What the Hiring Manager Is Really Asking…

In asking the question, “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” the hiring manager can learn if your goals line up with the company’s goals and if they can count on you to stick around for a while. In your answer, it’s important to be honest and match your response to the specific job.

• What are your long-term career goals?
• How can you align those goals with the organization’s industry?
• Do your goals show your commitment to work?

Points to Emphasize

Keep these tips in mind to show your goals match the position:

• Show how you’re prepared for the position and how you’ll move forward with the skills you gain.
• Keep your goals open-ended so that they will also contribute to the company.
• Show them you’re a long-term investment by saying how the organization will help you in your goals.
• Be motivational in your response and honest about what you want.

• Consider how you plan to move forward with the experience in this job.
• Does your response show you’re in it for the long-term?
• Is your response motivational yet honest?

Mistakes You Should Avoid

Watch out for these common mistakes in responses:

• Don’t compete against the people already in the room – that’s not your job.
• Don’t take your focus away from the job you want.
• Don’t have a timer on your employment – they’re often not looking for temporary workers.
• Don’t forget that the people in the room can be the ones that help you succeed in your career goals.

• Does your answer include a set timeline of your career goals?
• Does your response keep the focus on the job?
• Consider how the interviewer and others in the room could help you succeed.

Sample Answer

Here’s an example in answering the question, “Where do you see yourself in five years?”

“In five years, I hope to have moved into a role much like this one. I hope to have an impact on the organization’s development. While I don’t know what that will be, I’m up for the challenge.”

Responses like these encourage the interviewer to think about the future of the company with you yet open-ended enough to show your potential for growth.

• Write the first draft of your answer with your tutor.
• Are there any words or phrases that you are not comfortable pronouncing?
• Now rehearse with your tutor until you are comfortable answering the question without the script.

What the Hiring Manager Is Really Asking…

The question, “Why do you want to work here?” lets the hiring manager know how much research you’ve done and if you know what the job involves. Your answer should show that you’ve prepared well for the interview and that you respect the organization.

• Have you researched the organization well?
• Review the job description so you know every detail.
• Think about what makes the organization a great fit for you.

Points to Emphasize

In researching the organization, highlight these topics:

• Something unique about the organization that you appreciate and why.
• How your skills and experience fit in with the organization’s identity.
• The organization’s mission statement.
• The positive aspects of the organization you are passionate about.

• Find something unique about the organization.
• Review the organization’s mission statement.
• Think about how your skills and passions fit in with the organization.

Mistakes You Should Avoid

To answer this question well, avoid these common mistakes:

• Don’t come across as overly passionate about how amazing the organization is. Focus on the aspects that you sincerely appreciate about the company.
• Don’t say reasons like ‘you need the money.’ It’s rude and shows the hiring manager that you’re not interested in working for more meaningful reasons.
• Don’t enter the interview without researching the organization first.

• Select the aspects of the organization that you genuinely appreciate
• Review your research on the organization
• Does your reason include things such as ‘just a paycheck?’ If so, change your answer.

Sample Answer

Here’s an example in answering the question, “Why do you want to work here?”:

“In reading the company’s mission statement, I feel like the organization’s goals and values align well with my skills and values as well.”

Be sure to add details and examples to show you’re well qualified.

• Write the first draft of your answer with your tutor.
• Are there any words or phrases that you are not comfortable pronouncing?
• Now rehearse with your tutor until you are comfortable answering the question without the script.

What the Hiring Manager Is Really Asking…

The question, “What is your greatest weakness,” helps to tell the hiring manager what skills you’ll need to improve on. It’s also a great opportunity for you to tell them of a weakness you had in the past but took action to overcome it.

• Think about some of your weaknesses
• Which weakness(es) could you address in the interview?
• Consider your past weaknesses – how have you overcome them?

Points to Emphasize

There are ways you can talk about your weaknesses that don’t sound negative, such as:

• How you overcame a weakness
• A weakness that doesn’t prevent you doing a good job
• A weakness that is actually a strength
• Spin it around to talk about your strengths

This question about your weaknesses is an opportunity to discuss what you’ve done in the past to improve your skills.

• Think of a time when you overcame a weakness
• Consider how you could describe a weakness as actually a strength
• Make sure your weaknesses are related to the job or industry

Mistakes You Should Avoid

To make sure you answer this question well, avoid these common mistakes:

• Don’t say you don’t have any weaknesses
• Don’t talk about weaknesses that prevent you from doing a good job
• Don’t just skip over your weaknesses
• Don’t be too honest

While honesty is important, you shouldn’t bring up all the things you want to improve in yourself. Use this time to sell yourself and utilize this question to your advantage.

• Are any of your weaknesses too honest?
• Do any of your weaknesses prevent you from doing your job well?
• Does your discussion of weaknesses help to show you’re the right fit for the job?

Sample Answer

Here’s an example of how to answer the question, “What’s your greatest weakness?”:

“Sometimes, I can be too critical of myself and my work. I have spent a lot of time reviewing all of my work to make sure it was perfect. Now, I’ve learned to trust my skills and not get caught up in all the insignificant details.”

Notice how this response turns your weakness into an improvement and strength. Be sure the examples you provide relate to the job you’re trying to get.

• Write the first draft of your answer with your tutor.
• Are there any words or phrases that you are not comfortable pronouncing?
• Now rehearse with your tutor until you are comfortable answering the question without the script.

What the Hiring Manager Is Really Asking…

Here’s a chance for you to highlight what you’re really good at to offer the organization. Highlight the skills you’ve learned and explain how those skills fit into your desired job to show them you’re the strongest candidate.

• What are some of your top skills?
• How do those skills
• What examples have helped you develop those skills?

Points to Emphasize

While you have many skills, focus on matching your skills with your desired job. And, keep these tips in mind:

• Be specific about your skills
• Support what you say with examples
• Prepare and think about what your skills are, honestly
• Be sure you know the job responsibilities so you can match your skills with the description

Believe in yourself and your skills.

• Take a few moments to consider what you’re really good at.
• Provide an example of how you’ve demonstrated a specific skill.
• What skills in the job description match with your skills?

Mistakes You Should Avoid

Make sure you don’t sound arrogant or extreme by avoiding:

• Absolutes like “best” – unless as part of an award or title
• Language that’s not specific
• Statements that show you’re too competitive
• Criticising yourself

Be prepared with the reason why the interviewer should hire you.

• Review your list of skills – do any use absolutes like “best” or “most”
• Do you have a specific way to describe your skills?
• Be aware of times when you criticize yourself

Sample Answer

Present yourself well with this example to answer the question, “What is your greatest strength?”

“My previous experiences have taught me to be highly organized in managing multiple projects, work well as a team member and be committed to seeing the organization succeed. For example, in my previous position, I was part of a marketing company and handled many clients all at the same time. I was able to contribute to all clients, share progress updates with my team members and grow the company in efficiency and revenue.”

This is a common question asked in interviews, so be sure to prepare.

• Write the first draft of your answer with your tutor.
• Are there any words or phrases that you are not comfortable pronouncing?
• Now rehearse with your tutor until you are comfortable answering the question without the script.

What the Hiring Manager Is Really Asking…

The question, “Why did you leave your last job” is often interesting. Whether you left voluntarily or chose to for a good reason, your answer can tell the hiring manager a lot. It benefits you if you left on good terms. Your values are often shown in your reasons for leaving. With preparation, you can show those positive values and how you’re right for the job.

• What was your last job?
• Did you leave voluntarily or for other reason?
• What positive values can you identify from your decision to leave?

Points to Emphasize

Moving on to another job shouldn’t be shown negatively, even if you were laid off. Tell the hiring manager that moving on is the next best step for you. Make sure to highlight:

• Positive experiences
• Your passion for new projects
• Positive attitudes about coworkers
• What you’ve accomplished in the industry

Mention if you had been in a position for a long time, which shows your loyalty as an employee.

• What positive experiences from your past job could you talk about?
• What projects or benefits have you accomplished at that job?
• How long had you been in your previous positions?

Mistakes You Should Avoid

Don’t mention leaving on bad terms. Make sure you don’t:

• Blame others
• Look unprofessional, dishonest or unmotivated
• Talk bitterly or negatively
• Focus on money

Focus on the positive experiences, rather than negative emotions.

• What was the reason you left your previous employment?
• What emotions did you experience?
• What words and experiences can you use to make it positive?

Sample Answer

Check out this example for how to answer the question, “Why did you leave your last job?”

“After the largest account at my last company shut down, management needed to cut departments – one of which was mine. However, while there, I had many accomplishments and greatly benefited the company.”

Be positive in your response, while still being honest about your experience.

• Write the first draft of your answer with your tutor.
• Are there any words or phrases that you are not comfortable pronouncing?
• Now rehearse with your tutor until you are comfortable answering the question without the script.

What the Hiring Manager Is Really Asking…

During an interview, you’ll probably be faced with direct questions. One common question is, “Explain what you do in your current position.” This question can help you feel more at ease – as you know the exact responsibilities of the job you’re currently in. Asking this question also enhances your resume by adding more descriptions to your previous jobs.

• Identify your current job title and its responsibilities.
• Describe your current job duties in a way that’s related to your desired job.
• Refine your resume so that the important functions of your job is shown in the descriptions.

Points to Emphasize

Make sure you communicate to the employer the results of your work. Show that in your work, you made a positive difference. Remember to emphasize:

• Project results
• How your experience connects with your desired job
• Honesty and confidence
• The big picture of your experience

Since the hiring manager probably knows the industry you describe, no need to go into a lot of unnecessary detail about your work.

• What projects or tasks have you been given that connect to your desired job?
• What positive results were you a part of in those projects and tasks?
• What overall skills have you gained from those experiences?

Mistakes You Should Avoid

Keep the interview going well by remembering these tips:

• Be honest – don’t take credit for something you didn’t do
• Don’t include a lot of unnecessary detail
• Keep your response simple and straightforward
• Make sure your response is directly related to your desired position

Highlight the qualities and skills the ideal candidate should have for the position by being honest and straightforward in your response.

• What experience or story of your accomplishments would you address?
• What qualities and skills from that experience could you pull out to relate to the ideal candidate?
• Describe the experience in limited detail

Sample Answer

Check out this example to answer the question of, “What do you do in your current position?”

“For the last seven years, I’ve served at XYZ Marketing as an account representative. I was in charge of 30 accounts and in a team with 10 other representatives. In my position there, I successfully maintained positive relations with clients and grew my client base 50% in my first year there.”

Notice how this example highlights the results of the work. This shows the hiring manager not only what you do but that you’re able to do it successfully as well.

• Write the first draft of your answer with your tutor.
• Are there any words or phrases that you are not comfortable pronouncing?
• Now rehearse with your tutor until you are comfortable answering the question without the script.

What the Hiring Manager Is Really Asking…

For the hiring manager to make an informed decision about whether you’re right for the job, they’ll often ask a combination of both tricky and direct questions.

One common direct question often asked in interviews is: “Why should we hire you?”

Don’t freak out. While this question can seem overwhelming, it also gives you the chance to convince them you are the best choice. With preparation, you can explain with confidence how you’re the perfect candidate.

Follow the steps below to shine in answering, “Why should we hire you?”

• Review the job description before you answer. Connect the description to why you’d be the best fit.
• Ponder the reasons why you, and not the next person, should get the job.
• What experiences have you excelled in that set you apart from the other candidates?

#1. Research

In preparation for the interview, record what skills and experiences you’ve acquired are most applicable to the job. Focus on these key characteristics while answering. It also may be helpful to know what problems the organization is struggling with so you can show your willingness to help in solving those challenges.

#2. Know You’re the One

Know the keywords and phrases included in the job description and in the interview. Pick up on what qualities are emphasized then match your own skills and experiences to match what the hiring manager is looking for.

But, make sure you’re sincere. Support your statements with related examples and experiences so they know for certain that you’re the real deal.

#3. Add Your Value

Prove your worth by using examples of experiences that show what value you’ll bring. Instead of just saying, “I’m very organized”, add the example of when you coordinated multiple projects at the same time and excelled in each. Highlight how your management of each project contributes to your organization skills. Communicate to the employer that you are not only qualified but will also bring value to the organization.

• Write down your top skills that are related
• Combine your top skills with the value you’ll add to the organization.
• Practice your answer with confidence with your tutor

Example Answer 

When answering the question, “Why should we hire you?”, consider the following example:

“With a passion for this industry, skills, and experience to thrive in this role and an eagerness to serve with X, I know I would be a great fit here. I have the qualifications, experience, and advantages to add value to this organization. For example, in my previous job, I enhanced my skills in X and gained experience working in multiple roles. I developed problem-solving techniques in Y, which is something your organization is facing as well.”

With such experience, skills, and knowledge, I am confident I will bring a unique value to the team that sets me apart from other candidates. I look forward to the opportunity to show that.”

• Write the first draft of your answer with your tutor.
• Are there any words or phrases that you are not comfortable pronouncing?
• Now rehearse with your tutor until you are comfortable answering the question without the script.

What the Hiring Manager Is Really Asking…

The interviewer is trying to accomplish a few things here. First, she’s asking about your career path and giving you an opportunity to describe your professional self in your own words before narrowing down on specific skills and qualifications.

Second, she’s gaining a sense of what kind of person you are and what you’d be like to work with. Also this is your chance to summarize your background and bring attention to the significant information that couldn’t be included in your resume and cover letter.

• What are the two things that the interviewer is trying to accomplish by asking this question?
• What does ‘your professional self’ mean?

How Should You Respond to “Tell Me About Yourself” In an Interview?

To talk about your professional self, you’ll need to do two things. First, you’ll need to identify your professional accomplishments. Second, you’ll need to tailor your achievements to the needs of the company.

So, what are your greatest achievements? Ask yourself:

• Have you ever accomplished anything at work that you can illustrate with numbers? (Good examples are making revenue, saving costs, or improving process.)
• Can you think of accomplishments that demonstrate how well you use a skill?
• Did you ever win an award or receive a promotion?

Note, you do not have to take your examples from your job experience. If you have little or no work experience, you can take examples and success stories from anywhere. Are you a student or fresh graduate? Your achievements can include success stories from your extracurricular activities.

The point of the exercise is to identify your achievements. Once you have a master list of your top achievements, go back and take a long look at your job description. Underline all the skills and requirements listed. Where do you exceed the requirements?

Here’s an example of a job description for a Product Marketing Manager:

Notice the keywords underlined in the job description:

• Strong analytical skills
• Can optimize the use of data and information to uncover customer insight
• Can provide strong evidence-based analyses that build brand equity and a differential advantage
• Customer Focused
• Can develop and sustain positive relationships to obtain customer insight.
• Strong communication skills (verbal and written)
• Can coordinate information and requirements with related operational departments
• Proactive in identifying needs/issues
• Can employ effective solutions in a timely manner
• Detailed and action oriented

You could choose a success story based on communication. You could talk about the time you developed a relationship that gave your insight. Now, look back at your master list of achievements. You’ll want to circle those that match the qualities you find in your job offer. The next step is to choose a couple that you feel strongest about and use the STAR approach to illustrate them.

• What are your greatest achievements?
  • Have you ever accomplished anything at work that you can illustrate with numbers? (Good examples are earning money, cutting costs, or improving efficiency.)
  • Can you think of accomplishments that demonstrate how well you use a skill?
  • Was there a time when your boss praised you?
  • Did you ever win an award or receive a promotion?
• Write down as many achievements as you can think of now.
• Read the job description and highlight the requirements you think are relevant to you.

Example “Tell Me About Yourself” Answer

Your response should only last a couple of minutes. Who are you as a professional and what are you doing right now? Your tell me about yourself answer should be a brief elevator pitch of your professional self.

“I am a Copywriter with 5+ years of experience working for large advertising companies. I’ve worked with clients including Pfizer, Coca-Cola, and Johnson & Johnson.”

Use the examples you’ve come up with to illustrate the skills and value you’ll bring to the position. Don’t forget to use the STAR approach when answering the tell me about yourself interview question.

“I am highly dedicated and ambitious. Every time I start a new campaign, I aim to win an award or nomination. Of course, my ultimate goal is to please the client. But the fact that I aim high has resulted in at least 20 industry awards and nominations.”\

For example, I once led a project for a client who was sure that he didn’t want to add digital media to his campaign budget. He wasn’t behind the times, but he was sure that his client-base was. My Creative Director asked that I get the client on board. So, I created some samples, and I put together a presentation. I set out to show the client that he was missing an entire demographic of untapped customers.

He was sold. He added digital media to his campaign budget making my boss happy. The work I put into the digital campaign to impress the client was above and beyond what we normally do. The result was two Cannes Lions awards.”

You’ll want to stress that the position is in line with your plans and career goals. It’s also a good idea to make it sound like you’re interested in staying on for awhile.

“While I enjoyed my previous work, it was commercial. It’s a dream of mine to do work for nonprofit clients. Your company has done some amazing work for nonprofit and NGO clients and I’d love to switch gears. That’s why I applied for this position.”

• Write your professional persona. Revise it if necessary with your Cambly tutor.
• Write what makes you stand out (2 – 4 points). Are you using STAR approach?
  • Here you will want to tailor your tell me about yourself answer to the job and the company. Which of your achievements will match those listed in the job description?
• Write why you’re going to fit. Revise it if necessary with your Cambly tutor.
• Now rehearse with your tutor until you are comfortable answering the question without your script.

LinkedIn Experience Section Example

Below is an example of the experience section of your LinkedIn profile. The author, Hugo Pereira, highlights in accomplishments, responsibilities, and recommendations and supports his claims with examples of his work.

Remember that your goal is to be found by people interested in your unique experience and talent. Be sure your profile matches with industry-related content.

• Why do you need a well-crafted LinkedIn profile?
• Make sure you created a profile already and shared the link with your tutor.

Part 2: Your LinkedIn Connections

As a social network, LinkedIn helps you connect with people you know and who you want to know. Connections are very beneficial in searching for jobs.

Why are they so critical?

Your first-level connections are those who you know well. Those connections can introduce and connect you with others you who want to get to know – to opportunities across industries.

For example, Steven Burda has a lot of connections. His recommendations and references include a broad range of categories and endorsements.

• Why are connections so critical on LinkedIn?
• How many connections can you find? Try brainstorming who you can connect with with your tutor.

Sidebar: The Recruiter’s Perspective

When looking for talent on LinkedIn, there are certain things recruiters really look for.

John Paul Engel is the president of a recruiting firm that serves high-growth companies in a variety of industries. Below are a few tips on what gets his attention as a recruiter:

Turn-ons:

1. Keywords related to the job. (Listing software names makes it easier to find your profile for related positions)
2. Measurable accomplishments. (Dollar estimates and hard numbers)
3. Well-written copy
4. Complete profiles (Fill out the details)
5. Key accomplishments that make you stand out
6. Lots of connections – particularly if we share some
7. Great recommendations from executives

Turn-offs:

1. Goofy picture
2. Weird jobs or job descriptions
3. Missing key information
4. Low number of connections
5. Recommendations only from very junior-level connections

• Do you have keywords related to the job?
• Do you have measurable accomplishments?
• Did you complete your profile with key accomplishments?
• Do you have any list from turn-offs that apply to your account? How can you improve?

URL Customization

When you change your LinkedIn URL, it makes it easier for people to find you by your name. And, it also helps you connect with your other social media accounts like Twitter or Facebook – which your potential employer may be checking out as well.

Your default URL often contains some form of your name as well as several numbers. If you can, shorten it. If your preferred URL isn’t available, try a memorable combination of your initials, first name, last name, middle name, or some other way.

Personalizing your LinkedIn URL is simple:

1. Hover your mouse over the word profile running across the top bar.
2. Look for edit profile and click.
3. Look in the light gray box beneath your profile picture. Find the link to your LinkedIn URL followed by an edit button. Click the edit button and customize your URL.

• Customize your LinkedIn profile URL with your tutor.

Make Your Summary the Focal Point

The summary of your LinkedIn profile provides you the opportunity to highlight what makes you stand out from other professionals in the job market. Here, you can include photos and videos that are relevant to your work.

LinkedIn Profile Summary Example 1

Here’s an example of a LinkedIn Profile Summary. Here Steven Burda includes both a short and long summary and highlights his experiences with an example of his work.

Your Experience, Skills, and Expertise are More Than the Sum of Their Parts

Don’t just copy your resume into the experience section of your LinkedIn profile. Keep it interesting to read so that readers can scan quickly. Use your creativity to showcase your accomplishments, talents, and skills in an interesting way.

You can also include images, videos, recommendations and other add-ons to make this section engaging.

• Discuss what you want to include in your summary with your tutor.
• Write a first draft of your summary either on your own or with your tutor.
• Come back again to revise your writing.