棉花糖夫人
外贸英语面试常见问题及答案
在进行外贸的英语面试时一般会被问到什么问题呢?应该如何回答面试官的问题呢?下面是我分享给大家的外贸英语面试常见问题及答案，希望对大家有帮助。
面试题1：tell me a little about yourself. (请简单介绍一下自己)
解读：自我介绍是面试必备流程之一，英语面试也不例外。建议各位，在面试之前根据自己实际情况，准备3分钟左右的英文自我介绍，以便面试时能顺利流畅的应答。
面试题2：Why do you feel you are qualified for this job?(你为什么觉得自己胜任这份工作?)
解读：与中问面试题一样，在回答这一问题的时候，你要充分发挥你的“自夸”本质。你可以讲述一些简历资料里没有的技能，或者再结合案例强调一下你的特长。
面试题3：What kind of salary did you have in mind?(你的期望薪资是多少?)
解读：回答这个问题时，最好说出一个大致范围，而不是一个确切的数字。如果你能说出这个工资范围，那就说明你对此行业非常了解。
面试题4：If hired, when could you start work?(如果雇佣的话，你什么时候开始工作?)
解读：回答这个问题时。一定要注意!不要说我马上可以工作。那会让对方认为你非常迫切地需要这份工作。一个非常保险的回答可以是“I can start at the beginning of next month.”(我下月初可以开始上班。)
面试题5：Where do you want to be in five years?(5年之内你想处于什么位置?)
解读：不要给出具体的时限或工作头衔。谈你喜欢的东西，你天生的技能，实际的问题和在你所选的领域或行业里你希望有什么机会，你希望从那些经验中学点什么。例： I’d like to have the opportunity to work in a plant as well as at the home office.I also hope to develop my management skills,perhaps by managing a small staff.?
面试题6：What have you learned about our company from customers,employees,or others? (你从我们公司的顾客、员工，或是其它途径了解了我们公司的一些什么情况??)
解读：这一题，主要是考察求职者的面试准备情况。将你了解的企业情况，用简单的语言表述出来即可，知道多少说多少。
面试题7：What motivates you to do this kind of work? (是什么促使你想从事这类工作?)
解读：外贸业务员，是个工作压力很大的职业，如果没有兴趣很难坚持长久。因此，面试官会想知道你的兴趣是否和该特定的工作一致。这题你可以这样回答I’ve been fortunate in my own schooling;I had wonderful teachers.I want to be that same kind of teacher,who not only encourages kids to learn but also sets an example that inspires others to want to teach.In the long run,that?sour bestchance of turning around the quality of education in this state.?
面试题8：Does the frequent travel required for this work fit into your lifestyle? (经常需要出差的工作适合你的生活方式吗?)
解读：不是在见客户，就是在见客户的路上，是业务员的生活常态。特别是外贸业务员，因为沟通对象距离问题，为了更好的与客户洽谈，经常需要做空中飞人。如果你可以接受经常出差的话，可以这样答：The frequent travel in this consulting positionis no problem for me or my family.
面试题9：What skills do you offer that are most relevant to this job? (你能提供哪些和这份工作最紧密相关的技能?)
解读：你的回答应与：“关于这份工作你最感兴趣的是什么?”这个问题所准备的答案相似。用例子来支持与你履历最密切相关的信息。??
面试题10：How do you manage stress in your daily work? (日常工作中，你怎样应付压力?)
解读：在这里，叙述一个你已解决的压力较大的项目，及你在这个项目中组织每一步骤时所采取的具体行动，以及如何把工作坚持下去的事例，这可能会有好处。在压力下你是如何保持心境的平和及保证你的职业水准的。例：I try to get out for lunch at least once during the week to clear my head.I also have a personal rule that stops me from reacting to any problem until I fee calm about it.I think,then act，but I?ve learned to do that over time.
问题一："请你自我介绍一下"
1、这是面试的必考题目。
2、介绍内容要与个人简历相一致。
3、表述方式上尽量口语化。
4、要切中要害，不谈无关、无用的`内容。
5、条理要清晰，层次要分明。
6、事先最好以文字的形式写好背熟。
问题二："谈谈你的家庭情况"
1、对于了解应聘者的性格、观念、心态等有一定的作用，这是招聘单位问该问题的主要原因。
2、简单罗列家庭人口。
3、宜强调温馨和睦的家庭氛围。
4、宜强调父母对自己教育的重视。
5、宜强调各位家庭成员的良好状况。
6、宜强调家庭成员对自己工作的支持。
7、宜强调自己对家庭的责任感。
问题三："你有什么业余爱好?"
1、业余爱好能在一定程度上反映应聘者的性格、观念、心态，这是招聘单位问该问题的主要原因。
2、最好不要说自己没有业余爱好。
3、不要说自己有那些庸俗的、令人感觉不好的爱好。
4、最好不要说自己仅限于读书、听音乐、上网，否则可能令面试官怀疑应聘者性格孤僻。
5、最好能有一些户外的业余爱好来"点缀"你的形象。
问题四："你最崇拜谁?"
1、最崇拜的人能在一定程度上反映应聘者的性格、观念、心态，这是面试官问该问题的主要原因。
2、不宜说自己谁都不崇拜。
3、不宜说崇拜自己。
4、不宜说崇拜一个虚幻的、或是不知名的人。
5、不宜说崇拜一个明显具有负面形象的人。
6、所崇拜的人人最好与自己所应聘的工作能"搭"上关系。
7、最好说出自己所崇拜的人的哪些品质、哪些思想感染着自己、鼓舞着自己。
问题五："你的座右铭是什么?"
1、座右铭能在一定程度上反映应聘者的性格、观念、心态，这是面试官问这个问题的主要原因。
2、不宜说那些医引起不好联想的座右铭。3、不宜说那些太抽象的座右铭。
4、不宜说太长的座右铭。
5、座右铭最好能反映出自己某种优秀品质。
6、参考答案——"只为成功找方法，不为失败找借口"
问题六："谈谈你的缺点"
1、不宜说自己没缺点。
2、不宜把那些明显的优点说成缺点。
3、不宜说出严重影响所应聘工作的缺点。
4、不宜说出令人不放心、不舒服的缺点。
5、可以说出一些对于所应聘工作"无关紧要"的缺点，甚至是一些表面上看是缺点，从工作的角度看却是优点的缺点。
问题七："谈一谈你的一次失败经历"
1、不宜说自己没有失败的经历。
2、不宜把那些明显的成功说成是失败。
3、不宜说出严重影响所应聘工作的失败经历，
4、所谈经历的结果应是失败的。
5、宜说明失败之前自己曾信心白倍、尽心尽力。
6、说明仅仅是由于外在客观原因导致失败。
7、失败后自己很快振作起来，以更加饱满的热情面对以后的工作。
问题八："你为什么选择我们公司?"
1、面试官试图从中了解你求职的动机、愿望以及对此项工作的态度。
2、建议从行业、企业和岗位这三个角度来回答。
3、参考答案——"我十分看好贵公司所在的行业，我认为贵公司十分重视人才，而且这项工作很适合我，相信自己一定能做好。
问题九："对这项工作，你有哪些可预见的困难?"
1、不宜直接说出具体的困难，否则可能令对方怀疑应聘者不行。
2、可以尝试迂回战术，说出应聘者对困难所持有的态度。工作中出现一些困难是正常的，也是难免的，但是只要有坚忍不拔的毅力、良好的合作精神以及事前周密而充分的准备，任何困难都是可以克服的。
问题十："如果我录用你，你将怎样开展工作"
1、如果应聘者对于应聘的职位缺乏足够的了解，最好不要直接说出自己开展工作的具体办法，
2、可以尝试采用迂回战术来回答，如"首先听取领导的指示和要求，然后就有关情况进行了解和熟悉，接下来制定一份近期的工作计划并报领导批准，最后根据计划开展工作。
问题十一："与上级意见不一是，你将怎么办?"
1、一般可以这样回答"我会给上级以必要的解释和提醒，在这种情况下，我会服从上级的意见。"2、如果面试你的是总经理，而你所应聘的职位另有一位经理，且这位经理当时不在场，可以这样回答："对于非原则性问题，我会服从上级的意见，对于涉及公司利益的重大问题，我希望能向更高层领导反映。"
问题十二："我们为什么要录用你?"
1、应聘者最好站在招聘单位的角度来回答。
2、招聘单位一般会录用这样的应聘者：基本符合条件、对这份共组感兴趣、有足够的信心。
3、如"我符合贵公司的招聘条件，凭我目前掌握的技能、高度的责任感和良好的饿适应能力及学习能力，完全能胜任这份工作。我十分希望能为贵公司服务，如果贵公司给我这个机会，我一定能成为贵公司的栋梁!"
问题十三："你能为我们做什么?"
1、基本原则上"投其所好"。
2、回答这个问题前应聘者最好能"先发制人"，了解招聘单位期待这个职位所能发挥的作用。
3、应聘者可以根据自己的了解，结合自己在专业领域的优势来回答这个问题。
问题十四："你是应届毕业生，缺乏经验，如何能胜任这项工作?"
1、如果招聘单位对应届毕业生的应聘者提出这个问题，说明招聘单位并不真正在乎"经验"，关键看应聘者怎样回答。
2、对这个问题的回答最好要体现出应聘者的诚恳、机智、果敢及敬业。
3、如"作为应届毕业生，在工作经验方面的确会有所欠缺，因此在读书期间我一直利用各种机会在这个行业里做兼职。我也发现，实际工作远比书本知识丰富、复杂。但我有较强的责任心、适应能力和学习能力，而且比较勤奋，所以在兼职中均能圆满完成各项工作，从中获取的经验也令我受益非浅。请贵公司放心，学校所学及兼职的工作经验使我一定能胜任这个职位。"
问题十五："你希望与什么样的上级共事?"
1、通过应聘者对上级的"希望"可以判断出应聘者对自我要求的意识，这既是一个陷阱，又是一次机会。
2、最好回避对上级具体的希望，多谈对自己的要求。
3、如"做为刚步入社会新人，我应该多要求自己尽快熟悉环境、适应环境，而不应该对环境提出什么要求，只要能发挥我的专长就可以了。"
angeldevil82
一、传统面试问题(Sample Traditional Interview Questions)1、What can you tell me about yourself?(关于你自己，你能告诉我些什么?)这一问题如果面试没有安排自我介绍的时间的话。这是一个必问的问题。考官并不希望你大谈你的个人历史，他是在寻找有关你性格、资历、志向和生活动力的线索，来判断你是否适合读MBA。2、 What would you like to be doing five years after graduation?(在毕业以后5年内你想做些什么?)你要清楚你实际上能胜任什么。你可以事先和其他的MBA交流一番。问问他们在毕业后在公司的头5年都做了些什么。可以这样回答：“我希望能在我的职位上尽力做好工作，由于在同一领域工作的许多人都被提为区域负责人，所以我亦有此打算。”I hope to do my best I can be at my job and because many in this line of work are promoted to area manager, I am planning on that also.3. What is your greatest strength?(你最突出的优点是什么?)这是很多面试考官喜欢问的一个问题，这是你“展示自己”的最佳机会，不要吹嘘自己或过于自负，但要让雇主知道你相信自己，你知道自己的优点。如可答：“我认为我最大的优点是能够执着地尽力把事情办好。当做完一件工作而其成果又正合我的预想时，我会有一种真正的成就感。我给自己定了一些高目标。比如说，我要成为出色的毕业生。尽管在大学一年级时我启动慢了些，但最终我以优等论文完成了学业。”I feel that my strongest asset is my ability to stick to things to get them done. I feel a real sense of accomplishment when I finish a job and it turns out just as I'd planned. I've set some high goals for myself. For example, I want to graduate with highest distinction. And even though I had a slow start in my freshman year, I made up for it by doing an honor's thesis.4. What is your greatest weakness?(你最大的弱点是什么?)你不应该说你没有任何弱点，以此来回避这个问题。每个人都有弱点，最佳策略是承认你的弱点，但同时表明你在予以改进，并有克服弱点的计划。可能的话，你可说出一项可能会给公司带来好处的弱点，如可说：“我是一个完美主义者。工作做得不漂亮，我是不会撒手的。”I'm such a perfectionist that I will not stop until a job is well done.5. How do you feel about your progress to date?“(对于你至今所取得的进步你是怎样看的?)绝不要对你以前的所作所为表示内疚。如可答："我认为我在学校表现不错。事实上，有好几门功课我的成绩居全班第一。在某公司实习时，我获得了该公司数年来给予其雇员的好几项最高评价。"I think I did well in school. In fact, in a number of courses I received the highest exam scores in the class. As an intern for the X Company, I received some of the highest evaluations that had been given in years.二、其他常见问题6.Why did you choose peking university?7.Why did you choose MBA?8.What would you like to be doing five years after graduation?9.What has been your greatest accomplishment? )10.Describe your greatest strengths and weaknesses.11.What have you learned from the jobs you have held?三、行为面试问题(Sample Behavioral Interview Questions)：12.Describe the best/worst team of which you have been a member.13.Tell me about a time when your course load was heaviest. How did you get all of your work done?14.Give me a specific example of a time when you sold someone on an idea or concept.15.Tell me about a time when you were creative in solving a problem.16.Describe a time when you got co-workers or classmates who dislike each other to work together.17.Tell me about a time when you made a bad decision.四、压力面试问题(Sample Stress Interview Questions)：18.What kinds of people do you find it difficult to work with?19.What are some of the things you find difficult to do?20.How would you evaluate me as an interviewer?21.What interests you least about MBA?22.How do you handle rejection?23.What is the worst thing you have heard about our school?24.See this pen I'm holding. Sell it to me.五、案例面试问题(Sample Case Interview Questions)：25.A chain of grocery stores currently receives its stock on a decentralized basis. Each store deals independently with its suppliers. The president of the chain is wondering whether the firm can benefit from a centralized warehouse. What are the key considerations in making this decision?A magazine publisher is trying to decide how many magazines she should deliver to each individual distribution outlet in order to maximize profits. She has extensive historical sales volume data for each of the outlets. How should she determine delivery quantities?六、非常规问题：26.It is the 15th Century. How do convince the Pope that the Earth is round?27. If I gave you an elephant, where would you hide it?28. Why are soda cans tapered on the top and bottom? )29. How much RAM does a PC need to run Windows95?30. You are in a boat on a fresh water lake. In your hand is a rock. You throw the rock into the lake. How is the lake's water level affected?31. If it rained music, what would grow?32. Describe your best friend and what he or she does for a living.33. In what ways are you similar or different from your best friend?34.What are your career's strengths and how do you capitalize on them?35. Are you a happy person?36. According to JRM, Jr., a fast growing software company asked this question… You have a wealthy aunt who weighs 300 pounds. Tell me how you would redesign her toilet.七、其他常见的英语面试问题：37.Would you please make a brief introduction about yourself?38.Why did you take the MBA examination? Would you please say something about the currently MBA program in China?39.Why do you choose RENMIN University to study MBA? Tell me a little about RENMIN University form your understanding.40.How do the people around you review MBA?41.What's the difference between MBA program at home and abroad?42.If you failed this time what will you do in the near future?43.Why do you want to be a part of MBA students?44.Why do you think you are qualified for MBA program?45.Do you have a career plan in 5 years?46.Do you have a study plan if you were accepted as a MBA student?47.What's your opinion about the requirement that a MBA student must have working experience?48.How do you define marketing or management?49.Do you think English is quite important in MBA study? Why?50.Do you think MBA training courses will help you a lot in your future life? Why?51.What do you want to do after your MBA study?52.What is the most important qualification that a MBA student should have?53.Say a little about teamwork.54.Say a little about management.55.How communication works in organizations?56.Tell me the relationship between the management and management theory.57.What will you do if you can't find a job?58.Do you think that the economy will get better?59.Who are you currently employed with?60.What kinds of opportunities are you looking for?61.What is your biggest accomplishment on the job?62.What joy did you enjoy the most and why?63.What would your former boss say about you?64.Why did you leave your last job?65.Please tell me a little about your working history? What kind of fields?66.Say a little about your educational background.67.What are your strengths and weakness?68.What do you do in your spare time?69.What is your impression of Beijing?70.What is CFO? If you were a CFO, what would you do?71.What is the difference between sales and marketing?72.What do you think is the most important as a manager?73.What changes do you anticipate in our school? (你希望我们学校会有些什么样的变化)74.Which is the best course in our school? (什么课程是我们院最好的课程)75.does our school provide some guidance of job to MBA?最后可以说：Thank you for giving me the chance. I hope to see you again and soon. (谢谢您给我机会，我希望很快能再见到您。)Una
驾驶马桶去飞行
英语面试常见的31个问题和答案
中外HR们手中的`问题其实是差不多的，思维模式大同小异。这31个问题，也经常出现在中国HR的问题单里，或许他们最先的起源就是微软、GOOGLE等公司的HR们。有人说：“全球化实际上就是美国化“，这下你明白了吧?读者们可以收藏了，熟读这些题目，去什么外企面试都不怕了。
Wouldn't it be great if you knew exactly what a hiring manager would be asking you in your next interview?
While we unfortunately can't read minds, we'll give you the next best thing: a list of the 31 most commonly asked interview questions and answers.
While we don't recommend having a canned response for every interview question (in fact, please don't), we do recommend spending some time getting comfortable with what you might be asked, what hiring managers are really looking for in your responses, and what it takes to show that you're the right man or woman for the job.
Consider this your interview study guide.
1. Can you tell me a little about yourself?
This question seems simple, so many people fail to prepare for it, but it's crucial. Here's the deal: Don't give your complete employment (or personal) history. Instead give a pitch—one that’s concise and compelling and that shows exactly why you’re 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.
2. How did you hear about the position?
Another seemingly innocuous interview question, 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.
3. What do you know about the company?
Any candidate can read and regurgitate the company’s “About” page. So, when interviewers ask this, they aren't 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. Say, “I’m personally drawn to this mission because…” or “I really believe in this approach because…” and share a personal example or two.
4. Why do you want this job?
Again, companies want to hire people who are passionate about the job, so you should have a great answer about why you want the position. (And if you don't? You probably should apply elsewhere.) 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”).
5. Why should we hire you?
This interview question seems forward (not to mention intimidating!), but if you're asked it, you're in luck: There's 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'll really fit in with the team and culture; and that you'd be a better hire than any of the other candidates.
6. What are your greatest professional strengths?
When answering this question, interview coach Pamela Skillings recommends being 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've demonstrated these traits in a professional setting.
7. What do you consider to be your weaknesses?
What your interviewer is really trying to do with this question—beyond identifying any major red flags—is to gauge your self-awareness and honesty. So, “I can't meet a deadline to save my life” is not an option—but neither is “Nothing! I'm perfect!” Strike a balance by thinking of something that you struggle with but that you’re working to improve. For example, maybe you’ve never been strong at public speaking, but you've recently volunteered to run meetings to help you be more comfortable when addressing a crowd.
8. What is your greatest professional achievement?
Nothing says “hire me” better than a track record of achieving amazing results in past jobs, so don't be shy when answering this interview question! A great way to do so 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). For example, “In one month, I streamlined the process, which saved my group 10 man-hours each month and reduced errors on invoices by 25%.”
9. Tell me about a challenge or conflict you've faced at work, and how you dealt with it.
In asking this interview question, “your interviewer wants to get a sense of how you will respond to conflict. Anyone can seem nice and pleasant in a job interview, but what will happen if you’re hired and Gladys in Compliance starts getting in your face?” says Skillings. Again, you'll want to use the S-T-A-R method, being sure to focus on how you handled the situation professionally and productively, and ideally closing with a happy ending, like how you came to a resolution or compromise.
10. Where do you see yourself in five years?
If asked this question, be honest and specific about your future goals, but consider this: A hiring manager wants to know a) if you've set realistic expectations for your career, b) if you have ambition (a.k.a., this interview isn't the first time you're considering the question), and 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. And if the position isn’t necessarily a one-way ticket to your aspirations? It’s OK to say that you’re not quite sure what the future holds, but that you see this experience playing an important role in helping you make that decision.
11. What's your dream job?
Along similar lines, the interviewer wants to uncover whether this position is really in line with your ultimate career goals. While “an NBA star” might get you a few laughs, a better bet is to talk about your goals and ambitions—and why this job will get you closer to them.
12. What other companies are you interviewing with?
Companies ask this for a number of reasons, from wanting to see what the competition is for you to sniffing out whether you're serious about the industry. “Often the best approach is to mention that you are exploring a number of other similar options in the company's industry,” says job search expert Alison Doyle. “It can be helpful to mention that a common characteristic of all the jobs you are applying to is the opportunity to apply some critical abilities and skills that you possess. For example, you might say 'I am applying for several positions with IT consulting firms where I can analyze client needs and translate them to development teams in order to find solutions to technology problems.'”
13. Why are you leaving your current job?
This is a toughie, but one you can be sure you'll be asked. Definitely keep things positive—you have nothing to gain by being negative about your past employers. Instead, frame things in a way that shows that you're eager to take on new opportunities and that the role you’re interviewing for is a better fit for you than your current or last position. For example, “I’d really love to be part of product development from beginning to end, and I know I’d have that opportunity here.” And if you were let go? Keep it simple: “Unfortunately, I was let go,” is a totally OK answer.
14. Why were you fired?
OK, if you get the admittedly much tougher follow-up question as to why you were let go (and the truth isn't exactly pretty), your best bet is to be honest (the job-seeking world is small, after all). But it doesn't have to be a deal-breaker. Share how you’ve grown and how you approach your job and life now as a result. If you can position the learning experience as an advantage for this next job, even better.
15. What are you looking for in a new position?
Hint: Ideally the same things that this position has to offer. Be specific.
16. What type of work environment do you prefer?
Hint: Ideally one that's similar to the environment of the company you're applying to. Be specific.
17. What's your management style?
The best managers are strong but flexible, and that's exactly what you want to show off in your answer. (Think something like, “While every situation and every team member requires a bit of a different strategy, I tend to approach my employee relationships as a coach...”) Then, share a couple of your best managerial moments, like when you grew your team from five to 15 or coached an underperforming employee to become the company's top salesperson.
18. What's a time you exercised leadership?
Depending on what's more important for the the role, you'll want to choose an example that showcases your project management skills (spearheading a project from end to end, juggling multiple moving parts) or one that shows your ability to confidently and effectively rally a team. And remember: “The best stories include enough detail to be believable and memorable,” says Skillings. “Show how you were a leader in this situation and how it represents your overall leadership experience and potential.”
19. What's a time you disagreed with a decision that was made at work?
Everyone disagrees with the boss from time to time, but in asking this interview question, hiring managers want to know that you can do so in a productive, professional way. “You don’t want to tell the story about the time when you disagreed but your boss was being a jerk and you just gave in to keep the peace. And you don’t want to tell the one where you realized you were wrong,” says Peggy McKee of Career Confidential. “Tell the one where your actions made a positive difference on the outcome of the situation, whether it was a work-related outcome or a more effective and productive working relationship.”
20. How would your boss and co-workers describe you?
First of all, be honest (remember, if you get this job, the hiring manager will be calling your former bosses and co-workers!). Then, try to pull out strengths and traits you haven't discussed in other aspects of the interview, such as your strong work ethic or your willingness to pitch in on other projects when needed.
21. Why was there a gap in your employment?
If you were unemployed for a period of time, be direct and to the point about what you’ve been up to (and hopefully, that’s a litany of impressive volunteer and other mind-enriching activities, like blogging or taking classes). Then, steer the conversation toward how you will do the job and contribute to the organization: “I decided to take a break at the time, but today I’m ready to contribute to this organization in the following ways.”
22. Can you explain why you changed career paths?
Don't be thrown off by this question—just take a deep breath and explain to the hiring manager why you've made the career decisions you have. More importantly, give a few examples of how your past experience is transferrable to the new role. This doesn't have to be a direct connection; in fact, it's often more impressive when a candidate can make seemingly irrelevant experience seem very relevant to the role.
23. How do you deal with pressure or stressful situations?
"Choose an answer that shows that you can meet a stressful situation head-on in a productive, positive manner and let nothing stop you from accomplishing your goals," says McKee. A great approach is to talk through your go-to stress-reduction tactics (making the world's greatest to-do list, stopping to take 10 deep breaths), and then share an example of a stressful situation you navigated with ease.
24. What would your first 30, 60, or 90 days look like in this role?
Start by explaining what you'd need to do to get ramped up. What information would you need? What parts of the company would you need to familiarize yourself with? What other employees would you want to sit down with? Next, choose a couple of areas where you think you can make meaningful contributions right away. (e.g., “I think a great starter project would be diving into your email marketing campaigns and setting up a tracking system for them.”) Sure, if you get the job, you (or your new employer) might decide there’s a better starting place, but having an answer prepared will show the interviewer where you can add immediate impact—and that you’re excited to get started.
25. What are your salary requirements?
The #1 rule of answering this question is doing your research on what you should be paid by using sites like Payscale and Glassdoor. You’ll likely come up with a range, and we recommend stating the highest number in that range that applies, based on your experience, education, and skills. Then, make sure the hiring manager knows that you're flexible. You're communicating that you know your skills are valuable, but that you want the job and are willing to negotiate.
26. What do you like to do outside of work?
Interviewers ask personal questions in an interview to “see if candidates will fit in with the culture [and] give them the opportunity to open up and display their personality, too,” says longtime hiring manager Mitch Fortner. “In other words, if someone asks about your hobbies outside of work, it’s totally OK to open up and share what really makes you tick. (Do keep it semi-professional, though: Saying you like to have a few beers at the local hot spot on Saturday night is fine. Telling them that Monday is usually a rough day for you because you’re always hungover is not.)”
27. If you were an animal, which one would you want to be?
Seemingly random personality-test type questions like these come up in interviews generally because hiring managers want to see how you can think on your feet. There's no wrong answer here, but you'll immediately gain bonus points if your answer helps you share your strengths or personality or connect with the hiring manager. Pro tip: Come up with a stalling tactic to buy yourself some thinking time, such as saying, “Now, that is a great question. I think I would have to say… ”
28. How many tennis balls can you fit into a limousine?
1,000? 10,000? 100,000? Seriously?
Well, seriously, you might get asked brainteaser questions like these, especially in quantitative jobs. But remember that the interviewer doesn’t necessarily want an exact number—he wants to make sure that you understand what’s being asked of you, and that you can set into motion a systematic and logical way to respond. So, just take a deep breath, and start thinking through the math. (Yes, it’s OK to ask for a pen and paper!)
29. Are you planning on having children?
Questions about your family status, gender (“How would you handle managing a team of all men?”), nationality (“Where were you born?”), religion, or age, are illegal—but they still get asked (and frequently). Of course, not always with ill intent—the interviewer might just be trying to make conversation—but you should definitely tie any questions about your personal life (or anything else you think might be inappropriate) back to the job at hand. For this question, think: “You know, I’m not quite there yet. But I am very interested in the career paths at your company. Can you tell me more about that?”
30. What do you think we could do better or differently?
This is a common one at startups (and one of our personal favorites here at The Muse). Hiring managers want to know that you not only have some background on the company, but that you're able to think critically about it and come to the table with new ideas. So, come with new ideas! What new features would you love to see? How could the company increase conversions? How could customer service be improved? You don’t need to have the company’s four-year strategy figured out, but do share your thoughts, and more importantly, show how your interests and expertise would lend themselves to the job.
31. Do you have any questions for us?
You probably already know that an interview isn't just a chance for a hiring manager to grill you—it's your opportunity to sniff out whether a job is the right fit for you. What do you want to know about the position? The company? The department? The team?
You'll cover a lot of this in the actual interview, so have a few less-common questions ready to go. We especially like questions targeted to the interviewer (“What's your favorite part about working here?") or the company's growth (“What can you tell me about your new products or plans for growth?")
