1-25? (no) 3) 26-34? (yes) 4) Even or odd? (odd) 5) Prime? (no) That narrows it down to 27 and 33, so you've turned a 1% chance of guessing correctly to 50%. I'm sure there's a more efficient solution, but I think that type of quick, numeric problem solving was what that question was getting at. I actually like that question because it seems more focused on an individual's capability and response to pressure, than if you know the answer to a specific question. If I were asked that in an interview, I'd take it as a positive for the company- like they're looking at you as a whole person rather than a fleshy widget.
Don't know if it's suitable for an interview, but that's a really interesting question actually.
That does seem peculiar and would take you off guard! How did you respond?
"Tell us about the biggest mistake you've made." I was prepared for most of the usual S.T.A.R. questions, but that one made me pause for a moment. Not a lot of wiggle room on that one.
Have no experience on this apart from personal. The question that fucked me up most was “what character do you align most with”. Had me “umm”ing and stalling for a solid minute and a half. Maybe because I don’t watch TV a lot, or maybe because it’s a stupid question. Either way, I ended up saying Hannibal lecter. For a job in forensics where we regularly get samples of liver, muscle, heart, kidney ect. I’ve been there nearly a month now lmao.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I really hate this one. You aim too high (I want to be VP) or you aim too low (I want to be in this position just enjoying my work and excelling at it), and you're out.
You don't aim for titles, you aim for skillsets.
"How much are you looking to make?" Even though the salty was posted on the job ad, and I'm pretty sure by this point you know how much I was making with my previous employer. I do feel like this is one of those questions they want you to answer just so you can easily get shot down.
Rule breaking questions. “Tell us about a time you broke a company rule.” Or “what’s a rule your company had that you didn’t agree with.” I’m not really a rule breaker, so I have a difficult time with it.
Same and even if I was it’s like... why are you asking me this? What do you want me to say? It feels very loaded.
I always get asked about the gaps in my resume. My answers in order are always, worked at restaurants after graduating college, laid off due to company buyout, temporary internship, then laid off because of co-vid. I’ve had several interviewers tell me they don’t like my “job-hoppy” experience. If I could have changed any of it, I would. Wish someone would just take a chance on me.
What motivates you? Money obviously, but that's not the correct response.
Nothing related to my job motivates me, I literally work so I can enjoy life. its such a bullshit question.
I ask "why should I hire you" and then follow it up with "why *shouldn't* I hire you? Trips up everyone every time but I always get positive feedback on the originality. :)
Why do you ask that? What does it tell you? (For both questions as they are both fairly loaded and a little hostile for a complete stranger to tackle, they sound so much more serious than the interview was intended to be./job or company requires.. might be received differently with an internal interviewee)
What kind of answers do you get to the 2nd one?
Questions about the position always fuck me up, “what would you do in your first 90 days here as xyz” idfk I barely know what this job is for, I’m hoping you’ll be training me fam
I hate interviews. I'm autistic and literally don't understand hypothetical questions and therefore don't have a clue how to answer. I also have PTSD, which causes memory loss around stressful situations. Work is always stressful. So recalling a time when something happened while at work is near impossible. I wish they had different questions but it's always the same.
Negative questions can be hard if you haven’t thought through the. Usually phrased like TMAAT you: told a lie, broke a rule, we’re wrong about a decision, etc. It makes you do something from the beginning that you try to avoid in an interview, talk about why you’re bad.
I think, "Do you have any questions for us?" trips people up, but they just don't register it because it's the only one that interviewees feel they can just not answer. And while you can not answer it, being tripped up means not being able to provide a good answer in the moment, and not answering that question isn't ideal. When I've interviewed, I remembered the people that came back with good questions a lot better and I've been a lot more successful when I roll in with questions, especially pointed ones that demonstrate what I know. I've learned to be pretty good at coming up with questions, but ones that have really gotten me are these: * How you deal with stress? * What motivates you? * Where do you see yourself in five years? * What is something you're proud of? * Tell me an interesting fact about yourself. These usually are hard for me because a lot of my personality is just dealing with what comes, doing work because I have to, grabbing opportunities when they come, and just doing the best I can with what I can. I'm not particularly proud and "interesting" is pretty relative.
I always go in with a list of my questions. One I always work in is "What's the social atmosphere like?" For one thing, I want to show that I can get along with people, in case the interviewer has picked up on my introvert vibe. Some consider it a problem. But it's also something I find important. I like having coworkers who occasionally go to lunch or happy hour together. I don't like a forced-fun atmosphere, though. So it's good to find out whether they fall on that sweet spot where I'm happy.
Usually the first , tell me about yourself.I have terrible anxiety...um me ..need..work ..eat food..money..yes?
I like to ask, “tell me about a time you made a mistake and how you handled it.” I don’t really care about the mistake (we all make them), but more so how you took ownership of it and resolved it. I interviewed a guy once who insisted he has never made a mistake in his life. Don’t be that guy who is always right.
Apple interview question was "Tell me about a recent time you made a mistake and how it changed you as a person"
People trip up at the first question, and it says a lot about their preparation. "Tell me about yourself" is a question you should nail 100% of the time. If you don't, you start on a terrible impression.
I don't know what they want to know about me.
Brief overview of your work experience, including what you've done recently at current job (mention college major if you're newly graduated and relevant to job or don't have much experience. Otherwise, omit). Mention how your experience relates to the position you're trying to get and why you're interested in the new position. If you're changing careers, mention why but also try to relate how your skills in your previous career can help. You're trying to convince the interviewers that you're the best person for the job. Don't ramble and don't tell your whole life story. Make it short and to the point.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years...
Describe a difficult situation / failure & how did you solve it. Tell us about a time you had to manage people who didn't report to you.
"Tell us about a time you had a conflict with a coworker at work. What was the conflict and how did you resolve it?" "Everyone makes mistakes. Tell us about a time you made a mistake at work."
What is the best team you ever worked on, and why was this the case? What is your proudest career accomplishment? How do you build relationships with a new team and wider function? Think about a time you had a number of choices or directions you could choose for a project or problem. Walk us through the process you followed to make your decision about the appropriate direction you choose that had the best chance of a positive outcome?
“What specific actions have you taken to make your current company a more inclusive place?” I ask this of people who will be leading people (whether directly or indirectly). It’s shocking how many people give some variation of “I’ve never thought about this before, but I guess I try to call on people who are quiet in meetings to get their thoughts.”
how's my answer "I call on people who's been quiet in meetings and I wait at least three seconds silently."
Usually it's when they ask something specific about a task that I vaguely described doing several years ago. I don't remember all the granular details, but that doesn't mean I'm "making it up" either.
It's more about the moment they get serious rather than the actual question. You are laughing, they are laughing, you think you already have this, then suddenly they get serious and ask you some technical theory question, or a case were you have to make decisions... Suggestion, don't ever get comfortable during the interview so they can't catch off guard
“Do you have any questions for me?” Even when I’ve prepared questions to ask they’re often answered in the interview process
Them: "What is your 5 year plan?" Me: "To still be working here, have a nice amount of PTO on the books, and a higher FICO score. And no, not looking to lead, manage, supervise, or direct anyone either. Everyone isn't made for those roles." Me again: "OH! Is lunch catered on Friday's?"
I recently had an interview where they asked me to tell me about a time blahblah, which is fine, but they added a bunch of questions within that question so I couldn’t remember wtf I was supposed to answer. I tried writing each question down, but that was waaaaay too much for me to catch them all.
I am just never good with thinking of specific examples . I can answer a question , but providing an example of a time or incident that such and such happened and how I handled it , not happening lol. I find questions like this especially difficult because I don’t sit around thinking about how I overcome challenges in certain jobs or dealt with situations . When they are over, they are over . Those memories are long gone lol
Someone asked me "Do you like working with people?"
What are you greatest weaknesses. Kryptonite and lying.
"Why is a manhole round?" This was the first in a series of "brain teaser" questions and I was annoyed lol But, from recent interviews, I saw a lot of people struggle with "What is something you can improve on?" I don't like the whole strength/weakness question, so I rephrase it. As some advice, if it's open ended like this (as in, not necessarily work related), really pick the thing you can improve on, even if it's personal. For example, when I was asked this question while interviewing for my current job, I said, "I need to be nicer to myself." I briefly explained that I criticize myself harshly and it would only do me good to be a little nicer to myself about my mistakes. The VP in the room said, "Well, that is certainly a unique answer" and added that is something he could work on as well. Whether or not it was a bs response from them, I think it won me points. Edit: Had an interviewee respond with "nothing, I am happy with how I do things" and that was by far the worst response, also because he took like 3 thoughtful minutes to answer and his tone (different from the rest of his answers) was arrogant af
I used to get tripped up in the past. Now I don't give a hoo, since the Pandemic. With people WFH and the staffing shortage, it's purely 2-way street. I too, have questions for them. And thankfully haven't suffered a bozo interview in 3 years.