Questions to answer before your first interview

 
 

I’ve mentioned this before, but I don’t typically set resolutions each year. However, I know from experience that taking a break over the holidays helps to reset my brain so that I am prepared to think about the future.

I have been doing this for long enough now that I know that many of you are using the start of the year to rethink your career trajectory. My inbox is currently overflowing with candidates who want to chat with a recruiter about the job search process. If this resonates with you, and if this is the year you begin applying for jobs then read on, because we've got tips on how to answer questions most recruiters and organizations ask during the hiring process.

Regardless of where you are in the process, whether you set a resolution to jump start your search or you have been looking for a while and need to rejuvenate your search, everyone needs to prepare answers to some basic questions you’ll get during interviews and also during informational chats.

At NRG, we try to send out interview questions in advance to help you prepare. But that isn’t always possible. Plus, sometimes our clients want to see you think on your feet because that is what you will be doing on the job. This email highlights some basic questions you’ll likely get as a part of any job search and they are good questions to think about even if you aren’t looking for your next opportunity quite yet.

 
 

Tell me about yourself or some version of: introduce yourself. I’ve talked about this one before.

This one seems straightforward but can be tough. You can’t talk about everything so this is really about choosing the right experiences to highlight.

Hot tip: keep in mind the job you are applying for or the type of job you want if doing a more general informational call when answering this question. Connect your experience to the opportunity you want and allow that to inform what experiences, qualities, and skills you underline.

What is your superpower?

This is another version of tell me about yourself but it gives an insight into what you will bring to an organization and how you will make a lasting impact. What makes you unique? Spend time brainstorming and include an example that showcases your superpower in action.

 
computer in the background with blue tint and large letters in the foreground that say "Why this Job? Why Now?"
 

How does this job fit into your career arc? Or, Why this job and why now?

You are making a change and you know exactly why. But sometimes it’s hard to tell that story in a cohesive way. 

Here are some guiding questions to help:

  • Why did you get into this work in the first place? Was there an inciting incident or story you can weave into your narrative?

  • Why is this the right time to leave your current position or why did you leave your most recent position? What about this moment makes you ready for a new opportunity?

  • What challenges have you faced that helped you to grow and also helped prepare you for this opportunity?

Be sure to practice your story and get feedback on it. Maybe you enlist a buddy or maybe you hire a coach. 

Explain your resume: why you left when you did and took opportunities that you did.

Many of us don’t have a linear path when it comes to our careers so spend time thinking about what you gained from that short stint at a job that looks out of place amongst the others. What skills did you learn that prepared you for the job you are looking for now? 

Plus, if you don’t have a traditional career path that clearly leads to the job you are seeking, you might have to do a little extra work. If you are mid-career, be sure to have answers to why you stayed at an organization or organizations for less than four years. 

Who is the best manager you have ever worked with and what made them great?

This question gives insight into what you are like to work with and what you value. Especially when it comes to small teams, organizations want someone who can fit in and navigate those small team dynamics. A question like this gives them insight. 

Another version of this question is: Tell me about a manager you didn’t like working with and why? Be prepared to answer both. Be honest about your values and commitments and then when it’s time for you to ask the questions, you can turn this around and ask the Hiring Manager: what is your favorite thing about working for this organization? Their answer will help you to gain insight you need to make sure this is the right place for you. 

Provide examples of your commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

These questions might vary depending on the job you are applying for but every client I work with wants to make sure the people they hire have worked in diverse spaces, want to be a part of inclusive environments, and can communicate clearly why equitable workplaces matter. Here are some examples of questions you might get: 

  • Please share an example of a time when you have demonstrated a commitment to antiracism, diversity, equity, and/or inclusion in your advocacy or workplace.

  • What is your definition of diversity? Give an example of how you encourage people to honor their own uniqueness in the workplace? 

  • Give an example of a time when you challenged stereotypes and promoted inclusion? 

  • What experience do you have developing and implementing DEI initiatives? Specifically, please tell us what the initiatives were, what systems you set up to monitor their progress, and what the outcome was.

  • What have been your experiences building and leading diverse teams, enabling each colleague to be authentic and feel supported and included, and to use diversity as a strength to achieve the organizational mission and vision?

  • Talk about how you approach DEI principles and practices as a leader. Give an example you are proud of that exemplifies your commitment to DEI.

Reflecting on all of these questions will also help you to get clear on what opportunity you want next and why. That pre-work will help you decide which jobs are the ones where you should focus your energy and attention. And if you aren’t quite ready to launch a search yet, these questions can still be great to help you reflect on your past and create relevant goals for your future. 

 

Plus, in the previous Get Hired, we launched a survey for you to tell us about your experiences with recruiters. We’ve already heard from almost 100 of you. We are going to keep the survey open for another week so if you haven’t had the chance to complete it yet, now is the time.  It’s just about your experience and should only take 2 minutes.

We will keep your information anonymous and we’ll use it to improve our own hiring practices at NRG. I’ll also use this data to encourage clients to make the best hiring process decisions–decisions that make your life easier and better.

 
 

On to the jobs! Check out all of NRG’s searches here. Fifteen of those positions are remote.

Opportunities NRG is hiring for:

In addition to this list, you can find more opportunities on the website. Follow NRG on LinkedIn to stay up-to-date on all of the roles we are hiring for.

Let’s move,

Naomi

P.S.  If you are launching a new job search in 2024 or just want to hit reset, sign up right now for 15 minutes with Kristin to learn how NRG’s coaching programs can help you.

If you find this newsletter helpful, forward it to your friends and help us build our network! If you received this from a friend, sign up here to receive future “Get Hired'' newsletters. 

 
Interview processNaomi Roth-Gaudette