There are a number of final round interview questions that come up regularly, and they tend to vary quite a bit. But don’t worry, preparing for them doesn’t have to be hard!. This guide goes over the most common final interview questions you’ll hear and covers the best ways to answer them
#1 What about our position interests you?
Everyone has their reasons for applying for a job beyond money. This is a way for your interviewer to learn more about your thought processes, motivations, and goals. It’s your chance to talk yourself up and connect the dots to get a job offer.
Think about what initially piqued your interest. Choose a few details of the job that excite you most and talk about them. When you do so, highlight how you’re the best person to fill the role and what you’ll do to succeed if given a chance.
Sample answer: “There are a lot of elements that interest me about this role from the job description, but one of the key elements that really appealed to me is that I feel I would be a great fit within the company culture. I want to work in a progressive team and the collaborative of this company is something that interested me in this job. Looking over the company website, and from our previous discussions, I believe this role would also give me the ability to progress in my career and develop my skills in a lot of different areas such as ‘X, Y, Z’.
#2 Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Here’s one of the most stereotypical questions you think of when imagining an interview scenario. It’s a common question that provides tons of insight.
The purpose is multifaceted. Interviewers want to know your career aspirations and ensure they align with this open position. Hiring managers also want to see if you’re a good investment who will stick around longer than a year or two.
The best way to answer this question if it comes up in the final interview is to think about what you want to accomplish. Try to develop an answer that hints at a future with this company to provide peace of mind that you’re in it for the long haul.
Sample answer: “I’ve actually been developing my five year plan recently. Since I’m looking for an entry level position in social media and content marketing right now, in five years I would like to be a manager or supervisor in this area, or possibly a project manager. So that means that in the next few years, I need to master the fundamentals and hands-on aspects of the role to advance in the future. And then in the very long term outlook for my career, I’d love to branch out into other areas of digital marketing and lead an entire marketing department for my company. This position seems like a great fit for my five-year goal, based on what I saw on the job description, so I was eager to come have an interview to learn more.”
#3 Are you willing to relocate?
This final round interview question seems straightforward, and to a hiring manager, it usually is. Things move fast in business, and people who are flexible enough to upend their entire lives for the company are usually the ones they want.
Answer truthfully. If you’re flexible with location, let them know! If not, don’t be afraid to say why.
But if you can’t relocate, reiterate your enthusiasm and let the interviewer know why it’s not possible now. You can even suggest alternatives like remote work, showing up to the office once a week or month, or a longer commute.
Sample answer for YES: “For the right opportunity I am definitely willing to relocate. I believe that this position and company is that opportunity.”
Sample answer for MAYBE: “I very much enjoy this area and would love to continue my career here, but this position is a great opportunity for my career and if relocating is a part of that, I would definitely consider it.”
Sample answer for NO: “This is a great opportunity for my career and would love to be a part of the team here. I enjoy this area and think it is where I would like to further my career, especially with this company.” This could be a great answer that states that moving is not something that you would like to do, but you are sincere about wanting the job. Being honest can get you far with a potential employer.
#4 What should I know that’s not on your resume?
Your resume can only say so much about who you are and what you have to bring to the table. If you hear this question, consider it a good sign! It typically means that the interviewer thinks you’re a good fit but wants to know more about you to make sure.
It’s a pretty open-ended question that you can take in many different directions. Generally, the best approach is to discuss an experience highlighting your soft and hard skills. Tell a short story or go into more detail about a mission that ties to this job.
Sample answer: “I am in charge of a runners’ group that meets every weekend for a distance run. When I first moved here, I started the group by posting a flyer at the local gym, but now I perform outreach on social media and manage the group’s event calendar. It started with just a few people, but now it’s a group of 30 diverse runners who want to be more active and healthy. I use my skills in social media communication and my entrepreneurial spirit to empower others. I understand that these skills would be highly applicable to the social media coordinator role.”
#5 What sets you apart from other candidates?
Hiring managers often talk to many people with similar qualifications as you. So what makes you unique, and why should they hire you over someone else?
Think long and hard about your answer to this final round interview question. You can think about your unique qualifications, experiences, and education. If any of those details make you a cut above the rest, don’t hesitate to discuss it.
Even if you have a different background than most applicants, that could be the thing that makes you a standout. Mention how you can bring a fresh perspective to the table, and focus on what you have that others don’t.
Sample answer:”The unique skill that I can bring to your company is my ability to take any task up and get jobs done quickly and efficiently. Having already worked at a small start-up before, I am used to taking on additional responsibilities outside of my usual field of work, and I am always keen to get involved with new areas of the business. I understand the importance of being open minded and flexible, particularly within a start-up environment.”
Conclusion
Now that you’re familiar with most of the final interview questions that you’ll likely hear, all you need to do is start preparing!
You’ve made it this far, now it’s time to bring it home and land the job.
