How to Ace Your $100k+ Job Interview: An In-Depth Guide

Securing a six-figure salary job isn’t just about having the best resume. From my experience interviewing hundreds of candidates, the ones who land the roles are those who are best prepared for the interview. Here are the six most common questions you need to prepare for, along with some smart questions to ask your interviewer.

1. Tell Me About Yourself

• Don’t recite your resume. Tell a story. Start by sharing a defining moment in your career journey that ties into your enthusiasm for the role and the company. This approach makes you memorable and demonstrates your passion.

2. What Are Your Strengths?

• Focus on strengths crucial for the role. Back them up with numbers and examples, showing how they’ll directly benefit the company. This not only highlights your skills but also your understanding of the company’s needs.

3. What’s Your Greatest Weakness?

• Choose a skill not critical for the job. Show self-awareness and a focus on growth by explaining how you’re actively working to improve this weakness. It’s a chance to demonstrate your commitment to personal development.

4. How Do You Handle Stress or Pressure?

• Share an example of a high-pressure situation. Highlight your approach to staying calm and focused, and demonstrate how you lead by example. This shows your ability to perform under pressure and manage stress effectively.

5. What Are Your Salary Expectations?

• Show you’ve done your research on market rates. Provide a range rather than a single figure, emphasizing your value and openness to negotiation. This indicates that you’re well-informed and flexible.

6. Can You Tell Me About the Gap in Your Resume?

• Be honest and brief about the reason for the gap. Focus on skills or experiences gained during that time and express your excitement to re-enter the workforce. This turns a potential negative into a positive.

Smart Questions to Ask the Interviewer

Remember, an interview is a two-way street. It’s not just about impressing them but also finding the right fit for you. Here are 12 smart questions to ask your interviewer:

• What would be my top priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
• What metrics will be used to measure my success in the role?
• What are the biggest challenges I might face in this position?
• What are the company’s plans for growth in the next few years?
• What gets you excited about the company’s future?
• How has the company changed since you joined?
• What does your employee onboarding process look like?
• What do new employees find surprising after they start?
• How does the company handle feedback from employees?
• Is there anything else I can clarify about my fit for this role?
• What haven’t I asked that would be important to know?
• What are the next steps and when can I expect to hear back?

Conclusion

An interview is not just about impressing them; it’s about finding the right fit for you too. So don’t hold back. Be curious, be authentic, and be confident. You’ve got this. Now go out there and ace that interview.