As you prepare for your next job interview it can be overwhelming to think through all the possible questions that could be asked, especially if you are progressing past the first round. As a ProTip, here are three questions I recommend thinking through not just for the interview, but for yourself:
1. Tell Me About Yourself
This is a tough question because you may not know where to start or where to end. I find it helps if I translate that question into “TELL ME ABOUT THE RELEVANT PARTS OF YOUR CAREER.” By thinking of it in this way you can tell the story of how you arrived at this moment, without getting too far out into the weeds.
I will share with you a framework for how to answer this question beyond a step-by-step walkthrough of your resume in another post.
2. Why Do You Want THIS Job?
This is a key question because, like in dating, everyone wants to feel special. If you share some blanket statement that could seem to be shared with ANY prospective employer then it may seem as though you have not put much thought into your candidacy.
One of the key things recruiters want to see is effort, so they are looking to weed out those doing a “spray and pray” approach to throwing around resumes and seeing what sticks. If you craft an answer that shows that THIS role matters to you then maybe…just maybe your application will get a second look.
3. Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?
While it may be true that there is no way to know, but it is important to have a longer-term goal, a North Star, so that you have a direction for your growth. Sometimes it is too easy to stay where and how you are while the world – and innovation – passes by.
With this answer, you may not share all of your plans, but you definitely want to share how this role will help you to develop the skills to grow into the professional you want to become.
