11 common interview questions (with tips to master each, so you get a job offer)
If you want to maximize your earning potential, master the job interview process.
I’ve received many job offers because I was prepared for the interview, not because I was the “smartest”.
If you want to maximize your earning potential, master the job interview process. Here are 11 common interview questions with tips to master each, so you get a job offer:
1) What do you consider your greatest weakness?
• Start with “I’m not sure about my greatest weakness but I can talk about a weakness in the past and how I overcame it”
• Use this to highlight a past weakness and the steps you took to overcome it and demonstrate your growth
2) What sets you apart from other candidates?
• Use this question to highlight your top 5 strengths directly related to this role (from the job description)
• Look to see which strengths they are looking for, and give examples of you possessing these traits in prior roles
3) Tell me a time you couldn’t meet a goal/deadline & how you handled it
• Use this to explain how you handle situations that don’t go as planned
• Explain a time when things didn’t go as planned, how you fixed the situation, and lessons learned so it doesn’t happen again
4) Why do you want to work for us/ this company?
• Research the company and use this as a chance to talk about all the things you love about it
• Mention why you like the position and why you’re a great fit
• Show excitement about the position and the company!
5) Tell me a time when you made a mistake? How did you handle it?
• Use this to illustrate how you overcome obstacles
• Explain a time you made a mistake and highlight the things you did to fix the situation, and lessons you’ve learned so that mistake doesn’t happen again
6) Tell me about some of the most difficult problems you worked on and how you solved them
• Use this to show how your problem-solving skills and your thought process
• You want to interviewer to feel confident in your ability to solve problems & create solutions
7) What is your greatest strength?
• Look at the job description and only talk about strengths directly related to the role you are interviewing for
• Use this to show why you are a great fit for this role and explain how you have the skills that this job demands
8) Describe a time when you successfully balanced several competing priorities
• Use this question to elaborate on your multitasking and organizational skills
• Explain how you organize your work and schedule your time
• Use this to show that you get things done!
9) Why do you want to leave your current position?
• Use this question to thank your current role for the things you’ve learned but explain why you’re interested in this current role
• Explain what you enjoy most about the company and the position you’re interviewing for
10) What have been your most significant accomplishments?
• Use this to discuss problems that you’ve solved, related to this role
• Talk about your top achievements that are directly related to this role, so the interviewer understands the value you bring to the company
11) Describe a time when you disagreed with your supervisor or peer and how you resolved it
• Use this question to illustrate your communication and conflict management skills.
• Explain a time when you had a disagreement, how you communicated it, and how you resolved it.
(A) Job hopping can lead to increased earning potential
Studies have shown that changing jobs every 2–3 years results in a higher salary than staying with the same employer
Employers pay a premium for new hires with fresh perspectives and skills, always negotiate your salary
(B) While you may not need to be the smartest candidate in the room, you can be the most prepared.
Being prepared can help you to feel more confident and relaxed during the interview, and less likely to be caught off guard or feel nervous.
(C ) On your resume, focus on achievements and results. Instead of listing your responsibilities, use examples & metrics to show the impact of your work and the results you achieved.
Instead of saying “managed a team,” say “led a team of 10 to increase sales by 20% in 6 months.”
(D) Not negotiating your salary will cost you thousands over the course of your career.
Most employers have flexibility when it comes to salary.
If you don’t negotiate your salary, you are leaving money on the table that you could have had if you had just asked.
(E) Follow up after the interview.
Sending a thank-you note or email is a polite way to show your appreciation and reinforce your interest in the position.
This can be a simple message thanking the interviewer for their time and reiterating your qualifications for the role.
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