The job interview is an essential part of the screening process for employers. It helps employers dig deep beyond the resume to find out about 1) your experience and skills for the job, 2) whether you're a good fit for its workplace culture, and 3) your career goals and outlook to determine how dedicated and loyal you'll be to the job and continued employment with the company.
Asking questions is essential to helping employers make the right decision on which job applicant to select for the job. So, let's break down some of the typical interview questions you may be asked and what employers are really trying to find out so that you can provide the best response.
1. "Talk About One Of Your Greatest Achievements At Work."
When employers ask this question, they are trying to see what you consider important on the job and are also trying to understand your key skill set. The best response is an example that can directly relate back to the job you're applying for.
2. "Talk About A Time You Faced A Major Challenge At Work."
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Employers are always trying to see how you face obstacles at work and your approach to dealing with them. Regardless of the challenge you present, the key is to demonstrate that you were able to overcome it and bring results of success.
Employers want to see how honest you are, and the way you answer can also shed light on if you're able to overcome obstacles. Everyone has a weakness, so provide an honest answer but finish off your response with how you've worked to improve on it so it actually isn't a weakness anymore.
4. "Where Do You See Yourself In 5 Years?"
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Employers want to find out your long-term goals and how they may fit into their plans. Your response should inform the employer that you're dedicated to the profession and you have a confident outlook to move up in your career with even more experience and skills to succeed on the job. Do not give an answer that indicates you may not stay with the company.
5. "Describe To Me The Type Of Work Environment You Desire."
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It's important that employers ensure you can fit in culturally and they want to understand the type of worker-boss management relationship desired. Say the person supervising is a micromanager, but you are one who has self-drive and desires empowerment. In such a case, conflict is highly likely.
Do your research ahead of time to understand the employer's workplace culture so you respond accordingly. But it's also important in helping decide whether you should even apply for a job because you want to work in an environment where you'll be happy.
Employers need to find out if you're a serious candidate for the job and if you have a true desire to work for the company and in the specific field you're applying to. If you do your research beforehand, you will have an idea of things you can call out about the employer that impress you. It'll also inform the employer that you're not just randomly applying to any job, but that you have a true desire to work for them.
Employers will ask this question to try to better understand your long-term goals. It's also to ensure that the reason you're leaving is not one that may present itself again on the new job.
If you were fired from your job, the employer wants to ensure the problem or concerns about being fired do not carry over to the new job. Focus on a response that speaks to your desire for more challenge and that will allow you to utilize your experience and skills, and help you to continue to grow them.
When you understand what employers are really trying to find out with the questions they ask, you can tailor your responses so that you come off as the best candidate for the job.
You may be asked salary information on an application form, or be faced with a “current salary" or “desired salary" field on an online application. Or you may be asked the same question by a legal recruiter. The answer you provide may be used in the screening process—answer too high and you may not be considered for the position at all.
This number will also likely come into play at the interview/offer stage. It can establish the range for the offer the employer makes. And if you're underpaid and undervalued at your current employer, then there's the risk that your low level of pay will follow you when you move on.
On a paper application form—or if the online form allows you to type in whatever you want—you can write “Negotiable." This gives you the opportunity to discuss your salary history and expectations later on.
How To Answer Salary Questions On Job Applications
If it's not a required field on an online form, leave it blank. If the "desired salary" field requires you to enter a figure, however, you have a couple of options. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks:
Enter $0, $1, or $10 (the minimum number you can). It will be clear you're not answering the questions (most employers will know you aren't offering to work for free).
Enter $999,999 (or the highest number you can). Like answering $0, this shows you are purposely avoiding the question.
You can enter your desired salary, based on not only your personal needs and wants but also on your market research of your value and salaries. But know that it may lead to you being screened out (if it's too high) or being offered a lower salary in the interview.
If you can, enter a range. Some online forms will allow you to enter two numbers. Entering a salary range is often the best option because it reduces the chances of you being screened out, allows room for negotiation, and recognizes that some of the most valuable compensation (vacation time, signing bonuses, tuition reimbursement, insurance, company cars, travel, child care, insurance, and more) isn't included in the salary.
How you answer the salary question on a job application will depend on your situation and what format is allowed on the online form. But if you can, entering a salary range is always the best option.
Balancing the demands of a career while nurturing a family is a juggling act that countless parents face every day. The modern world presents working parents with a unique set of challenges, from managing time efficiently to maintaining a healthy work-life balance. What can busy working parents do to excel both professionally and personally? How can they effectively balance work and family?
We recently asked our leading executives for their best tips for working parents.
Here are their responses...
Ana Smith, Leadership Development & Learning Strategist
Working parents in the digital age face unique challenges, but also have a plethora of opportunities and tools at their disposal. Here are some of the best tips for navigating this landscape:
1. Embrace Technology
Use digital tools for organization and productivity, such as digital calendars, to-do lists, or apps specifically designed for families like Cozi or Trello.
Engage in virtual telehealth appointments, parent-teacher conferences, or tutoring to save travel time.
2. Set Boundaries
Designate a specific workspace in your home. When you're in this space, your family knows you're "at work."
Set specific "digital-free" times to fully engage with your family, devoid of work emails or distractions.
3. Educate Yourself and Your Kids About Digital Safety
Discuss online privacy, cyberbullying, and the importance of strong, unique passwords.
Use parental controls when necessary, but also teach your children about responsible internet usage.
4. Prioritize Quality Time
Even if you're using technology together, such as watching a movie or playing an online game, ensure you’re engaging in ways that foster closeness.
Set aside tech-free zones or times in the home to ensure uninterrupted family moments.
5. Promote a Healthy Tech-Life Balance for Children
Limit screen time and encourage physical activities, hobbies, and reading.
Use tech as an educational tool, not just entertainment.
6. Stay Connected
With the convenience of video calls, working parents can remain connected with their children even when they're away. A quick midday call can work wonders.
Use technology to stay involved in your child's school life, such as accessing online grade portals or school communication apps.
7. Self-Care and Mental Health
Utilize digital platforms for self-care and mental health, such as meditation apps, online therapy, or digital fitness classes.
Recognize when you need a digital detox, and take short breaks away from screens.
8. Continuous Learning
Digital landscapes are constantly evolving. Dedicate some time to learn about new tools, apps, or platforms that can make your life easier as a working parent.
9. Outsource When Needed
Consider using digital services like grocery deliveries, virtual assistants, or online tutoring to help manage your time more effectively.
10. Maintain an Open Dialogue
As children grow, their relationship with technology will change. Keep the lines of communication open and encourage them to share their online experiences, concerns, and discoveries with you.
11. Lead by Example
Children often mimic the behavior of their parents. Model good digital habits and a healthy relationship with technology.
The digital age certainly presents challenges for working parents, but by leveraging the opportunities it offers and setting boundaries, you can promote a balanced and fulfilling family life.
Ana Smith helps people & organizations achieve their full talent potential by developing and co-creating people strategies and customized solutions, and turning them into impactful outcomes and collaborative relationships, using coaching as the "red thread."
Michael Willis, Sports Business Operations Executive
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The NFL has always been committed to fostering a workplace that encourages work-life balance and supports the unique challenges faced by working parents. Here are some compassionate suggestions for navigating the demands of our dynamic industry while ensuring a healthy family life:
1. Flexible Scheduling: Encourage managers to embrace flexible work arrangements that allow parents to adjust their schedules when needed. This can significantly assist with managing family responsibilities and job commitments.
2. Parental Leave Policies: Ensure our policies are comprehensive and accommodating. Offering ample time off for new parents is vital in helping them transition into their new roles.
3. Remote Work Options: Consider allowing parents to work remotely, at least part of the time, as it can provide the flexibility they need to effectively balance their family and professional lives.
4. Childcare Support: Explore partnerships with local childcare providers to offer discounts or on-site daycare options. This can ease the burden on working parents and provide peace of mind.
5. Mentorship and Networking: Facilitate mentorship programs and networking opportunities for working parents within the organization. Connecting with colleagues who have faced similar challenges can be invaluable.
6. Employee Resource Groups: Promote and support employee resource groups (ERGs) focused on working parents. These groups can provide a sense of community and a platform to discuss shared experiences and solutions.
7. Wellness Initiatives: Emphasize the importance of mental and physical well-being by offering wellness programs, stress-management resources, and counseling services for parents dealing with the juggling act.
8. Clear Communication: Encourage open and transparent communication between employees and supervisors. This helps in setting realistic expectations and finding mutually beneficial solutions.
9. Professional Development: Ensure that career growth and development opportunities are accessible to all employees, regardless of their parental status. This encourages retention and motivation.
10. Recognition and Appreciation: Recognize working parents' hard work and dedication within the organization. Simple gestures of appreciation can go a long way in boosting morale.
Incorporating these strategies into our workplace culture demonstrates our commitment to supporting working parents and contributes to a more inclusive, empathetic, and motivated workforce. Together, we can create an environment where all employees, including working parents, can thrive in the fast-paced sports business industry.
Michael Willis has 18+ years of experience working with accounting & sports organizations and has managed P&Ls of $10M - $125M+ with budgets of $3M-$50M+. He worked for the NFL for 22 1/2 years, mainly with the game officials working on the financial/accounting side of the business.
Lisa Perry, Global Marketing Executive
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As a mother of two girls and a brand marketing executive, I know the intricacies of balancing work and family and the numerous challenges it brings. “Balance” often felt like an elusive concept as I constantly made sacrifices, for work, family time, or personal well-being. I’ve been through the extremes—working relentlessly, traveling extensively, and grappling with the guilt of being away from my children to declining work commitments to ensure I’m present for girls’ milestones and bedtime routines. Achieving harmonious work-life balance was a perpetual battle.
If you are a working parent, here are some tips that I’ve used that can help you make the balancing act a little easier:
Prioritize Family: Spend quality time with your family to strengthen bonds and nurture happy, healthy children. Make family time a non-negotiable priority.
Self-Care: As women, we often overlook self-care and end up stretched thin. Whether it’s a leisurely lunch with a friend, a spa day, regular exercise, or simply getting ample rest, taking care of yourself is crucial for mental well-being and resilience.
Delegate Family Responsibilities: Consider delegating tasks if you’ve shouldered most household chores as a working mom. It’s okay if things aren’t done your way; what matters is the quality time you gain with your family.
Set Boundaries: Learn to say no to unrealistic work expectations and establish clear boundaries. This not only helps you focus but also opens doors to new possibilities.
Open Communication: Maintain open communication with your boss and colleagues about your family responsibilities. A supportive work environment can make a significant difference in managing work and family life.
Time Management: Effectively managing your family’s time by creating synchronized schedules that balance work, family, and personalized activities. Coordination and alignment are key.
Flexible Work Arrangements: Explore flexible work options like remote work or adjusted hours, if your job permits. These alternatives empower parents to meet their needs within a traditional 9-5 workweek.
Finding the right balance between work and family life is an ongoing journey. Adjustments are okay as your family’s needs and work responsibilities change. If you’re eager to delve deeper into effective strategies, I invite you to explore my book How to Develop a Brand Strategy. Within its pages, you’ll discover a comprehensive step-by-step guide to crafting a robust brand strategy that aligns seamlessly with your business objectives.
Remember, you’re not alone! With the right strategies and mindset, you can navigate the challenges of being a working parent while fostering a fulfilling life for yourself and your family.
Lisa Perry helps companies drive revenue by using consumer trends, insights, and data analytics to innovate their approach to marketing.
