Job interview tips

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The Biggest Mistake Job Seekers Make In Final Round Interviews (That Costs Them The Job!)



The interview process can take weeks to get through, and when you finally get to the final interview, you want to do everything in your power to ace it so you're the one they choose for the job. However, most job seekers don't know they're making a huge mistake in final interviews that could cost them the job offer.

In your first round of interviews, you're usually talking with a recruiter. You're doing a phone screen and they're just trying to figure out if you have the skills to move forward. Then you start to go through an interview, maybe two, where you're meeting with hiring managers and other people who would be your peers, and that's when they're whittling down a half-dozen candidates to the final two or three.

Then, it's the final interview. From coaching my clients, I've discovered that those who make it to the final interview and don't get the job are pulling back in that last interview.

#1 Mistake: Pulling Back (And What To Do Instead)


In the final interview, you know it's crunch time. And these clients of mine are emotionally aware and want to convey humility in the interview process. They don't want to brag. They don't want to be a narcissist. They don't want to be cocky. They don't want to oversell themselves and look desperate. So in an effort not to overdo it in that final interview, they sort of pull back. They don't want to oversell themselves or say something that isn't true.

The problem is, in the first interviews, they had more confidence. They conveyed more confidence. So all of a sudden in the final interview, when you're trying to be more technically accurate with what you say, you actually start to look like you're backing off, that you're not as secure about yourself.

While I don't want you to go in and be that cocky, over-the-top person, you do have to make sure that you deliver consistency with what you've been conveying throughout the entire interview process.

Now, how do you do that?

As a career coach, I teach my clients how to answer questions with a beginning, a middle, and an end. I also call it the "Experience + Learn = Grow" model. This is the best way to avoid pulling back in final interviews. It's also better (and far easier) than the STAR method, which people overuse and recruiters can spot a mile away because it feels canned.

With the "Experience + Learn = Grow" model, your answers sound authentic and you provide enough detail without overdoing it. That shows hiring managers you know what you're talking about and you will feel comfortable because you are telling them the truth.

This model works, and it's the final round interview where you want to nail things like your behavioral questions, those open-ended questions where you need this beginning, middle, and end storytelling format so that you give the right amount of detail, and you get the job.

For all of you out there who have ever made it to the final round and thought, "I don't want to overkill it," and then you didn't get the job, it's probably because you pulled back too much and looked like you weren't as sure of yourself. You fix it with "Experience + Learn = Grow." That's the way to do it.

Good luck, and go get 'em!

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The Biggest Mistake Job Seekers Make In …



If you want to get a job in 2024, you need to be ready to share three stories with every hiring manager and recruiter you meet. These three stories will help recruiters and hiring managers fall in love with you, and this is also how you make a stronger first impression.

Storytelling in general is important, but it can be particularly powerful in the hiring process. When you go into an interview, you need to be able to tell concise stories so that they can validate your knowledge and expertise.

These three stories help them learn more about the complete you...

1. Why You Want To Work For This Company


This story needs to be based on your connection to the employer. They don't want to hear that you love their benefits package or that you heard they pay well. They want to hear why you love their product or service and why you're a huge fan of the customers they serve.

Somehow you need to tell a connection story that gets them to understand your intrinsic motivation, which is just a fancy term for what will get you out of bed every day and want to work for this company. What do you believe in? They can't teach you intrinsic motivation. There are so many candidates out there who look the same that you need to have this really great connection story because that's what gets them to choose you.

2. Why You Love To Create The Value That You Do


Man answers the interview question "describe yourself in one word"

Now, the second story you need to have on the ready is why you nerd out on the work that you do and why you love to create the value that you do on the job. Your unique value add (UVA) is how you save a company money, make a company money, solve problems, and alleviate pain. They don't pay you just for the heck of it. You need to create value.

When you can talk about why you love doing the work that you do and how you nerd out on it, you're showing them once again what's going to get you out of bed every day. You're self-motivated to create that value, exceed expectations, be resourceful, and think outside the box. Again, they have all these candidates to choose from. They want the employee who is going to be like that. So, this second story is very powerful.

3. The Most Exciting Or Positive Thing That Happened In Your Career In The Last Year


Woman answers a question during a virtual job interview

The third story is the one I love the most right now, which is what's the most exciting or positive thing that happened in your career in the last year? You want to share this story with recruiters and hiring managers because they need to know that you are constantly looking at your career and assessing what's happened to you so that you can learn and grow from it.

When you can recognize that the things that happened to you were very powerful and positive, they know that you're a powerful and positive person who is always striving to learn and grow. And it's also just a great feel-good story that can articulate a lot about you.

So, let's recap.

The three stories you need to share are...

  1. Why you want to work for the company (sharing your connection to the company).
  2. Why you nerd out on the work that you do (showing your resourcefulness).
  3. The greatest thing that happened to you in your career in the last year (showing your positivity and power).

You could type these up right now and have them ready for an interview. Or you could even go so far as to put them in a cover letter. But the one that will go much farther is video.

There is a way for you to record these three stories and rerecord them until their perfect. Then, you can take these three stories, put them in what's called a reel, and send them off as a URL to recruiters and hiring managers. That's when they'll fall in love with you. That's when they will see that you are the kind of person that is more than just the experience. You are the full package, and it will elevate your first impression because video is the new first interview. Video is the new phone screen. So why not take full control, record these three stories, put them in a reel, and send them off?

You can do this by using a new phone app that I love called the McCoy app. This lets you do all of the above so that you can elevate first impressions, make better connections, and get those recruiters and hiring managers responding to you before everybody else.

Job search is a game. To be competitive right now, you need to do things differently. And using video to tell these three stories is a game changer. So I hope you'll check out the McCoy app. But more importantly, please get your three stories ready to go. They are what will differentiate you in this very competitive job market so that you can get the job you want and deserve.

Good luck, and go get 'em!

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3 Stories You Need To Share In …



It can be hard to turn down a job offer, especially if you're currently unemployed. But just because you got an offer doesn't mean the job or the company is the right fit for you.

Even getting an interview in a competitive job market is an achievement in itself, but you need to be very clear from the start of the interview process what the most important aspects of the job are to you and then prioritize them accordingly.

Obviously, salary is important, especially if you're not working right now, but we're all looking for different things. For some, it might be the work-life balance that is the most important; for others, a culture that fosters innovation, or maybe location or opportunities to grow and develop.

Most of us have had an experience of the job not turning out to be as promised during the interview process. But how do you know if you've found your perfect company? How do you determine what the red flags are, which means that the job might not be a good fit for you long term?

Here are some signs a company might not be right for you:

Disorganized Or Disrespectful Interviewers


Hiring manager is disrespectful during a job interview

As much as you need to impress a prospective employer during the interview process, the employer also needs to impress you. If the hiring manager is half an hour late or rushing around, this can be a sign of what the work culture is like and it shows that bringing in new talent clearly isn't a priority.

You want to connect with your interviewer on some level during the hiring process. That will be impossible to do if they're disorganized and not giving you the time of day.

No matter what happens in your interview, if you're left with a bad taste in your mouth after interacting with your interviewer, that's a red flag that shouldn't be ignored.

You're Not Sure About Your Future Boss


Woman in an interview unsure if the job is right for her

If you're not going to get on well with your boss, chances are you won't enjoy your work. Ask yourself whether you have a good feeling about the person who will be your manager. Will they offer you good feedback and career advice when needed? Do they know how they will measure your performance on the job? Are they approachable?

If you don't feel your prospective manager is someone you want to work with, you might want to think twice before accepting their offer.

The Company Is Unstable And Lacks Direction


Hiring manager offers the job to the woman she is interviewing

Even before the interview, there is a lot of research you can do to determine if the company is a safe bet for you. You might want to look at the changes the company has gone through in the last few years to get a sense of its stability and general direction. You might also want to research current and previous employees on LinkedIn to see what their career path has been and how long they've stayed in the job. You might even want to reach out to previous employees in similar roles to find out their reasons for leaving.

Also, have a look at what the employees are saying about the company on Glassdoor. I remember seeing a job posting that looked great, but before applying, I went to Glassdoor to read reviews of others who had interviewed with the company. Every single review was negative and provided specific details. Needless to say, I did not apply.

Layout Of The Workplace


Woman interviews at a new company

We all have different work preferences. Some prefer to work in an open office space, which is probably noisier but offers more interaction between employees. Some companies have a lot of cubicles and separate offices. It provides quieter spaces to work but also less interaction with others. Other companies have a remote workforce, so could you handle working from home every day?

Does the layout of the company suit you? If you're social and like interacting with others during the day and you're stuck in a tiny office, you won't enjoy it.

It's easy to ignore red flags in the hiring process when you're desperate for a job. To figure out whether a company is really the right fit for you, make sure you consider the four points above before accepting any job offer.

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4 Signs That A Company Is Not …

The 1 Question I Asked A CEO In An Interview That Got Me The Job



Years ago, I was interviewing for a job. As many of you know, when you go through the interview process, you start with the recruiter, and then you meet with the manager, and then you meet with some of your peers—if you're lucky. Then, at the end of the interview process, you might meet with the highest-ranking executives. So in this case, I met with the CEO.

I knew I was doing okay because I was getting through each round of interviews. So, I go into the CEO's office. I don't know what to expect. It's a startup company. He's sitting there in a t-shirt and sweatpants. He's eating cereal and has his feet up on his desk. He says, "Come sit down." Then, he proceeds to interview me while he eats cereal, his feet still up on the desk.

There I am in my suit, answering all the questions, and, finally, he asks, "So do you have any questions for me?"

And I said, "Yeah. What keeps you up at night?"

"What Keeps You Up At Night?"


The CEO stops eating his cereal, looks at me, and says, "I'm sorry. What?"

I respond, "When it comes to this business, what is keeping you up at night about its success? And how will the job that you're considering me for, how will the job that I do, impact the ability to solve for that?"

His face goes blank, he takes his feet off the desk, and he puts his cereal down. My heart starts to pound. Then, all of a sudden, he turns and looks at me. He leans in and says, "Hmm, let me think about that."

Now I'm thinking, "Oh my gosh, I just blew it."

Then, he gets really serious and starts to explain how this job impacts that ability. Then, he starts singing. Eventually, the interview ended and I went home thinking, "What did I just do?"

I got myself a job.

He told them that I should be hired because anyone who understands that their job impacts every level of the organization—and that they should be thinking about that impact—understands the value of the work that they need to do, and would do a good job. That's what he told the hiring manager. And the hiring manager told me.

So that gamble paid off. It not only taught me how important it is to ask questions in an interview but also how important it is to ask the right questions to the right people.

If you want to stand out in the interview process and land the job, try asking this question in your next job interview. It's all about understanding and relieving an employer's pain points.

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The 1 Question I Asked A CEO …



Even though it's one of the most common interview questions out there, everyone hates being asked, “What is your biggest weakness?" in a job interview. It's hard enough to show your potential during an interview. How are you supposed to sell yourself to employers when they want you to tell them what's wrong with you?

Thankfully, answering this question isn't as hard as you might think. And you can actually use it to show your potential if you respond strategically.

How To Answer "What Is Your Biggest Weakness?" In An Interview


To successfully answer the "What is your biggest weakness?" question in a job interview, don't lie or come up with an answer you think might impress the interviewer (like "being a perfectionist" or "working too hard"). Instead, focus on a skill you're trying to develop.

For example, let's say you're interviewing for a training coordinator role at your favorite company. You love developing training materials and teaching others; however, you get very nervous when delivering your presentations because public speaking isn't your forte.

Instead of trying to sweep this under the rug, address it, but ease the interviewer's concerns by sharing what you're doing to overcome this challenge.

An Example Of How To Answer "What Is Your Biggest Weakness?" In A Job Interview


Woman answers the "What is your biggest weakness?" question in a job interview

"I have to admit that public speaking has always been difficult for me because I'm an introvert. It makes me nervous to get up in front of people and talk. However, I've learned that this was an integral part of training others, which I love doing. So, I've been working hard to improve my public speaking skills by participating in monthly Toastmasters meetings as well as taking on volunteer training sessions for colleagues so I can get some extra practice. Since challenging myself to do this, I've noticed a big difference in my confidence level and have felt more capable than ever in my role as a trainer."

Essentially, you want to convey that you understand you're weak in one area, but to make up for it, you've been working hard to improve that area because you know it's important in your role. There's no need to give a long explanation for this question. Keep it simple and straightforward, and focus on the positives rather than dwell on the negatives.

Don't get stumped by common interview questions like, "What is your biggest weakness?" Instead, go in prepared. Be honest with yourself and tailor your answers so you can market your skills rather than detract from your potential. Remember: Every weakness is an opportunity to grow as a professional, so frame it that way in your next job interview!

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How To Answer The “What Is Your …

10 Little Things That Make A Big Difference To Hiring Managers



As a former hiring manager in several consulting firms, I often wondered if candidates were cognizant of the impression they made on employers. Even small things, such as the frown displayed by an applicant upon arriving at an interview, or the worn-out jeans of an applicant in a roomful of suits, gave me pause as I worked to screen candidates.

Ironically, many of the problems I spotted could have easily been fixed by taking care of seemingly minor issues. In some cases, these corrections would have made the difference between hiring the job candidate and taking a pass on the applicant!

Here are 10 “little" things that make a big difference to hiring managers in the interview process:

1. Your Digital Identity


Man on laptop fixes his social media accounts while looking for a job

Yes, recruiters and hiring managers will be checking out your LinkedIn presence and verifying that your Facebook and Instagram activity is not violating their corporate policies. But have you stopped to think about your tweets or the content you're creating on TikTok?

Even the most realistic employer will need to assess your liability as a potential new hire. Therefore, your online activity must be sufficiently toned down and presentable to a potential company—long before you enter the job market.

If you've kept up a website on your middle-of-the-night gaming habit or constantly tweet your distaste for political candidates, these items can offend hiring managers—and cause them to rethink bringing you in for an interview.

2. Your Honesty


Woman shakes hands with the hiring manager before a job interview

Struggling to hide employment gaps in your work history on your resume? Failing to mention that new job you just took (that isn't working out)? White lies or sins of omission on your resume and in your interviews will come back to haunt you in more than one way.

If interviewers don't catch lies during the resume screening process, there's still a chance that your background check will reveal all. Even after you're hired, your record of impeccable service won't make up for less-than-forthright stories on your resume or LinkedIn profile.

Stories abound of high-profile executives, entertainment professionals, and sports coaches who attended college but didn't graduate—and who paid the price for fudging these resume details years down the road.

3. Your Accessibility


Hiring manager talks to a job applicant during a video call/virtual interview

Are you open enough on LinkedIn that others can contact you? Or did you forget to make your email address (and possibly mobile number) visible to other users? Here are best practices for ensuring you're more easily reached on LinkedIn:

  • From the "Edit Profile" menu, look under the box with your name and headline for "Edit Contact Info." Here, you can fill in your email address and phone number.
  • Joining groups is also an important step in becoming accessible to employers. Sharing a group with another user means he or she can reach out to you for free (important to recruiters maximizing their LinkedIn budgets).

4. Your Job Search Follow-Up


Happy woman on laptop writes a message to a hiring manager

Sent in a resume, but failed to take any action beyond pressing the "Send" button? If you didn't spend some time following up or identifying company insiders for further networking, your job search will take longer.

Doing some homework on the employer's business needs and identifying key people for personal follow-up (through LinkedIn or an online search) shows them you're truly interested in a career opportunity, and that you've given thought to solving their business problems.

Be sure to use formal channels when applying for a posted job. Then, reach out to your newly found contacts to reiterate your interest in joining the company. Better still, connect and network with employees at the companies on your interview bucket list well before you start your job search. That way, you'll already have connections at those companies when it comes time for you to apply for a job.

​5. The Tone Of Your Cover Letter Or LinkedIn Message


Hiring manager looks at a job candidate's resume during an interview

Cranking out LinkedIn messages or cover letters at top speed—with just a few adjustments here and there? Hiring managers can smell a "form letter" approach a mile away. Nothing says "I'm desperate and don't care about your needs" more than a disjointed cover letter or a LinkedIn message that simply asks for a job.

No matter how you're getting in touch with employers, take the time to write a brand-specific message of value to them—helping them discover who you are, what you offer, and why you're interested in a position with their company. This means customizing each LinkedIn message and writing disruptive cover letters.

You may not be able to crank them out as fast, but you'll be sacrificing quantity for quality. And, in the job search, quality is always better than quantity.

6. Your Demeanor When Arranging The Interview


Hiring manager interviews a job candidate

When setting up any kind of business meeting, there's a certain amount of give and take required for coordination. No matter how in-demand your skills may be, you'll be expected to acquiesce to interview timing and location parameters set by employers. That can mean dealing with less-than-helpful receptionists or HR personnel, all of whom will be taking notes on your reactions.

Your phone etiquette and email communications will be watched closely; a courteous and respectful tone will go miles in reinforcing your personal brand and potential as a job candidate.

7. Your Appraisal Of The Interviewer


Man feels uncomfortable during an interview with the hiring manager

Feeling put out by the fact that your interviewer appears younger, more inexperienced, or otherwise beneath you in the professional hierarchy? Be careful how you convey this disapproval. You may believe you're hiding these feelings, but as one of those younger-looking interviewers, I often picked up on this tone very quickly!

Even if you decide mid-interview that you're not interested in the company, remember to display a high degree of professionalism. You never know how well-connected your interviewer might be.

8. Your Discretion


Woman on laptop follows up with a hiring manager

Polarizing, hot-button subjects such as politics or religion should make their way out of your resume, LinkedIn profile, interview discussions, and side conversations.

No matter how neutral or popular you consider your stance to be on these topics, there's bound to be someone who disagrees with you—and who votes against hiring you.

9. Your Post-Interview Actions


Man on laptop writes an email to a hiring manager

Yes, you should be sending a thank-you note to employers after your interviews! Whether a short, handwritten card, LinkedIn message, email, or even hard-copy letter, a thank-you note gives employers the impression that you're a gracious and appreciative job candidate.

A post-interview note can also be used to address lingering questions, counter potential objections ("Regarding our discussion on your new Western region, I can assure you that I'm accustomed to handling accounts in person for maximum effect—and therefore open to travel"), or mention a fond memory you have of the experience (a conversation, for example) to highlight a connection you made with the individuals at the company.

Be sure to address your notes to each person you've encountered in the interview process (or at least mention their names in the note), especially if you've met with a panel or group.

10. The Frequency Of Your Messages


Just because social media lets you send messages faster than ever doesn't mean you should pester employers. Following up once or twice after applying for a job should suffice to let them know you're still interested in the position. The same is true of the post-interview period.

Hiring managers have companies to run and customers to serve in addition to the process of choosing you. They may also have other candidates to consider. Staying on an employer's radar is important, but so is professional discretion. Aim for somewhere in between silent and stalker in your follow-up activities.

There are numerous ways employers can be put off by your job search practices or approach. Ensure you're taking steps to satisfy their need for information and put your best professional foot forward.

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.

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10 Little Things That Make A Big …

5 Steps To Present Your Best Self During An Interview



If you needed to convince someone that Girl Scout Cookies are delicious or that rainbows are really beautiful, you'd have to first know what the cookies taste like and what rainbows look like—right? The same applies when it's time for you to sell yourself in an interview to strangers.

In a job interview, you need to know where you've been, what you've accomplished, and where you're headed.

On the one hand, that might sound really simple. They are your experiences, so you would be the best one to know how far you've come. Yet how many times do we easily forget by Monday what we just did on Saturday and Sunday? How often do we make the same mistakes over and over because we failed to assess our experiences and extract the lessons learned so we don't repeat those mistakes?

These things happen often, only to leave us stumped and running in circles. The same thing can happen in a job interview if we don't take the time beforehand to really understand our past and know what we have to offer in the future.

Preparing for an interview is crucial to ensuring that you come across as a competent potential employee. You need to be able to recount your previous work experiences as if they were yesterday. You need to be able to tell a future employer what you're good at; they aren't going to know yet, so you need to be able to tell them. You need to be able to show them that you think about the future and have goals and aspirations you're working towards. All of this requires you, the applicant, the interviewee, to know yourself first.

Below are some simple steps every job seeker should take before each interview to ensure they present their best self in the most confident way:

1. Review Your Past


  • Where have you worked?
  • What positions did you hold?
  • How long were you in those positions?
  • What unique responsibilities, experiences, or opportunities were you given in these positions?
  • Ultimately, what did you learn from all of these?

2. Assess Your Present


Man presenting to his colleagues at during a work meeting
  • What is your current position?
  • What are your current responsibilities?
  • What are you doing now to improve yourself?
  • If you were laid off or took a voluntary hiatus, how are you utilizing that time to your advantage?

3. Envision Your Future


Woman shakes the hand of the hiring manger before a job interview
  • What are your goals?
  • Do you plan to pursue more education?
  • Would you ultimately like to achieve a leadership role in the new organization?
  • What ideas might you have to propel the industry forward?

4. Know Who You Are


Man on laptop checks his phone before a job interview

In addition to steps 1-3, know what you are good at and where you could stand to use improvement. Be confident (not cocky) when you tell the interviewers what your strengths and weaknesses are.

What current skills do you have that would easily crossover into a new role or industry? These are your transferable skills. Don't underestimate their value in your job interview.

5. Practice


Two colleagues smile after a mock interview

Practice telling your stories. Which words sound good when you say them? Which words don't? What key elements do you want the employer to know and which are irrelevant? Be able to tell a story, hit all the key points, and don't bore the interviewer(s) in the process.

Have a friend conduct a mock interview with you so you get practice in front of another person. One caveat: don't memorize anything. Just know what information you'd like to share and how you'd like to share it when the opportunity arises.

Remember, in the end, you are the one who needs or wants the job. As unique as you are, the employer can easily find another person who will perform the same tasks.

By knowing who you are, you will be more readily able to express to the interviewer what you as a unique individual have to offer and why they need to hire you. By embracing all of who you are before the interview, you will have the tools you need to settle into a place of confidence. When you exude this confidence and sense of knowing who you are, you'll present the image of an articulate, focused, and self-aware individual who employers will want to have on their team.

Now, who are you?

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.

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5 Steps To Present Your Best Self …

How To Ask About Work-Life Balance In A Job Interview



As a career coaching veteran for over 20 years, many professionals have sought my advice on how to ask about work-life balance in a job interview. It's a difficult question to ask without it being a red flag. Still, there's definitely a way you can find this information out in a job interview.

Asking about work-life balance in a job interview starts with using emotional intelligence to avoid being overly blunt. You also don't want this to be the first question you ask in a job interview.

When a hiring manager asks, "Do you have any questions for us?" at the end of a job interview, the very first question you ask says a lot about you.

I'll give you an example. I was hiring for my company at one point, and I had two candidates. The first candidate came in and when I said, "Do you have any questions for me?" she replied, "Yeah, what's it pay?" Meanwhile, the pay was posted in the job description. So that told me the only thing she cared about was the money.

The second candidate came in and when I said, "Do you have any questions for me?" she said, "Yes, can you tell me how this job will impact the success of the organization as a whole? How will I know that I'm doing a good job?" This was a very thoughtful question. I knew she wanted to understand how to create value so she could be successful. It was also a strategic question on her part. But I loved it.

Best Interview Questions To Ask To Learn About A Company's Work-Life Balance


When it's your turn to ask questions in a job interview, after you've asked a few strategic questions, you would transition to asking about the company's work-life balance. Here are some great examples of questions you could ask the hiring manager:

  • Can you tell me about your company's strategies for work-life balance?
  • Can you give me some examples of how the company ensures work-life balance?
  • Can you tell me the company's policies on working outside the normal hours? For example, will I be expected to work nights or weekends? Can you walk me through those expectations?

These are totally fair, positive questions to ask on the subject of work-life balance. By asking these questions, you're making the assumption that they support work-life balance and giving them the opportunity to elaborate.

Now, the hiring manager can say whatever they want. They could lie to you in this interview. So my advice is if you get a lot further along in the process and you're still wondering about work-life balance, ask to speak to a peer. This is especially true if you get the job offer and you haven't met any of your potential co-workers. You can say, "I'm really excited about this job and I want to accept on the spot. But I was hoping to talk to somebody who would be my peer and also just get a sense of the job from them." That way, you can talk to a potential co-worker and ask them:

  • Can you tell me about work-life balance here?
  • Do you find yourself having to work nights or weekends very often? If so, what are the circumstances?
  • What can I expect at this job?

That peer can be more forthcoming with you. And if they're not forthcoming, you can usually read people and tell if they're hiding something or not being honest.

So find the right spot to ask about work-life balance in the interview. Frame your questions in a way that isn't too negative. Most importantly, if you're still not getting the right vibe, ask to meet other people in the organization. Ask to meet your peers, and then ask them those same questions and pay attention to how they respond. This is how we start to look under the hood of a company to figure out what's going on.

Finally, there are websites you can go to that have anonymous reviews of companies and what it's like to work there. Make sure you visit those as well. Do your homework. Be careful. You don't want to be sucked into a bad job where it's not what you expected it to be. So make sure you research the company beforehand and ask about work-life balance in your job interview—the right way.

Good luck, and go get 'em!

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How To Ask About Work-Life Balance In …



What’s the one piece of advice given over and over to interviewees? Prepare. Research the company, research the role, take time to analyze what’s going to be required of you, and take time to assess your own abilities.

That’s the advice that Direct Line Group Careers gives to its applicants on their insurance jobs site. So, what do you do when you take this sound advice, but mid-way through a promising interview situation you’re thrown a question that you couldn’t possibly have prepared for?

Tough interview questions are becoming more popular for interviewers to gauge how adept a candidate is at thinking on their feet. Without their prepared answers to fall back on, how an interviewee reacts to a question that seems utterly random can be revealing.

The good news? If you’re applying for a role that you have a lot of passion for, in an area where you’re naturally talented or well-practiced (without necessarily having direct working experience), these questions are a great way to show off your abilities. The bad news? There’s not much you can do to practice for a question that’s deliberately obscure. But that’s not to say it’s completely impossible—after all, the purpose of any interview is to see how good a fit you are for the role and the company.

So, however wacky the question is, the recruiter will probably be hoping for you to consider the context in which it’s being asked when it comes to your answer. That means if you’ve researched the role you’re applying for and know what is going to be expected of you, chances are you’ll have a good idea of the type of logic and thought process they’re looking for when you make your reply.

Below are a few genuine curveball questions that have been asked in interview situations; while none of them have a necessarily right or wrong response, they’ll often fit into fields of purpose. One way to prepare for curveball interview questions is to get used to looking for what the intention is behind the weirdness!

Curveball Interview Questions


  • “Name five uses of a stapler without staples."
  • “What do you think of garden gnomes?”

What they’re really asking: Are you creative? Can you see the bigger picture, or are you focused on the detail? Are you happy to improvise, and are you a good communicator?

  • “Given 20 light bulbs (which break at a certain height), and a building with 100 floors, how do you determine the height at which the bulb breaks?”
  • "Out of 25 horses, pick the fastest three horses. In each race, only five horses can run at the same time. What is the minimum number of races required?"

What they’re really asking: Are you logical? Do you have a good knowledge of probability and equations? Can you figure out an effective method for solving problems and assess its viability?

  • “How would you weigh an elephant?”
  • "If you were shrunk to the size of a pencil and put in a blender, how would you get out?”

What they’re really asking: How creative are you when it comes to problem-solving? Do you have an eye for important details? How do you improvise under pressure?

What Are All The Questions Really Asking?


Job candidate interviews for an open position

They’re all challenges: challenges to normal interview structure, challenges to your ability to think on your feet, and logical challenges that reveal your thought process. Most importantly, don’t see a curveball question as an attempt to trip you up: see it as an opportunity to show that you relish a challenge.

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How To Handle Curveball Interview Questions

5 Steps To Present Your Best Self During An Interview



Like any other conversation, a job interview is a two-way street. It's as much about how well you listen as it is about what you say. And there's more to listening than simply hearing another person's words.

How interviewers sit, how they ask their questions, and what they do while listening to your answers can tell you an awful lot about the direction the interview is taking.

Of course, during a job interview, the hiring manager is in the driver's seat, so it's critical that you're able to read their cues. There are some general ways to figure out whether someone's paying attention to you or not. Are they making eye contact? Leaning forward as you speak? Nodding their head? All good things. But often the message someone conveys is contained in ways that are more subtle.

Here are three things to "listen" for during the job interview...

Listen For The Hidden Question


Interesting woman smiles and listens during a job interview

No job interview question is simple. In every case, the employer is looking not only for insights into your skills and experience, but also for hints about how your thought process works, how committed you'll be to your job, and how well you'll fit into the company's culture. Keep that in mind as you listen to each question.

If a hiring manager asks you to describe a time you met an aggressive deadline, for instance, they're also trying to get a feel for how well you work under pressure and how you work with others under less-than-ideal circumstances. It's not simply a question about nuts and bolts.

So, don't limit your answer to the obvious. Remember that during job interviews, explaining how you got to a particular point can be as important as showing that you got there in the first place.

Listen To Get Their Attention


Young woman listens attentively during a job interview

Obviously, you want to keep the manager's attention during the job interview. Even if they're one of those people who constantly check their cell phone while they talk, you can pick up hints about whether they're engaged in the conversation.

The most obvious clue is whether they're doing more than simply asking questions. A true dialogue is more than a Q&A. It involves stories, comments, and answers—from both sides.

If the hiring manager seems to be following a script, break up his or her routine by asking questions yourself. For example, after answering that query about meeting deadlines, ask if the hiring manager's ever been in a similar situation, or whether you can expect to face tight deadlines as a part of the job at his company. If they ask for your opinion on a recent industry news event, inquire about their views after you've given them your own.

You want the interview to be a true conversation. A hiring manager is more apt to remember the candidate they engaged with than those who simply allowed themselves to be led through their checklist of questions.

Listen To Keep Them Focused


Pay attention to signs that you're losing your audience whenever you need more than a few sentences to answer a question. Some clues are obvious. The hiring manager's eyes may wander, for example. Others are more subtle. Someone who's been sitting forward may shift and begin rubbing the arm of their chair with their fingers.

Picking up on someone's wandering attention will depend a lot on how well you read them. People differ, after all. A hiring manager who's comfortable multitasking may be carrying on an engaged conversation even if they're checking their email while they talk.

The trick is to look for signs that the rhythm has been broken. For example, if the multitasker allows pauses to creep into the conversation while they absorb an email message, chances are you need to refocus their attention.

Though the hiring manager asks the questions during an interview, the job seeker has plenty of opportunities to direct the conversation. Always be on the lookout for hints about the interviewer's interests and engagement. You'll find them in what they do, as well as in what they say.

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Interview Tips: Why You Shouldn’t Say You Were “Terminated” From A Job



If your position gets terminated, should you mention that in your next interview? Many job seekers face this dilemma in their job search when they're newly unemployed. First, you need to determine what type of termination occurred.

There are two types of termination: voluntary and involuntary. If you quit, that's called voluntary termination. If it's involuntary termination, there are two types of that: you got fired or you got laid off. And those are also very different. Fired means you did something wrong and they couldn't keep you. Laid off means you did nothing wrong. They were in financial trouble and they couldn't keep you. So as you go down that decision tree, you'll have to clarify what type of termination happened—what "terminated" means in your case.

Don't Say You Were "Terminated." Say This Instead...


My personal advice as a 20-year career coaching veteran is if you quit a job, make sure you tell the employer that information and explain why you quit. If you got fired from a job, you want to try to explain that as objectively as you can without making any excuses—owning your mistakes. And if you got laid off, tell them you got laid off. It was beyond your control.

I wouldn't use the word "terminated" at all. Instead, I'd get very clear on what happened and I would use the "Experience + Learn = Grow" model to answer the "Why did you leave your job?" question in a way that's very factual and succinct, that has a beginning, a middle, and an end, and is structured.

That kind of structured response is the most important thing to do in this situation because it shows that you've really thought about what happened and want to make sure they properly understand.

This is how you score points in a job interview. I see people every single day who have been fired or laid off from jobs using the "Experience + Learn = Grow" model to answer difficult interview questions. And then the recruiter and hiring manager say, "Great answer," and move on because these things happen. They're out of our control sometimes, or they're in our control and we learn from them.

You need a better response. So don't use the word "terminated." Get really clear and remember the "Experience + Learn = Grow" model. You can do this.

Good luck, and go get 'em!

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Interview Tips: Why You Shouldn’t Say You …

5 Steps To Present Your Best Self During An Interview



The job interview—this is where it all really begins! While your resume may have impressed the hiring manager and helped you get your foot in the door, now you really have to bring home those points on the resume in person. Failing to convey the right message in the job interview means it is game over!

Don't expect a callback from the employer if you fall short of conveying key messages. There's a lot that can be done to prepare for the job interview so that you go into it confidently. However, it's one thing to be prepared and it's another thing to perform well in the job interview.

Along with proper preparation, here are three things you must convey in the job interview...

You're A Go-Getter!


Job seeker conveying three things during a job interview

Employers desire employees who have a real passion for the work. During the job interview, demonstrate that desire, passion, and excitement for the challenges that lie ahead with the position.

Make the interviewer believe you'll be able to hit the ground running on the job by demonstrating you have the experiences and skills to succeed on the job. Ask what the biggest challenge is and present examples of previous relevant work where you've been in a similar situation and what you accomplished and achieved.

The research you've done ahead of time should also allow you to demonstrate that you are knowledgeable about the company, its business, and more.

You Fit Right In!


Job seeker conveys they are a good fit for the position in a job interview

Fitting right in is not so much about being agreeable but being likable. Come off as friendly and share your understanding of working in a workplace like the employer's. Ask questions during the interview to further understand the type of work environment that exists and then make an effort to demonstrate you have similar experience working in such an environment.

Another way to create the feel that you'll fit right in is by building rapport with those you speak with. The interview should not take on a model of a Q&A session; you want to turn it into a dynamic conversation. Find ways to build rapport that will help show how well you understand the ins and outs of the business and working in a workplace like theirs.

You're A Character With Great Personality!


Hiring managers understand that job candidates may come into a job interview nervous, but those who are able to overcome their nerves and show some personality are more memorable and attractive as a candidate for the job opening.

When you present your personality, it's easier for employers to see how you stand out from other job candidates. Presented the right way, you can also come off even more likable.

When there's the opportunity for it, don't be afraid to add to the conversation by talking about your personal quirks or likes. It's what makes you you! When there is a lack of personality in a character, the individual can come off as boring and dry. It also doesn't hurt to show how you differentiate from the next candidate with similar experience and skills.

Find opportunities throughout your job interview to weave into the conversation these three things above. In the end, you'll come off as a more memorable and desirable candidate for the job!

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3 Things To Convey In Your Job …