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Tell me about yourself -

When a potential future employer asks you this question, use the present-past-future formula. This is where you share some about a current role and the achievements you've had, then you provide a relevant career history, and finally remember to connect it to the current job you're applying to.

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Walk me through your resume -

This question prompts you to narrate your career in an achievement-focused way. Start chronologically and work your way to the present day. You don't need to list every job or each achievement but pick out the ones most relevant to the role you're interviewing for.

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How did you hear about this position? -

Here you can mention the source from which you first heard about the role. If you had someone refer you, be sure to mention their name and connection to the company. Additionally, share your excitement about the role and what you learned from the referring source.

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Why do you want to work at this company? -

This question will allow you to show you did some research on the company. Cite specific aspects of the company such as their DEI efforts, rapid growth, or even their commitment to being a positive change agent.

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Why do you want this job? -

Try to align the job's responsibilities with your experience and even your passions. You can keep this response relatively high level such as a love for project management and team building that aligns with the company's mission.

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Why should we hire you? -

Have several reasons ready as to why this company or employer should hire you specifically. It can be experiences you've had previously, strengths you possess, or ideas for improvement you might have for the future.

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What can you bring to the company? -

Here you want to focus on how your particular skill set meets the company's needs. For example, if the company is currently focusing on retention efforts, be sure to highlight the experience you have and the direct impact of your actions regarding retention in previous roles.

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What are your greatest strengths? -

Before the interview, you should assess your top strengths and weaknesses as it's likely you'll be asked about both. Be prepared to share two to three top strengths and why they'd be especially relevant to the role you're interviewing for.

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What do you consider to be your weaknesses? -

Choose a minor weakness such as public speaking and then follow up with how you've tackled improving. For example, "Public speaking was a challenge I used to have, however, I've been improving by presenting at the company's monthly meetings."

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What is your greatest professional achievement? -

This can be a vague question and leave some job applicants lost in deciding which achievement they can speak to. Come prepared with a success story that you know like the back of your hand. Highlight an achievement and quantify it if possible. 

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Tell me about a challenge or conflict you’ve faced at work -

Start by explaining the situation at a high level without showing annoyance or negative feelings if they existed. Then share your part in finding and delivering a resolution and explain what the impact of the resolution was.

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Tell me about a time you demonstrated leadership skills -

Share a time when your leadership led to tangible results. Ensure you highlight how your role specifically helped a project or goal get achieved.

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What’s a time you disagreed with a decision at work? -

The goal here is to show you're professional and an active problem solver, even when you disagree with something. Share the decision that you disagreed with and a summary of why and how you reacted positively, including an alternative solution and if it was adopted.

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Tell me about a time you made a mistake -

It's important here to be completely honest and transparent, as well as take responsibility, while showing growth. Explain the situation, the mistake, how you addressed it, and the positive outcome that occurred from it all.

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Tell me about a time you failed -

This is similar to "Tell me about a time you made a mistake," but you want to frame your failure as a learning experience.

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Why are you leaving your current job? -

You always want to be positive with these types of questions. Focus on your goals rather than anything negative. For example, "I’m seeking a role with more opportunities to lead a team, which aligns perfectly with this role."

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Why were you fired? -

This is arguably one of the toughest questions if applicable. Be honest but always focus on growth. In about one sentence explain at a high level why you were let go and what you've done since to improve those skills.

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Why was there a gap in your employment? -

If you had one or multiple gaps in your employment, that's okay. Focus on what you accomplished during the breaks to make yourself a perfect candidate now for this role.

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Can you explain why you changed career paths? -

With this question, highlight transferable skills and your passion for the new industry, company, or role.

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What’s your current salary? -

When asked about a current salary, it's advised that you deflect and focus on expectations. For example, your response might be, "I’d like to focus on the role’s responsibilities and ensure our expectations align on compensation."

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What do you like least about your job? -

This is an opportunity to highlight what you're seeking in the new role. For example, "I've missed being more hands-on with clients and so I'm very excited about this role."

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What are you looking for in a new position? -

Align your goal with the particular job offerings. An example would be, "I'm looking for opportunities to grow professionally while in a collaborative environment in which I can drive impactful projects."

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What type of work environment do you prefer? -

Here you'll want to describe an environment that matches the company culture where you're interviewing.

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What’s your work style? -

This question gives you a chance to highlight your adaptability and self-driven demeanor mixed with a team player attitude.

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What’s your management style? -

Emphasize flexibility and support. Highlight the you tailor your leadership or management approach to meet individual needs.

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How would your boss and coworkers describe you? -

When describing how bosses and coworkers see you, share positive traits and give specific examples if possible.

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How do you deal with pressure or stressful situations? -

This is an excellent opportunity to give specific examples, such as how you prioritize tasks and stay focused on the outcome in order to manage deadlines in an effective manner.

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What do you like to do outside of work? -

Highlight hobbies that reflect your personality or values.

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Are you planning on having children? -

This question should never be asked, but if it is, try to redirect the conversation. You can say something like, "I'm focused on my career right now, can you tell me more about the professional development here?"

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How do you stay organized? -

Explain the tools and strategies you use, and if possible, mention specific tools that the company uses to show you're already familiar.

Sources: (The Muse) (Harvard Business Review)

See also: A career coach's guide to nailing your next job interview

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