New Career Interview Preparation Guide

Career paths are routes that individuals take from their first foray into the job market through to their final position before retirement. Generally speaking career paths start with the most junior position and end with the most senior position. This is not always the case but is likely the intention of the individual.

One that's concise and compelling and that shows exactly why you are the right fit for the job. Start off with the 2-3 specific accomplishments or experiences that you most want the interviewer to know about, then wrap up talking about how that prior experience has positioned you for this specific role.

This is actually a perfect opportunity to stand out and show your passion for and connection to the company. For example, if you found out about the gig through a friend or professional contact, name drop that person, then share why you were so excited about it. If you discovered the company through an event or article, share that. Even if you found the listing through a random job board, share what, specifically, caught your eye about the role.

Any candidate can read and regurgitate the company's "About" page. So, when interviewers ask this, they are not necessarily trying to gauge whether you understand the mission-they want to know whether you care about it. Start with one line that shows you understand the company's goals, using a couple key words and phrases from the website, but then go on to make it personal.

First, identify a couple of key factors that make the role a great fit for you (e.g., "I love customer support because I love the constant human interaction and the satisfaction that comes from helping someone solve a problem"), then share why you love the company (e.g., "I've always been passionate about education, and I think you guys are doing great things, so I want to be a part of it").

This question seems forward (not to mention intimidating!), but if you are asked it, you are in luck. There is no better setup for you to sell yourself and your skills to the hiring manager. Your job here is to craft an answer that covers three things that you can not only do the work, you can deliver great results; that you will really fit in with the team and culture; and that you'd be a better hire than any of the other candidates.

It is to gauge your self-awareness and honesty. So, "I can not meet a deadline to save my life" is not an option-but neither is "Nothing! I am perfect!" Strike a balance by thinking of something that you struggle with but that you are working to improve. For example, maybe you have never been strong at public speaking, but you have recently volunteered to run meetings to help you be more comfortable when addressing a crowd.

A great way to answer is by using the S-T-A-R method:
Set up the situation and the task that you were required to complete to provide the interviewer with background context (e.g., "In my last job as a junior analyst, it was my role to manage the invoicing process"), but spend the bulk of your time describing what you actually did (the action) and what you achieved (the result).

You should be accurate (share your true strengths, not those you think the interviewer wants to hear); relevant (choose your strengths that are most targeted to this particular position); and specific (for example, instead of "people skills," choose "persuasive communication" or "relationship building"). Then, follow up with an example of how you have demonstrated these traits in a professional setting.

Be honest and specific about your future goals, but consider this, a hiring manager wants to know:
a) If you have set realistic expectations for your career.
b) If you have ambition.
c) If the position aligns with your goals and growth.
Your best bet is to think realistically about where this position could take you and answer along those lines.