common interview questions that you've actually been asked?

UPDATE: We just published the resource here! Thank you to everyone who shared their questions and experiences – we really appreciate it!

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Hello Elphas!

We want to hear some of the questions you've actually been asked (or that you ask if you're on the hiring side of the table) during job interviews.

Let us know in the comments below! We may include them in an upcoming resource :)

Thanks for reading ✨

teresaman·Sep 10

Excited for the upcoming resource ✨🔥!!- What are you looking for in your next role / how are you looking to grow!- How would other people describe you (especially if they're a manager or in a leadership position)- What's a project that hasn't gone well and what are your learnings?

Josefina·Sep 11

thank you for sharing these! I especially like the one about "how would other people describe you"!

kaitlingraham·Sep 10

- Why are you looking for a new job?- What would your former supervisor say about you?- What do you like to do outside of work?This will be a great resource!

Josefina·Sep 11

these are great! thank you for sharing and for your support :)

faviolacj·Sep 11

-Tell me about yourself. (They want to know both professional and personal but try to keep it short and concise.)-What are you looking for in your next role?-How do you handle different priorities?

elisegatsby·Sep 11

- Why are you interested in our company?- Tell me about a time you had a conflict of ideas with a coworker.- Tell me about your experience working with X software/tooling.

rachaelwiid24·Sep 11

A resource would be great! Here are a few:- tell me about a time where you were in a difficult situation at work, and how you approached/solved it- three words that your colleagues would use to describe you; 3 words your family and friends would use- what motivates you?- tell me about your favorite team environment OR your least favorite team environment- tell me about why you were successful in X role

lindseylathrop·Sep 11

I do a lot of interview prep with clients and before we meet to go over possible responses and practice interviewing, I give them a google doc with the following questions to script out in advance.Questions:Tell us about yourself.What are the themes that tie all of your roles together?What motivates you to want to work here? What interests you?What is driving this job change for you? Why are you the best person for this role? What a colleague / supervisor tell me your strengths are?What’s a piece of constructive feedback you’ve received about your work and why?How would you describe your leadership style?What resources do you need to do your best work? How do you do your best work?When it comes to your work, what is something you’re proud of?What are your salary expectations? (Try to deflect if you can and ask what they have budgeted for the role. If they don’t answer, go with your *researched* range with your target salary (walk away number) at the bottom and your bolstering number at the top. For example: “Depending on the scope and based on the experience I’d be bringing to this role, I am looking for $90k - $100k.”)AND Elpha has this salary negotiation resource: https://elpha.com/resources/how-to-negotiate-salary-offer-exampleWhat is your salary history? (You don’t have to answer this! In fact, it’s illegal to be asked this in many states and jurisdictions. So, instead, respond with something like: “Given this is a different scope of work, I am seeking an equitable salary that reflects the skills and experience I’d be bringing to this unique role.” Are we your first choice? (The best policy here is to be transparent about where you’re at with your job search. If you’re interviewing for other roles, tell them. It’s actually a great question to be asked because it gives you an opening to bring up any concerns you have and gives you negotiation power.)Do you have any questions for us? (Yes! Always ask a few questions - here’s a resource: https://www.themuse.com/advice/51-interview-questions-you-should-be-asking) And a good question to ask during an interview as the candidate is: "Is there anything I've said today that gives you concern? I'd like an opportunity to address it while we're still together." But only do it if you have time. Otherwise it can feel shoe-horned in. I also use ChatGPT to come up with job specific interview questions. You can use a prompt like: "I am interviewing for the following job and I'd like you to come up with 8-10 interview questions." And then paste the job description in. Hope this helps!

Iynna·Sep 12

- In three words, how would your past colleagues describe you?- Why are you leaving your current role (that's assuming you're employed and want to leave)- Why us/this role? - What are you looking for in your next role?- Tell me about a time when you had to [insert crisis scenario]- How would you describe your current boss (that's actually one I like to ask - and i've received answers very across the board :))

Josefina·Sep 13

Thank you, Iynna! I really like the last one about describing your current boss...is that something you ask as a job seeker or a hiring manager/employer?

Iynna·Sep 13

yay!! i'd ask the job seeker, i want to see how they talk about their boss and current workplace etc.

Meagan171·Sep 12

What strategies have you employed to prevent failure to launch (Saas product implementation interview)?

katiebabs·Sep 13

Where do you see yourself in 5 years. Always this question. I wish I could say on a island somewhere. Also, why are you interested in this position and why do you want to leave your current role or company.

Bella·Sep 16

I have often been asked what my career progression plan is, and where I want to be in 5 years.

jessicakulwik·Sep 20

If you are applying for a non-profit or another mission-based company, make sure you have a really good answer for "Why do you want to work here?" We always weighted that one really high because we wanted people who cared about our mission! (By contrast, when I worked at a large for-profit, it was just an icebreaker. I knew people wanted to come for good pay, good resume, and good benefits.)