Hey there, I'm still thinking how to address you to sound like me 😎, I'm open to ideas.
If you're looking to ace your next job interview and make your mark, you've come to the right place. I've got some secret sauce to help you stand out and get that offer! But shhh, don't tell anyone… Or better yet, do tell them, and encourage them to sign up for my newsletter! 😉 So, without further ado, let's dive into the top 10 most commonly asked interview questions.
1. “Tell me about yourself."
Keep it short, sweet, and relevant to the role. Two minutes, tops! Save the life story for your memoir.
Consider touching on these four key categories to keep it short, sweet, and relevant to the role:
Background & Education: Quickly mention your educational qualifications and any relevant experience or training that has prepared you for this role.
Recent Experience: Highlight your most recent and relevant accomplishments, focusing on the skills and expertise that make you a great fit for the position at hand.
Strengths & Skills: Showcase your top strengths and skills that align with the requirements of the job, demonstrating how they would contribute to the company's success.
Passion & Alignment: End by expressing your passion for the industry, company, or role, and how this opportunity aligns with your long-term career goals.
Here is mine :)
Background & Education: I didn't graduate from York University with a major in Psychology but I got all I needed in three years there and completed a Business Accounting and Finance program at Seneca College. I'm a lifelong learner and have completed a plethora of online courses, including B-School by Marie Forleo, Copy Cure, Hug Your Haters, and even training in Asana and Zendesk, just to name a few!
Recent Experience: I was an Executive Assistant at Danila Wedding Photography, where I developed an email marketing system, wrote copy for email templates, and systemized the post-production process. Before that, I was a Customer Service Department Manager at Food To Live, growing the team from 2 to 12 people and raising customer satisfaction to 99% across all platforms. I also helped boost customer retention to 87%.
Strengths & Skills: I'm a quick learner and thrive in understanding company environments to identify areas for improvement. I love working with different platforms and am obsessed with technology, especially in remote work situations.
You could say I'm your go-to girl in the age of AI!
Passion & Alignment: I adore languages and exploring different cultures, which fuels my love for travel. As a mom, I take my kids on adventures around the world, creating priceless memories. My fascination with AI is balanced by my tireless interest in people's way of life before the 1900s. Currently, I'm building my genealogy tree while simultaneously creating chatbot prompts—a unique blend of past and present that perfectly captures my passions.
2. "What work accomplishment are you most proud of?"
Captivate them with a story (everyone loves a good story!). Use numbers to make your impact stick like glue. 💥 So, once upon a time, I uncovered a multi-million dollar scam within the upper management of the leading dealership in the automotive industry, which led to a complete overhaul of the corporation's management. I accomplished this feat single-handedly. Honestly, once, this was an issue and I actually didn’t get hired. 😂
3. "Why do you want to work here?"
This is your chance to woo them with your enthusiasm for the company and how it aligns with your career goals. And don't forget to LOOK excited! 😄
4. "What is your biggest failure?"
Choose a real work failure, but always end on a high note. Show them that you're all about growth, baby!
5. "What is your greatest weakness?"
Show them you're a work in progress, and how you're growing. Be honest, but not too honest. No one needs to know about your chocolate addiction. 🍫 I’m a people pleaser at heart, and it's difficult for me to say no. I know, that it works to my disadvantage, but that is what makes me the best Customer Service Professional on the block.
6. "How do you handle competing priorities?"
Show them your secret sauce: prioritizing based on ROI, communicating effectively, and being adaptable. Act like you've got this, Remember, fake it until you make it!
7. "What are your compensation expectations?"
ONE MILLION DOLLARS!!!! - joke. Avoid throwing out a number. Instead, focus on fit and the whole package. You're not just about the Benjamins! 💸
8. "Tell me about a conflict at work." 😠 - I hate gossip but,
Use this as an opportunity to showcase your teamwork and emotional intelligence (EQ).
*Keep the blame game off the table!
9. "What are your career goals?" 🚀
Show them how the role, company, and size are a perfect fit for you.
*Bonus points for authenticity! 🌟
10. "What is your approach to giving and receiving feedback?"
Well, I've always believed that feedback is like a surprise party for personal growth! 🎉 So, when it comes to giving feedback, I make sure to wrap it up like a gift. 🎁 I start by focusing on the positives and then gently point out areas for improvement, all the while ensuring that I'm supportive and empathetic. I also make it a point to be specific, because vague feedback is like getting socks for your birthday—underwhelming and not very useful.
As for receiving feedback, I'm all ears! 👂 I listen actively and appreciate the fact that someone took the time to help me improve. I'm like a feedback sponge, soaking up all the wisdom and using it to become a better version of myself. And, you know what? If the feedback is a tough pill to swallow, I make sure to chase it down with a healthy dose of gratitude and EQ. Because, at the end of the day, it's all about growing, learning, and evolving together. 🌱💼
11. Bonus. “Where do you see yourself in five years?” I personally despise this one, as I have a hard time imagining myself even in a year from now, I do plan to always evolve, educate and enjoy, I also plan to make money :) Whats your least favorite question, that makes you wanna roll your eyes and ask if the interviewer really cares!?
In five years, I see myself celebrating the five-year anniversary of you asking me this
question! But seriously, I hope to have grown within this company and taken on new challenges
that allow me to contribute even more to our success.
Surprised by a question? 😲 Remember these bonus tips: ask for time, structure your response, and redirect to topics you're comfortable with. Smooth sailing!
Ready to conquer the interview world? Sign up for my newsletter to receive more tips and tricks to help you stand out and get that dream job! Let's do this together!
Happy interviewing! 🙌
A click away,
Kat