An exclusive interview is a one-on-one conversation between a journalist and someone who agrees not to talk to anyone else about the subject until their article is published. Journalists grant exclusive interviews when they believe the information or story will be compelling to their audience.
Interview questions come in many different forms: general, behavioral, situational, competency-based and questions about company culture and overall fit. It is important to prepare your answers in advance so you can be confident and articulate on the day of the interview.
Hiring managers use these questions to assess your skills and experience against the job description and requirements. It is also an opportunity to impress them and show how you would be a good fit for the company.
What professional achievement are you most proud of? Interviewers ask this question to understand your level of professionalism and how you can think about your past experiences in terms of their impact on your future career. Choose an accomplishment that demonstrates professional determination, communication or organisation — such as leading a project from start to finish, winning a major award or overcoming a challenge.
How do you deal with stress and pressure? Interviewers ask this question to see how you handle the inevitable ups and downs of the working world. Choose an example of how you have handled a stressful or challenging situation at work and explain why you believe it is a strength of yours.
Lastly, don’t forget to send a thank-you note after your interview (24 hours later at the latest)! It is not only polite, but it will set you apart from the competition as a savvy candidate who knows how to make a positive impression and follow-up. Shelbie Watts is a Content Marketing Manager at Homebase, the everything app for hourly teams. 100,000+ small (but mighty) businesses trust Homebase with employee scheduling, time clocks, payroll, team communication and HR.