You have a HireVue video interview coming up soon. In order to get prepared, you studied
the job posting and you read about the company you're interviewing with. You even read about
the technicalities you need to handle in order to have a smooth video interview. You just
have one thing left to make sure you're ready, and it's preparing potential questions.
That's why in this video you'll get to take a mock HireVue video interview with me. We're
going to analyze the top 10 questions you might get, and how to answer them with examples
for you to get some inspiration. Those potential questions come right from the HireVue website
itself, but also from the experience of students all over the world in universities, such as
Duke University and the University of Colorado.
The problem is most people don't prepare potential questions the right way, using outdated examples
and answers not aligned with the company you want to work for. That's why for each question
we'll see, I will give you the required elements you need to mention, the things to avoid saying,
and one clear example. So, take a piece of paper and pen, and let's start.
Question number one. Tell me about a time you didn't get along with a coworker.
Companies love to ask this question, because the situation will happen no matter where
you work. They want to know if you're a team player, and that you know how to handle a
situation like that. So, what to mention: talk about soft skills that make you look
like a good team player. For example, that you're a good listener, and you're empathetic,
and that's what you use to handle conflict. Bonus point if you can mention a soft skill
that the company really needs.
So, some mistakes to avoid: avoid saying you didn't have any conflict, because it will
just mean you're lying, or that you just get pushed around because you agreed to everything.
Here's an example.
Last semester, I had a group project with three other people, and I wanted to take a
part of the project I felt I could handle most. But one of my colleagues really wanted
that part as well, and he didn't want to negotiate at first. My first initiative was to ask him
why he wanted to take that part in particular. And because I asked, I found out that he was
scared to underperform if he was assigned another part of the project, because he didn't
really understand the material. In the end, we negotiated and we ended up working together
on that particular part, and I really helped him in other areas of the project, so that
he would get more comfortable in the future.
This answer is great because it shows you listen carefully to other people, and that
you try to understand their issue, and from where it comes from. You also show you can
find a proper solution that leaves everyone happy. Next question.
Question number two. What made you leave your previous job?
Basically, interviewers asked this question to know your motivations behind your move.
Do you have a valid reason, and are you in good terms with your last company? My friend
Byron Clark mentioned on his blog to use the "more of" technique. Instead of saying you
lack from something ... for example, "I lacked opportunities." Say, "I am in a point in my
career where I want more leadership." Mention only positive aspects behind your decision.
And orient it towards why you think this current job you're interviewing for is a good move
for you and your skills.
Some mistakes to avoid: always stay on the positive. Even if you left because you didn't
like your old boss or the company. Never bad mouth your previous organization, because
employers will just think you'll do the same with them. Also, if you were laid off or fired,
don't lie because companies can easily find out.
I feel like I learned all the technical parts of a project. I learned how to code, how to
communicate efficiently with clients, how to organize my work to meet deadlines. And
now I feel like it's the right time, and I'm ready to take on more responsibilities, and
take more of a leader in a project.
This answer shows what type of person you are. You're ambitious, you know what you want,
and you want to further develop your career. Companies want motivated individuals who thrive
for more, and that's exactly what you said. Moving on to the third question.
Question number three. Tell me about yourself.
You will most certainly get this question, because interviewers will want to know basically
who you are, what you were doing, why are you looking for a new job, and what type of
person you are to determine if you fit with the job. If you're a student or a recent grad,
start by mentioning how you chose your university and field of study, what type of work or side
projects you've done, and why are you looking for a new job right now. If you have a bit
more experience, then start with your last job, what you've done in it, and what's your
next steps in your career.
Please don't talk about personal issues or hobbies if they don't fit with the rule or
the context. This question is meant for you to sell your skillset in a subtle way to the
company and prove you fit with the culture. Here's an example.
I chose to study information systems after I saw how technology can positively change
our lives and businesses. I'm drawn to complex subjects I don't understand. For example,
I recently learned how to code in Python just to know how databases worked. That's what
led me to an exciting opportunity as an internship in a local business near my house, where I
developed our customer database to help them take better decisions. Now that I graduated,
I want to further develop those skills, those IT skills, by working with Fortune 500 companies
to understand how to make them more valuable.
This is just a short version of all that you could have said, but you see how this answers
tells a lot about me. It shows I am a curious person, that I'm someone who likes to learn,
and that I know what I want in my next job. I also talk about my experience and how I
got it. So, that's enough information for the interviewer to see who I am. Moving on
to the fourth question.
Question number four. Why should we hire you?
Companies wants to know what's in it for them. They want to see what they're winning if they
hire you, and that's your chance of showing that. You need to mention the key skills or
experience you previously read in the job posting. If they say they need team players
and people who know how to sell, you have to mention previous work you've done that
match with these requirements. Some mistakes to avoid: talking about yourself. This question
is everything but about you. Mentioning you should be hired because you are passionate
about the company, or you liked the product and the opportunities, won't cut it. Here's
an example.
I have noticed based on my research on LinkedIn that successful employees in your organization
are leaders. In university, I often had to lead all the projects I was involved in. And
I had to lead teams from three to five people usually, and I guided the conversations towards
a good planning, and divided the task based on the strength of the team. I learned how
to listen carefully to teammates, and it really helped me resolve issues very fast when it
occurred. I look forward to leading projects and initiatives in your organization as I
see myself grow on that path.
In this answer, you mentioned you've done primary research about the role which is always
good to show. You also pinpointed a particular skill this company needs the most, and you
gave a clear example on how you have it, how you developed it, and why you want to further
use it into your organization. Bonus point: you also shared that you're excited about
it, which is super important because companies want motivated individuals.
Question number five. Give us an understanding of the job you applied for.
This question has one purpose, make the difference between candidates applying for any job and
the one who really wants this one. They want to determine if you were passionate enough
to study the job posting and understand everything that this job entails. That's what you need
to read and reread the job posting, read what other people are saying about the job, and
if possible, discuss with current employees. This way you will be able to basically repeat
the job posting in your own words.
A mistake people who didn't prepare well do is staying super general, mentioning bits
of what they remember about the job posting. I can't really give a specific example on
just one, because it really depends on what job you applied for. But basically, you would
want to mention what a typical day would look like, what are the main responsibilities you'll
handle in your role, and with whom you're going to work with.
Question number six. Tell me what you know about our company.
Depending on the job, companies want to know if you stay updated about industry news, and
that will help you do a better job. That comes with your company research. If you applied
to a Big Four firm, for example, you should know how they're doing in the industry. Mention
how the company's doing in the current market, what new products have they released recently,
what breaking news did you hear about them, et cetera.
I read last week that your company is investing $13 million in a new HQ in New York City.
I think it's a great move, because it will help company X release products faster in
the market, and target a wider audience now that they have a presence in the east coast.
First, you prove you actually read the news, and that you studied how the news effected
the company. You even gave your own opinion on the news and how it will benefit the company.
Organizations want people who are aware and are up to speed, or have the potential to
be up to speed by themselves. That's what you just proved with this answer.
Question number seven, what do you do when you're not working?
A variation of this question might be, what's your passion? This question is asked to get
to know you better as a person, and to potentially see if you fit the company's culture. They
want to know if you're going to be a good colleague and if it'll be fun to work with
you. You want to mention some of your hobbies or occupations that you're truly passionate
about with details and clear examples. The clearer you are, the better image you give
of yourself. The number one mistake people make here is laying out 10 hobbies they have
without giving proper explanation. If you do that, you come across as someone who doesn't
really have a hobby because you state too many and don't sound passionate at all, which
doesn't give the company a good image of what kind of person you are. Here's an example.
I'm a huge sports fan. I play soccer with the team I personally built with some of those
friends on Friday evenings. And we registered our team in a local championship, and we are
currently in the semifinals. I'm super excited for that. When I don't play, I watch, and
I haven't missed a single Real Madrid game in the last four years. That's why I'm planning
to travel to Madrid next summer hopefully to watch my favorite team play. I noticed
on LinkedIn that your organization has the soccer team as well, so I'd be super pumped
to join it as well.
This explanation gives us all the details we need. What do you play, where you play,
and when you play. You even give us a little bit of context, which is always relevant.
I know how deeply passionate you are about soccer. And if I am a soccer fan, or if this
organization indeed has a soccer team, you'll be on the spot right away.
Question number eight. Where do you see yourself in five years?
Companies want to know if you have goals for yourself and if you have a vision for your
career. It is a common trait amongst successful individuals, and they want to make sure you
have it too. You don't have to be super specific, but mention what next steps you want to take
after doing the job you're interviewing for. Make sure you stay relevant though. The worst
mistake you could do here is state a goal that is unrelated, or worse, in competition
with the role you're interviewing with. For example, saying you want to create your own
business or work at a larger company than this one.
First, I want to handle all the technical aspects of the project right now in the role
I'm applying for. But in five years, I see myself leading those projects. So, handling
a team, maybe do a little bit of project management, and be involved in the sales process. I would
love to pitch our services to prospective clients and help them through the project
along the line.
First, you state what you need to do if you were hired today. Then you give a nice answer
about what you want in the next few years. The more you know about the career path of
the role, the easier it will be for you to answer this question. And you see how even
in five years, you'll be valuable to the company, helping them land more opportunities.
Question number nine. Describe a situation where you were part of a failed project.
This is similar to the question, "Tell me about a time you failed." Companies ask that
to see if you acknowledge past mistakes, if you're a reliable person, and how you will
handle future challenges. You want to mention that you're accountable. You take ownership
when it's your fault. And that you have a growth mindset ... meaning that you bounce
back after you fail, learning from your mistakes, and doing better in the future. Some mistakes
to avoid: you don't want to blame your coworkers or your old boss for mistakes, even if you
think you had nothing to do with it. Also, don't state too big of a mistake, or don't
state a mistake that is too related to the job you're applying for. You don't want to
add worries to the interviewer watching your video.
In my last job, I used to say yes to everything I was asked for. I guess I thought I just
wanted to become more valuable, but I ended up turning some projects late by one week
because I had too much in my plate. I learned to be more realistic in my deadlines and in
my workload, saying yes only to what I knew I could do within the deadline, but also suggesting
great colleagues and resources to help me in tasks I knew I couldn't do alone.
You see how you first stated a legit mistake. Many people struggle with saying no at the
right time. But then you acknowledge your mistake, and you say what you learned precisely
and what you did differently later on. And that's the right formula to succeed in this
answer.
Last question. What's your greatest weakness?
Companies want to know if you acknowledge that you have flaws, and want to know what
you're doing about it. They also want to know if you're going to state something that will
be a red flag for the job you're interviewing for. Always mention a weakness related to
a skill you want to master, and mention what steps are you taking to overcome this weakness.
The worst mistake you could make in this question is mentioning a weakness related to your personality,
such as you're lazy, or you lack motivation on Monday mornings. Those are more tricky
to work with, and companies don't want to deal with that. As they say, companies can
train you for skills, but can rarely change you and your personality.
Lately, I've been struggling with building persuasive PowerPoint presentations. I write
too much text, and I don't include too many visuals. That's why I recently took an online
course in [inaudible 00:14:02] to learn about the storytelling behind great presentations.
I'm learning the basics right now, but it's starting to show in the next I'm currently
building. It would be a pleasure to show some of them to you.
You see, this weakness is related to something that is teachable, which is always good and
easier for companies to handle. You also mention clear steps on how you're tackling this weakness
with a great impression on how you're improving.
Those 10 questions that I have chosen were the most popular ones based on my research,
and hopefully you will get one of those, and hopefully you will get them right as well.
But don't forget that even if you prepare good answers, that's just one part of a successful
HireVue video interview. You still have to nail your body language, and all the technical
side of the video interview if you want to succeed.
If you want to learn how to prepare a video interview before preparing questions, and
how to avoid the five most popular mistakes you could do in a video interview, I'll leave
the links in the description and in the YouTube cards for you to watch them. You can also
download my free HireVue video interview checklist down in the description below, just to help
you remind yourself of all the aspects you need to handle just before turning on your
video interview. If you enjoyed this video then subscribe to Primal Career, because I
release videos just like this one every week. I'll talk to you next week. Ciao.