The 3 Hardest Job Interview Questions for Young Professionals

The 3 Hardest Job Interview Questions for Young ProfessionalsThe 3 Hardest Job Interview Questions for Young ProfessionalsYour first job interviews can be nerve-wracking. Youre eager to make a good impression, but you may not feel like you have much experience, either at interviewing or in your professional field. But with a little preparation you can be your best in any interview. Heres how.There are hundreds of potential interview questions you might be asked. The following are tricky because they suggest that you veer a bit into the personal side with your answers.Tell me about yourself.What were you paid in your last position? (Or Whats your salary history?)Do you have any questions for me?Lets get into them.Tell me about yourselfThe question might suggest you start with a description of yourchildhood, then move onto your education and hobbies. Keep it about the work.Start with a successful moment from a previous position. Heres an exampleIve focused on creating visual narrative that tells a story as quickly and effectively as possible. As an example, I was able to cut a video clip to half its length by identifying an entirely new entry point. My boss told me that it more than doubled views.Take that specific example and make it into a statement about a more general strength or ability you possessI particularly enjoy paring a story down to its essential visuals so its impact can be exceptionally clear and direct.End with what youre looking forIm looking for a position where I can put my skills to use. I love contributing. But I also love being in an environment where I can learn and continue to advance my skills.Notice that most of your answers are about helping them.What were you paid in your last position?I recommend not answering this question if at all possible. You want them to evaluate you based on your work and how you present yourself. Your past pay is about who you were before. Its not about who you are now and going into the future.Even if you fee l forced to answer this question, you want to put off answering as long as possible. So, the first step is to turn it aroundWhat have you budgeted for this position?Then, follow up withHow did you determine that range?You can also honestly sayI dont feel that would be relevant information at this point because my skills have improved dramatically- as youve seen- since that compensation package was established.You can also take the initiative and cite your own research withIve reviewed the surveys, and, given my experience, I believe I should be paid $___.And my favorite answerI need to keep my past salary confidential for my employer as well as for myself.Do you have any questions for me?Most people find themselves unprepared for this one. It almost always comes at the end of the interview, and at this point you may be feeling a sense of relief and thinking youve survived, its gone OK, maybe youll even get the offer. And then they hit you with it, and youre on the spot to prove you have your own well-developed, insightful and distinctive questions.The trick is to have own questions prepared in advance. And no matter how enthusiastic you get addressing some of these saatkorn topics during the interview, hold back on a few until the end.By now, you and the interviewer have gotten to know each other a bit. If its gone even reasonably well, youve likely begun forming some kind of a personal connection.You could ask general questions about the job, the company or the industry. All of these would be reasonable. But youcould further that personal bond with the interviewer by addressing something more individual to them, along the lines of the followingWhy did you join the company?What do you like about working here?Whats your favorite part of the job?And, finally, you can say something likeYou are part of a remarkable organization. Your work in short films is game-changing. Id like to be a part of that, and I believe I have a lot to offer.Bonus tip A few more ways to respondKeep these phrases at the ready. You can use them as needed or appropriate in the course of the interview.Help me understand. This is athoughtful, polite way to ask a question that challenges the other person to clarify something murky without insulting them.I started on this journey in grade school when I . Thisestablishes thedepthof your dedication.In my experience . Because everyone, no matter how young or old, has some distinctive experiences of value to offer.Ted Leonhardt helps creative workers define their strengths and own their value in the marketplace. A designer, illustrator, and former Global Creative Director of FITCH Worldwide, Teds specialized approach to negotiation for creatives has been featured in Business Insider, Fast Company, Communication Arts, and HOW Design.