Preparing for interviews can be nerve-wracking, especially when you encounter questions that catch you off guard. To help you ace your next interview, our team shared their advice on four common questions that candidates often stumble on and how to handle them effectively. Read on for some actionable advice!
“Why Are You Looking to Leave?”
Advice from Mike Breslin, Co-Founder
This is a common question where candidates often misstep by focusing on elements they’re unhappy with, like compensation or work hours. While those factors might play a role in your decision, they’re better left for later rounds of interviews.
Instead, frame your response around your career goals and enthusiasm for the opportunity. Highlight your interest in the company and how the role aligns with your professional goals. For example:
- “I’m looking to take the next step in my career by joining a team where I can grow and contribute in [specific ways].”
- “I’m impressed by your company’s [specific aspect], and I’m excited about how I can add value to your team.”
Keeping your response future-focused and positive will leave a strong impression.
“Tell Me About Yourself”
Advice from Zoie Teytelbaum, Managing Director, Corporate Services
This open-ended question can feel daunting, but it’s an opportunity to guide the conversation. Instead of diving into a lengthy monologue, aim to make your response conversational and structured:
- Start with a brief overview of your professional background.
- Highlight key experiences relevant to the role.
- Pause after 30 seconds to check in with the interviewer: “Would you like me to elaborate on any specific part?”
This approach allows you to tailor your response to their interests and keeps the conversation dynamic. Asking follow-up questions like, “Where would you like me to dig in a little more?” shows that you’re engaged and eager to provide relevant information.
“What’s Your Biggest Weakness?”
Advice from Taylor Seabrook, Head of Talent & Employee Experience
Ah, the dreaded weakness question. Discussing weaknesses is challenging because it requires balancing honesty with self-presentation. Here’s how to tackle it effectively:
- Be authentic: Interviewers can easily spot a manufactured answer. Instead, identify a genuine area for improvement.
- Show self-awareness: Explain how you recognized this weakness, either on your own or through feedback.
- Highlight progress: Share the steps you’ve taken to address it, such as training, resources, or changes you’ve implemented.
For instance, “One area I’ve worked on is [specific skill]. My manager pointed it out during a performance review, and since then, I’ve been [specific steps taken]. It’s been a valuable growth opportunity, and I’ve already seen improvement.”
By demonstrating self-awareness and proactiveness, you convey professional maturity and a commitment to growth. Just ensure the weakness you mention is relevant to the role and framed positively.
Mastering Technical Questions
Advice from Emma McGrath, Senior Associate, Accounting & Finance
When you’re asked a specific technical question that you don’t know the answer to, it’s crucial to stay composed. Take a breath and give yourself a moment to think. You don’t need to rush your answer—it’s okay, and actually beneficial, to pause before responding.
Instead of admitting outright that you don’t know, try this approach:
- Acknowledge the question: “That’s a great question.”
- Reflect honestly: Share the related experience you have. For example, “The exposure I got on my team was X, Y, and Z, which might correlate with this.”
Avoid simply saying, “I don’t know.” Instead, focus on demonstrating how your past experiences might connect to the topic at hand. This approach shows resourcefulness and a willingness to engage with unfamiliar challenges.
To sum it all up, interviews are as much about demonstrating your skills as they are about showing your character and problem-solving approach. By preparing for these questions and presenting thoughtful, authentic answers, you can set yourself apart and make a lasting impression.