1. What do you know about our company?

 Hesitate
Do: Good answer examples:
 Make sure to research the company before the interview (on their “I found the position while looking for jobs online”
website, their LinkedIn page, and Google) “I heard about it from a colleague/friend”
 Understand what industry they’re in, what they sell and how they “Your company was recommended to me by somebody I worked with in a
make money previous job and had heard good things about your organization”
 Try to have some sense of their company size. Are they 100 “I saw the job posted on LinkedIn, and the position seemed interesting so I
employees? More than 10,000 employees? wanted to learn more”
 In your answer, show you’ve done research and show that you’re
excited about interviewing with their particular company 3. Why did you apply for this position?
Don’t: Basic answer strategy:
 Say you don’t know anything When they ask “why did you apply for this position?”, pick something
 Say facts that are incorrect or you aren’t sure about (it’s better to specific that interested you. If you say you love their products, tell them
know one or two facts that you can say accurately, than five facts why. That’s the key to giving a convincing answer for this job interview
you’re not sure of) question.
Good answer examples: Stay away from sounding like you’re desperate, or that you want just
“From what I read, your company is one of the leaders in providing security any job. Yes, if you were laid off it’s okay to say that, but then re-focus the
software to other businesses. I read the list of clients on your website. Do conversation on exactly what you’re looking for in the next opportunity and
you mostly serve Fortune 500 clients? I saw a couple big Fortune 500 why you feel their company might have it.
companies mentioned on the list, including ___ and ___.” You need to sound like you want the RIGHT job and that you’re being picky.
“You’re one of the largest investment banks in the US. Your headquarters is Companies want the best performers, and the best performers are picky in
in Raleigh, NC, and you have 25,000 employees worldwide based on what I their job hunt. Stay away from negatives and complaints too. Don’t bad-
read on your website.” mouth your current company or boss. Focus on the positives of the
company you’re interviewing with.
2. How did you hear about the position? Do:
Do:  Make them feel like you’re interested in them for a specific reason
 Be clear, direct and upfront  Show you’ve done your research and understand what the job
 Tell the truth unless it’s something very embarrassing (for example, involves
when I was much younger, my Mother actually found me a job to  Phrase everything as a positive. Don’t badmouth your current
apply to. That does *not* sound great, so I told them a friend saw situation, just talk about what you hope to gain by coming to work
the job posting and mentioned it to me. A white-lie is okay but only for them (experiences, challenges, opportunities).
when needed). Don’t:
 Explain why the job interested you, if possible (e.g. “I was excited to  Say you just need a job in general
apply because ___”)  Explain that you’re unemployed and just need to find work
 Compliment them if possible (e.g. “My colleague said you’re one of  Say you just need money or have bills to pay so you need work
the top software firms in Dallas”)  Badmouth your current boss or company and sound like you just
Don’t: want to leave there, however you can
 Say you don’t remember or don’t know  Sound desperate, or sound like you will take any job you can get and
 Sound unsure of yourself you don’t care what it ends up being
  Mention any other personal reasons like “I need to find a shorter  Say it’s too difficult or stressful
commute.”  Say you’re not sure
Good example answers: Good sample answer:
“Since beginning my career, I’ve wanted to work for a larger organization in “I’m looking for more leadership opportunities. I’ve been at my company for
this industry, and I know you’re one of the leaders in this space. I’m very three years and have really enjoyed the experience but I feel in order to take
interested in your products/services, especially the mobile applications the next step in my career, it’d be helpful to join a larger organization and
you’re building recently, so I’d be excited to come here and grow my skills use what I’ve learned in the past to lead more projects. That’s why this
with an organization like yours.” Project Manager role excited me.”
“I’ve heard great things about the work environment here from a few
colleagues. And when I saw this job posting, it seemed to match my skills
very closely. For example, I saw on the job description that you need
5. Tell us about a challenge you’ve faced and how you
somebody who’s an expert in Java programming. This is what I focused on in handled it
both of my previous positions, and was even the focus of my academic work Basic answer strategy:
before graduating university. I consider myself an expert in Java and it’s a Focus on a specific work-related challenge and talk about how you
skill I hope to continue specializing in.” overcame obstacles, used it as a learning experience, used the resources
around you (including people/colleagues if applicable), and ended up with a
4. Why are you looking to leave your current company? positive result! That’s how to answer this interview question. Keep it work
related, not personal.
Basic strategy:
Do:
Now, not everyone is job searching while employed, but if you are – this is
 Explain the situation, the task you needed to accomplish, and what
one of the most important interview questions and answers to know.
method you chose (and why)
The most important thing when they ask why you are looking to leave your
 Share the outcome. What was the result?
current job is to stay positive and never badmouth.
 Share what you learned from the experience. Did you take away
How do you sound positive? Rather than complaining or talking badly about
knowledge that has helped you in your career?
your current situation, say that you’re looking for more of something.
Don’t:
Is your current boss a jerk ? Say that you’re looking for an environment with
 Share any story that involves personal conflicts, arguments or
more leadership you can learn from.
disagreements at work
Do:
 Talk about an argument you had
 Sound positive and focus on what you want to gain by making a
 Talk about a challenge that you didn’t overcome, or didn’t find a
move
solution for
 Show gratitude for your current job (e.g. “This job has been great
Good answer example:
and I’ve learned a lot in the 2 years I’ve been here, but I feel I’m
“In my last job, we were facing a tough deadline and my boss was out for
ready for ___ now.”)
the day. Our client was expecting a project to be delivered by 5PM, but we
 Sound like you’re ambitious, motivated, and eager to find the next
were far behind schedule. I took the lead on the project, delegated tasks to
challenge in your career.
the four other team members in a way that I thought would utilize
Don’t:
everyone’s strengths best. And then I re-organized my own personal tasks so
 Badmouth your current employer in any way
I could dedicate my entire day to contributing to this project as well. The
 Sound like you’re trying to escape a bad situation, or you’re failing
project was a success and we delivered the work on-time. I went on to lead
or not fitting in at your current job
more projects after that, and used what I learned to be a better project
 Say you’re struggling or failing to perform the work
manager.”
6. How much money are you looking to earn? Do:
Basic answer strategy:  Be ready to ask questions to every single person you meet with
Unfortunately this question is left off of many lists of job interview  Ask about the company, the team, and most importantly – the
questions and answers examples. But it’s extremely important, and the specific job
wrong answer here can cost you thousands of dollars in the negotiation  Ask about things you heard during the interview that you’d like
later on. more information about
DON’T say a number. Why? you have the least amount of leverage possible  Ask about the interview process: (e.g. “when will I hear feedback,
at this point, assuming you’re early in the interview process. You haven’t and who will be in touch after this?”)
finished interviewing with them, they don’t know if you’re any good or if Don’t:
they even want to hire you. So you can’t command a high salary right now.  Say you don’t have any questions
If you go too low with your price, they’ll hold you to it later. Go too high?  Say “so-and-so answered all my questions already”
You’ll scare them off before they even know what you’re worth!  Ask about salary, benefits, work hours, dress-code, or anything else
It’s a lose-lose. Don’t do it. So remember… when you’re preparing what to that isn’t related to the actual work you’ll be doing for them. Wait
say in a job interview, especially an early stage interview, salary goals should for them to bring this up in a second or third interview
not be a part of it! Good answer example:
Do: “Yes, I have a couple of questions actually. The first thing I wanted to ask: is
 Stand your ground and tell them you don’t have a number in mind this a newly-created position, or did somebody hold this role in the past?
yet, or aren’t sure. And if so, what did that person go on to do after this position?”
 Repeat this multiple times if needed (if they pressure you or “push
back” after your first response). 8. Why should we hire you?
Don’t: Basic answer strategy:
 Tell them a specific salary you’re hoping for Try to talk about them and how you’ll help them. What will be better for
 Tell them a range you’re hoping for them if they hire you? What will you improve for them?
Example answer: And show you’ve done your research. Make it clear that you know what this
“Right now I’m focused on finding a job that’s the right fit for my career. position involves, and you’re ready to perform the tasks.
Once I’ve done that, I’m willing to consider an offer you feel is fair, but I do Do:
not have a specific number in mind yet, and my priority is to find a position  Be confident in your skills and abilities
that’s a great fit for me.”  Talk about specific things you can help them do or achieve if they
hire you
7. Do you have any questions for us?  Do your research before the interview and understand their needs,
Basic answer strategy: so you can “tailor” your answers and target the specific things
If you don’t ask good questions to each person you speak with, you are very they’ll need if they hire you in this role
unlikely to get hired. Don’t:
You can ask about the work, the training, the challenges you’d face, the  Say “I don’t know”
overall direction of the company.  Say “You should hire whoever you want”
Don’t ask about salary, benefits, time off, or anything that isn’t related to  Give a generic answer that’d fit any company. You really need to
the work. Wait for them to bring it up, or until you know they want to offer “tailor” this to the specific duties you’ll be performing in THIS
you the position. specific job. Otherwise your answer will not impress them.
FYI here are the 105 best questions to ask the interviewer. Good example answer:
“I read on the job description that you’re looking for someone with Keep it professional when answering the question of “tell me about
experience in ____. I’ve done that for 3 years and can immediately help you yourself“. You don’t need to share personal details.
accomplish ____”. To answer, walk them through your background, starting at how you began
your career or your current line of work. Take them through key
9. Why do you want to work here? accomplishments, key career moves you’ve made, and end by sharing what
Basic answer strategy: you’re looking to do next in your career and why you’re job hunting.
If they ask “why do you want this job?”, show you’ve done plenty of Do:
research to learn about them before coming in to interview. You want to  Focus on sharing your professional story only
make them feel like you chose them for a reason. This is very similar to the  Keep it under 2 minutes
previous question: “Why did you apply for this position?”  Walk them through how you got started in your career, key moves
Show them that you know what that their job involves (at least as much as you’ve made, and then bring them up to speed on your current
you could learn from the job description and company website), and that situation
you’re excited to be interviewing for this position. Don’t:
Do:  Share personal details
 Mention specific, work-related reasons why their job and company  Talk for more than 2 minutes
interest you Interview answer example:
 Talk about your own career goals and how this job and company fits “I started my career in Marketing after graduating with a Business degree in
those goals 2013. I’ve spent my entire career at Microsoft, receiving two promotions and
 Sound excited about the opportunity to work for them three awards for outstanding performance. I’m looking to join a smaller
 Show you’ve done your research company now, and take on more leadership and project management.”
Don’t:
 Say, “I have bills to pay and need money”
 Say, “I just need a job”. 12. What is your greatest weakness?
 Share any personal details like, “I live 5 minutes away so it would be Basic answer strategy:
a very short commute” When they ask, “what’s your greatest weakness?” , you want to name a real
Good example answer: weakness.
“I’ve been actively searching for jobs since graduating with my Nursing I highly recommend picking something skill-based, not personality-based.
degree. I’m interested in intensive care and emergency medicine and I’ve You never want to say you struggle working with others, or you’re bad at
seen your hospital mentioned as having one of the best ER’s in the region. I resolving disagreements, or taking direction from a manager, etc. Those
thought the job description matched up well with my background, and saw things will get you rejected in the interview.
some of my personal strengths mentioned, like multitasking and being able So pick a specific skill, but pick something that won’t severely impact your
to thrive in a fast paced environment, so I’d love to begin my career here.” ability to do this job.
For example if the job involves data entry with Excel spreadsheets all day,
10. Tell me about yourself you do not want to say Excel is your weakness. Or that you struggle paying
Basic answer strategy: attention to details.
This is one of the most popular interview question and answer examples Finally, end your answer by explaining what you’re doing to overcome or
people look for, because it’s extremely common to hear AND difficult to improve your weakness.
answer. Here’s how to handle it: Take a look at the do’s and don’ts, and the interview answer example
below, to get a sense of what your answer might sound like.
Do: Otherwise they’re going to be scared to hire you. Why would they offer you
 Name a real weakness the job if it doesn’t fit the goals you described to them? You’d be
 Pick something that’s skill-based, not personality-based. For unsatisfied, bored, and would probably quit within the first year. No
example, say, “I’m not particularly strong in Microsoft Excel…”, company wants this.
rather than, “My weakness is working on a team and following So to recap…
directions.” Do:
 Mention what you’ve done to overcome this weakness and improve  Show you’ve thought about this topic and question
recently  Sound ambitious and motivated
Don’t:  Be realistic. Don’t say you want to be CEO in 5 years if you’re entry-
 Don’t give a fake weakness like, “I work too hard” level
 Don’t try to be funny with an answer like, “Kryptonite.” Hiring  Make sure your answer is related to this job. They won’t hire you for
managers have heard it over and over a job that has nothing to do with your 5-year goal
 Don’t tell them you have no weaknesses Don’t:
 Don’t name a personality-based weakness (like “I have trouble  Be sarcastic or give a joke answer like, “I plan on having your job”
getting along with colleagues”)  Say you’re not sure, or say you’d be happy staying in the same role
 Don’t name a weakness that will severely impact your ability to for 5 years (most companies do not want to hear this)
succeed in their job Example interview answer:
Example interview answer: “I’m glad you asked. In 5 years I see myself taking on more responsibilities,
“I’m not particularly strong in social media marketing. For the first few years either through management or higher level individual contributions. I’m not
of my career, I focused entirely on email marketing. That’s still what I sure which path will make sense to pursue, but I know my goal right now is
specialize in, which is why I applied for your Email Marketing Manager job. to build a strong foundation and gain valuable experience so that I’ll have a
But I’ve realized it’s also helpful to understand the principles of social media successful future in this industry.”
marketing because some of the strategies that work there also work well in
email. So I’ve started spending a couple hours a week of my own time 14. Tell Me About a Time You Failed
studying and learning this new area, and it’s helped me a lot.” This is a common interview question that employers ask to see if you’re able
to learn from mistakes and bounce back when things don’t go your way.
13. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? They always want to see if you can own-up to it and be accountable and
Basic answer strategy: actually admit to your failures.
There are three big reasons interviewers love to ask “where do you see So when you answer, “tell me a time when you failed”… here are the most
yourself in 5 years?“: important do’s and don’ts to follow:
1. They want to see if you’ve thought about your professional future Do:
2. They want to make sure you’re ambitious and hard-working  Admit to a real failure
3. They want to make sure the job they’re offering fits with your goals  Describe the situation and what went wrong
So, pick a work-related goal of where you’d like to be 5 years from now, and  Show that you take responsibility (rather than blaming others), and
make sure it’s slightly challenging or ambitious-sounding. show you learned from it
You don’t want to say, “I see myself in the same position 5 years from now.”  Ideally, talk about how you used that lesson to get a different
And make sure to share a goal that is related to the type of job you’re outcome next time you were presented with a similar challenge
interviewing for. You want to sound like the experience you’ll gain in this job (e.g. how you turned a past failure into a future success)
fits your long-term goals. Don’t:
  Say you never fail
 Talk about a failure but then blame others and talk about how it
wasn’t really your fault
 Give a long-winded answer that goes off-track. You really need to be
concise and show you can tell a clear story. That’s one more thing
employers look for when they ask this interview question.
Sample interview answer:
“In my most recent position, I had recently been promoted to Supervisor, and
was managing the department on my own right before the department
closed. An employee was acting out and I confronted him in front of
everybody. It made the situation worse and caused a lot of distraction for
every employee on the floor. I failed to lead properly in this situation, and
spoke to my manager the next day to discuss what I could have done
differently. We both agreed that I should have handled this in-private with
the employee, by asking them to step inside my office with me. If I had done
this instead of reacting the way I did, the situation would have turned out
much better. From that point onward, I am always conscious of whether a
discussion with a team member should occur in public or behind closed
doors, and it made me a better leader.”
UPDATE:
If you have interviews coming up and don’t want to leave anything to
chance, I’ve created a new guide where you can copy my exact step-by-step
method for getting job offers. You can get more details here.