"I've always loved shopping, but my interest in retail marketing really started when I worked at a neighborhood boutique. I knew that our clothes were amazing, but that we weren't marketing them properly. So I worked with management to come up with a marketing strategy that increased our sales by 25 percent in a year. It was great to be able to contribute positively to an industry I feel so passionate about, and to help promote a product I really believed in."
"I'm really energetic, and I'm a great communicator. Working in sales for two years helped me build confidence and taught me the importance of customer loyalty. I've also got a track record of success. In my last role, I launched a company newsletter, which helped us build on our existing relationships and create new ones. Because of this, we ended up seeing a revenue increase of 10 percent over two years. I'm also very interested in how companies can use web tools to better market themselves, and would be committed to building on your existing platform."
3. What do you think of your previous boss?
"He was completely incompetent, and a nightmare to work with, which is why I've moved on."
Tip:
Remember that if you get the job, many of the people interviewing you will
someday be your previous bosses. The last thing they want is to hire someone
they know will badmouth them. Instead of trashing your former employer, stay
positive, and focus on what you learned from him (no matter how awful he really
was).
"My last boss taught me the importance of time management, didn't pull any punches, and was extremely deadline-driven. His no-nonsense attitude pushed me to work harder, and to meet deadlines I never even thought were possible."
4. Why are you leaving your current role?
"I can't stand my boss, or the work I'm doing."
Tip:
Again, stay away from badmouthing your job or employer. Focus on the positive.
"I've learned a lot from my current role, but now I'm looking for a new challenge, to broaden my horizons, and to gain a new skill set--all of which I see the potential for in this job."
5. Where do you see yourself in five years?
"Relaxing on a beach in Maui," or "Doing your job."
Tip:
There's really no right answer to this question, but the interviewer wants to
know that you're ambitious, career-oriented, and committed to a future with the
company. So instead of sharing your dream for early retirement, or trying to be
funny, give an answer that illustrates your drive and commitment.
"In five years I'd like to have an even better understanding of this industry. Also, I really love working with people. Ultimately, I'd like to be in some type of managerial role at
this company, where I can use my people skills and industry knowledge to benefit the people working for me, and the company as a whole.
6. What's your greatest weakness?
"I work too hard," or for the comedian, "Blonds."
Tip:
This question is a great opportunity to put a positive spin on something
negative, but you don't want your answer to be a cliche--joking or not.
Instead, try to use a real example of a weakness you have learned to overcome.
"I've never been very comfortable with public speaking--which, as you know, can be a hindrance in the workplace. Realizing this was a problem, I asked my previous employer if I could enroll in a speech workshop. I took the class, and was able to overcome my lifelong fear. Since then, I've given several presentations to audiences of over 100 high-level executives--I still don't love it, but no one else can tell!"
7. What salary are you looking for?
Tip:
"If you can avoid it, don't give an exact number. The first person to name
a price in a salary negotiation loses. Instead, reiterate your commitment to
the job itself. If you have to, give a broad range based on research you've
conducted on that particular role, in your particular city."
"I'm more interested in the role itself than the pay. That said, I'd expect to be paid the appropriate range for this role, based on my five years of experience. I also think a fair salary would bear in mind the high cost of living here in New York City."
8. Why should I hire you?
"I'm the best candidate for the role."
Tip:
A good answer will reiterate your qualifications, and will highlight what makes
you unique.
"I've been an executive assistant for the past ten years--my boss has said time and time again that without me, the organization would fall apart. I've also taken the time to educate myself on some of the software I regularly use (but didn't really understand the ins and outs of). I'm an Excel whiz now, which means I can work faster, and take over some of what my boss would traditionally have had to do herself. What's good enough for most people is never really good enough for me."
9. What is your greatest failure, and what did you learn from it?
"I never finished law school--and everything that's happened since has taught me that giving up, just because the going gets tough, is a huge mistake."
Tip:
You don't want to highlight a true major regret--especially one that exposes an
overall dissatisfaction with your life. Instead, focus on a smaller (but still
significant) mishap, and how it has made you a better professional.
"When I was in college, I took an art class to supplement my curriculum. I didn't take it very seriously, and assumed that, compared to my engineering classes, it would be a walk in the park. My failing grades at midterm showed me otherwise. I'd even jeopardized my scholarship status. I knew I had to get my act together. I spent the rest of the semester making up for it, ended up getting a decent grade in the class. I learned that no matter what I'm doing, I should strive to do it to the best of my ability. Otherwise, it's not worth doing at all."
10. How do you explain your gap in employment?
"I was so tired of working, and I needed a break," or "I just can't find a job."
Tip:
Employment gaps are always tough to explain. You don't want to come across as
lazy or unhireable. Find a way to make your extended unemployment seem like a
choice you made, based on the right reasons.
"My work is important to me, so I won't be satisfied with any old job. Instead of rushing to accept the first thing that comes my way, I'm taking my time and being selective to make sure my next role is the right one."
11. When were you most satisfied in your job?
Good answer:
I’m a people person. I was always happiest — and most satisfied — when I was interacting with customers, making sure I was able to meet their needs and giving them the best possible customer experience. It was my favorite part of the job, and it showed – I was rated as “Good or Excellent” 95% of the time. Part of the reason I’m interested in this job is that I know I’d have even more interaction with customers, on an even more critical level."
12. What did you like least about your last job?
“There was nothing about my last job that I hated, but I guess there were some things I liked less than others. My previous role involved traveling at least twice a month. While I do love to travel, twice a month was a little exhausting — I didn’t like spending quite so much time out of the office. I’m happy to see that this role involves a lot less travel.”
13. Describe a time when you did not get along with a co-worker.
“I used to lock heads with a fellow nurse in the INCU ward. We disagreed over a lot of things — from the care of patients to who got what shifts to how to speak with a child’s family. Our personalities just didn’t mesh. After three months of arguing, I pulled her aside and asked her to lunch. At lunch, we talked about our differences and why we weren’t getting along. It turns out, it was all about communication. We communicated differently and once we knew that, we began to work well together. I really believe that talking a problem through with someone can help solve any issue.”
14. What motivates you?
“I’ve always been motivated by the challenge of meeting a tough deadline — in my last role, I was responsible for a 100% success rate in terms of delivering our products on time and within budget. I know that this job is very fast-paced, and deadline-driven — I’m more than up for the challenge. In fact, I thrive on it.”
15. How would your friends describe you?
"My last boss taught me the importance of time management, didn't pull any punches, and was extremely deadline-driven. His no-nonsense attitude pushed me to work harder, and to meet deadlines I never even thought were possible."