This assignment is designed to model the process by which you should be preparing for each interview, no matter where you are in your career or how many interviews you have gone on-even if you have been at a company forever. Preparation is key, and it always shows. Further, preparation ensures that you shift out of a nervous space and into one of confidence. If you have prepared for the common questions, you are more prepared to engage in conversation rather than be put on the spot. It also leaves more space in your mind for more specific questions that you were not anticipating. It is not always easy to dispel those nerves, but I have found this to be a helpful practice to engage in. You will find a current job listing in the field of your choice to work through this modules assignments, and I expect you to use that one posting to complete both this assignment (Interview Questions) and the Thank You Letter Assignment, so please look for one that truly interests you as it will improve the quality of your submission. Please post the listing first, as page one of your documents for me to review. Using the Sample Interview Questions and Answers document as a guide, prepare answers for three (3) of the questions listed. In order to receive full credit, you must include the following in the document for all 3 responses: Job listing information (I would prefer for you to copy and paste, or screen shot the posting, as I will be looking to see that you incorporated some of the verbiage from the posting in your answers). The question (number or bullet format is preferred) and your answer as it relates to the job posting. I would encourage you to choose a question you may not always be the best at answering, as I can give pointers that will better assist with answering that question in the future. Keep your answers brief but thorough, as you may not have time to fully elaborate but you also want to ensure that you answer the question thoroughly.

Sample Interview Questions and Answers:

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 pitchone thats concise and compelling and that shows exactly why youre 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

What do you know about the company?

Any candidate can read and regurgitate the companys About page. So, when interviewers ask this, they aren't necessarily trying to gauge whether you understand the missionthey 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, Im personally drawn to this mission because or I really believe in this approach because and share a personal example or two.

Why do you want this job?

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., Ive always been passionate about education, and I think you guys are doing great things, so I want to be a part of it).

Why should we hire you?

This 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.

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.

What do you consider to be your weaknesses?

What your interviewer is really trying to do with this question beyond identifying any major red flagsis to gauge your self-awareness and honesty. So, I can't meet a deadline to save my life is not an optionbut neither is Nothing! I'm perfect! Strike a balance by thinking of something that you struggle with but that youre working to improve. For example, maybe youve never been strong at public speaking, but you've recently volunteered to run meetings to help you be more comfortable when addressing a crowd.

Tell me about a challenge or conflict you've faced at work, and how you dealt with it.

In asking this 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 youre 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.

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.

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

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.

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 isnt necessarily a one-way ticket to your aspirations? Its OK to say that youre not quite sure what the future holds, but that you see this experience playing an important role in helping you make that decision.

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 question, hiring managers want to know that you can do so in a productive, professional way. You dont 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 dont 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

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 theres a better starting place, but having an answer prepared will show the interviewer where you can add immediate impactand that youre excited to get started.

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 dont need to have the companys 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.

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 youit'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?")