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This is a tough question because you’re forced to talk about a difficult time with a complete stranger. Fortunately, it’s also a great opportunity to turn a big challenge into a great accomplishment. In fact, we like to think of it as a related question to “Tell me about an accomplishment you’re proud of.” Why do employers ask this question? It’s because they want to know that they’re hiring someone who has the ability to think on their feet and who is resilient when facing challenges.

When answering this question, start by giving context for the situation and then showing how you worked out a solution to the problem. Try to keep your answer short and focused. After all, the interviewer is really looking for what you took away from the situation and doesn’t need to know the full backstory of what happened. If you need help structuring your answer, remember this acronym: S.T.A.R. It stands for situation, task, action, and result.

Here’s what they each mean and how you can use them effectively.

Situation

First, articulate to your interviewer the situation you were in so that they have context. What was the problem and how did it come up? In one or two sentences, create a clear picture so that hiring manager is able to visualize the challenge. If possible, keep things professional by focusing only on problems that have come up in class or at a previous job.

Say something like: “During my summer internship at a public relations firm, a client suddenly wanted to change an entire campaign strategy two days before launch. The client was unhappy with my team’s first draft, so we were tasked with redoing the entire plan.”

Task

Talk about the task at hand and tell your interviewer what each person was responsible for doing, so that they get a sense of how you fit into the team. You don’t have to go into a lot of detail but do set the scene with one or two sentences about the roles everyone played in the project.

Say something like: “We organized a late-night brainstorm that evening. After hours of work, I asked to take the lead on putting together a new deck. This was challenging because it was my first time putting a deck together and also our one chance to make the client happy again.”

Action

Once you’re done setting the scene, explain the actions involved in overcoming the challenge. Talk about your thought process and the steps you took to solve the problem. Again, one or two sentences is all you need to convey this.

Say something like: “I overcame this challenge by looking at previously successful presentations for the client, analyzing the feedback they gave on our initial presentation and incorporating all of the team’s ideas into the new deck.”

Result

While you should be honest and speak about a true challenge you’ve faced, be sure to end on a positive note so that your interviewer sees you as a proactive problem solver and a team player. Quantify your results if possible. It’s a great way to demonstrate the impact you’ve had on a project or company, and it lets the interviewer know that you’re focused on results.

Say something like: “The client was ultimately thrilled with the fresh plan, and all of the new ideas we included!”

Here’s how to tie this all together:

“During my summer internship at a public relations firm, a client suddenly wanted to change an entire campaign strategy two days before launch. The client was unhappy with my team’s first draft, so we were tasked with redoing the entire plan. We organized a late-night brainstorm that evening. After hours of work, I asked to take the lead on putting together a new deck. This was challenging because it was my first time putting a deck together and also our one chance to make the client happy again. I overcame this challenge by looking at previously successful presentations for the client, analyzing the feedback they gave on our initial presentation and incorporating all of the team’s ideas into the new deck. The client was ultimately thrilled with the fresh plan, and all of the new ideas we included!”

Answering “Tell me about a challenge you’ve overcome” is a great way to show potential employers that you’re able to think on your feet and to solve a problem effectively. This is a skill that interviewers are looking for in all of the candidates they hire and answering this common interview question effectively will serve you well at interviews for both internships and entry-level jobs.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How to Find an Internship as an Underclassman and find answers to common interview questions such as How Would Your Friends Describe You?.

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Being fully prepared for the interview process means knowing what questions to anticipate. One of those questions is, “What are your salary expectations?” You won’t encounter this question during an internship interview, but it’s likely to come up if you’re interviewing for an entry-level job. Why do employers ask this? If you’re a recent college grad, it’s because they want to make sure that you have a sense of the industry you’re trying to enter and are coming into the job with realistic expectations.

Entry-level salaries vary by job type and industry, so knowing as much as possible about your field is extremely important when preparing to answer this question. Another thing to note is that entry-level salaries are most often not open to negotiation.

Here are some things to keep in mind when preparing to answer.

When it’s not appropriate to negotiate.

“If you’re recruited into a formal entry-level program (a program where a class of people starts together and trains together) the answer is likely going to be no to a salary negotiation,” explains Liane Hajduch, a former campus recruiter for RBC Capital Markets.

This includes fields like investment banking, consulting and engineering, all of which have structured salaries for entry-level jobs. If you’re entering one of those industries, it’s best not to negotiate! However, you should still come into the interview knowing the salary range for the position and having a clear sense of what to expect if you’re offered the job.

Say something like: “I expect to be paid a salary that is commensurate with the industry standard for an entry-level candidate joining this position.”

Pro tip: Sites like Payscale and Glassdoor offer a lot of information about salary ranges and can give you additional insights about a company including the average salary by job type.

When it is appropriate to negotiate.

If you’re entering a more creative field (think media or marketing) and have previous relevant experience, then negotiation might be possible. “I recommend doing your research on the industry and what similar entry-level hires are being paid,” explains Hajduch. “If you know your worth, and you have data to prove it, you’ll have a much stronger case than if you make it subjective or emotional.”

Once you’ve done the research and know the range for the position, be ready to show the interviewer that you have the skills and commitment to deserve the highest salary within that range.

Say something like: “I know the average salary for this type of entry-level position is in the $35,000-$40,000 range. I think that I would be a great fit for the role due to my past internship experience and I am expecting a salary within that range.”

Answering “What are your salary expectations?” effectively is easy if you come into the conversation prepared and with some solid research under your belt. Be confident and straightforward, but also remember that flexibility will go a long way toward making a good impression on the interviewer and the company.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as When to Start Applying for a Summer Internship and find answers to common interview questions such as Why Do You Want to Work Here?

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As with any frequently asked question, it’s important to make sure you have an answer prepared before you go in for the job interview. These tips will help you describe a time you made a mistake in a way that will make it clear you’re the right person for the job.

Be honest

It’s important to be able to admit that you’re capable of making mistakes (as we all are), and that you’re willing and able to admit it. Therefore, you should refer to an actual mistake you made instead of attempting to appear that you don’t make any.

Take responsibility

It’s tempting to catalog how other people’s actions led to your error. But if you spend time during your interview talking about all the ways in which others — or the company itself — failed, you’re not actually admitting you made a mistake. Instead of pointing the finger at others, acknowledge the role you played. Your answer should be related to work; the interviewer doesn’t want to hear about the argument you had with your parents. Nor do you want to reveal any mistakes that could indicate a lack of professionalism on your part. Stick with school or work-related issues that stemmed from a true oversight or misunderstanding:

Highlight the resolution

Make sure to spend time discussing how you addressed the problem and outline the concrete steps to took to rectify it. The interviewer will want to know how you handle complications.

Emphasize lessons learned

Demonstrate that the mistake you made was not in vain. The interviewer wants to know that you can learn from your mistakes and take action to make sure they don’t happen again. By concluding the story of your mistake with what you learned, you can frame the incident in a positive light and show that you’re able to grow from your mistakes.

Say something like: “At my previous internship, I underestimated the amount of time I would need to work on a presentation for a team meeting. I was still getting used to the workflow in a busy office so I didn’t realize that I would need an extra few hours to put a deck together. Luckily, I managed to catch the mistake before the presentation was due to take place and asked my manager for help to complete it in time. It was a valuable lesson in time management and I’ve become better at prioritization and mapping out my schedule as a result of that experience.”

While it can be awkward to discuss mistakes you’ve made, your ability to do so is an asset. Interviewers know it’s a difficult question, and that’s why the right response will signal that you’re the right candidate for the job.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How to Dress for a Job Interview at a Nonprofit and find answers to common interview questions such as What Motivates You?

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Approach it as if you just wrote an autobiography and you have to summarize it in four sentences. Focus on the highlights: Talk about where you’re from, your major and your future goals. Then add on a sentence at the end that describes why you’re sitting in the interview and why you’d be a good fit for the role.

Here’s how to do it.

Talk about your background.

Answering this question well is about more than just mentioning your skills or professional experience. It’s also about putting those things into context with the rest of your life. At the beginning of your answer you should explain where you’re from, where you’re attending school and what you’re majoring in.

Describe your interests.

Next, talk a little bit about your interests including what led you to apply for the role. For example, if you’re passionate about journalism, explain why the field excites you and why you’d like to be a part of it.

Mention your past experience.

Once you’ve described your interests, explain how your past internship and work experience have shaped your decision to seek out this role. If you don’t have previous experience in the field (or a related on) you can talk about relevant classes you’ve taken or transferable skills you’ve developed through class projects or extracurriculars.

Explain why you’re excited about the opportunity.

Wrap up your answer with one sentence explaining why you’re excited about this opportunity. Be sure to mention something you admire about the position or the company, and connect it back to your goals.

Say something like: “I’m originally from New York City and I’m currently a Junior at UT Austin. I decided to study English because I’ve always loved reading and writing and studying literature in general. I’m now looking to gain experience in the world of journalism, a field I’m passionate about because of its ability to inform and engage readers. I’ve written extensively for my campus newspaper, reporting on campus news and events, and I’m excited to gain more valuable reporting experience by working on the types of stories your company publishes.”

Once you have your answer nailed down, practice it in the mirror several times. This will help you get comfortable with all the points you want to emphasize and will ensure that you sound confident without being stiff.

Answering “Tell me about yourself” is the first step in connecting with your interviewer and a great chance to distinguish yourself from the majority of candidates who may be fumbling over their answer. So practice your story to make sure it reflects the thoughtfulness and detail you’ve put into your response and go into the interview confident that you’ll be putting your best foot forward.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as 6 Things to Do in Your First Week at a New Job and find answers to common interview questions such as Tell Me About an Accomplishment That You’re Most Proud Of.

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Here are some tips to help you answer this question perfectly.

Highlight your top 3 strengths.

Before your interview, start by making a list of 10 skills and personality traits you’re proud of. This should include everything from your technical skills (like writing or knowledge of social media platforms) to soft skills like your ability to make friends easily (which shows that you’re a people person), and education-based skills such as training from college classes or past internships. If you need help coming up with this list, try brainstorming with friends or asking professors to weigh in on what they think you’re really good at. Once you have your top 10 strengths, narrow it down to the 3 things you’re most proud of. Be self-aware but not too modest. It’s totally okay to say that you’re a talented writer or a great programmer, and being confident will impress your interviewer.

Pro tip: Be creative! You might be awesome at punctuality, but your interviewer has probably heard that from lots of other candidates already. Instead, figure out what sets you apart and lead with that. For example, if you’re applying for a position where you’ll be managing projects and you have previous project management experience, this is a great time to mention that!

Give concrete examples.

Once you’ve figured out your top 3 strengths, come up with 1-2 examples to back up each one. If you’re going to say that one of your greatest strengths is being organized, then make sure you have evidence to prove that. Preparing a script of this can be a good idea. In addition to making you more comfortable with your answer, it’ll also help you sound more authentic because you’ll be confident that the things you’re talking about are things you’re really great at.

Say something like: “I’m really strong at communication, leadership and project management. Whenever I’m working on a group project, I naturally take on the role of project manager, leading the team by assigning tasks and making sure that everyone knows what they’re responsible for. At my last internship, I was asked to manage a project involving our team of interns. I took the lead on assigning tasks to the team and used the project management platform Trello to ensure that everyone was up to speed on what was expected of them. I also made sure that team members were communicating with each other on a daily basis so that we didn’t fall behind.”

Relate your strengths back to the job.

Once you’ve outlined your strengths and given solid examples of how you display them, wrap up your answer by connecting your strengths back to the position you’re applying for. You don’t need to focus on how your strengths relate to the job specifically (since this can sound too practiced), but do mention why these skills would make you an asset to any team.

Say something like: “We were able to complete the project on time and under budget, delivering a successful solution that our manager was able to share with a client. This made me realize that project management, leadership and communication are things I’m good at, and I’m excited to continue applying those skills in a professional setting.”

Here’s how to bring it all together:

“I’m really strong at communication, leadership and project management. Whenever I’m working on a group project, I naturally take on the role of project manager, leading the team by assigning tasks and making sure that everyone knows what they’re responsible for. At my last internship, I was asked to manage a project involving our team of interns. I took the lead on assigning tasks to the team and used the project management platform Trello to ensure that everyone was up to speed on what was expected of them. I also made sure that team members were communicating with each other on a daily basis so that we didn’t fall behind. We were able to complete the project on time and under budget, delivering a successful solution that our manager was able to share with a client. This made me realize that project management, leadership and communication are things I’m good at, and I’m excited to continue applying those skills in a professional setting.”

Answering “What are your strengths?” is a great chance to highlight the things you’re great at and to show a potential employer that you’ve thought about what will make you a great addition to the team. Even if the interviewer doesn’t ask this question directly, finding a way to relate your strengths to the job you’re applying for is a key component of impressing the interviewer. By coming up with your top 3 strengths and giving thoughtful examples of each, you’ll have no problem showing that you’re the best person for the job.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How to Use Social Media to Network Online and find answers to common interview questions such as Are You Willing to Travel?

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Here are some tips to help you nail this interview question.

Pick a weakness that doesn’t affect your ability to do the job.

Narrow down your answer to only your biggest weakness. Since the interviewer is really looking for candidates who are self-aware and proactively trying to improve, talking about one main issue will give you a chance explain the steps you’ve taken to address the problem and, more importantly, not give the interviewer a reason to turn you down.

The weakness you pick shouldn’t take away from your ability to do the job or to fit in with the company, but it also shouldn’t come across as unrealistic or staged. Don’t say something like, “I’m too much of a perfectionist.” Your interviewer probably won’t believe it (this is no one’s biggest weakness) and it doesn’t give you a lot of room to elaborate on how you’ve taken actionable steps to address the issue. Instead, focus on the things you’ve struggled with in the past, like managing your time when you a have a busy class schedule, not speaking up for yourself during a class project, or not asking for help when you need it.

Pro Tip: Keep this focused and concise. You want to give the interviewer the sense that you’re self-aware, but you don’t want to dwell on all the ways your weakness has held you back. Try to frame your weakness in one sentence.

Walk through the steps you’ve taken to address the problem.

Once you’ve opened up about your weak point, demonstrate your ability to problem-solve by talking about how you’ve worked through the problem and mention some of the successes you’ve had as a result. End on a positive note and, if possible, tie the positive outcome back to the job you’re interviewing for.

Say something like: “I’ve always loved connecting with people and I tend to do that very well in person. However, my writing skills aren’t as strong as I would like them to be over email and in proposals. I’ve taken a writing class and I’ve seen my writing improve, but it’s something that I still need to work on. To make sure that I’m actively addressing the problem, I always ask for feedback when writing papers for class, and I include at least one English class in my schedule every semester. Although writing is one of my weaknesses, I’m taking active steps to get better and I know that I can become a good writer if I keep working on it.”

Although identifying your weak points might be a bit uncomfortable at first, answering “What are your weaknesses?” is a great opportunity to show that you’re able to identify and address problems in a proactive way. This is a skill that employers always look for and something that will help you stand out in a pool of other candidates.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as What to Do When You Want a Second Job Offer and find answers to common interview questions such as Would You Describe Yourself as a Leader or a Follower?

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The best way to prepare your answer to this question is to spend a few minutes writing out a description of what your dream job might look like. Be sure to include things like what you’d like to do and who you’d like to work with. Then compare that description to the description of the job you’re interviewing for. Focus on the things that show up in both lists and talk about why those things are exciting to you.

Here are some tips to help you prepare your answer.

Explain your dream job.

This is a great way to start your answer because it will give the hiring manager some insight into your long-term goals and help them understand why you’re applying for the position in the first place. Keep this part of your answer short (one sentence is fine) and be sure to give some context by explaining what part of your dream job appeals to you.

Say something like: “My dream job is to one day be a lead product manager, creating and scaling innovative tech products.”

Mention how your values align with the company’s values.

While your skills are definitely a key part of landing the job you want, your values also play a significant role in showing how the position you’re interviewing for fits into your goals for the future. What are “values”? They can be a lot of different things, including work-life balance, salary, vacation time and company culture. Having values that overlap with those of the company you’d like to work for is especially important for entry-level jobs because hiring managers are looking for candidates who are committed to sticking with the organization.

Say something like: “Because of my passion for digital platforms, I want to be involved in working on projects like the ones your company is working on, especially because I love working in places that put an emphasis on collaborative environments and teamwork.“

Connect your future goals to the position.

Letting the interviewer know that you’re ambitious is great, but in addition to talking about the kind of position you want to have in the future, you should also talk about what you can learn from this role and how this will help shape your career path within the industry. Be sure to mention that you’re interested in the position for the long term. This will show employers that you’re committed to them and will be sticking around.

Say something like: “I know being a Lead PM is a big goal, so I’m ready to do everything I can to develop my skills and work alongside talented people.”

Here’s how to bring it all together:

“My dream job is to one day be a lead product manager, creating and scaling innovative tech products. Because of my passion for digital platforms, I want to be involved in working on projects like the ones your company is working on, especially because I love working in places that put an emphasis on collaborative environments and teamwork. I know being a Lead PM is a big goal, so I’m ready to do everything I can to develop my skills and work alongside talented people.”

Pro tip: Although you may be excited about the job you’re interviewing for, unless it really is your dream job, don’t say it is. Interviewers are much more likely to be impressed by a sincere response related to skills or values that are in line with the position.

Answering “What’s your dream job?” is a great chance to show the interviewer that you’re ambitious and forward-thinking, while also having the skills and values that will make you a great employee. By highlighting your great qualities and giving a thoughtful answer about how the position you’re interviewing for will help you achieve your long-term goals, you’ll really impress the interviewer and get one step closer to landing the job.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as What to Do After You Get a Job Offer and find answers to common interview questions such as How to Answer: Tell Me About a Time You Made a Mistake.

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This question can make or break your job interview, so here are a few key insights to consider as you prepare to answer: What motivates you?

Reflect.

If you try to come up with an answer to this question on the spot, you’ll likely sell yourself short. This is an opportunity to demonstrate strong self-awareness and it requires thoughtful reflection to get the answer just right. A helpful strategy can be to think about the times in your life where you felt the most driven and inspired, whether in a previous internship, in your classes, on a sports team or as part of another extracurricular activity. Personality tests like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator can also illuminate new ways to identify and articulate your passions and strengths. For example, if you find that you are most motivated while prepping for final projects or getting ready for a championship game, you can share that having clear and ambitious end goals is important to you.

It can be equally essential to reflect on what activities or spaces leave you feeling discouraged or unmotivated. Taking the time to identify these energy-drainers can help you avoid work settings that may not be a good fit, particularly if you’re looking for your first entry-level job and are still trying to understand type of job will work best for you.

Be authentic.

Hiring managers can quickly tell if you’re being genuine about your motivations. Generalized responses like “I love working with others” tend to be easily forgotten. Overly catered responses could look insincere. You are most compelling when you are authentic. Look at the job description and pull out what you are genuinely excited about. If you’re eager to work on a close-knit team and you see that this role has highly collaborative project management, that’s a great place to dive in. Alternatively, if you get energy from being around others, but this job has you doing predominately independent work like data analysis, that’s something you need to consider carefully.

Keep it concise, positive and connected.

“What motivates you?” is a broad question, so it can be tempting to rattle off a long list of things that get you excited to wake up in the morning, but a compelling response will be succinct, grounded in previous accomplishments, and connected to the job at hand. Curate a list of two to three key motivators accompanied by 1) a specific example of when this motivated you and 2) how you see this playing out in the job that you’re applying for.

Say something like: “I’m very motivated when doing work that positively affects others’ lives. As part of the community service that I do on campus, I had the opportunity to come up with a service project with other team members, and I found that I’m at my personal best when I have the chance to be both creative and service-oriented. I’m excited to see that this job also focuses on fostering a service-oriented mindset.”

Pro Tip: Whatever you say, don’t say money. Salaries are certainly important, but money should never be the primary motivating factor that you share in an interview.

Below are some potential motivating factors and ways to connect what motivates you to job descriptions:

Bringing out the best in others → Example: Laterally managing teammates to their greatest potential
Creative expression → Example: Innovating new solutions to complex problems
Working in teams → Example: Encouraging collaborative practices across teams and departments
Making a difference → Example: Upping the standards for inclusive processes
Winning or competing → Example: Setting and achieving ambitious goals in ambiguous contexts

Self-reflecting on the front-end and identifying what truly motivates you will not only narrow down your job search to a list of more meaningful opportunities, but it will also help you feel confident walking in on interview day. For other ideas on how to get noticed by hiring managers, check out our advice on how to stand out during a job search.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as Advanced Tips to Make Your Resume Stand Out and find answers to common interview questions such as What Was Your Favorite Class?

The post How to Answer: What Motivates You? appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

Here are some things to keep in mind when preparing your answer.

Do your homework.

If the job description states that the position requires travel, apply only if you’re willing and able to do so. Do some research about how much travel is typically required for the position you’re applying for so when the interviewer follows up by asking how often you are able to travel, you can give an appropriate answer. For example, if you’re applying for a job as a campus recruiter for a particular company, you should know that you’ll be traveling quite a bit during the academic year when you attend college career fairs and major industry conferences.

Find out the details.

If the job description and interviewer don’t outline the travel requirements, you should be prepared to ask. In fact, asking questions will show your prospective employer that you’re really interested in the role and invested in making it work for both parties.

Tell the truth.

Be upfront about how much you’re able to travel during any given timeframe. Even if you’re willing to travel every week, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you can take off for London at a moment’s notice. Be sure to frame your answer in terms of what you’re able to do, demonstrating flexibility and wrap up by asking the hiring manager to offer more details on the travel requirements.

Say something like: “I’m definitely willing to travel, and actually love traveling! I’ll admit that I have some prior commitments that prevent me from traveling every weekend, but I’m more than happy to travel every week if necessary. Do you know how much traveling would be expected of me?”

Above all, make sure to focus on what you can do for the company and not the other way around. By doing your homework beforehand, asking follow-up questions and being honest, you’re positioning yourself as a strong and memorable applicant.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How to Deal with Multiple Internship Offers and find answers to common interview questions such as How Have You Displayed Leadership?

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While you don’t have to have an exact answer about the path you want your career to take, your answer should convey what you enjoy doing and what you’re good at. It’s also important that at least one component of your answer relates back to the job you’re interviewing for.

Here are some things to keep in mind when preparing your answer.

Be honest but don’t go into too much detail.

While it’s important to be honest in every part of the interview process, if the real answer to this question is “Not at this job,” or “Winning my first Oscar,” then we suggest focusing instead on what you can learn from the position and how those lessons will fit into your long-term career goals. Start by outlining a goal you’ve set for yourself and then explain why the role you’re interviewing for is an important part of your personal and professional growth.

Outline the steps you plan to take to reach your goals.

Once you’ve established your ideal career path, briefly outline the steps you intend to take to get there. For example, if your goal is to be a sales manager, explain how you plan to advance from an entry-level role to a more senior one.

Pro Tip: Keep your answer focused and concise — ideally no more than 1-2 sentences.

Show that you’re committed to sticking with the company.

Interviewers hiring for an internship or entry-level job are aware that you’re not going to be in that position forever, but they want to know that you’re committed to doing a good job while you’re there. The best way to convince them of that is to paint a picture of how the position aligns with your other goals and to show that you’re committed to making the most of the experience in every possible way.

Say something like: “In five years I see myself in a sales manager position where I am directly responsible for strategizing and implementing ways to increase my company’s annual revenue. I plan to start by working on small business sales and building my way up to mid-market sales within two years. My five-year goal is to move into enterprise sales and manage my own accounts with big companies. The most important thing though, is that I want to work for a company where I can really build a career and learn.”

Although you may not be sure of your long-term professional aspirations, answering this question is a great opportunity to show that you’re thoughtfully considering your future and looking for a role that will align with your goals, while also helping to shape those goals. This kind of thoughtfulness is likely to not only impress potential employers but to convince them that you’re worth investing in as an employee.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as A Job Guide in Psychology and find answers to common interview questions such as What Makes You Uncomfortable?

The post How to Answer: Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years? appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

Here are some things to keep in mind when preparing your answer.

Talk about what motivates you personally and professionally

The hiring manager is interested in more than your previous internship experience or the classes you’ve taken. They want to know what motivates you to get up every day, so be sure to tell them that. If you’re interested in leading your own team one day or learning a specific kind of skill, mention it and explain why it’s important to you.

Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to talk about big goals. After all, there’s no better way to show that you’re truly motivated to succeed.

Give specific examples

Talking about what inspires you is a great start, but it’s important to back it up with concrete examples. Be sure to explain why it’s meaningful to you and how you plan to work it into your life. This is especially important if the goal is career related since you’ll want to show the steps you’re taking to achieve it.

Say something like: “I’m really motivated by helping kids from low-income backgrounds and I’ve done a lot of volunteer work in this area throughout my time in college. It’s easy to be passionate about something so meaningful, but it’s especially important to me because of my background and where I’m from.”

Explain how it has shaped your career path

Once you’ve explained your goal and outlined your plan for achieving it, connect your answer back to the position you’re applying for and show why you’d be an asset to the company. Be sure to demonstrate that you’ve truly thought about the position and how it will fit into your life.

Say something like: “I know I couldn’t have gotten to where I am today without the help of mentors from a local organization in my hometown. In fact, this volunteer work has been a major driver in my decision to start a career in elementary education and I’m looking for a position where I can develop the skills that will allow me to do that successfully.”

By talking about your future goals and how they inspire you, you’ll show the interviewer that you’re thinking ahead and taking proactive steps to shape your career. This is a great way to stand out from the crowd and help potential employers see your value.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How Do I Get a Job in Another City or State? and find answers to common interview questions such as Tell Me About a Time You Went Above and Beyond the Requirements for a Project.

The post How to Answer: What Gets You Up in the Morning? appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

Employers have several reasons for asking this question. The first, of course, is that the position you’re applying for does require you to move, or may require a transfer later on. But the interviewer may also be testing your commitment and enthusiasm for the role and the company, as well as your flexibility. Whatever the employer’s motivation for asking, you can answer honestly and still position yourself as an asset to the company.

Here are some tips for preparing your answer.

How to Answer “Yes”

If you’ve read the job description, assessed your situation and are willing to relocate, this answer is an easy one. In addition to revealing your willingness to relocate, you can also use this question as an opportunity to demonstrate what you know about the company, as well as remind the interviewer about the qualities that make you a strong candidate for the position.

Say something like: “Based on my skills and experience in this industry, I’m a good fit for this position and I’d be happy to relocate for the opportunity to work with your company.”

How to Answer “Maybe”

This is a valid answer, particularly if you don’t know what a relocation would entail. Would it be temporary or permanent? Would you be able to continue advancing your career? Will the company be helping you financially with the relocation? It might also depend on the location. Maybe you are willing to move within the United States but not internationally. If and when you receive a job offer, be sure to follow up with questions that will help you understand the specifics of the relocation.

Say something like: “I’m certainly interested in opportunities to advance my career. If a relocation would allow for that type of opportunity, I’m happy to consider it. Would this be for the New York or San Francisco office?”

How to Answer “No”

It’s not necessarily a dealbreaker if moving is not an option for you. You can be honest and present yourself as open to the idea in the future. When you answer, remain positive and explain your circumstances.

Say something like: “Unfortunately, moving is not an option for me right now. However, I can promise total commitment to the role. My circumstances may change in the future, and I would certainly consider it then.”

Having a ready answer to the question “Are you willing to relocate” demonstrates to the interviewer that you’ve thoughtfully and thoroughly prepared for the job interview. Whatever your answer, remain confident and focused on what you have to offer.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as Top 10 Things You Should Look for In an Internship and find answers to common interview questions such as If I Asked Your Friends to Describe You, What Would They Say?

The post How to Answer: Are You Willing to Relocate? appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

This common interview question, which you’ll encounter during more interviews for an internship or entry-level job, is designed to test a few things. Employers want to know that you don’t let the stress of high-pressure moments (which are inevitable in any work environment) get to you and can still perform well. Additionally, your answer to this question allows employers to see how you get your best work done and how stress affects you.

To nail this question, it’s important to understand and explain the situations that can stress you out, illustrate how you manage your reaction to that stress, and then give a real-life example of how you dealt with stress. Your answer should be honest, but definitely with a positive spin.

Here are some things to keep in mind when preparing your answer.

Talk about a time when you faced serious pressure.

Think about a time in your life when you felt truly overwhelmed. If you’re an athlete, maybe this was during the run-up to a big game. Another great example is the pressure of finals that students face every semester. Whatever example you choose, outline the situation and explain why it was a high-pressure moment for you.

Pro Tip: Avoid examples where the pressure or stress was due in part to your own shortcomings (i.e. “I didn’t budget enough time ahead to study for the final exam, but buckled down and ended up doing well”). Instead, choose an example that shows how you were able to rise to a challenging occasion.

Give concrete examples of how you deal with the situation.

Once you’ve identified the moment of pressure, outline the steps you took to address it. Be sure to include the way you assessed the situation and the plan you put in place to get through it. Be specific and provide details that will help to highlight the outcome.

Show how these steps helped you meet your goals.

After outlining process you put in place to deal with the moment of pressure, talk about how you were able to resolve the situation and meet your goals.

Say something like: “I find that when I have multiple projects and deadlines at the same time, I’m at my most productive. I’m careful to prioritize tasks and to structure ways for me to manage my time and energy proactively. Last semester, I had three final projects and a presentation due in the same week. I knew that I would need to be diligent with every moment of my day to set myself up for success. I created a weekly calendar that outlined the time needed to complete each project, the time needed to practice the presentation in front of my peers and time for sleeping and going to the gym. Having it all planned out minimized unnecessary stress and allowed me to focus on execution, which was the most exciting part for me.”

By specifically highlighting how you’ve responded well to pressure in the past, you’ll show the interviewer that you’re ready to take on even the toughest parts of the job, getting you one step closer to closing the deal.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as 7 Phone Interview Tips  and find answers to common interview questions such as What Excites You About This Industry?.

The post How to Answer: How Do You Handle Pressure? appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

Here’s what to keep in mind as you prepare your answer.

Outline the situation

Think of something you’re truly proud of accomplishing. Whether this accomplishment happened in school, at a previous job or internship, or even during an extracurricular activity (like on a sports team), start your answer by talking about the events that led up to the moment. For example, if you’re most proud of leading your debate team to win Nationals, explain the situation that led up to that.

Talk about the task

Next, outline the task itself. Focusing on the debate team example, if were you in charge of motivating everyone with an epic speech or staying up all night to practice with a struggling teammate, this is the time to mention that. Explaining your role in the situation creates context for the story and gives the interviewer an idea of how you handle responsibilities and what you’re able to achieve.

Explain the action you took

Once you’ve outlined the task at hand, explain the steps you took to achieve your goal. Use one or two examples to back up your answer and show how these added value to the situation. For example, you can mention the plan that you created to keep everyone motivated and explain how you put it into action.

Highlight the results

Finally, be sure to mention the successful outcome and explain why you consider it to be your greatest accomplishment. The outcome itself doesn’t necessarily have to be a huge win, but it should be something that you’re truly proud of and that reflects well on you.

Say something like: “During my junior year, I led my debate team to Nationals after a successful season. I was in charge of making sure the team was still motivated and on top of their game after a pretty long season. I came up with a gameplan that combined debate practice with team building, dedicating extra time to two team members who didn’t have as much experience. We ended up winning Nationals and had an amazing time in the process.”

By following the S.T.A.R. method, you’ll be able to show off your biggest accomplishment and show the hiring manager that you’d be an asset to the team.

The post How to Answer: Tell Me About an Accomplishment That You’re Most Proud Of appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

The question may seem like a trick question, but it’s not. It’s also not one you should answer spontaneously. Instead, you should plan a thoughtful, concise and appropriate answer in advance.

Here’s what you should keep in mind when preparing your answer.

Focus on an aspect of the company that you admire and explain how that resonates with you.

You may be tempted to answer this question frankly, but saying that you “need the money” or “saw that the company was hiring” will not give the interviewer any insight into who you are. Every person your interviewer calls in to discuss the position has bills to pay, too. Instead, focus on why you chose to apply to this particular company. Be sure to mention something specific such as the company’s main product or one of their core values.

Say something like: “I’m graduating this spring, so when I was thinking about my first full-time job, I decided I wanted to work at a company that makes a product I truly believe in. Your company’s user demographic is people ages 18 to 25, and as a person within that age group and an avid user of your product, I think I could represent the brand well as a PR and communications specialist.”

Highlight your skills and explain how they’re relevant to the position.

Next, set yourself apart by highlighting your skills and elaborating on your strengths and experiences. If you have particular experience with the company’s target demographic or the main skill set required for the role, be sure to mention that.

Say something like: “I was a brand ambassador for two years in college, so I know the best ways to increase brand awareness and sales, and to be the voice of a brand.”

Connect your career goals to the brand.

Once you’ve demonstrated your passion for the brand and shown how your experience relates to the role, be sure to mention how your career goals align with those of the company. The key is to show that you’re passionate about working for this particular company — not a competitor or simply any company in the field.

Here’s how to bring it all together:

“I’m graduating this spring, so when I was thinking about my first full-time job, I decided I wanted to work at a company that makes a product I truly believe in. Your company’s demographic is people ages 18 to 25, and as a person within that age group and an avid user of your product, I think I could represent the brand well as a PR and communications specialist. I was a brand ambassador for two years in college, so I know the best ways to increase brand awareness and sales, and to be the voice of a brand. Your company’s dedication to empowering young people struck me in particular, and it seems like a great fit in terms of me being able to provide valuable insights and expertise while working for a brand that believes in what I can bring to the table.”

By showing that you’re knowledgeable about the company and that your values align with theirs, you’ll demonstrate that you’re a good fit for the role and stand a great chance of impressing the interviewer.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How to Get a Letter of Recommendation and find answers to common interview questions such as Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?

The post How to Answer: Why Do You Want to Work Here? appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to be honest. No one is perfect, and even the most successful people have failed more times than they can count. Instead of aiming for perfection by saying that you’ve never made a mistake, focus on how you can turn a negative into a positive.

Here are some things to keep in mind when preparing your answer.

Pick a real failure that you were able to learn from.

Think carefully about some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced during your life. Did they happen because you took a risk or tried something new? Or maybe you failed at something you’re normally very good at but circumstances got in the way. Whether your biggest failure was the Calculus test you didn’t pass in college or the track meet you lost in high school, the key to coming up with a great answer is to pick a situation where something went wrong but that something wasn’t catastrophic. This will make it easier to keep the story short and to focus on what you learned rather than how it felt to fail.

No matter what you choose, make sure you stay away from personal or overly emotional topics that don’t relate to the job at hand and could make the recruiter uncomfortable.

Outline the steps you took to overcome the challenge.

Once you’ve given some context for the situation and how it developed, outline the steps you took to get back on track. For example, if you’re talking about a test you failed, you can mention that you talked to your professor to get advice, then worked hard and went to office hours for extra help to make sure it didn’t happen again.

Pro Tip: Be detailed when outlining your approach. This will show the hiring manager that you’re not only proactive about problem-solving, but that you’re also able to think through the best ways to overcome a challenge.

Show how you were able to bounce back.

Finally, talk about what you learned. This is a great way to show the interviewer that you’re focused on personal and professional growth, and that you’re able to take even the most difficult situations and turn them into something positive. Most of all, you’ll be able to demonstrate that you’re resilient, a quality that employers always look for when screening candidates.

Say something like: “When I took Calculus my freshman year, I knew that I was in over my head. I’ve always been pretty good at math but the class was really challenging and I found myself falling behind. When I got my final grade and realized I had failed the class, I immediately went to talk to my professor and she helped me put together a plan for retaking the class and passing it. Over the course of the next semester, I went to office hours every week and asked a friend who was good at Calculus to help me with my homework. After struggling with that class, I realized that college was going to be much more challenging than high school, so I made sure to carefully look over the syllabus of every class I took and to set up meetings with professors to go through questions and ask for advice. I found that to be a great way of heading off potential problems and I managed to pass Calculus with flying colors the second time.”

Answering this question might seem challenging at first, but it can be a great opportunity to show the interviewer that you’re able to troubleshoot problems and to learn lessons that will serve you well in both your professional and personal lives.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How to Stand Out with Business Cards and find answers to common interview questions such as Would You Work Holidays and/or Weekends?

The post How to Answer: Tell Me About a Time You Failed appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

Just like with any binary question, the interviewer wants to hear your response, followed by a reason for why you feel as though that response is true. As always, actions speak louder than words, so speaking about your past performance can always help make your answer even stronger.

Here are some things to keep in mind when preparing your answer.

1. Start by explaining how you see yourself.

Do you consider yourself a leader or a follower? Mention this and explain why that’s the case. However, we recommend bringing up that you’re also capable of being the other type. The interviewer most likely wants to know that you’re capable of being both a leader and a follower, and that you can figure out the right time for each one based on the situation.

Say something like: “I tend to be the leader in most situations, though I can think of plenty of times when it was better for the group for me to follow along.”

2. Give an example (no more than 60 seconds) of a time when you took charge.

This can be a leadership position in a club, a leadership position in a group project, a time you started your own business, etc.

3. Then give a shorter example of a time when you followed instructions.

Your best bet would be to think of a time when you were not the “expert” in the group, but someone else was, so you followed along and learned from them. Make sure you’re honest in your entire answer since you want to ensure that you’re the right personality fit for the role!

Say something like: “All of my friends tell me I’m the leader of our group since I’m always the one planning our group trips, the one who was President of all of her clubs in college and the one who tends to present after group projects. However, there are plenty of times I can think of when I’ve been a follower because it was best for the group. For example, I’ve never played softball before, so when my friends started a softball league (with me in it), I watched a few games and read a few articles, but I ultimately let my softball-pro friends take charge on where I should go, what the batting order should be and so on.”

By demonstrating that you can be both a leader and a follower, you’ll show the hiring manager that you’re a true team player and a cultural fit for any role. This is a great way to stand out from the crowd and help potential employers see your value.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as 10 Tips for the Perfect Cover Letter  and find answers to common interview questions such as Are You Willing to Travel?

The post How to Answer: Would You Describe Yourself as a Leader or a Follower? appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

When preparing your answer to this question, you’ll want to highlight your positive personality traits and give concrete examples.

Pick a few of your best qualities.

There are many qualities that appeal to employers, including loyalty, hard work and leadership. When deciding what quality to highlight, make sure that it’s an accurate reflection of you and that you can back it up with examples how it has shaped your relationships with your friends.

Give specific examples of how you display them.

Are you the leader of the pack? Don’t be afraid to mention this. If you’re the go-to friend for making plans and executing them, this is definitely something you want to highlight to your future employer. Emphasize the leadership skills you possess and your experiences with being a leader.

Say something like: “My college friends would say that I’m the leader of the group, the life of the party and the caretaker. I’m always planning trips for us, including vacations to places we’ve never been before. Last summer, we decided to take a trip to Costa Rica and we were excited about it but didn’t know where to begin. I offered to research flights and hotels and managed to find us a great deal in a nice location. Once we got there, I made sure to look for fun places for us to go out and checked in to see how everyone was doing throughout the trip. We had a great time.”

Pro Tip: Keep your answer focused and concise. Now is not the time to reminisce about every experience you’ve had with your friends. Make sure you keep the conversation relevant to the position you’re interviewing for.

By talking about a great quality that your friends would praise, you’ll show the interviewer that you’re a team player and an asset to the organization.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How to Turn Down a Job Offer and find answers to common interview questions such as If You Could Invest in One Stock, Which Stock Would it Be?

The post How to Answer: If I Asked Your Friends to Describe You, What Would They Say? appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

Why do employers ask this? It’s to gauge your flexibility and your ability to juggle work and other commitments. In some cases, your answer can directly affect whether you’re hired for a position.

Here are some things to keep in mind as you prepare your answer.

1. Be realistic about your time.

If the employer is looking for someone who can be available 24/7, and you know that just isn’t feasible for you, be honest from the start rather than having that miscommunication later. It’s much easier to take on more work later than to scale back after you’ve agreed to perform the job.

Say something like: “I have no problem with working on holidays or weekends as long as I can set my schedule as far in advance as possible.”

Pro Tip: Don’t give more detail than necessary. If your grandma has already asked for your help executing Thanksgiving this year, that’s wonderful, but your future employer doesn’t need to know.

2. Know your limits.

Remember that the employer has needs too, one of which is the confidence that a candidate can fulfill all of a job’s requirements—time commitments being one of them. Still, most employers will work with you around legitimate concerns and/or scheduling issues if they feel as though you are the best person for the job and you’re straightforward with them about your scheduling needs from the start.

Say something like: “Unfortunately, because of my family commitments, I can’t commit to working every holiday, but I could definitely give up some when the company needs it.”

By demonstrating flexibility and commitment to the position, you’ll impress the interviewer and get one step closer to landing the job.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How Much Should I be Paid at an Entry-Level Job? and find answers to common interview questions such as Tell Me About an Accomplishment That You’re Most Proud Of.

The post How to Answer: Would You Work Holidays And/Or Weekends? appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

Luckily, you can practice your answer to this question ahead of time, so here are some things to think about as you formulate your answer:

Think about a project where your original goal had been very clear.

Now explain the original goal in a clear and concise way. It’s important that you give an example where the interviewer can understand what was expected of you, before you try to ‘wow’ him with your story.

Discuss the opportunity you observed that made you think that going “above and beyond” would be beneficial.

For example, if you were given a goal to “eat a pie of pizza”, then eating two pizzas would not be beneficial toward accomplishing your goal. However, if you were given a goal to interview 3 people who ate pizza, but instead interviewed an entire restaurant, then you have a larger sample size, which can help you evaluate the survey outcomes more accurately.

Describe exactly how you went above and beyond the requirements.

It’s important to make sure that you’re using an example that shows YOU as the driver of ambition, and that you weren’t just following someone else’s over-achieving ways.

Explain the outcome.

Finally, explain the outcome, and why going ‘above and beyond’ was the right thing to do.

Extra points if you’re able to include a humble comment along the lines of: “When I’m passionate about something, I tend to be the type of person who goes above and beyond to get something done.”

Say something like: “In my summer internship in the strategy department at Pizzeria Dos, I was asked to find out what customers thought of our new white tablecloths (we had just switched from red tablecloths). I was told to ask 10 customers in total by stopping them on their way out of the restaurant. Instead, with my boss’s permission, I decided to add a small questionnaire to the checks of every customer who came in for the next 2 days. This way, I could reach more people in a scalable way, without bothering those who were in a hurry to get out. I printed the questionnaires on small pieces of paper, so the entire study cost no more than $10 in supplies. I then collected all 50 of the completed evaluations and learned that people hated the white tablecloths because they could see the stains from their dripping cheese too easily. I’m happy that I could deliver 500% of the number of opinions my boss wanted, and that I was able to do it without bothering customers and still getting an unbiased opinion.”

By answering this question with a specific example, you’ll be able to show the interviewer that you’re ready to go above and beyond your assigned duties and to be a team player for the company. This is a great way to show how motivated you are, and to stand out among the pool of other candidates.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as 7 Phone Interview Tips That Will Land You a Second Interview and find answers to common interview questions such as What Motivates You?

The post How to Answer: Tell Me About a Time You Went Above and Beyond the Requirements for a Project appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

Here are some tips to help you nail this answer.

Pick a class that was meaningful.

Before your interview, think about all the classes you’ve taken and focus on the ones that had the biggest impact on you. What do they have in common? Did they teach you a new skill or make you think about your life in a different way? Once you’ve narrowed down the list to a few classes, focus on the one that was most meaningful to you. For example, if you took a class that helped you overcome a huge personal or professional hurdle, be sure to mention that.

Say something like: “My favorite class was my sophomore year French class. I’ve always loved French and was able to read and write it well, but I struggled to carry on a conversation.”

Explain what you learned and what skills you picked up.

Once you’ve identified your favorite class, go into detail about why it was important to you. Did you learn something you’d been wanting to learn for a long time? Did it challenge you in a specific way? Talk about the skills you picked up and show the quantifiable impact of those skills.

Say something like: “Because this class focused a lot on developing conversation skills, I was able to get past that hurdle and now I can easily hold a conversation in French.”

Talk about whether you liked the professor and why.

The key to coming up with a thoughtful answer is to make it a detailed one. So in addition to quantifying the impact of the class itself, you can talk about the professor’s teaching style and whether they did anything specific to making learning easier and more fun.

Say something like: “I liked that the professor made the class fun and came up with activities that challenged us to expand our vocabularies and learn the language quickly.”

Show how this experience has shaped you.

Once you’ve outlined your reasons for picking this class, wrap up your answer by explaining how the experience has shaped you. If possible, be sure to also quantify its impact by showing how it led to an even bigger learning.

Say something like: “As a whole, the experience made me realize that things seem a lot less overwhelming once you actually dive in and that’s something that I plan to keep in mind as I start my professional life.”

Here’s how to bring it all together:

“My favorite class was my sophomore year French class. I’ve always loved French and was able to read and write it well, but I struggled to carry on a conversation. Because this class focused a lot on developing conversation skills, I was able to get past that hurdle and now I can easily hold a conversation in French. I liked that the professor made the class fun and came up with activities that challenged us to expand our vocabularies and learn the language quickly. As a whole, the experience made me realize that things seem a lot less overwhelming once you actually dive in and that’s something that I plan to keep in mind as I start my professional life.”

By giving a thoughtful and detailed answer, you’ll be sure to impress the interviewer and get one step closer to landing your dream job.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How to Get a Mentor at Work and find answers to other common interview questions such as Tell Me About Yourself.

The post How to Answer: What Was Your Favorite Class in College? appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

Here are some things to keep in mind when preparing your answer.

Know the ins and outs of your chosen industry

In order to figure out what excites you about a field, it’s important to research initiatives and campaigns in the industry to find out which ones really appeal to you. Hiring managers want to see that you’re not only passionate about the space the company is in, but that you also closely follow the most recent trends and can use this knowledge to add value to their business.

For example, if you’re interested in sales, finding out about innovative sales tactics will allow you to demonstrate that you know what works and how it’s done. If you want to work in engineering, be prepared to discuss how mobile is changing the development of technology. If you’re looking at a role in marketing, you should be able to name brands that are thought leaders in the space.

Pro Tip: Hiring managers can see right through someone who is reciting the company’s mission statement or says something generic like “I think the sales industry is fascinating.” Instead, talk about a specific campaign you’ve followed or a person you admire. If you know people who work in the industry, you can also talk about the work they’ve done that’s sparked your interest.

Say something like: “Sales is fascinating because of the competition it sparks. As someone who has always been highly competitive, I have closely followed the sales tactics between Verizon and T-mobile and I’ve learned a lot about the methods that really work in this industry.”

Connect your excitement to your long-term career plans

Having established your knowledge of the field and what excites you about it, talk about how this connects with your long-term plans. Whether you’re applying for an internship or an entry-level job, talking about your goals will show the hiring manager that you’ve considered not only your current enthusiasm for the industry, but also how your excitement aligns with your plans for the future.

Say something like: “My interest in sales stems from the economics classes I took in college, where I learned about what makes companies sustainable. I’d love to be part of an industry where I can develop this knowledge in a hands-on way, and hope to use this knowledge to eventually lead a team of my own.”

How to bring it all together:

“Sales is fascinating because of the competition it sparks. As someone who has always been highly competitive, I have closely followed the sales tactics between Verizon and T-mobile and I’ve learned a lot about the methods that really work in this industry. My interest in sales stems from the economics classes I took in college, where I learned about what makes companies sustainable. I’d love to be part of an industry where I can develop this knowledge in a hands-on way, and hope to use this knowledge to eventually lead a team of my own.”

Answering “What excites you about this industry?” is a great opportunity to show that you’re thoughtfully considering your future and looking for a role that will allow you to add value to the company while also aligning with your goals.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as 6 Things to Do in Your First Week at a New Job and find answers to common interview questions such as What Gets You Up in the Morning?

The post How to Answer: What Excites You About This Industry? appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

Here’s are some tips to keep in mind when answering this question.

Talk about what the companies you’re interviewing with have in common.

Whether you’re interviewing with a dozen other companies or this is your very first interview ever, don’t feel pressured to share exact information about your job search. Instead, find a common theme among the roles and companies you’ve been applying to and use that as a way of highlighting why you’d be a great fit for the position. This is especially helpful if you’re applying for positions in multiple industries since it will show potential employers that you’re passionate about finding a certain kind of role even though you’re flexible about some of the specifics.

Pro Tip: If you’re not interviewing with any other companies, you may want to talk about other jobs you’ve applied to instead (without getting too specific). In that case, you can say something like: “I’m in the early stages of the job search but I’m exploring several opportunities that will allow me to use my social media skills. I’m really excited about finding a position where I can learn a lot and add value to the company’s overall social media strategy.”

Highlight your excitement for this specific position.

Ultimately, interviewers ask this question because they want to gauge your interest in their role and make sure that you’re as interested in the position as the company is in hiring you. To demonstrate your commitment and still make it clear that you’re a valuable candidate who is already on the radar of other employers, be enthusiastic while showing that you do have other opportunities.

Say something like: “I’m interviewing with a few organizations that will allow me to use my social media skills, and I’m excited about finding a position where I can learn a lot and add value to the company’s branding goals. However, I’m particularly interested in the role at your company because it will allow me to make the most of my social media skills while also providing me with growth opportunities, and the ability to work with such an amazing team.”

Answering “What other companies are you interviewing with?” might seem a bit tricky at first, but it’s actually a wonderful opportunity to show that you’ve done your homework on the industry and that you know the position would be the best fit for you. By answering with enthusiasm and confidence, you’ll show the hiring manager that you’re interested in the position not just because you need a job, but because you know this job will be the perfect fit for you.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as Top 10 Things You Should Look For in a Company and find answers to common interview questions such as Are You Willing to Relocate?

The post How to Answer: What Other Companies Are You Interviewing With? appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

Here are some things to keep in mind when preparing your answer.

Explain how you would pick the stock.

Even if you don’t have a preferred stock, you’ve likely discussed various stocks and their performance during economics classes or at a previous internship. In order to make sure that you give a comprehensive answer, pick a stock that reflects something about you. For example, if you have high risk tolerance, mention this and explain why it’s a key factor in your decision-making process.

Say something like: “I’m interested in growth because I’m young and my risk tolerance is higher. Companies that pay dividends don’t appeal to me because I don’t need the recurring income, as I have a job to pay my bills. I would rather see companies use money to fuel their growth in the short and long term.”

Pro Tip: When coming up with your answer, it’s important to keep in mind things like stability, growth and past performance. Although you may choose not to talk about these factors when giving your example, they’re likely to come up when the interviewer asks a follow-up question and knowing about them will show that you’re well-informed.

Give a solid reason for your choice.

Once you’ve outlined the factors you look for when picking a stock, explain how you arrived at your decision. It’s important to be specific and to give a sense of how this stock would fit into your overall portfolio. This will show the hiring manager that you’re not only aware of the current state of the market but that you also have long-term goals for your portfolio.

Say something like: “I’m specifically interested in tech, and Netflix recently reported their earnings. They beat estimates on revenue and earnings, but missed widely on new subscriber growth, sending the stock down 16%. I think this signals a great buying opportunity, as Netflix still has a large market to capture abroad, and these headwinds are a short-term issue. Overall, long term I feel the company is well positioned to significantly increase their growth and market share abroad. In conclusion, I wouldn’t want a single stock to be more than 3-5% of my overall portfolio, as it is not advisable to over invest in one specific equity, no matter how bullish I might be.”

Here’s how to bring it all together:

“I’m interested in growth because I’m young and my risk tolerance is higher. Companies that pay dividends don’t appeal to me because I don’t need the recurring income, as I have a job to pay my bills. I would rather see companies use that money to fuel their growth in the short and long term. If we’re looking at today, with all the uncertainty abroad, I would want to stick to a US-based stock, and I feel that with it being an election year, it has brought volatility into the market for opportunistic investments at specific times. I’m specifically interested in tech, and Netflix recently reported their earnings. They beat estimates on revenue and earnings, but missed widely on new subscriber growth, sending the stock down 16%. I think this signals a great buying opportunity, as Netflix still has a large market to capture abroad, and these headwinds are a short-term issue. Overall, long term I feel the company is well positioned to significantly increase their growth and market share abroad. In conclusion, I wouldn’t want a single stock to be more than 3-5% of my overall portfolio, as it is not advisable to over invest in one specific equity, no matter how bullish I might be.”

One key thing to remember is that there is no set response when it comes to determining which stock to invest in. What is important is picking a stock that you can stand behind and convincingly talking about the factors that influenced your decision. This is likely to impress the interviewer and get you one step closer to landing your dream job.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How to Use a Blog to Apply for an Internship and find answers to common interview questions such as Tell Me About Yourself.

The post How to Answer: If You Could Invest in One Stock, Which Stock Would it Be? appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

Understand what’s expected during the first three months on the job.

First, let’s take a look at what this question is actually asking. Why the numbers 30, 60 and 90? These numbers correspond to standard cut-offs for your first three months on the job—30 days, 60 days or 90 days. Interviewers ask this question for a number of reasons. They want to see how you think about ramping up in your new role, how fast you’ll complete the onboarding process and what types of goals and standards you hold yourself to, especially in a new environment.

This onboarding period may seem daunting, but it can be an exciting time, too. You will learn a lot about your duties, your supervisor, company culture and workplace etiquette. You also will learn a lot about yourself and how you fit into the larger organization.

Do your research.

Even if you’ve had an internship in the field before, you can’t really know what a job entails until you’ve worked full-time in the role. That doesn’t mean you can’t do your research to get a fuller picture. Here are some ideas for where to look for a dose of realism (and some healthy inspiration):

• Job listings—Do a quick Google search for similar roles and titles to get a sense of what those responsibilities look like.
• Employee resumes—Perusing the online resumes of young professionals in your intended field can be invaluable. Resumes provide more in-depth information than company profiles and bios. Again, start with people who are just a couple of years more experienced than you to see what they’ve accomplished.
• Talk to someone—Arrange an informal meeting with someone in your intended field, preferably someone around your age and experience level. Explain that you would like to get started in the industry and have questions about what to reasonably expect during the first three months and the rest of the first year on the job.

Prepare your answer by outlining your goals for each month.

After you’ve studied up on what you may be doing at your job, think about what you can realistically accomplish during this initial period. What kinds of concrete goals can you set? What projects are you excited to take on? If possible, stick to quantifiable results. Then practice your answer to the interview question. Try to condense your response to 3-4 sentences.

Say something like: “In addition to getting to know the team and getting fully up to speed with the role, there’s a lot I want to accomplish during my first three months in the role of editor. During my first 30 days, I want to get a sense of our blog’s editorial goals and use those to create a new blog design. After 60 days, I want our blog redesign launched and to have at least 50 contributors writing for the website. After 90 days, I want to switch the efforts from building the team to tracking growth, and I’m hoping that we can have 100,000 unique visitors by then through utilizing our marketing channels and those of our contributors.”

Always have a backup answer ready.

If you don’t a clear idea of the exact goals for the position or what you would like to accomplish, there are some things you can touch on that are relevant for almost any role. This can serve as your backup answer and you should always have one ready.

Say something like: “Within 30 days, I plan to get to know the people I’ll be working with the most and to be comfortable with them. Within 60 days, I plan to have a solid understanding of the industry, the company and the competitive landscape so that I can hold my own in any conversation about the company. Within 90 days, I plan to meet the goals that have been set for me.”

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How to Take an Exit Interview and find answers to common interview questions such as What Are Your Strengths?

The post How to Answer: What Would You Accomplish in Your First 30/60/90 Days on the Job? appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

Here are some things to keep in mind when coming up with your answer.

Talk about what makes your college or university a good fit for you.

Whether you originally picked the school because it offered a great curriculum for your chosen major, had an incredible faculty or was the most affordable school in your state, you likely put some thought into picking the place where you were going to spend the next four years. When preparing your answer, mention one or two key things that led to your decision and show how these things have shaped your experience at the school.

Say something like: “I originally chose to attend XYZ University because ______________. During the time I’ve spent there, I’ve been lucky enough to have access to ______________. My education has given me a solid foundation for a career in _________ and I’m so glad I made the decision to go to school there.”

Pro Tip: If your college or university was your first choice because it was the only school you applied to, don’t mention that. Instead, focus on why it was your only choice. Maybe it offered a comprehensive scholarship program, the campus was close to your hometown or going there was a family tradition. Lead with that and then explain the additional benefits you’ve gained during your time there.

Show how your choice of school connects with your choice of career.

Once you’ve established the process that led you to attend your chosen college or university, connect this back to the job opportunity you’re applying for. If your major doesn’t directly relate to the position, talk about relevant skills you’ve learned through electives or experience you’ve gained through internships. Since employers are interested in how you evaluate opportunities and make decisions, showing that you’ve thoughtfully considered the current opportunity will reassure them that you’re committed to the position and the organization.

Say something like: “The experiences I’ve had at XYZ University have also shaped my decision to apply for this position. I want a role that will allow me to put the things I’ve learned into practice and develop my skills even further. I know that this position would be a good fit for me and I’m excited about the possibility of joining the team.”

Now bring it all together.

“I originally chose to attend XYZ University because ______________. During the time I’ve spent there, I’ve been lucky enough to have access to ______________. My education has given me a solid foundation for a career in _________ and I’m so glad I made the decision to go to school there. The experiences I’ve had at XYZ University have also shaped my decision to apply for this position. I want a role that will allow me to put the things I’ve learned into practice and develop my skills even further. I know that this position would be a good fit for me and I’m excited about the possibility of joining the team.”

Whether you’ve chosen to attend a small liberal arts college or large university, your choice of school can tell an interviewer a lot about you. Answering “Why did you choose to attend this university or college?” is a great opportunity to show the hiring manager that you take big decisions seriously and that you’ve put some serious thought into your college experience and professional career.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How to Become a Recruiter and find answers to common interview questions such as How Do You Handle Pressure?.

The post How to Answer: Why Did You Choose to Attend This University or College? appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

The reason hiring managers ask this question is to assess your compatibility for the position and to find out whether you’re a team player who is able to adapt when necessary. Other versions of this question are, “What type of person do you work well with?” and “What type of person don’t you work well with?”

Here are some tips to help you prepare your answer.

Establish your ideal work environment.

If you’re applying for your first internship or entry-level job, you may not know what your ideal work environment looks like. The first step to answering this question effectively is to figure that out. To do that, think about some great experiences you’ve had working on class projects. Do you prefer to work as part of a large or small team? Do you communicate more effectively in group discussions or by email? Once you’ve identified your personal working style, think about the bigger picture. This refers to things like work-life balance or the company’s mission. Focus on what motivates and what you’d like your professional life to look like, then look for roles at companies that have those qualities.

Research the company culture.

Since cultural fit is one of the most important things employers look for when hiring, this is a great chance to show that you know a lot about the company and that you would fit in well as part of the team. For example, does the company seem to have a lot of happy hours or cohesive team meetings? If so, talk about how much you enjoy those types of activities and any experiences you’ve had in similar environments in the past.

Pro Tip: If you don’t know much about the company culture, mentioning that you work well in fast-paced and collaborative environments is a great place to start. These are usually good attributes to include because most companies, especially smaller companies, consider themselves fast-paced and most jobs are collaborative in nature.

Be honest, but flexible.

Once you’ve established your familiarity with the company and shown that you would be a good culture fit, talk about one of two things that make a work environment great for you. For example, if you are someone who prefers to work alone most of the time, it’s okay to say that as long as you also demonstrate commitment to the team and a willingness to collaborate with your coworkers on a regular basis. This is especially important if the role is described as cross-functional in the job description.

Say something like: “I love a fast-paced environment where I can have a collaborative relationship with the people around me and develop my skill set by learning from other members of the team. Although I do my best work on my own in a quiet atmosphere, I really enjoy grabbing coffee with team members in my spare time and running through ideas together.”

Answering “What type of environment do you thrive in?” with thoughtful examples is a great way of demonstrating that you understand the company culture and are flexible enough to adapt to change. Whether you’re comfortable in a fast-paced environment or a more relaxed one, finding a way to highlight your unique qualities and connect them with a role will show potential employers that you’re the candidate they’ve been looking for.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as Top 5 Tools for Digital Marketing and find answers to common interview questions such as Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?.

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