Why Do You Want To Leave Your Current Job
Let’s start with what you shouldn’t say .
Don’t talk about how your boss is difficult. Don’t talk about how you can’t get along with other employees. Don’t bad-mouth your company.
Instead, focus on the positives a move will bring. Talk about what you want to achieve. Talk about what you want to learn. Talk about ways you want to grow, about things you want to accomplish explain how a move will be great for you and for your new company.
Complaining about your current employer is a little like people who gossip: If you’re willing to speak badly of someone else, you’ll probably do the same to me.
Describe Your Dream Job
Three words describe how you should answer this question: relevance, relevance, relevance.
But that doesn’t mean you have to make up an answer. You can learn something from every job. You can develop skills in every job. Work backward: Identify things about the job you’re interviewing for that will help you if you do land your dream job someday, and then describe how those things apply to what you hope to someday do.
And don’t be afraid to admit that you might someday move on, whether to join another company or — better — to start your own business. Employers no longer expect “forever” employees.
Can You Give An Example Of A Time When You Had To Cope With A Difficult Situation
This question is one of the most popular competency-based interview questions. It allows the employer to assess how calm and reliable you are under pressure. Outline an instance where you’ve coped with an unexpected problem, discussing how you reorganised and managed your time. Think about times where you’ve had to meet tight deadlines or handle difficult people.
Similar questions include:
- Give an example of a time when you had to cope under pressure.
- Give an example of a time when you’ve handled a major crisis.
- How do you manage your time and prioritise tasks?
- How do you respond to stress and pressure?
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What Is Your Dream Job
Employers typically ask this question because they want to ensure that your interests and passion align with their job. A good answer will describe a role that matches the one youre interviewing for. Consider using this formula for your response:
1. Mention the skills you want to use:I enjoy guiding other team members on projects and making sure everything goes smoothly…”
2. Describe a job in general:“…My dream job would be a leadership position where the other team members are active participants and communication happens daily…
3. Discuss your values:“…I love seeing a project through to the end and celebrating everyones hard work…
4. Tailor to the job for which you are interviewing:“…For instance, if youre applying for a leadership position, you might discuss how your dream job would include supervisory responsibilities.”
Read more: Interview Question: “What Is Your Dream Job?”
Tell Me About A Time You Faced A Difficult Situation With A Colleague
Sample Answer:
At my previous place of employment, we would have weekly board meetings. It probably goes without saying that tensions would sometimes rise due to different perspectives on matters.
Unfortunately, there were times when people would begin raising their voices and on some occasions, even crying.
I made it a point to check my emotions at the door before these meetings. If voices were raised and it was my turn to talk, I would be sure to speak in a professional manner and at a normal speaking volume.
This usually calmed the room and we were able to get back to a productive meeting atmosphere.
I take pride in my ability, even as a junior employee, to calm the room if necessary. I believe this is one of my strongest traits!
Quick Tip: Don’t display any signs of resentment towards the colleague you are talking about. Keep it fairly general and keep it professional.
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How Do You Handle Criticism
This interview question, much like questions about conflict resolution, put you on the spot about a topic that can often be uncomfortable. No one likes being criticized, but in the workplace, itâs a reality that must be addressed. Fortunately, thereâs really only one acceptable way to answer this question: you take it constructively, not personally. If you can think of an example of a time you took criticism and turned it into an opportunity for growth, even better.
Why Should We Hire You
While this question may seem like an intimidation tactic, interviewers generally ask to offer another opportunity to explain why youre the best candidate. Your answer should address the skills and experience you offer, why youre a good culture fit and what you believe youd bring to the role.
One thing to remember as youre discussing your fitness for the company with employers is that the idea of culture fit can sometimes be used as a way to eliminate and discriminate against candidates, however unknowingly, who dont think, act or look like existing employees. A better alternative concept you might consider speaking to is culture add, or your ability to bring fresh and additive ideas and feedback to the team. Culture adds make the company stronger by diversifying the experiences and perspectives of its workforce.
Example answer:My experience accurately managing inventory intake and skills in creating effective, streamlined schedules make me uniquely qualified to succeed in this kitchen manager position. I understand that you require a highly organized candidate with acute attention to detail. In my previous job, I successfully handled schedules for 20 employees and reduced food waste by 15%. Im confident in my ability to use my organizational skills to bring efficiency and order to your restaurant.
Read more: Interview Question: Why Should We Hire You?
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Why Did You Change Your Career Path
If you recently changed your career path, the interviewer is sure to ask about it.
Dont worry – theres nothing wrong with this.
A lot of people go through a career change. Some even do it several times in their lifetime!
As long as youre good at what you do, no one cares if you were a pediatrician in one year, and a professional chef in another.
When asked this question, all you have to do is answer truthfully. Explain how your old job just wasnt for you, and how the job youre applying for is so much more interesting.
Possible answers:
- Sample Answer
I realized that being a doctor is not for me. While I did enjoy my 3 years in med school, the 6 year study period was too much.
I wanted to start making money and help out my family way before that, so I dropped out of university and started taking online courses in accounting.
At this point, Im pretty good at it, having done 2 internships so far in and .
- Sample Answer 2
Simply because I enjoy doing sales much more than accounting. After 5 years of working as an accountant for Firm X, I decided I wanted to try something new.
I asked my boss at the time to let me transition to the sales team, and I ended up liking it AND being pretty good at it.
Question: Why Do You Want To Leave Your Current Job
This can be a deal-breaker question.
Obviously, if you say you hate your current boss or company, the interviewer will naturally believe you will hate them eventually. And, if you say, your current compensation or role is below your standards, they will again assume the worst.
Although these may be legitimate reasons to leave a job, there must be other reasons, too.
- Your current company or department may have become unstable .
- Your current employer may not be able to offer you any professional growth .
Do you see a pattern here? Highlight a reason that the hiring manager cannot be concerned about.
Of course, if you have an issue that is very important to you that could be a deal-breaker , you can mention it. Just be prepared for them to take one extreme or the other. For example, maybe you only want to work for companies that buy from vendors in your home country. The hiring manager will let you know if their company does this. And if they dont, I guess the interview is over.
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Question: What Is Your Greatest Weakness
I hate the greatest weakness question. Everyone knows its a trap, and everyone knows the candidate is going to say something trite .
Focus on them: Dont pick a weakness that will disqualify you for the job, but do give a real answer.
When you give a real answer, you are being genuine. You are admitting you have some growth opportunities and are not perfect. But you can include that you already have a plan to overcome this weakness through training or practice .
Some people even insert a little humor in their answerI wish I was better at tennis. You can, too, if you feel like the interviewer has a sense of humor. But, be sure to quickly follow with a serious answer. Showing you have a lighter side is usually a good thing.
What Is Customer Service
Hiring managers might start the interview off by asking for your definition of customer service. They want to see how you think about the position and the customer. When you answer, be specific and try to use unique language reflective of your personal thoughts rather than a cliche response or dictionary definition.
Example:“For me, customer service is the act of providing the customer with the support they need to make purchasing decisions, understand the product or seek guidance from the company. It’s an important role that can take many forms.”
Related: 9 Ways To Provide Excellent Customer Service
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What Is Your Favorite Book
This question is asked to judge your taste about reading books. The interviewer wants to know what types of book you like. Would you fit for the company culture?
Answer this question according to your sense, your knowledge about the book. Only named the books you have really read. You should choose something from a reputable author that your interviewer has probably heard of.
Q: What Do You Dislike About Your Present Job
A: Be cautious with this answer. Do not be too specific as you may draw attention to weaknesses that will leave you open to further problems. Do not criticize your employer. Most recruiters look at history as the best determinant of future behavior. One approach is to choose a characteristic of your present company, such as its size or slow decision-making processes etc. Give your answer with the air of someone who takes problems and frustrations in your stride as part of the job.
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Close The Interview By Asking The Question If They Have Any Concerns
You may not get a chance to address shortcomings in a follow-up interview it is imperative to understand what was missing from the discussion while still in the interview.
After you have had a chance to ask your questions, you will want to validate that you are an ideal candidate for the job. To do this, you should probe into the minds of the interviewers and see if there are any concerns they have about you.
The key question to do this can be along the lines of:
After discussing this job, I feel as if I would be a perfect fit for it. Im curious to know if there is anything I said or DID NOT say that would make you believe otherwise.
The answer you get to this question may open the door to mentioning something you did not get to talk about during the interview or clarify any potential misconception over something that was covered.
How Do You Like To Be Managed
This is another one of those questions thats about finding the right fitboth from the companys perspective and your own. Think back on what worked well for you in the past and what didnt. What did previous bosses do that motivated you and helped you succeed and grow? Pick one or two things to focus on and always articulate them with a positive framing . If you can give a positive example from a great boss, itll make your answer even stronger.
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What Do You Like To Do Outside Of Work
Many companies feel cultural fit is extremely important, and they use outside interests as a way to determine how you will fit into a team.
Even so, don’t be tempted to fib and claim to enjoy hobbies you don’t. Focus on activities that indicate some sort of growth: skills you’re trying to learn, goals you’re trying to accomplish. Weave those in with personal details. For example, “I’m raising a family, so a lot of my time is focused on that, but I’m using my commute time to learn Spanish.”
Where Do You Expect To Be In Five Years Time
This is another question that allows you to show off your employer research and your understanding of your chosen career path. Youâll want to come across as enthusiastic, but not arrogant. Tailor your response to reflect the nature of the organisation, the sector, and your own experiences and skills. Specific details will impress.
Graduate recruiters use some questions as much to see how you cope when youâre put on the spot as to elicit a truthful answer. This question is a test of your ability to think on your feet and come up with a diplomatic response. Whether you sidestep the question by saying youâve always got on well with your employers, or describe a tricky situation youâve experienced that highlights your potential, you need to avoid attacking your previous employers.
If you’re asked about your biggest failure in your interview, chances are the recruiter is interested in finding out how resilient you are, and whether you can cope with setbacks. Find out how to use this question as a way to show your strengths and convince the employer that you are the right candidate for the job.
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Tell Me About A Time Where Teamwork Didn’t Go As Desired How Did You Behave
Teamwork is an important social soft skill in modern companies. But tensions in teams are almost inevitable, and they exist in every team. Show that you can solve problems openly and constructively together with other team members. For example, a good answer would be: “We addressed the problems openly in a team meeting. During the discussion, it turned out that some colleagues had too much on their plate. As a result, we redistributed the tasks and were able to support each other.”
What Interests You Most About This Position
Sample Answer:
What interests me most about this position is the opportunity for me to work hands-on with the sales team.
Many other companies I have interviewed with for sales manager positions are too hands-off. They seem more focused on monitoring activity and pipeline than the actual development of the sales reps.
Training others and passing on my SaaS knowledge has always been a passion of mine, and I feel that ABC Company shares similar values.
I am confident that allowing me to train and mentor these sales reps will result in a huge increase in productivity and overall revenue gained.
Quick Tip: This question provides a great opportunity to sell yourself. Make it clear that you understand the position, and enjoy the work.
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What Is Your Greatest Failure And What Did You Learn From It
Sample Answer:
When I was in college, I worked at a solar company as a door-to-door outside salesperson. I was constantly thinking of new ways to bring in business, outside of knocking on residential doors.
I developed a PowerPoint presentation and walked around to local businesses sharing a partnership idea.
Although the logistics sounded good, and I even received a few stores that were interested in partnering with me, I did not run the idea past my company first.
Sadly, they shut it down. I quickly learned that even great ideas can be turned down, and there was absolutely nothing that I could do about it.
In the future, I will consult with my company on any new ideas before trying to create a plan of my own.
Quick Tip: Failure is inevitable. It’s what you learn from your failure that will define you.
Tell Us About A Challenge Youve Faced And How You Handled It
Focus on a specific work-related challenge and talk about how you overcame obstacles, used it as a learning experience, used the resources around you , and ended up with a positive result! Thats how to answer this interview question. Keep it work-related, not personal.
- Explain the situation, the task you needed to accomplish, and what method you chose
Dont:
- Talk about an argument you had
- Talk about a challenge that you didnt overcome, or didnt find a solution for
Answer example:
In my last job, we were facing a tough deadline and my boss was out for the day. Our client was expecting a project to be delivered by 5:00 PM, but we were far behind schedule. I took the lead on the project, delegated tasks to the four other team members in a way that I thought would utilize everyones strengths best. And then I re-organized my own personal tasks so I could dedicate my entire day to contributing to this project as well. The project was a success and we delivered the work on-time. I went on to lead more projects after that, and used what I learned to be a better project manager.
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