Prepare for these 12 questions to crush your next job interview
1. Tell me your story
- Share your work journey, showing how it led you to this job.
- Explain why you like what this company does, using your past as proof.
- Keep it <5 minutes.
2. What is the hardest problem you’ve ever worked on?
- Testing your problem-solving skills and how you handle challenges.
- Explain why the problem was hard.
- Show how you solved it. Use clear examples.
3. Tell me about a time you faced an ethical dilemma. How did you handle it?
- Show you have high integrity and can make decisions under pressure.
- Talk about what you decided, how you did it, and what you learned.
4. What sets you apart from other candidates?
- Highlight your top 5 strengths related to this role, from the job description.
- Give examples of when you showed these in prior roles.
5. Share an experience when you identified a problem others had missed. How did you discover it, and what action did you take?
- You are being tested on your initiative and ability to get things done.
- Give specific examples.
6. Describe a situation where you had to manage multiple responsibilities. How did you ensure that everything was accomplished?
- Describe your multitasking and organizational skills.
- Explain how you organize your work and schedule your time.
- Show that you get things done!
7. Tell me about a time you missed a deadline. How did you handle it?
- Be honest about the circumstances that led to missing the deadline, without placing blame.
- Highlight your communication skills to mitigate the impact.
8. What are your greatest strengths?
- Talk about strengths directly related to the role you are interviewing for.
- Use the job description as your guide.
9. What are your weaknesses?
- Choose a real weakness that is not a core skill for the role.
- Discuss steps you’re taking to improve, showing self-awareness and growth.
10. Give an example of when you worked with someone difficult. How did you manage the situation?
- Testing your EQ.
- Highlight the importance of communication and finding common ground to work together.
11. Why do you want to work here?
- Research the company and explain what you love about it.
- If the company has a product, use it and give feedback.
- Mention why you like the job role and tie it to your past experience.
12. Why do you want to leave your current role?
- Focus on what you hope to gain from the new role (e.g. challenge/learning).
- Don’t badmouth your last company.
Every question is a chance to showcase your journey.
Make each answer count.
Inspired by Andrew Lokenauth
