Preparation
To really shine, you should walk in with:
Familiarity with the position and the company
3 main points about why you’re a strong fit
At least 5 stories from past roles that show your strengths
And answers to all of the most common questions
Tell me about yourself
Tips: Decide in advance which of your skills and career highlights best fit for the role. It’s recommended not to start with the personal details like name, address or something like that.
Answer: Share those as a personal and interesting story, showing how you got started, where you are now, and how this role is the next logical chapter.
Why are you the strongest candidate?
Tips: Research the role in advance and note your relevant strengths.
Answer: Tell stories from past positions to illustrate those strengths and connect them to this role.
Why are you changing jobs?
Tips: Whatever the reason, don’t badmouth your current organization or manager.
Answer: List things you’re excited about in the position you’re interviewing for.
What interests you about this position?
Tips: Research the company and position beforehand to find specific things you like around mission, culture, customers, and the role.
Answer: Get specific about the impact you want to have and how your skills fit well. As an example, if you have a passion for teaching, working as a trainer would be an excellent fit for you to guide and train others.
What are your strengths?
Tips: Decide ahead of time which of your strengths best match the requirements of the role.
Answer: Highlight just 2 to 3 and back them up with memorable stories of times you shined.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Tips: Even if you hate this question, you need to be prepared for it.
Answer: Be true to your own ambitions, and use them to show a commitment to growth.
Tell me about a time you failed. How did you deal with that situation?
Tips: Demonstrate that you are humble, resilient, and growth- oriented.
Answer: Tell a story of a setback that you quickly recovered and learned from – and then moved forward. Describe a time you went through a major change at work.
Describe a time you motivated others. How did you accomplish it?
Tips: Even if you are not in leadership, they want to see leadership here – tailoring your approach to the situation and personalities involved.
Answer: Highlight a time when you were positive, persistent, and persuasive.
Tell me a time you had to handle multiple projects at once. How did it go?
Tips: Focus on your time management and reliability.
Answer: Share an example where you used a repeatable system – prioritized in a smart way, delegated, blocked time, gave frequent updates.
Describe a time you went through a major change at work. How did you adapt?
Tips: Employers are looking for people who are excited about change, not just tolerant of it.
Answer: Tell a story about a big change that impacted you directly and that you adjusted to quickly; bonus if you got others on board.
Have you changed your mind on something big recently?
Tips: Don’t say no!
Answer: Pick anything, from work or life, that shows you’re open to learning and changing your opinion.
Describe a time you got tough feedback
Tips: Show that you’re humble enough to hear it and adaptable enough to adjust.
Answer: Use a story that shows how you acted quickly to implement feedback and grow.
Tell me about a time you set a goal for yourself. How did you ensure you achieved it?
Tips: Show you can Get. Things. Done. That you set clear goals and follow through.
Answer: Pick an example where you succeeded in a replicable way – broke the goal into small steps, made progress each day, showed grit through challenges.
Describe a presentation you gave that you’re proud of?
Tips: Show that you understand WHY it went well.
Answer: Describe the presentation AND the communication skills you used: storytelling, simplicity, clarity, etc.
Tell me a time you went above and beyond.
Tips: Illustrate that you don’t mind working hard.
Answer: Share a story where you put your head down and pushed through, without complaint.
When’s a time you got to be creative at work?
Tips: Be honest if you haven’t had many opportunities in past roles, but still find an example.
Answer: Describe a time you thrived with a creative task of any size.
What’s an example of a time you disagreed with a boss or colleague? How did it go?
Tips: Never badmouth the other person (the interviewer is imagining themself).
Answer: Pick a time when you had a valid case, communicated it professionally, and reached a positive resolution.
Have you had to work with someone very different from you?
Tips: Illustrate your ability to collaborate.
Answer: Describe a time you worked with someone difficult, but found common ground and succeeded.
What’s your ideal work environment?
Tips: You need to tell the truth, so research the role ahead of time to ensure it’s a good fit.
Answer: Show that good fit (ex: for a collaborative role, describe how you love working in teams).
How do you handle stress?
Tips: Show that you can stay calm and professional in tough situations.
Answer: Describe a high-pressure time and the specific steps you took to handle it.
What are your weaknesses?
Tips: Don’t use “I care too much” or other cliches – this is about self-awareness.
Answer: Describe 1 to 2 that aren’t critical to the role, and note the ways you’ve been working on them.
What’s your expected salary?
Tips: Do research ahead of time
Answer: Describe why you’re a great fit, mention relevant benchmarks, and state a range you’d accept.
Any questions for me?
Tips: The only question almost guaranteed to be asked – don’t sleep on this.
Answer: Ask questions that show you’ve researched the company or are focused on success (ex: What would success look like in the first 6 months of this role?)
Anything we didn’t get to discuss?
Tips: Don’t say no! Before the interview, think about the 2 to 3 main points that you want to communicate throughout the interview.
Answer: Use this time to reiterate those.
Prepare yourself to grab any opportunity.
Good Luck!