Keep it brief and weave three simple facts about yourself into a personal story of how you came to apply for the company. A story is a much more memorable way to leave an impression than the typical dry recitation of your resume.
What to say:
"Three things stand out. I grew up in rural Montana as the oldest of five kids. I had to lead and take care of others from a young age, which is something that's helped me throughout life. Second, growing up in rural Montana, I spent a lot of time in the outdoors, which is why I chose to study environmental studies in college. My recent experience with [Company X] has really allowed that passion to flourish. Finally, I've always wanted to go where my interests and skills have the most room to grow, which is why I learned so much at [Company X] for the past two years. Now I'm looking forward to taking my skills to a larger stage — which is why I'm here talking to you today."
2. Why are you leaving your current job?
Being too truthful in your response to this question can ruin your chances. After all, hiring managers don't want to hear that you're not getting paid enough or that you don't like your boss.
Instead, be straightforward, positive and avoid looking like the office troublemaker. "Your interviewer is trying to assess if you're the problem, not the job," Welch says.
And make sure to turn the conversation around to the new opportunity at hand.
What to say:
"I love my job, but there's just not a lot of opportunity. That's why I was really excited to hear your company is working on X and Y. I really want to brush up on my X skills and am looking for a new challenge."
3. There are a few gaps in your resume. Can you tell me about them?
First, don't make your resume an exhaustive list of every job and internship, says Sethi. Let your resume tell a cohesive narrative of your career and where you want to go next.
If you do have gaps, craft your resume to include the year you started and left your job to help control the conversation about your career path so far. As a result, your resume might look something like this:
Associate - Company Z
2016 - Present
Assistant - Company Y
2014 - 2016
If you're unable to avoid revealing gaps in your resume, talk about what you learned or how you grew during that time, he suggests.
What to say:
"I took some time to freelance and consult — which gave me the opportunity to consider what I want to learn next, which is how I found this job."
Or:
"I was let go from Company X due to budget constraints, and I've maintained a good relationship with my manager and colleagues. During the time off, I considered what I wanted to learn next, which is what led me to this job."
4. Have you ever quit a job? If so, why?
Candidates answering this question should be positive and underscore what they learned in that role that sets them apart, as well as how a new role fits into their career path, according to Sethi.
What to say:
"I learned so much about leadership from my time at [Company X], I felt that working for [Company Y] would be the next logical step for my career path."
You can follow up with a few specifics that attracted you to the position or company, such as the company's leadership in research and development, an area where you see yourself building your skills.
5. Have you ever been fired? If so, what happened?
Many people have been fired from a job at some point.
"When I ask," she says, "I'm not looking to hear the whole drama-filled story. I'm looking to see how the candidates handled the stress of a question like that. If their response is all negative, it tells me that the candidates can be a problem."
Be honest, frame your experience positively and talk about how the new job is a better fit and what you hope to learn.
What to say:
"The last job wasn't a good fit, which helped me to seriously examine my strengths and weaknesses and what I want to learn in my next job. That's what led me to this job today."
6. To answer the question, "Who's your role model?"
This question is a "gift from the career gods," says Welch . It's also a sign your hiring manager wants to know how well you know and love the kind of work you'll be doing, she says.
Have a strategy for this type of question, she says. Avoid saying something generic and naming your mom or dad. Consider someone your hiring manager might know and find influential, such as a former boss or a thought leader from your field.
What to say:"I've always admired [name of respected industry person]. I have great respect for [example of their work] and this person has forged the career I hope to have one day."
7. Describe yourself in 3 words.
Hiring managers ask this question to evaluate if you are self-aware and authentic. They want to know how you think and operate.
When answering, consider words that describe the way you think. "Conceptual," "creative," and "curious," are all good choices. Don't forget to incude a word that describes your character, she says. Good examples might include "kind" or "honest," traits any boss would want in a team member. Lastly, take the opportunity to surprise your hiring manager with something uniquely you. Consider words like "calm" or "connector."
Whatever you do, she says, avoid jargon and avoid seeming generic.
What to say: "Creative, kind, connector."