Some Tips on Acing Your Job Interview – Ultimate Preparation
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Welcome to my latest blog post on www.attystela.com! Today, we’re diving deep into a crucial topic that can change the course of your career: acing your job interview. Whether you’re just starting out, eyeing a career shift, or looking to climb the next rung on the professional ladder, mastering your interview is key to opening doors.
In this post, I’m thrilled to share a brilliant cheat sheet designed by Will McTighe, aptly named “Attain 6-figure jobs from the Ultimate Preparation.” This guide is not just about answering questions; it’s about presenting yourself as the candidate who stands out from the crowd, the one they can’t afford to let slip away.
Now, let’s unpack these 12 pivotal questions that Will McTighe insists can set you apart in any interview scenario.
Attain 6-figure jobs from the Ultimate Preparation.
Take on these 12 questions to crush your next job interview:
A brilliant cheat sheet by Will McTighe
1. Tell me your story
↳ Share your journey, and show how it led you to this position.
↳ Explain what you like about the company, and relate it to your past.
↳ Keep it under 5 minutes.
Specific example:
“I started my career as a Human Resource practitioner, eventually integrating my law degree and data privacy certification to enhance my role. This multidisciplinary background led me to work at the crossroads of law, technology, and HR, equipping companies like ABC Company with innovative solutions. I’m particularly drawn to your company’s commitment to [mention company’s values or goals], which resonates with my passion for integrating technology into everyday business practices to drive efficiency and compliance.”
2. What is the hardest problem you’ve ever worked on?
↳ This tests your problem-solving skills and how you tackle challenges.
↳ Explain in depth why the problem was hard.
↳ Show how you solved it ensuring you break it down clearly.
Example:
“The toughest challenge I faced was during my tenure at a startup where I had to implement a complete data privacy program compliant with both local and international standards. The complexity of aligning technology with stringent legal requirements, all while educating a team unfamiliar with the nuances of data privacy, required innovative problem-solving and persistence. I spearheaded the initiative, which eventually led to us passing our first audit with no non-compliances.”
3. Tell me about a time you faced an ethical dilemma. How did you handle it?
↳ Show you have high integrity but can still make decisions under pressure.
↳ Discuss what you decided, how you did it, and your learnings.
Example:
“In my role as a Data Privacy Officer, I once discovered a potential breach that could have been overlooked internally. Despite the pressure to minimize publicity, I advocated for transparency with the affected clients and proactive measures to prevent future breaches. This decision strengthened our client trust and reinforced our commitment to ethical practices.”
4. What sets you apart from other candidates?
↳ Highlight your top 5 strengths and always relate them to the job description
↳ Give clear and concise examples of when you showed these in your last roles.
Example:
“My unique blend of HR expertise, legal acumen, and data privacy knowledge sets me apart. For instance, at ABC Inc., I leveraged these skills to streamline operations and reduce compliance risks, directly impacting our operational efficiency. My hands-on experience in managing cross-functional teams to achieve legal and HR objectives also uniquely positions me to contribute effectively to your team.”
5. Share an experience when you identified a problem others had missed. What action did you take?
↳ Here you are being tested on your ability to get sh*t done.
↳ Give specific examples and explain clearly
Example:
“While revising the employee handbook, I identified a gap in our remote work policies that didn’t address data security for offsite operations. Recognizing the oversight, I initiated a task force to develop comprehensive guidelines, which were crucial in securing our operations during the transition to a fully remote workforce during the pandemic.”
6. Describe a situation where you had to manage multiple responsibilities. How was everything accomplished?
↳ Describe your organisational skills and how you can multitask
↳ Explain how you manage your time effectively.
Example:
“At one point, I was balancing full-time law studies while working full-time. I mastered prioritizing tasks and managing my time effectively, often using digital tools to keep track of deadlines and commitments. This rigorous schedule not only honed my organizational skills but also taught me the importance of resilience and flexibility in dynamic environments.”
7. Tell me about a time you missed a deadline. How did you handle it?
↳ Be transparent about how you missed the deadline, and avoid placing blame.
↳ Highlight the skills used to mitigate the impact.
Example:
“Once, an unforeseen legal update required a rapid response, causing me to miss a project deadline. I communicated transparently with the stakeholders, re-assessed the project timeline, and allocated additional resources to mitigate the delay. This experience underscored the importance of agility and proactive communication in my work.”
8. What are your greatest strengths?
↳ Directly relate your strengths to the role you applied for.
↳ Refer back to the job description consistently.
Example:
“My greatest strengths include my comprehensive understanding of law and data privacy, my ability to implement effective HR strategies, and my skill in driving compliance across different functions. These competencies ensure that I can safeguard the company’s interests while fostering a proactive culture of compliance and respect.”
9. What are your weaknesses?
↳ Choose an actual weakness that is not a core skill for the role.
↳ Be honest and discuss steps you’re taking to improve.
Specific Example:
“I tend to focus intensely on details, which can sometimes delay decision-making. Recognizing this, I have been working on streamlining my analysis process and trusting delegated tasks to maintain efficiency without compromising on thoroughness.”
10. Give an example of when you worked with someone difficult. How did you handle the situation?
↳ This is testing your EQ.
↳ Highlight the power of communication and how you found common ground.
Specific example:
“I once collaborated with a colleague who had a very different working style, which initially led to conflicts. So, I did my best to — xxx”
11. Why do you want to work here?
↳ Show off the research you’ve done and explain what you love about it.
↳ If the business sells a product, use it and give your feedback.
↳ Mention why you like the job role and tie it to your previous experience.
12. Why do you want to leave your current role?
↳ Focus on what you would like to gain from the new role (e.g. challenge)
↳ Don’t talk negatively about your last company.
Every question is an opportunity to show your journey.
Make every single answer count.
![](https://attystela.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Job-Interview-Cheat-Sheet.jpeg)
Every question in an interview is an opportunity to reveal a part of your journey and your character. It’s not just about getting the right answers, but about demonstrating your fit and your readiness to contribute to and grow with your prospective employer.
For more insights and detailed guides on navigating your professional life, whether in law, technology, or HR, keep visiting www.attystela.com. And remember, in the landscape of your career, every interview is a stepping stone to greater achievements. Let’s prepare, present, and prevail!