JOB INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
0. Small talk
1. “Thanks for inviting me to interview”
2. “I’m pleased to meet you!”
3. “Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today.”
4. “I’m good, thanks. I’ve been looking forward to this interview for a whi-
le, so I’m happy to be here.”
1. Tell me about yourself
“I currently work as a Sales Manager at Company Inc., where I manage a team
of sales executives in the retail business department.
Before that, I was with Company Inc. as a buyer on the fashion section. I ma-
naged to double sales on the first year.
Now, I’m hoping to move into a senior management position, where I can use
my sales and leadership experience to help an international company grow to
its full potential.”
2. What is your greatest strength?
“I have very strong communication skills and I´m definitely a creative thinker.
Having worked as a graphic designer for seven years, I have strong attention
to detail when it comes to designing. I have also created art for a variety of
companies, so I know how to balance artistic integrity with audience appeal.”
3. What is your greatest weakness?
“I used to wait until the last minute to complete the less important tasks, but I
realized that smaller and insignificant activities are also important for the
bigger picture. I’m now much more proactive. And even though I continue
prioritizing tasks, I now know that throwing something together last minute is
never as good as having the time to review it a couple of times.”
4. Why should we hire you?
“Based on the research I’ve done, this company is expanding into the Euro-
pean market in the upcoming years.
With my background in international business, I know I can help make that
transition successful. I´m an effective Sales Manager who is skilled in strategic
planning, negotiating and setting a vision for the whole team. I’d love to bring
my diverse skill set to your company.”
5. Why do you want to work for us?
“I really believe in the value of customer care and so when I saw a position
with your company to join your Customer Service department I had to make
sure my application was put in. I believe strongly in working with
attentiveness towards the goal of customer retention and I know the skills I
bring will not only make an impact in the department but in the wellbeing of
your clients as well.”
6. Why are you leaving your job?
“While overall my experience at the Company Inc. was a positive and
rewarding journey, after several years I feel I have hit a plateau in terms of
growth and new challenges. I’m now looking for a company where I can
contribute with my costumer care skills and grow in a team-oriented
environment.”
7. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
“While my main focus is on the position we are discussing today, I’m hopeful
that I’ll be able to grow within this position to take on more exciting projects
in the company.
It’s common knowledge that your company has the highest programming
standards and the best systems analysts in the industry, so I hope I’ll be wor-
king here in 5 years’ time.”
8. How do you handle stress and pressure?
“I actually work better under pressure. Good pressure, such as an upcoming
deadline, helps me to stay motivated and productive. If stress gets to a
breaking point, then I cope with practices such as prioritizing tasks,
delegating, deep breathing, exercise… But overall I feel I thrive under quick
deadlines and multiple projects.”
9. Describe a difficult work situation and what
you did to overcome it…
“I can remember a difficult situation during my time as Marketing Director at
Company Inc., where two members of my team were at each other’s throats
as a result of a campaign not getting the sales we expected. I think I really was
able to showcase one of my biggest strengths, my leadership skills, when I
lead mediation between the two colleagues. When that happened, I’d try to
be an example of integrity and led with kindness. They ended up solving their
issues and performing excellent teamwork.”
10. What are your salary expectations?
“I am open to discussing what you believe to be a fair salary for the position.
Based on my research, similar positions in this industry are currently paying
between X$ and Y$. Is this also the range for which you’ve budgeted for this
position?”
