Post by @thecareerdecoded

These are five answers you should have on lock and be able to nail before you walk into an interview. Here’s the strategy: 1. Tell me about yourself? Relevant: What in your background matters to me? Evidence: What have you accomplished that proves it? Connection: Why does that make this opportunity the logical next step? 2. What are your strengths and weaknesses? Strength: What do you do exceptionally well that matters to this role? Evidence: What have you done that proves it? Weakness: What have you genuinely had to improve? Progress: What have you done to get better? 3. Why should we hire you? This is your one-minute elevator pitch. Need: What does the hiring manager need this person to accomplish? Evidence: What have you already done that proves you can do it? Value: What will you bring to this role that makes you worth hiring? Not: “I’m hardworking.” “I’m passionate.” “I’m a quick learner.” Those are claims. Give me evidence. 4. Why are you looking to leave your current position? Reason: What specifically is missing or changing in your current role? Direction: What are you looking for that you don’t have today? Connection: Why does THIS opportunity give you that? Not: “I’ve hit a growth ceiling.” “I’m looking for a new challenge.” “I’m ready for the next step.” Those could describe anyone. Get specific. If you say “growth,” define it. Is it larger scope, leadership responsibility, more complex work, managing a team, a different industry, or exposure you don’t currently have? 5. Tell me about a challenge you faced at work. Challenge: What was the situation and what made it difficult? Thinking: How did you assess the situation and decide what to do? Action: What did YOU specifically do? Outcome: What happened as a result? The hiring manager isn’t looking for the biggest challenge you’ve ever faced. They’re looking at how you critically thought through the situation, the decisions you made, and how you got to the outcome. Don’t spend 80% of your answer explaining the problem. Spend your time showing me how you solved it. If you get these five answers on lock, you’ll give yourself a much better shot at making more final rounds 🙌🏻 #job #interview #careeradvice #interviewtips #hiring