But hiring managers like to ask open-ended interview questions like this to get a better feel for your perspective on the job and the company. Sure, they can see your degree or your last job, but that doesn’t tell the full story of how you’ve applied those skills or your deeper understanding of the industry.

Additionally, the interviewer will be able to use your response to gauge your level of enthusiasm for the job and the company as a whole. Generic, memorized responses that you practiced for each of your interviews is going to be a red flag that you’re not fully committed.

Why You Should Love This Question

At first, open-ended questions can seem the most daunting. In reality, however, you should cross your fingers and hope that they are the main format throughout the interview. This question in particular gives you the chance to really sell yourself and your qualifications for the job.

Realistically, if you flip that question and consider why this job is the perfect match for you, you’ll be able to brainstorm an answer that shows how you and this position were custom-made for each other.

Perhaps it’s the ideal next step in your career path, or you’ve recently gained the needed certifications and now you’re qualified. When you reframe that in the context of your skills and experience being the ideal solution for their needs, you’ll be able to articulate an answer that makes you a memorable candidate.

How to Craft the Best Answer

Think of this question as an opportunity to give an elevator pitch of your professional life and how it has all led you to this precise moment.

Start With Excellent Research

As with any open-ended questions you’re preparing for, your success is going to be dependent on the quality of your research. You should study the job posting, research the company’s mission and goals, devote time to exploring their social media, and most importantly, read between the lines to try and determine what the company’s priorities are.

Your answer should demonstrate that you understand not only what they are looking for in a candidate but also what makes the company unique and desirable as an employer.

Start by mentioning the specific job title and then explain how your skills, experience, and interests all align with what the company is searching for.

Add in Some Confidence and Personality

This is also a prime opportunity to mention any unique qualifications or skills that might make you stand out from other candidates. Are you bilingual? Do you have an advanced degree in a relevant field? Any awards or recognition you’ve received throughout your career can be brought up here as well.

The goal is to let your personality shine through while offering tangible experiences that make you a great fit. Examine what in your background is a match for the desired skill set, and then consider a specific example that can bring that to life.

For example, suppose you’re interviewing for a sales role. Your response might include that you consistently beat your sales targets by 15% each month.

Be Concise

While you shouldn’t be afraid to advocate for yourself, you also want to demonstrate your ability to communicate professionally and concisely. Instead of going over every way you’re a match for the role, choose the most impactful two or three skills.

If you can sum up your answer in one minute or less, that’s ideal. This question is often used toward the end of the interview, so circle back to any details they’ve given about the position that you might include.

Think Outside of the Box

In some cases, you might be interviewing for a role that’s a little out of your comfort zone. In these scenarios, it’s okay to get creative with your answer and think outside the box.

Even if you don’t have direct experience in the field, focus on any related skills or experiences that would make you successful. For example, if you’re interviewing for a position in event planning but have no previous experience, you could highlight your organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to work under pressure.

The key is to stay positive and upbeat while showing that you’re confident in your abilities. Remember, the goal is to demonstrate why you’re the best candidate for the job, not just why you want it.

Avoid Negative Comparisons

Even though you’ve been asked why you’re the best candidate, you should focus on your skills, rather than comparing yourself to other candidates.

Without knowing the other applicants and what they have to offer, if you use comparisons to make yourself sound like the better fit, you’re likely to sound arrogant. Keep your answer targeted on “I” responses, focusing on your own unique skills and history.

Practice Makes Perfect

Whether it’s this question or any other, practicing before your interview is essential. Not only can it help you notice any awkward pauses or where your answer doesn’t flow, but it will also give you a chance to ensure that you’ve crafted the most persuasive answer.

One of the best ways to practice is with a friend, family member, or professional career coach. A career coach can go over an entire mock interview with you and offer feedback about adjustments you could make.

Sample Answer for “Why Are You a Great Match for This Role?”

If you put all this together, it might sound something like this answer for an event coordinator role.

I’m an excellent match for your event coordinator role because I have three years of experience coordinating events and am fluent in Spanish. I’ve followed your social media for a while and noticed that you have quite a few international clients, so I’m confident my language skills will help me in this role.

Not only that, but in my previous role, I was responsible for managing and organizing all aspects of events from start to finish. This included everything from managing vendors to handling on-site logistics on the day of the event. My managers have consistently expressed appreciation for my attention to detail and organizational skills. I’m delighted to use those skills for the annual underserved youth events that your company organizes, which is a cause I’m passionate about.

Becoming the Most Memorable Job Candidate

If you truly believe that this is an excellent job for you and your career has been leading you to this point, then with some brainstorming, research, and practice, you’ll be able to confidently answer why you’re the best match for the role.

The post How to Answer “Why Are You a Great Match for This Role?” appeared first on Job-Hunt.

If you’re considering your first management position, one of the questions you’re likely to encounter during your interview is, “Why do you want to move into a management role?”

Don’t let the question throw you. With thoughtful preparation, you can easily articulate why you’re the perfect fit for the role.

Why Employers Ask This Question

One of the biggest challenges of moving into a management position is communicating your motivations. Hiring managers recognize that success in the role is less about your technical skills and ability to do the specific job and more about motivating and facilitating others to do the work.

Managers will seek evidence of your empathy and a genuine heart for leadership. To give an answer that impresses the employer, you need to shift your mindset away from your personal deliverables and instead showcase the desire to help others be as successful as possible.

How to Answer This Question

As with any other open-ended interview question, the key to successfully answering this question will come from company research. You’ll need to express how you’re the perfect fit for both the team and the position.

Understand the Needs of the Role

The best way to learn about a company’s needs is to devote time to becoming its biggest fan. Explore the company’s social media, and get very familiar with its organizational structure and products. Pay special attention to any new projects or negative reviews they’re getting.

After a solid overview, consider how the role you’re applying to fits into the company’s structure. Ask yourself the following questions:

• What are some challenges that the team might face?
• How can I help the team and the company succeed?
• What would a reasonable next step for the team be?
• How will I help team members develop skills to achieve those goals?
• What part would the team play in meeting the company’s deliverables?

Once you’ve developed a well-rounded view of the role and how it fits into the company, you can start connecting the dots between your experience and the position.

Show How Your Skills Align With the Role

One of the ways that interviewing for your first management role differs from your previous interviews is that you need to move to a results-oriented mindset.

As a manager, you’ll be able to create an incredible impact on an entire team or department. Hiring managers are looking for you to have an awareness of that. But even more, they’re hoping to discover that you’re excited by the possibility of how you can create growth and meet standards for the team you’re seeking to lead.

So, avoid focusing on the technical skills that align with the role. When you bring them up, use them as an example of how you’ll build connections with your team, rather than utilize those skills yourself.

Craft Your Answer

Review your research on the company and the role, creating a list of your skills matching their needs. Then, brainstorm specific examples that bring those skills to life.

Avoid using vague action words, like “I’m great at motivating others.” Instead, you’ll want to craft a response that will paint a vivid picture for the interviewer.

For instance, you could say something like:

I enjoy finding creative ways to motivate everyone on the team to succeed. On my current team, we were struggling to meet our sales goals, so I created a bingo game to help everyone visualize our opportunities. We consistently beat our sales goals by breaking them into smaller, more attainable steps.

Sample Answers

Example Answer 1

I see the role of a manager as a guide and facilitator more than anything else. I’m excited about the opportunity because I know how a great manager has impacted my career. I’m looking forward to being a mentor and motivator for others. As a senior trainer for my team, I’ve been able to help over 35 team members be successful in their roles, and I’m excited to put those skills to work at an even higher level.

Why this works:

If you’ve done your research and discovered that the company sees their managers as less authoritarian and more in line with career coaches, this is a great answer. You’re clearly stating how you view the role, and you’re weaving in your experience with helping teammates find success.

Example Answer 2

I see the role of a manager as primarily focused on helping others achieve results. I’m excited about this role because it’s an opportunity to take my skills in sales and marketing and help sales partners develop those same skills. In my previous role, I increased sales by 25% in six months by working with my team to develop creative marketing strategies. I’m confident I can bring that same focus on team collaboration to this role and achieve the needed results.

Why this works:

This is an excellent answer for a role focused on results because it shows that you realize that your skills will directly impact the team’s overall goal. You back up your claims with data, which is always impressive to interviewers.

Shine During Your Interview

When one of your career goals is to move into a management role, the tone of your interview needs to straddle the line between how you’ll use your skills to help the team succeed and showing that you’re likable and relatable.

Do your research and ask thoughtful questions about the team and its goals. Doing so will help the hiring manager recognize the value you offer.

The post How to Answer “Why Do You Want to Be a Manager?” appeared first on Job-Hunt.

Unlike “hard” questions (“If you could be any kind of tree…”), situational interview questions are designed to give the interviewer more information about you. And they’re an excellent opportunity to sell yourself to the interviewer. Here’s what you need to know. 

What Are Situational Interview Questions?

Situational interview questions, also known as behavioral interview questions, are nontechnical questions all about you! Specifically, these questions probe how you have handled or might handle a situation you’ll encounter on the job. Often, these questions start with:

• Tell me about a time when…
• Have you ever…
• How do you deal with…
• What do you do when…

When you hear these phrases, you know a situational question is coming next.

Why Do Employers Ask These?

It might seem a bit odd to ask these kinds of questions. For example, if a hiring manager asks, “How do you deal with angry customers?” it’s unlikely you’ll say, “By throwing them out of the store” or “Hanging up on them.” 

However, there are two reasons why employers ask situational interview questions. First, past behavior is often a good indicator of future behavior. Asking how you’ve handled a past situation gives the employer a better idea of how you’ll probably behave while working for them.

Second, situational interview questions are also a great way for the hiring manager to see if you have the specific skills or traits they’re looking for in applicants. Using the above example, you might focus your answer on your conflict-resolution skills and talk about how you listened to the customer to better understand their concern, then worked with them to find an agreeable solution.

How Do I Answer Situational Interview Questions?

Situational interview questions are a fantastic opportunity for you to tell a detailed (but brief!) story that illustrates your skills and can help the employer understand why they should hire you over the other candidates.

One of the best ways to answer these questions is to use the STAR method. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, Result. Using this method can help you not only explain which skills you possess but how you would put them to use on the job.

In brief, you explain:

• The Situation you faced
• The Task you needed to accomplish
• The Action (or actions) you took to complete your task
• The Result your action had and what that meant for the company

Situational Interview Questions and Answers

So, what does all of this look like in action? We spoke to the career coaching team at FlexJobs to get their expert insights into why employers ask these questions and how to answer them.

Tell me about a time when you disagreed with a coworker or manager. How did you handle it?

What the employer is trying to find out: Toni Frana says, “An employer is trying to understand your communication style, particularly in a potentially awkward or difficult situation.” And as Tracy Capozzoli points out, “The employer is trying to ascertain your ability to build and nurture relationships using communication and problem-solving skills.”

Answer: “A coworker and I were working on a presentation and had a hard time agreeing on what information was best to share. It was important that I understood exactly where my coworker was coming from, so I asked a few clarifying questions. From there, we were able to reevaluate the objectives of the presentation and reports we both felt were essential to include. The result was a highly successful presentation. The leadership team thanked us for providing detailed and accurate information, allowing them to make more informed decisions about critical organizational objectives.”

Tell me about a time you failed at work.

What the employer is trying to find out: Frana says that the employer is not trying to learn about your failures. Rather, “they are trying to see what you learned from an experience where you failed.” She advises job seekers to highlight what they learned and what they would do differently when faced with a similar situation.

Answer: “I was responsible for [X] project. While the team worked well together, we encountered several unexpected obstacles, including [Y and Z]. As a result, we missed some deadlines [or missed this goal]. Even though we didn’t have the outcome we hoped for, we debriefed and reflected on what happened. The team then put processes and procedures in place [include an example] to ensure something like that didn’t happen again.”

How would you approach a task you’ve never done before?

What the employer is trying to find out: The employer is trying to understand how you face the unknown. There may be times you’re assigned a task you don’t understand. Do you ask for help or go it alone? What’s your game plan for difficult tasks?

Answer: “First, I would evaluate why this task is important and what overall purpose it serves. Then, I would do some research to identify who I might need to speak with, including people who have done this task or might have the skills to help me. I would also do some independent research into how to do it. Lastly, if I felt stuck, I would reach out to my manager to clarify any lingering questions. Once I completed the task, I would try to gain feedback about my performance, so I could know what to improve in the future.”

How do you deal with conflicting deadlines from different managers?

What the employer is trying to find out: Keith Spencer says that the employer is trying to figure out how you manage multiple priorities at the same time. So, talk about how you prioritize tasks and block off time to work on them.

Answer: “First, I examine all the assigned tasks and estimate how much time it might take to complete each. I also examine how important the task might be. For example, if the CEO wants something by tomorrow, that’s pretty important! Then, I’ll look at due dates and work backward on my calendar to see how much time I’ll have each day for each task and block off that time to devote to the task. Finally, if I see there are conflicts or just too much to do, I’ll talk to my manager and see if any of the deadlines are flexible or ask if there’s anyone who can help me out.”

Tell Me About…

Situational interview questions seem difficult—at first! But once you understand why the interviewer is asking it, you’ll be able to formulate an answer that demonstrates you’ve got the right skills and experience for the role!

The post How to Answer Situational Interview Questions (Example Answers) appeared first on Job-Hunt.

Did reading that make you break into a sweat? Many people dread this question because it’s open-ended. How do you know what to include from your extensive work history? What makes a good response to get you to the next round?

This question isn’t quite as scary as it seems. Once you understand why employers ask this question and what they’re looking for, you can craft a response that positions you as a qualified candidate worth being invited to the second round. Here’s how to master your response.

Why Do Employers Want You to Walk Them Through Your Resume?

Employers will ask you to walk them through your resume to better understand your previous experience and what you bring to the role. They’re seeking a concise summary of your past accomplishments and job duties to gain insights into how you’ll fit into the advertised position.

How to Answer “Walk Me Through Your Resume”

Since this question is often the first to be asked, it can set the tone for the rest of the interview. Here are a few key components that make up a strong answer.

Keep It Brief

Don’t give a detailed presentation of every job you’ve ever had. Keep your answer brief and to the point. This is often the first of several questions in an interview, so you don’t want to spend half an hour answering it. A few minutes highlighting your skills and value should suffice.

Study the Job Description

To answer this question successfully, you must first read the job description. Keith Spencer, a FlexJobs career coach, explains, “You should focus on what is relevant to your audience. To do this, ensure you have fully and carefully reviewed the description of the position you are interviewing for, then bring up examples from your past that highlight related skills and experiences. This allows you to focus on the experiences that make you qualified for the role and able to excel in that position.”

In other words, if you’re applying for a full-stack developer position, you don’t need to discuss your lesson planning experience or curriculum development skills. Craft a strong response by focusing on what matters to the hiring team.

Focus On Your Accomplishments

When you’re talking about your previous experience, you don’t want to only provide a list of tasks. Instead, FlexJobs career coach Rachel Adkins recommends focusing on quantifiable and specific achievements. For example, if you wrote emails that increased open rates from 15% to 23%, or you were a top sales representative at your last company, mention that in your response.

More: How to Answer “What Can You Bring to the Company?”

Practice Your Answers

One of the best ways to provide a compelling answer to “walk me through your resume” is to practice your response. You don’t want your first attempt at the question to be when you’re sitting in front of the hiring manager!

Don’t just write it down or think it in your head. Practice saying your answer out loud. Reciting it aloud will help you keep your answer concise and avoid stuttering or rambling.

Example Answers for “Walk Me Through Your Resume”

Of course, to practice your response successfully, it helps to see some examples. Here are a few sample answers to consider.

“Walk Me Through Your Resume” Sample Answer

In my previous role as a social media coordinator at [X Company], I was responsible for executing social media strategies and ads for TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. During my time at the company, I grew our social media followers by 60% and increased revenue from our targeted ad campaigns. The social media manager role at your company feels like the perfect next step in my career.

Sample Answer for Recent Graduates and New Professionals

I graduated from the University of Arizona with a double major in communications and Spanish. I completed coursework in communications technology, public speaking, and corporate communications during my studies. At my internship, I was responsible for developing social media campaigns and promotions for local events. I read your company is expanding into Latin America, and I can use my communication skills and bilingual abilities to help you connect with customers in the region.

Sample Answer for Career Changers

As you can see, I left teaching in 2018 to pursue a career in technical sales. Several of the skills that made me a successful teacher, like tailoring my message to different people, interpersonal skills, and communication, helped me succeed as a top sales representative at [XYZ Company].

Prepare to Ace Your Interview

“Walk me through your resume” can often make interviewees feel like deer in the headlights. But this won’t be you if you take the time to study the job description and practice your answer. By doing so, you’ll be able to answer this interview question like a pro.

The post How to Handle “Walk Me Through Your Resume” In an Interview appeared first on Job-Hunt.

One interview question that doesn’t seem to come up often is, “What makes you unique?” However, once you dig into what the question is asking, you’ll find this “unique” question is far more common than it seems.

Why Employers Ask “What Makes You Unique?”

There are two reasons why an employer might ask, “What makes you unique?”

First, it’s likely you aren’t the only applicant the company is interviewing for the role. And it’s equally likely that all the candidates are similar in background, education, and experience. So, while the employer is asking you to talk about what makes you unique, what they’re really asking is, “Why should we hire you over the other candidates?”

The second reason employers ask this question is because it’s unique! You may have been expecting and even prepared for, “Why should we hire you?” and the employer knows this. So, by throwing you a curveball, the employer is trying to measure how well you handle the unexpected and think on your feet!

How to Answer “What Makes You Unique?”

As you formulate your answer, remember that in this case, “unique” doesn’t mean “one of a kind.” For example, it might be unique that you know Morse code. However, it’s unlikely that you’ll need this particular skill for the role. The employer wants to know about the combination of skills and experience that only you possess and how you will use them to benefit the company.

Your answer needs to be specific to the role without being generic. Saying you’re unique because you have top-notch communication skills isn’t, well, unique. And while saying you have top-notch communication skills because you know Morse code is very unique, it’s probably not relevant to the role.

However, saying you have top-notch communication skills because you’ve spent the last few years creating press releases that increased traffic to the company website by 44% is unique, compelling, and specific!

Lead With Confidence

You might have a lot of skills or traits that make you unique. So, pick the one skill or trait you’re most confident talking about.

This doesn’t have to be a hard skill. You could discuss a soft skill or even an aspect of your personality that will help you excel in the role. For example, if you’re interviewing for a customer service role, you might choose to highlight that you’re an excellent listener or have an uncanny ability to understand where people are coming from.

Relate Your Uniqueness to the Role

Then, talk about how this skill or trait is relevant to the role. Using the example above, you could explain that being a good listener is essential in a customer service role because you recognize that often when people call, they are angry. Angry people usually want to be heard, and you have no problems hearing them out and being sympathetic.

How Will This Benefit the Employer?

Finally, explain how your unique ability will benefit the employer.

As a good listener, you’re able to hear what the customer is saying, and you take that information to soothe the customer and help them find a solution. This can help retain that customer and even turn them into a loyal, repeat one!

Sample Answer for “What Makes You Unique?”

Here’s what the pieces look like together:

One thing that makes me unique is that I’m a fantastic listener. This serves me well as a customer service agent because I can listen sympathetically to the customer and help them understand that I’m here to help. I’ll then work with them to find an agreeable solution. In my current role, I’ve received a five-star rating at least 98% of the time, with the majority of the customers saying that they were satisfied with the outcome and willing to recommend us to others.

As Unique as You

While there’s only one you, the other candidates may be pretty similar to you. Help an employer understand why they should hire you by talking about your uniqueness in a way that explains why you’re the best person for the role!

The post How to Answer “What Makes You Unique?” In a Job Interview appeared first on Job-Hunt.

Probably not. Most times, the interviewers try to get a good sense of personality from the candidate to see if they’ll be a culture fit. Knowing these can be tricky to prepare for, the recruiter might be trying to get you to open up and see how you respond under pressure.

So, is it possible to actually prepare for an open-ended interview question? You bet! The best way to prepare is to understand the different types of open-ended questions and develop general answers that you can tailor to the question.

Mastering Open-Ended Interview Questions

Admittedly, preparing for open-ended questions can be tricky, but it’s not impossible.

Types of Open-Ended Interview Questions

In an interview, employers will often ask open-ended questions to get a sense of your qualifications and how you handle certain situations. Situational questions prompt you to describe how you would react in a hypothetical situation. For example, “How would you react if you caught a teammate stealing?”

In contrast, behavioral questions ask you to recount a time when you performed the desired behavior. For instance, “Give an example of when you observed a teammate being dishonest or not doing their part. What did you do?”

Both types of questions can be challenging to answer, but it’s essential to take your time and respond thoughtfully. With situational questions, try to paint a picture of how you would handle the hypothetical situation using specific details. For behavioral questions, choose an example that highlights your positive qualities and showcases your ability to solve problems.

A few questions don’t seem to fit into any category, but they’re still important—questions like, “What are your strengths?” and “Tell me about yourself.” These questions can give the interviewer a lot of insight into your character. For example, answering the question about your strengths honestly and without bragging can show that you’re both humble and confident.

Tips for Answering Open-Ended Interview Questions

Ensure that you’ve thoroughly researched the company and the role before your interview. This will give you a better understanding of what they’re looking for in a candidate and help you prepare more targeted answers. Rather than worry about giving the wrong answer, get excited about the opportunity to showcase that you’re the best candidate for the role. As a note, you want to avoid the tendency to ramble when answering an open-ended interview question.

Examples of Open-Ended Interview Questions

You can use interview best practices and prepare answers that utilize the STAR method. Provide an example that relates to the question or a targeted characteristic of the job. Start by giving an overview of the situation, what the task that needed to be completed was, the action you took to solve it, and the result. Keep it concise, positive, and focused.

Tell me about yourself.

It’s always a bit daunting when an employer asks you to talk about yourself. However, it’s important to remember that they’re not asking for your life story. Instead, they’re looking for something that isn’t already obvious from your resume. This could be a particular skill or strength that you have or an experience that has shaped how you approach work. Whatever you choose to share, make sure that it gives the employer a better sense of who you are and how you’re an excellent fit for the position.

Example Answer: I am very goal-oriented, and my favorite part of my retail supervisor role was finding creative ways to hit our weekly targets. I found that I was good at motivating the team to upsell when closing out transactions. I’m focused on moving into a sales role with your company because you have an excellent reputation for being customer-focused. I think your company would be the perfect place for me to continue my development.

More: How to Handle “Walk Me Through Your Resume” In an Interview

What motivates you?

Employers are asking whether you will fit in with the company culture and whether you have the qualities they are looking for in an employee. It can be helpful to think of an example from your past—specifically when you have gone above and beyond the call of duty. Perhaps you stayed late to finish a project or went out of your way to help a coworker. Whatever the example, be sure to highlight how you were able to contribute to the team and how you felt about the experience.

Example Answer: I am motivated by the idea of making a lasting impact, so I would be particularly interested in working on projects that have the potential to make a difference. At my previous job, I felt like there were some holes in our training process that made it harder for new hires to feel successful. I approached the manager with some suggestions and asked if I could work on rewriting a few of the sections to help bridge the gap for new hires. As a result, our turnover rate lowered by 30% within a few months of implementing my changes.

What makes you the best person for this position?

The recruiter is looking to find out if you’ve done your research and are excited about this particular role or if you’re simply casting a wide net to get any available job. You can highlight experiences tailored to the position to help them connect the dots from your knowledge to the job.

Example Answer: I’m a digital marketing specialist known for my creative and engaging content. I have experience running high-converting campaigns for a variety of diverse target audiences. Moreover, I have 10 years of experience in the education field, so I understand the concerns and challenges that arise.

Common Open-Ended Questions

While you’ll never know what questions might be asked, here are some of the most common ones you might get a variation of.

• “What is your greatest weakness?”
• “Why are you looking for a new job?”
• “How do you handle work-related stress and anxieties?”
• “Would you consider yourself creative? If so, in what way?”
• “How do you handle failure?”
• “How were you referred to us?“
• “What is the first thing you’d do on your first day?”
• “What sort of vacation do you prefer—relaxing or adventurous?”
• “Where do you want to be in five or 10 years?“
• “What do you do when you’re running late?”
• “Tell me about a time you had to persuade someone.”

Conquering Open-Ended Interview Questions

Before you find yourself in an interview and faced with a problematic open-ended question, remember that you can answer any question thrown your way with a bit of preparation. You’ll be able to take a deep breath and relax, answer assertively, and then walk away feeling confident about your interview skills.

The post How to Answer Open-Ended Interview Questions appeared first on Job-Hunt.

Admittedly, this question can seem tricky at first glance, as it’s uncomfortable when you feel like you have to toot your own horn. But with clarification on what recruiters are looking for and a little preparation, you’ll be ready to showcase your strengths.

Why Employers Ask This Question

In an interview, employers are looking for candidates who can demonstrate a clear understanding of the job and how their skills and experience fit the role. They also want to see evidence of creativity and original thinking, as well as a genuine interest in the company and its mission. Your answer will help showcase the research you’ve done on both the company and the position itself.

To stand out from other candidates, it is vital to specify how your qualifications match the job requirements. That will show the recruiter that you’ve thought about the longevity and career fit of the role you’re applying for.

How to Answer the Question

Your first step will be trying to determine the nuances of this role and the needs it is filling for the company. When you can evaluate the company’s pain points or needs, you’ll be able to specify how you can solve those problems.

Research Thoroughly

The best way to learn about a company’s culture is to spend some time on its website and social media. You can also look at the profiles of team members on LinkedIn. These days, it’s relatively easy to get a sense of what it would be like to work for a particular company. Look beyond the obvious and try to get a feel for the organization’s heartbeat.

Does the company seem driven by metrics or passionate about customer service? Do they appear team-oriented with many fun team events that occur in the office? Have you discovered there’s a general focus on volunteerism or work-life balance? By taking the time to do your research, you’ll be able to give a more informed answer that demonstrates your compatibility.

Connect the Dots

When you clearly understand what the company is looking for, you can focus your answers on one or two key points. You’ll need to articulate your career goals and how they align with the company’s core values. This will help the interviewer see that you are a good fit for the organization and motivated by more than just a paycheck.

Formulate Your Answer

Be ready to explain what problem you’d be solving or what needs you’d be filling. This is an excellent opportunity to use a situational answer, also known as the STAR method.

Situation: What is the current state or need?
Task: How does the role you’re applying for fit into that situation?
Action: What actions have you taken in the past to solve a similar situation?
Result: What measurable outcomes were achieved?

More: How to Answer Situational Interview Questions (Example Answers)

Example Answers:

Your answer will be dependent on the variables of your situation, but consider the following example for inspiration.

I know that you’re looking for a manager who can balance fiscal responsibility with a people-first team environment. In my previous position, I was assigned to work with an underperforming team that was struggling with low morale. As the new manager, I took the time to meet with the team members to hear their perspectives on how we could meet our goals more efficiently. I was able to get their buy-in by letting them drive the solutions, and as a result, we became one of the top-performing teams nationwide.

If you’re applying for a customer-focused role, you might consider an answer like this one:

One of the reasons that I’m so excited to work here is the excellent reputation that [ABC Company] has for going above and beyond for their customers. I realize that you have extremely high standards in that regard for your team members and will need someone who can consistently perform with integrity and a customer-first focus. I’d be bringing my expertise from the printing business, where I was assigned to work with small business owners with extremely high standards for every aspect of the brand that their customers would interact with. I expanded our small business market, and I’m eager to do that again at [ABC Company].

Master Your Interview Preparation

As with every other aspect of the job search, your preparation will be the key to successfully navigating the question, “What can you bring to the company?” Devote time thoroughly researching the company and then building a bridge from your experience to their culture and needs.

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Questions like these can help you define your ideal work culture, which is the first step in researching and discovering a company where you’ll thrive. Once you have taken the time to acknowledge your perfect work culture, you can start tailoring your answers for upcoming interviews. Recruiting and hiring managers want to know that you’ll help preserve the company’s culture, rather than struggle with a poor fit.

Discovering Your Ideal Work Culture

As you’re practicing for your upcoming interview, take time to look beyond the obvious that the recruiter can glean from your resume. Instead, get excited at the opportunity to have a conversation highlighting how you’re the candidate they’ve been looking for, and you’re going to fit in perfectly!

What Is a Work Culture?

Work culture can seem a little ambiguous, and it’s certainly more than where desks are placed and whether you have jazz playing softly in the background—although those are aspects that help determine the overall feel of a workplace.

Realistically, work culture is how everyone interacts with each other and how the leadership makes decisions. It would be best if you considered that you’ll generally thrive more working for a company that mirrors your values and supports missions essential to you.

That means you’ll need to ask yourself questions, like do you feel it’s more important to be rewarded for your accomplishments or get recognized as part of a team? Do you need frequent check-ins to ensure you’re meeting expectations, or do you prefer being given a task and the freedom to complete it how you see fit?

Preparing for Work Culture Fit Interview Questions

As you’re doing your company research, note down some aspects of the company that resonate with you. You can use these talking points to help form the basis of your responses when you’re interviewing.

Even if a company’s overall feel doesn’t perfectly match your ideal work culture, specific departments or teams might. If that’s the case, target those areas for your job search. Consider the following tips as you’re framing your answers.

• Do your research: Learn as much as you can about the company’s culture before your interview. This will help you understand what they’re looking for in a candidate.
• Be yourself: Don’t try to be someone you’re not. Employers can see through insincere answers.
• Highlight the strengths that match: Use your research to highlight what an excellent fit you would be for the existing company culture, rather than listing unrelated qualities that don’t bring you closer to the job.
• Prepare stories to support your answers: Have examples ready to illustrate your points if the interviewer asks you to dive a little deeper.

Common Work Culture Interview Questions

While there’s no way of knowing precisely what you’ll be asked in an interview, these questions can give you a good starting place for outlining some answers to typical open-ended questions.

How would you describe your ideal work environment?

This is a common question asked in an interview, and for good reason. It gives the interviewer a broad overview of what you need to be productive and what motivates you. The key here is to focus on a few key points that are integral to you.

For example, if you prefer to work independently but still need to feel like you’re part of a team, you might say something like:

I love working with a close-knit group of people where I can rely on them, and they can rely on me. I need to feel like my individual efforts contribute to the team. However, I also need some time to myself so that I can be productive. A quiet space where I can retreat to focus on my work is essential.

What kind of company culture do you feel most comfortable in?

This question is similar to the first, but it’s more specific. Be honest in your response and focus on how the company’s culture aligns with your values.

For example, if you’re interviewing for a position at a startup that has a very laid-back environment, but your creativity shines with structured goals, you might say:

I appreciate your company’s relaxed dress code and flexible hours, as I appreciate getting to work in the early mornings when I’m most productive. I like that your employees are encouraged to take breaks throughout the day and get outside to stay refreshed. Personally, I like the freedom to structure my lists and tasks to challenge myself.

What do you think makes a good team player?

When thinking about your answer, consider current or previous teams. In your opinion, what made those people good team players? How did they contribute to the overall goal of the team? Incorporate those answers into your own response, such as:

I think a good team player is willing to lend a helping hand when needed but also knows when to step back and let others take the lead. They need to communicate effectively and be open to hearing other people’s suggestions.

What do you think makes a successful team?

You can also look at it from a more general perspective and think about what qualities were necessary for your team to be successful. For instance:

I think a successful team can work together toward a common goal. Everyone needs to be pulling their weight and doing their part. There also needs to be transparent communication, so everyone is on the same page and can lend support to one another when needed.

What is the most important quality in a leader?

What made you work harder for a previous leader, or what did you find incredibly challenging? It could be something like communication, decisiveness, or creativity. For example:

I think the most important quality in a leader is the ability to make decisions. They need to be able to weigh all of the options and make the best decision for the team. Leaders also need to be able to communicate their vision and get everyone on board.

What is the most important quality in a good manager?

Consider the nuances between a manager and a leader. You might encounter this during an interview for a sales role, for example, where the focus is more on managing outcomes and driving results. Your answer could include being organized, setting clear expectations, or giving constructive feedback. For example:

I think the most important quality in a good manager is the ability to give clear instructions and expectations. Employees need to know what is expected of them and their deadlines. A good manager also needs to be able to give constructive and helpful feedback.

Do you prefer to work independently or as a team?

Think about the types of projects that you have worked on in the past. What are the benefits and drawbacks of both? Here’s a sample response:

I prefer to work as part of a team. I think it allows for a more efficient workflow because you can bounce ideas off each other and get different perspectives. That said, there are times when I enjoy working independently because it allows me to be more creative and take my time.

What are the most important qualities in a good team member?

Who did you enjoy working with the most? Did they challenge you to try harder or give you loads of encouragement when you were new? It could be something like being a good listener, being able to take direction, or working well under pressure. You might say something like:

I think the most important quality in a good team member is the ability to take direction and feedback from peers. They need to be open to hearing what other people say and be willing to make changes based on that feedback. A good team member also needs to work well under pressure and meet deadlines, but they should be able to openly ask for help if they’re struggling because their performance affects everyone.

Mastering Open-Ended Interview Questions

Initially, many job seekers are intimidated by open-ended interview questions. However, they’re an excellent way to personalize your responses and help the recruiter see that you’re a perfect fit beyond your skills. You’ll stand apart from the competition with tailored responses that take note of the company culture and highlight your fresh ideas and creativity.

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Below are some strategies to use when planning your response to this classic interview question.

Get Real About Your Reasons

Formulating an effective response should begin by considering why you actually are interested in the job you’ve applied for. Assuming that you really do want the job, answering sincerely will make a better impression on the hiring team than saying something that doesn’t ring true. Think about what stood out to you in the job listing and what elements of the opportunity attracted you to the posting—and then frame your answer around those specifics.

For example, if you liked that the job ad emphasized working with a fully remote team and you have experience with success in a remote role, you might start your answer by emphasizing that.

A possible opener might be, “There are a number of reasons why I’m excited about the potential of working with your team, one of which is that I appreciate that you’ve kept your entire team fully remote, showing trust in your employees. I began working remotely when the pandemic started, and my productivity skyrocketed—I’d love to bring my experience as a successful remote worker to this position and help your department and company reach their goals based on what I’ve learned about effective remote working.”

Wrap the Company, Team, and Position Into Your Response

Once you’ve hooked the hiring manager into an initial reason for your interest in the job, don’t stop there—be sure to incorporate details about why you want to work for the company and team, as well as sharing your thoughts about the position.

This will require research on the front end to identify specific aspects of the organization that appeal to you, whether it’s the company culture or how the company stands out among competitors in the industry. If you would be working on a team, think on your feet about points you heard during the interview or anything you’ve gleaned from your initial conversations with the manager about the team’s dynamics, and address those in explaining your interest. Finally, hone in on the specific position and what intrigues you about it.

A sample answer might be, “I’ve admired your company’s culture from afar for a long time and have always felt that I would be a great fit for it. Also, from everything you’ve shared about the team I would work on, I know I could make a strong contribution based on my background to help round out the group with my skill set. Additionally, the job itself is right up my alley—as you may have seen on my resume, I have extensive experience in this role and feel that the way you’ve structured the position is a perfect next step for me to share what I’ve learned to benefit your group.”

Make It More About Them Than You

As you may have noticed in the answer above, it’s a smart strategy to bring your points back to what’s in it for the employer, rather than for you.

While you may have personal reasons for wanting the job, the hiring team will care more about how your expertise can benefit their department and company than about how the job will benefit you.

Avoid saying something like, “The benefits in this job are incredible, and that’s really why I want to work at the company,” or “I live right down the street from your headquarters, so it’s an easy commute for me.” By making your answer more about the manager’s, team’s, and company’s needs than your own, your answer to this question will be much stronger.

If in doubt, think about what you’d like to hear as a hiring manager about why a candidate you were interviewing wanted the job. If you can provide a genuine answer that addresses the needs of the hiring team and organization while showing how your career background can help the employer reach their goals, you’ll wow your interviewers.

More: How to Answer “What Can You Bring to the Company?”

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But you’re also needing to prepare for a leadership role, which brings a new set of questions and preparation.

How to Answer Leadership Interview Questions

Leadership qualities are often intangible, like vision, calmness, and communication. No scale or professional certificate shows that you’ve mastered them. Instead, you’ll need to demonstrate them using the STAR method.

The STAR method is a structured way to answer behavioral interview questions. It stands for Situation, Task, Action, Result. You can use the STAR method to break down any leadership experience into its fundamental parts and show how you handled it.

Creating a Concise Response

Start by setting the scene with a brief overview of the situation. Then, describe the task you were working on and your actions to complete it. Finally, share what result you achieved and how it impacted your team or company.

Remember that if this is your first leadership interview, you can highlight your leadership qualities even if you weren’t officially in a lead role. Consider times that you supported team initiatives, helped your peers, or found a way to convince your boss to go in a different direction.

Preparing for Common Leadership Interview Questions

While it’s impossible to know exactly what questions the interviewer will ask, generally, they’ll fall into several of the following areas. It’s best to brainstorm scenarios and create bullet points, rather than memorize your answers. That way, you can adjust in the moment to answer the specific questions that are being asked.

We’ve rounded up some of the most common leadership interview questions with example answers to help you start brainstorming.

Can you share a time when you had to lead a team through a challenging situation?

When I was leading my sales team during a downturn in sales, we had to make some tough decisions to stay afloat. One of the things I did was institute a hiring freeze and cut back on travel and other expenses. It wasn’t easy, as many of our sales are driven by in-person meetings, but it was necessary to keep the team going.

We began a targeted distance sales program that ranged from sending gift certificates to having Zoom meetings with clients. I’m proud of how we persevered and became more robust on the other side. These days, I’m always looking for ways to save money and make sure my team’s jobs are secure because we’re doing our due diligence as a company.

What do you think are the key attributes of a successful leader?

Successful leaders always look for ways to continually improve and motivate their teams to grow and evolve their skills. They have a clear vision of where they want to take their team and can communicate it effectively.

In my last role as a leader for a marketing team, we were branching into a new target demographic with our product. I had to be able to communicate the vision for where we were going while also motivating my team to take risks and try new things. I started by utilizing brainstorming sessions and vision boards so we could get the creative juices flowing together. After they saw that the entire team was branching out, they felt more comfortable stepping outside of the box on an individual level.

What do you think sets you apart from other leaders in your field?

One thing that sets me apart from other leaders is my ability to connect with people. I work to discover what motivates and drives them to do their best work. Rather than focus on the goals, I focus on the people that will get us to those goals.

For example, previously, I was with a team of engineers working on a new product. One of the things I did was sit down with each engineer and talk to them about their process. I wanted to know how they thought and what motivated them. Based on those conversations, I could give them specific tasks that played to their strengths and helped move the project along more efficiently.

Can you share a time you had to make a tough call as a leader?

As a leader, I had to decide when a winter storm was approaching whether or not we would close the restaurant on a Friday night. Since it was our busiest night, it was not a great option from a fiscal perspective, but I felt that it was more important for our team to get home ahead of possible winter driving conditions.

In the end, we closed early and sent the team home. The storm ended up not being as bad as forecasted, and it would have been safe to remain open, but I still feel like it was the best call with the information I had.

Describe when you had to give negative feedback to someone on your team. How did you handle it?

I remember when I had to give negative feedback to one of my salespeople. They were not meeting their quotas, and their attitude was starting to affect the rest of the team. I sat with them and talked about what they needed to improve. I was honest with them but also tried to be constructive.

While I told them what they were doing well, I also gave them specific things they could work on. I also assigned a schedule of weekly check-ins with me and additional side-by-side training with a senior member of the team. Ultimately, they improved their performance and attitude and became a top performer on the team.

Tell me about a time when you disagreed with your boss or another leader in your organization. How did you handle the situation?

I disagreed with my boss about a marketing proposal we were working on for a large client. I felt we should focus on a different aspect than they did. I created a report that showed the data driving my vision, then voiced my opinion and presented my case.

In the end, we agreed with the data and changed the project’s direction a bit to meet both of our goals. I think it’s important to be able to respectfully disagree with leaders in your organization. It shows that you’re willing to stand up for what you believe in and are not afraid to support your team.

Additional Leadership Questions

1. What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a leader? How did you overcome them?
2. What do you think is the most important thing for leaders to remember?
3. How would you describe your leadership style?
4. How would your team describe your leadership style?
5. How do you handle conflict within a team?
6. Tell me about a time when you had to give feedback to an entire team that was unpopular.
7. How do you motivate your team?
8. What are your thoughts on delegation?
9. How do you deal with stress and pressure?
10. What are your thoughts on taking risks?
11. How do you keep a project on schedule?
12. Share a time you led by example.
13. How do you deal with negative feedback from your team?
14. Which of your previous leaders was your favorite/least favorite and why?
15. What leaders have inspired you?
16. How do you set and measure goals for yourself and your team?
17. How do you work to create a culture where your team can thrive?
18. How do you support your team’s development?
19. What personal development goals do you have?
20. What aspects of leadership do you struggle with?

Preparing for Your Interview

While some job seekers get anxious about answering open-ended questions, remember that an interview is simply a conversation. You have an excellent opportunity to fully explain your leadership style and ensure the role is a fantastic job fit.

Consider enlisting a professional career coach to assist in your preparation by conducting a mock interview. By thoroughly preparing for your interview, you can ensure that you’re showcasing yourself as the best possible job fit.

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