Are you preparing for your final interview but do not know the questions to expect? Worry not. We will look at some of the most common questions in final interviews to help you prepare adequately for your upcoming job interview. We hope that you will ace your interview once you brainstorm the correct responses to the following questions:
1. What Are You Most Passionate About?
I am highly passionate about finding solutions to different challenges. I am a creative individual who can quickly think out of the box to solve the hardest of problems. I generally liaise with my team members, research extensively, and try several experiments to develop unique solutions. I am confident that I will thrive in this establishment since one of your missions is to find lasting solutions to several consumer problems.
2. Tell Us About Yourself
I am a senior software engineer with 15 years of experience writing and testing code, analyzing user experience, and researching, designing, and writing new software programs. I have worked for several large and small-scale companies, obtaining valuable insights and experience in this field. I am passionate about teamwork and finding solutions to different problems. I aspire to excel in all spheres of life, which explains my hard work, dedication, and commitment. I play rugby over the weekend to maintain a perfect work-life balance and hang out with friends and family. I also enjoy reading, skating, and working out.
3. What Drew You To This Position?
I have always wanted to take on more responsibilities, which this position will allow me to do. After four years of serving in my current position, I need new challenges to keep me on my toes and help me advance in my career. This position will allow me to manage more people, attend to several roles, and liaise with some of the most brilliant employees in the industry, which are everything I need in my career. I am confident that I will perform excellently given a chance.
4. Where Do You See Yourself In The Next 5 Years?
I love challenges, so I hope to work in a position with more responsibilities in the next five years: management, supervision, or as a senior employee. I have also reviewed your policies, advancement opportunities, and employee expectations, making me confident I will be with you in the next five years. Above all, I would love to be better placed in terms of my career, skills, and abilities. Therefore, I am ready to put in the work for excellent results.
5. What Did You Love Most About Your Last Job?
My last job played a considerable role in my career since I perfected some of my skills and abilities. I got to work with a team of highly qualified individuals, learning how to collaborate with others on different projects, share my thoughts freely, and compromise till we reach a common ground. It also allowed me to experience management for the first time as I was appointed an assistant manager responsible for ten employees. Lastly, it allowed me to work on my confidence owing to the several public speaking demands that came with my promotion. I will always be grateful for such a chance.
6. What Did You Like Least About Your Last Job?
Even though my last job was great, I wasn’t fond of a few things, majorly their office layout. It had a closed office layout, which inhibited teamwork to a certain degree. We also spent lots of time walking from one office to the other: time that would have been spent attending to important tasks. I am glad this office has an open layout, which has always been my favourite option.
7. What Do You Know About This Company?
Based on my research, I know that this company highly values teamwork and collaboration. You have an open office layout, which promotes collaboration among employees. Every department has mandated and empowered teams to work on different projects. I also discovered that you have regular team retreats and team-building activities, which all your employees must attend. Additionally, this company rewards talent and hard work, as seen in your quarterly and annual employee award ceremonies. I am assured of a great time working here if I succeed in this interview.
8. Walk Us Through Some Of The Things That Motivate You
My primary motivation arises from finding solutions to common problems, explaining why I love researching extensively, liaising with team members to obtain their input, and conducting experiments. I also have weekly, quarterly, and annual goals that I strive to meet, keeping me on my toes and pushing me to go above and beyond to succeed. Lastly, the desire to see my team win or meet outlined goals and milestones motivates me to do my best. I am confident I will stay motivated if I get this job.
9. Why Do You Think You Are The Most Suited For This Role?
Even though I can’t talk to other candidates since I don’t know them or their qualifications, I am confident I have everything needed to succeed. I have ten years of experience working in small and large companies and extensive skills honed from experience. I am an excellent communicator, team player, listener, creative thinker, conflict resolver, and motivator- attributes that can help me make a difference in this institution. My dedication and hard work also know no bounds, convincing me I will do an excellent job.
10. Are You Interviewing With Any Other Firm At The Moment?
I am in talks with a few companies, and I must admit that things are going well. However, I do not expect any additional offers after this interview. I am confident that we will work something out, and depending on how the interview goes, I will start working here soon. (Don’t lie in a bid to fasten the process if you are not in talks with other companies, as it may land you into problems once the compile. Always be honest with the interviewer when answering this question)
11. How Much Did You Earn In Your Former Job?
I am not comfortable discussing my former salary at this moment as I am not sure how it will impact your final decision. However, I am free to share my former salary with you once you have shared the salary range of this job. I won’t have anything to hold back once we are open with each other. ( Revealing your earnings prematurely may work against you. So, be careful)
12. Tell Us About Your Salary Expectations
After factoring in my experience and skills, reviewing the job description, and weighing the roles involved, I hope to earn $80, 000+ annually. I believe it is fair compensation owing to the work involved and the competing deadlines and priorities I will have to meet once I assume this role. So, does the amount fit within the range you were planning to pay, or what general budget do you have set for the position? ( Do not just quote a random figure. Ensure that you take time to research, or better yet, talk to the employees before your interview)
13. Is There Anything Else You Would Love To Tell Us About Yourself?
If it’s okay with you, I would love to share one thing about me not found in my resume. I hold the record for the youngest Master’s graduate in the country. I got my Master’s in Business Administration degree at 23 years from Cornell, and by 28, I had a doctorate. I love learning about new things, explaining why I am always ready to take a course or certification. My passion for information and personal advancement will be helpful in this profession.
14. When Would You Be Able To Start?
I gave my two weeks’ notice to my employer this past week, leaving me with one week to clear out of the workplace. I am, therefore, free to start one week from now if that is okay with you, or I can wait for some time if you need to sort out a few things. In short, I do not have to relocate since I live just around the corner, which makes me flexible to start any time as long as I have cleared from my former workplace.
15. What’s Your Preferred Way Of Receiving Feedback?
I love receiving feedback as it makes me better at my job. I, therefore, expect to be told when I am wrong or where I need to make adjustments. I don’t have a problem receiving feedback privately or in the open, provided that it is done in a dignified manner. The main essence of giving feedback is to help people learn, not to ridicule them and leave them feeling stupid. I am confident that we will have an excellent working experience.
16. Have You Ever Worked With A Difficult Stakeholder? Give Us Your Experience
I have had my fair share of experiences with demanding stakeholders. At one point, a significant stakeholder got too involved in a project to the extent of micromanaging us My team members felt intimidated and uncomfortable and therefore asked me to talk to him, given that I was the best communicator in the group. I saw him during his free time and thanked him for his involvement in the project before asking that he trust us and give us some space to work on it as some of us had started feeling intimidated. He reiterated that the project was close to his heart and apologized for making the team uncomfortable. We shook hands on it and didn’t experience the same problem again. All I had to do was talk to him politely while relaying the concerns and observations of the group.
17. What Is The Main Challenge That You Expect In This Position?
Your outgoing [the position you are interviewing for] was one of the most sought-after professionals in the industry. He left an indelible mark here that everyone recognizes. He has therefore left me with one uphill task- to match or exceed the achievements he had while working here. I will put my best foot forward and work as hard as possible, seeking all the help I can obtain to ensure that I also positively impact this organization through my role.
18. In Your Opinion, What Could We Do To Improve This Workplace?
I have gone through your job description, workplace policies, and advancement opportunities, and all I can say is I am happy with what I discovered. However, I believe a change in the office layout can improve this workplace. Switching from a closed to an open layout will help foster teamwork, allowing employees to collaborate on different projects for better results and workplace advancement. I will be happy to point out more areas, if any, that need improvement once I get this job.
19. Which Is Your Favorite Working Style? Independent Or Collaborative?
I don’t have a problem working independently or collaborating with others on different projects. I understand that some projects require independent work while others are best done in collaboration with other employees. However, I am fond of teamwork, given its benefits. It allows employees to share ideas, keep each other accountable and motivate one another for the betterment of the organization. I am ready to go with any of the two or blend both, depending on the project I will handle.
20. Walk Us Through How You Normally Prioritize Competing Deadlines
I understand that this job may require that I prioritize competing deadlines, especially during high seasons. I usually schedule my work effectively after clarifying my current priorities to help me understand what I can do and when I can do it. I also delay activities that are not urgent or important and attend to the most pressing, which Eisenhower’s Urgent/Important Principle helps me do. Other strategies that help me prioritize competing deadlines include re-negotiating, managing expectations, and being as flexible as possible. I am confident that I will do an excellent job given a chance.
21. What Do You Want In Your Next Career Move?
I love challenges, as they help me stay on my toes. I, therefore, want more responsibilities and challenges in my next career move to help me advance professionally. I would also like to meet more experienced personnel and work on projects with different professionals for remarkable experiences. Lastly, I would like to be able to mentor others since I wouldn’t be where I am now if not for my first mentor. I believe that I will get all that in this career.
22. How Will You Ensure That You Are Organized In This Role?
I usually stay organized by focusing on what is important, remembering and revising my long-term goals, making regular to-do lists, and reducing clutter. I also use several tools, such as calendars and planners, to stay on top of my workload and tasks for better results. Lastly, I usually delegate tasks where possible and manage my mail and phone calls, activities that have significantly helped me stay organized.
23. What’s Your Favorite Work Environment? Remote Or In-Person?
Even though I can comfortably handle both, I prefer remote work as it gives me the flexibility I need for optimal performance. I am a hardworking and disciplined employee who doesn’t need to be supervised constantly, making remote work a viable option. However, I understand that some situations, tasks, and projects call for in-person work, which I am equally prepared for. I will deliver excellent results and contribute to workplace advancement regardless of the work environment.
24. Mention An Experience Where You Went Above And Beyond For A Client
I believe in delivering excellent customer service, even if it means going above and beyond to help a customer. While working as a sales representative, I noticed a customer struggling to choose between two skin ointments. Noticing that I had used both, I walked up to her and asked about her skin type and if she was allergic to any ingredients, which she wasn’t. Noticing that we had the same skin type, I briefly narrated my experience with both ointments and even showed her pictures, helping her pick the best out of the two. She returned to the store a month later to thank me for the recommendation.
25. Have You Ever Faced An Ethical Dilemma? Give An Experience
I once caught an employee, who happened to be my friend stealing from the cash register. I was stunned momentarily since I had not expected her to be the thief the cashier always complained about. The store also demanded all theft cases be reported, putting me in a dilemma. I turned her in to save the cashier from getting fired since she was on her last warning. Even though our friendship ended and I felt awful afterwards, I knew I had done the right thing.
Conclusion
Above are some of the most common questions in final interviews. Ensure you review our article again to better understand what we have covered. Remember also to groom yourself well and build your confidence by rehearsing. We wish you all the best.
