Interviewing well is an acquired skill. I’ve met very few people who enjoy – much less nail – the interview every time. There are so many variables, and no one likes to be put on the spot. Interviews aren’t seen in the same way as attention comedy act or concert. This process can come with exercises, homework, hands-on, role-playing, and of course, the questions themselves. The questions are the toughest because it’s hard to know what will be asked, and then the pressure is on. I encourage you to take a moment after each question is asked, take a deep breath, think for a moment, embrace the silence, and then provide your answer.
These are two of the toughest interview questions, in my opinion, along with exactly how I would answer them if asked…
Can you tell me a little about yourself?
I’m a go-getter originally from Michigan and moved to Tennessee just over 4 years ago after accepting what was my dream role at the time. I enjoy reading, always have a book on tap [insert current book title here], and have my own in-home library with over 1,000 books! (I haven’t actually counted how many books I own, so I’m just guessing here, but it’s definitely at least in the hundreds! I even gift and lend books out fairly often. I’ve built up quite the stash!) In my free time, I enjoy reading and writing, mostly via my blog. My husband and I have been married for over 13 years. We love dogs, so we have our own pack of four (blue heeler, lab, shepherd, and terrier). We love life and enjoy experiencing it together. Professionally, I am always seeking areas for growth and strive to be a leader in whatever I do.
Side Note: Why is this question so hard? If you’re like me, you don’t enjoy talking about yourself when put on the spot in an interview. However, the interviewer is asking you to do just that. Don’t make it awkward; just suck it up, and become your own ambassador for a couple of minutes! Fortunately, this question is quite common, so your response is something that can be – and should be – practiced ahead of time.
Where do you see yourself in “X” years?
One of my strengths (according to Strengthsfinder) is Futuristic, so I’m constantly thinking ahead. I never lack vision and what things could be. For that reason, I always see myself successful no matter what I’m doing. I would also hold to the same goal of reading at least one personal development book per month. Long-term, I see myself fulfilling my dream of helping others achieve their goals and successes, both personally and professionally, because when they win, I win!
A close second to that pair of questions are the following…
What is your greatest professional strength?
I can’t cheat and go with the Strengthsfinder here, but I can definitely supplement it with additional details about said strengths. Since I’m a Futurist, I specialize in being slightly cynical, so I’ve already seen what could go wrong even before any effort is placed. It’s kind of like a super power, except without the music and special effects!
Another of my strengths is Input, so I crave ideas and always want to know more. If you give me feedback, it’s just as good as handing me a wrapped gift to open. I enjoy information in all forms; I can never know too much. Thank goodness for Google!
What is your greatest weakness?
This question is a tough one, but I would build on the above response about strengths by saying that because I’m a Futurist, sometimes I look too far ahead and forget the here-and-now, what’s realistic, and what makes sense in the present. That head-stuck-in-the-clouds moment can get me into trouble if the timing isn’t right.
My Input strength can turn into a weakness because sometimes I focus too much on getting the information rather than using it and actually taking the time to put it into practice. Information can also become overwhelming if not utilized and stored properly. Information overload is a real struggle, especially in this day and age! I’m also extremely guilty of not asking enough questions. I feel that when I’m asked to complete a task, I don’t have the right to get any details on what would allow me to do a much better job.
It’s always a work in progress, but I hope these tips will be helpful to you at some point! Always remember that you’re never too busy to be blessed. Make each decision after thoroughly addressing it in prayer.
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
~ Philippians 4:6
☕️ Journal Java
- How do you feel about interviews?
- What is the hardest interview question you have ever been asked and why?
- When someone asks you to tell them about yourself, how does it vary in an interview vs. a typical conversation with someone you’ve just met or haven’t gotten to know yet?