An interview is a chance for a hiring manager to get to know you on a more personal level. Along with asking interview questions to assess your job experience and skills, they may ask you a few questions to learn more about your personality and interest in the company. Life questions can help employers envision how you might enrich their team, so it’s important to prepare potential answers to these types of questions.
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In this article, we explain why employers ask interview questions about life, share several questions they might ask you, and provide effective sample answers you can use to form your own responses.
What are interview questions about life?
Interview questions about life can help hiring managers get to know you better. They may ask you these types of questions at the beginning of your interview to ease into the conversation. Interview questions about life may cover a variety of topics, such as your hobbies, interests and career path. When employers ask these kinds of questions, it gives them a chance to assess your personality, which can help them decide whether you would be a good candidate to hire.
Importance of preparing for life interview questions
When you attend a job interview, you may have already intuitively prepared for questions about your experience and qualifications. It’s important to also prepare for more personal questions about your life so that an employer can learn who you are.
Having answers to these questions can help you present yourself as a likable candidate who can be a good fit for the company. Preparing for all types of questions can help you show a hiring manager that you have the sociable skills necessary for interacting with colleagues, supervisors and customers alike.
7 interview questions about life
Here are seven interview questions about life, along with sample answers you can use as inspiration:
1. Why are you looking for a new role?
This question gives employers insight into your reason for making a job change. Your answer can help them learn more about your career goals and what you hope to achieve in a new role. While you may be changing jobs to increase your income, use your answer to discuss topics like personal development and career growth.
Example: “I’m looking for a new job to advance my career. I worked at my current company for the past three years, during which I gained valuable experiences and learned new skills. While I enjoy working there, I am ready for more extensive leadership responsibilities. That’s why I was eager to apply for your team leader position. With my background in information technology and experience leading my current team, I know I’m a good fit for this role.”
2. What inspired you to apply here?
Hiring managers ask this question to learn what you know about the company. Your response tells them if you researched the company before attending the interview. The quality of your answer can help them learn if you’re serious about the position or if you applied just for the sake of applying. Before your interview, prepare a few reasons that excited you to apply for this job. You can find valuable information on the company’s website and social media pages.
Example: “The primary reason I applied here is because of your exceptional company culture. I was reading a news article that mentioned your company and how well it treats its employees. While I enjoy my current role, I’m looking to work for a company that truly values its team, and I can see that your organization does that with its investment opportunities and remote work options. Another reason I applied is because you have interesting clients. I have experience working with home appliances companies, and I know my experience would make me an excellent asset for the marketing team here.”
3. What are some of your hobbies or interests outside of work?
This question helps employers get a better sense of who you are. Use your answer to show you have some unique interests. By showing your passion for a certain hobby or interest, employers may feel you can also get invested in your work. Consider choosing a hobby that highlights your positive traits, like your ability to work well with a team.
Example: “I really enjoy playing the piano. I have been doing so since I was 10 years old, and I have become quite good at it. Actually, last week I played for a retirement party, which was quite fun. Another one of my interests outside of work is volunteering within the community. I coach my child’s youth soccer team every Saturday morning with a few other parents. We work together to create game plays, offer individual instruction and ensure each child is showing sportsmanship during games and practices.”
4. How did you get into this career?
This interview question helps employers understand why you chose your career. Your answer helps them determine whether you are passionate about what you do. Give them an overview of your career path, showing that you have a strong interest in your profession and want to continue your professional development.
Example: “I was first inspired to become a salesperson because I have always enjoyed working with other people. I knew I would be happy with a job where I could talk to people every day. Throughout my business classes in college, I was the person who was eager to share my ideas with the class. I realized that my communication skills could be helpful when talking to clients. I am ready for a role where I can nurture clients and maintain long-term relationships that benefit them and the company.”
5. How would you describe yourself in three words?
This question helps employers learn how you see yourself as an individual. Your response gives you the chance to prove you have a pleasant personality and can add value to the company’s team. Think about which of your personal attributes would resonate with the role you want.
Example: “First, I would say I am personable. I enjoy meeting new people and forming connections with them. Then, I would say I am organized. I am constantly updating my calendar and reassessing my priorities. Finally, I would say I am proactive. I am one to anticipate the needs of others and prevent problems from occurring. As part of my proactivity, I can accept additional responsibilities to ensure that the company stays on track to meet its goals.”
6. What is your favorite book?
Employers might ask this question to learn more about your interests and how you strive to gain knowledge or expose yourself to new ideas outside of work. Having a favorite book can show you are interested in enriching your mind. If you need to think of a favorite book, consider one that has memorable characters or meaningful life lessons. Be prepared to share why it’s your favorite.
Example: “My favorite book is Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. I first read this classic when I was in middle school. Each time I reread it, I gain a new appreciation for the characters. I’m drawn to classic literature since I enjoy picking apart the language and finding different meanings in it. I appreciate this novel’s lesson of the importance of not making assumptions about people based on their physical appearance or societal status.”
7. What is your greatest accomplishment?
This question helps employers envision what results they can produce for their company. Think of a time you were most proud of yourself in your career. Try to pick an accomplishment that relates to the job you want.
Example: “My greatest accomplishment is when I won an advertising award five years ago. I won in the copywriting category for an ad I wrote for an insurance company. It was so special knowing that the top professionals in the industry appreciated my work. The committee invited me to a fancy gala where I could thank my team for their help in this work.”
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