How to Answer: What Are Your Hobbies?

Hiring managers ask these common interview questions such as “What are your hobbies?” to gauge whether a candidate is a good cultural fit for a role, a characteristic that can help someone stand out above others with similar professional backgrounds. This is especially helpful when you’re trying to land an entry-level job or a paid or unpaid internship, since you may not have a lot of experience yet. The interviewer wants to know that you’re the kind of person other team members will enjoy working with.

Consider this a great opportunity to humanize yourself and show that you’re an interesting person to work with. Best of all, nailing this question will help you leave a lasting impression on your interviewer.

Hobbies to bring up in a job interview

Pick something you’re passionate about. Your answer to this common interview question is the perfect time to show off who you really are. You should be talking about something that you actually enjoy doing. What brings you joy and gives you energy? Reading? Biking? Gardening? Talk about that.

Pick appropriate hobbies

That said, when deciding on a hobby that you’d like to share, think about how that hobby could affect your work performance. When thinking about which hobbies to mention, it should go without saying that answers like “going to all-night raves” or “spending money playing online poker” aren’t going to paint you in the best light—so avoid anything that could be frowned upon or viewed as something that could affect your performance at work, like drinking or gambling.

Think of uncommon ways to talk about popular hobbies

Try not to be overly generic in choosing responses like “listening to music” or “going to the gym.” Sure, they may mean something to you, but this is a time where you can potentially make a lasting impression. If you’re into seeing live music, that is a concrete response—leverage your skills, talk about the work that you put into it. An employer will likely respond well to this sort of hobby, and may see you as more intelligent and hardworking.

If going to the gym is important, give some examples of how hard you work at your fitness goals—and the fun you have doing it. Better yet, if you’re on a sports team, share this information with your future employer, as it shows that you’re a team player and have solid people skills.

Bring Your People Skills to a Job Interview

If your hobbies include a community activity or group, this is definitely something you’ll want to share during a job interview. If you’re the head coach of a local baseball team, tell your future employer. A hobby like this requires planning, leadership and confidence, among other positive qualities. If you’re in a junior league or women’s club, explain what you do and how your mission is to give back to your community. Whatever hobby you choose to highlight during your job interview, remember to focus on the positive qualities you must possess in order to be successful.

Say something like: “I love playing tennis and I was captain of my of my varsity team in high school. I’ve been playing on my school’s intramural team throughout my time in college and it’s been a great way to make friends and get involved in campus activities. Tennis has been a big part of my life for years and I plan to continue playing after I graduate.”

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as 5 Tips for Getting an Entry-Level Job Unrelated to Your Major and find answers to common interview questions such as How Have You Displayed Leadership?

How to Answer: What Excites You About This Industry?

Knowing a lot about the industry you’re trying to enter is a great first step to getting your foot in the door. Being able to demonstrate that knowledge during an interview is even better. When potential employers ask “What excites you about this industry?,” what they really want to know is that you’re passionate about the field you’ve chosen and that you have a solid understanding of the company and its goals.

Here are some things to keep in mind when preparing your answer.

Know the ins and outs of your chosen industry

In order to figure out what excites you about a field, it’s important to research initiatives and campaigns in the industry to find out which ones really appeal to you. Hiring managers want to see that you’re not only passionate about the space the company is in, but that you also closely follow the most recent trends and can use this knowledge to add value to their business.

For example, if you’re interested in sales, finding out about innovative sales tactics will allow you to demonstrate that you know what works and how it’s done. If you want to work in engineering, be prepared to discuss how mobile is changing the development of technology. If you’re looking at a role in marketing, you should be able to name brands that are thought leaders in the space.

Pro Tip: Hiring managers can see right through someone who is reciting the company’s mission statement or says something generic like “I think the sales industry is fascinating.” Instead, talk about a specific campaign you’ve followed or a person you admire. If you know people who work in the industry, you can also talk about the work they’ve done that’s sparked your interest.

Say something like: “Sales is fascinating because of the competition it sparks. As someone who has always been highly competitive, I have closely followed the sales tactics between Verizon and T-mobile and I’ve learned a lot about the methods that really work in this industry.”

Connect your excitement to your long-term career plans

Having established your knowledge of the field and what excites you about it, talk about how this connects with your long-term plans. Whether you’re applying for an internship or an entry-level job, talking about your goals will show the hiring manager that you’ve considered not only your current enthusiasm for the industry, but also how your excitement aligns with your plans for the future.

Say something like: “My interest in sales stems from the economics classes I took in college, where I learned about what makes companies sustainable. I’d love to be part of an industry where I can develop this knowledge in a hands-on way, and hope to use this knowledge to eventually lead a team of my own.”

How to bring it all together:

“Sales is fascinating because of the competition it sparks. As someone who has always been highly competitive, I have closely followed the sales tactics between Verizon and T-mobile and I’ve learned a lot about the methods that really work in this industry. My interest in sales stems from the economics classes I took in college, where I learned about what makes companies sustainable. I’d love to be part of an industry where I can develop this knowledge in a hands-on way, and hope to use this knowledge to eventually lead a team of my own.”

Answering “What excites you about this industry?” is a great opportunity to show that you’re thoughtfully considering your future and looking for a role that will allow you to add value to the company while also aligning with your goals.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as 6 Things to Do in Your First Week at a New Job and find answers to common interview questions such as What Gets You Up in the Morning?

How to Answer: What Other Companies Are You Interviewing With?

Just as you’re about to wrap up the interview, the hiring manager has one final question: “So, what other companies are you interviewing with?” By asking this question, the interviewer is trying to determine how serious you are about the position and how committed you are to landing a job in the specific industry you’re trying to enter. Although this is a less common interview question than some others you’ll encounter, there’s still a chance it will come up, so it’s great to have a strong answer prepared.

Here’s are some tips to keep in mind when answering this question.

Talk about what the companies you’re interviewing with have in common.

Whether you’re interviewing with a dozen other companies or this is your very first interview ever, don’t feel pressured to share exact information about your job search. Instead, find a common theme among the roles and companies you’ve been applying to and use that as a way of highlighting why you’d be a great fit for the position. This is especially helpful if you’re applying for positions in multiple industries since it will show potential employers that you’re passionate about finding a certain kind of role even though you’re flexible about some of the specifics.

Pro Tip: If you’re not interviewing with any other companies, you may want to talk about other jobs you’ve applied to instead (without getting too specific). In that case, you can say something like: “I’m in the early stages of the job search but I’m exploring several opportunities that will allow me to use my social media skills. I’m really excited about finding a position where I can learn a lot and add value to the company’s overall social media strategy.”

Highlight your excitement for this specific position.

Ultimately, interviewers ask this question because they want to gauge your interest in their role and make sure that you’re as interested in the position as the company is in hiring you. To demonstrate your commitment and still make it clear that you’re a valuable candidate who is already on the radar of other employers, be enthusiastic while showing that you do have other opportunities.

Say something like: “I’m interviewing with a few organizations that will allow me to use my social media skills, and I’m excited about finding a position where I can learn a lot and add value to the company’s branding goals. However, I’m particularly interested in the role at your company because it will allow me to make the most of my social media skills while also providing me with growth opportunities, and the ability to work with such an amazing team.”

Answering “What other companies are you interviewing with?” might seem a bit tricky at first, but it’s actually a wonderful opportunity to show that you’ve done your homework on the industry and that you know the position would be the best fit for you. By answering with enthusiasm and confidence, you’ll show the hiring manager that you’re interested in the position not just because you need a job, but because you know this job will be the perfect fit for you.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as Top 10 Things You Should Look For in a Company and find answers to common interview questions such as Are You Willing to Relocate?

How to Answer: If You Could Invest in One Stock, Which Stock Would it Be?

Whether you’re interviewing for a finance internship or entry-level job, you will come across technical interview questions during the process. One popular question you’ll encounter when applying for a job in finance is, “If you could invest in one stock, which stock would it be?” The reason the interviewer asks this question is because they want to analyze your familiarity with the market and get a sense of your logic and reasoning skills.

Here are some things to keep in mind when preparing your answer.

Explain how you would pick the stock.

Even if you don’t have a preferred stock, you’ve likely discussed various stocks and their performance during economics classes or at a previous internship. In order to make sure that you give a comprehensive answer, pick a stock that reflects something about you. For example, if you have high risk tolerance, mention this and explain why it’s a key factor in your decision-making process.

Say something like: “I’m interested in growth because I’m young and my risk tolerance is higher. Companies that pay dividends don’t appeal to me because I don’t need the recurring income, as I have a job to pay my bills. I would rather see companies use money to fuel their growth in the short and long term.”

Pro Tip: When coming up with your answer, it’s important to keep in mind things like stability, growth and past performance. Although you may choose not to talk about these factors when giving your example, they’re likely to come up when the interviewer asks a follow-up question and knowing about them will show that you’re well-informed.

Give a solid reason for your choice.

Once you’ve outlined the factors you look for when picking a stock, explain how you arrived at your decision. It’s important to be specific and to give a sense of how this stock would fit into your overall portfolio. This will show the hiring manager that you’re not only aware of the current state of the market but that you also have long-term goals for your portfolio.

Say something like: “I’m specifically interested in tech, and Netflix recently reported their earnings. They beat estimates on revenue and earnings, but missed widely on new subscriber growth, sending the stock down 16%. I think this signals a great buying opportunity, as Netflix still has a large market to capture abroad, and these headwinds are a short-term issue. Overall, long term I feel the company is well positioned to significantly increase their growth and market share abroad. In conclusion, I wouldn’t want a single stock to be more than 3-5% of my overall portfolio, as it is not advisable to over invest in one specific equity, no matter how bullish I might be.”

Here’s how to bring it all together:

“I’m interested in growth because I’m young and my risk tolerance is higher. Companies that pay dividends don’t appeal to me because I don’t need the recurring income, as I have a job to pay my bills. I would rather see companies use that money to fuel their growth in the short and long term. If we’re looking at today, with all the uncertainty abroad, I would want to stick to a US-based stock, and I feel that with it being an election year, it has brought volatility into the market for opportunistic investments at specific times. I’m specifically interested in tech, and Netflix recently reported their earnings. They beat estimates on revenue and earnings, but missed widely on new subscriber growth, sending the stock down 16%. I think this signals a great buying opportunity, as Netflix still has a large market to capture abroad, and these headwinds are a short-term issue. Overall, long term I feel the company is well positioned to significantly increase their growth and market share abroad. In conclusion, I wouldn’t want a single stock to be more than 3-5% of my overall portfolio, as it is not advisable to over invest in one specific equity, no matter how bullish I might be.”

One key thing to remember is that there is no set response when it comes to determining which stock to invest in. What is important is picking a stock that you can stand behind and convincingly talking about the factors that influenced your decision. This is likely to impress the interviewer and get you one step closer to landing your dream job.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How to Use a Blog to Apply for an Internship and find answers to common interview questions such as Tell Me About Yourself.

Top Interview Questions for Social Media Jobs

Social media is one of the fastest-growing and most exciting fields around. From posting stories on Snapchat to creating engaging posts for Facebook, there’s a lot you can do as a social media manager to increase brand visibility and connect with customers. Whether you’re trying to land your first social media internship or an entry-level job as a social media manager, one of the keys to doing well in an interview is showing that you’re just as analytical as you are creative.

We sat down with Juliette Dallas-Feeney, Senior Social Media Manager at Birchbox, to get the inside scoop on what to expect during your interview.

Here are some questions you should prepare to answer in an interview for a social media job:

What is the future of social media?

“This is a really essential question because it shows that you’re thinking ahead and you understand that social media is a fast-moving industry,” Juliette explains. When she asks this question during an interview, she wants to know that candidates are thinking several steps ahead and that they’re able to anticipate new trends before they happen. “I want to know that you’re thoughtful and creative and are thinking more than just ‘in the now’,” she says.

To nail this answer, do some research on new platforms and trend forecasts for the upcoming year. Come prepared with at least two examples to discuss. One of these should focus on a trend for an existing channel while the other should mention an emerging platform that could be the next big thing.

How would you describe Facebook vs Snapchat vs Instagram vs any other social channel?

This is another key question that tests your knowledge of the industry and of the differences between platforms. “Not all channels are created equal,” Juliette explains. “You can’t just post something across all channels and have it be the same,” she adds. When she asks this question while interviewing potential candidates at Birchbox, it’s because she wants to know that candidates have a detailed understanding of each platform and can develop strategies that are specific to each one. “I really want to get an understanding from you that you have done your research on these channels, that you are a practitioner on these channels and you know what works and what doesn’t work on each one.”

To answer this question, give an example of a post that you think would perform well on a company’s Facebook page and another post that would do well on Instagram. Then explain why they would be successful on their specific channels.

Pro Tip: Looking at the company’s past activity and finding trends among channels is a great place to start. This will give you important insights into the brand voice and help you understand what types of posts perform well for them.

Who is your favorite brand/personality on social media and why?

This question is a great chance for you to give the interviewer an inside look at your personality and to talk about what media brands and personalities inspire you. When preparing your answer, be honest but don’t pick the most obvious choice. “Don’t say that it’s Birchbox because that’s cheating,” Juliette jokes. Instead, show that you know the social media space and that you’re familiar with brands and influencers who are making a difference. Mention the name of your favorite account, approximately how many followers they have and give a specific reason for why you like them such as the fact that they post funny memes on Instagram. This will show that you understand what goes into making a successful brand or personality on social media.

Tell me about your own social presence.

This is a chance for you to show off your own social media presence and talk about how the insights you’ve gained will help you increase engagement for the company’s brand. “I want to see that you have your own following,” Juliette says. She’s also interested in how you’re able to maintain a cohesive voice across different platforms while ensuring that you’re posting content that works best for each one. “I want to see something that shows me that you really understand social media so that you can bring that experience into working for a brand.”

When talking about your social presence, frame your experience in terms of goals. If you’re aiming to a thought leader in a specific area (like entertainment or politics), mention that. Then talk about the strategies you’ve used to increase engagement and reach your goals.

Pro Tip: Make sure to clean up your social media channels before the interview. This will ensure that you’re putting your best foot forward with the hiring manager and spotlighting the things that make your work unique.

In a fast-moving industry like social media, landing a great job is all about showing that you’re up-to-date with the latest industry trends and that you’re able to leverage them to build your personal brand and the brand of the company you want to work for. By preparing your answers to these questions, you’ll impress your interviewer and to get one step closer to your dream job at a great brand like Birchbox.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as Top 10 Things You Should Look For In An Internship and find answers to common interview questions such as Why Do You Want to Work Here?

How to Answer: What Would You Accomplish in Your First 30/60/90 Days on the Job?

 One of the more common questions at a job interview is, “What would you accomplish in the first 30, 60, or 90 days on the job?” If this is your first entry-level job, the answer to this question can be hard to anticipate—but it’s not impossible. With proper planning, you can come up with a realistic, honest and enthusiastic answer.

Understand what’s expected during the first three months on the job.

First, let’s take a look at what this question is actually asking. Why the numbers 30, 60 and 90? These numbers correspond to standard cut-offs for your first three months on the job—30 days, 60 days or 90 days. Interviewers ask this question for a number of reasons. They want to see how you think about ramping up in your new role, how fast you’ll complete the onboarding process and what types of goals and standards you hold yourself to, especially in a new environment.

This onboarding period may seem daunting, but it can be an exciting time, too. You will learn a lot about your duties, your supervisor, company culture and workplace etiquette. You also will learn a lot about yourself and how you fit into the larger organization.

Do your research.

Even if you’ve had an internship in the field before, you can’t really know what a job entails until you’ve worked full-time in the role. That doesn’t mean you can’t do your research to get a fuller picture. Here are some ideas for where to look for a dose of realism (and some healthy inspiration):

  • Job listings—Do a quick Google search for similar roles and titles to get a sense of what those responsibilities look like.
  • Employee resumes—Perusing the online resumes of young professionals in your intended field can be invaluable. Resumes provide more in-depth information than company profiles and bios. Again, start with people who are just a couple of years more experienced than you to see what they’ve accomplished.
  • Talk to someone—Arrange an informal meeting with someone in your intended field, preferably someone around your age and experience level. Explain that you would like to get started in the industry and have questions about what to reasonably expect during the first three months and the rest of the first year on the job.

Prepare your answer by outlining your goals for each month.

After you’ve studied up on what you may be doing at your job, think about what you can realistically accomplish during this initial period. What kinds of concrete goals can you set? What projects are you excited to take on? If possible, stick to quantifiable results. Then practice your answer to the interview question. Try to condense your response to 3-4 sentences.

Say something like: “In addition to getting to know the team and getting fully up to speed with the role, there’s a lot I want to accomplish during my first three months in the role of editor. During my first 30 days, I want to get a sense of our blog’s editorial goals and use those to create a new blog design. After 60 days, I want our blog redesign launched and to have at least 50 contributors writing for the website. After 90 days, I want to switch the efforts from building the team to tracking growth, and I’m hoping that we can have 100,000 unique visitors by then through utilizing our marketing channels and those of our contributors.”

Always have a backup answer ready.

If you don’t a clear idea of the exact goals for the position or what you would like to accomplish, there are some things you can touch on that are relevant for almost any role. This can serve as your backup answer and you should always have one ready.

Say something like: “Within 30 days, I plan to get to know the people I’ll be working with the most and to be comfortable with them. Within 60 days, I plan to have a solid understanding of the industry, the company and the competitive landscape so that I can hold my own in any conversation about the company. Within 90 days, I plan to meet the goals that have been set for me.”

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How to Take an Exit Interview and find answers to common interview questions such as What Are Your Strengths?

How to Answer: Why Did You Choose to Attend This University or College?

“Why did you choose to attend this university or college?” is one of the questions you may encounter during an interview for an entry-level job or internship. This question is designed to help employers understand your values and how you make major life decisions. The key to answering it effectively is showing that you’re proactively thinking about your future career path and that you picked your school after careful consideration.

Here are some things to keep in mind when coming up with your answer.

Talk about what makes your college or university a good fit for you.

Whether you originally picked the school because it offered a great curriculum for your chosen major, had an incredible faculty or was the most affordable school in your state, you likely put some thought into picking the place where you were going to spend the next four years. When preparing your answer, mention one or two key things that led to your decision and show how these things have shaped your experience at the school.

Say something like: “I originally chose to attend XYZ University because ______________. During the time I’ve spent there, I’ve been lucky enough to have access to ______________. My education has given me a solid foundation for a career in _________ and I’m so glad I made the decision to go to school there.”

Pro Tip: If your college or university was your first choice because it was the only school you applied to, don’t mention that. Instead, focus on why it was your only choice. Maybe it offered a comprehensive scholarship program, the campus was close to your hometown or going there was a family tradition. Lead with that and then explain the additional benefits you’ve gained during your time there.

Show how your choice of school connects with your choice of career.

Once you’ve established the process that led you to attend your chosen college or university, connect this back to the job opportunity you’re applying for. If your major doesn’t directly relate to the position, talk about relevant skills you’ve learned through electives or experience you’ve gained through internships. Since employers are interested in how you evaluate opportunities and make decisions, showing that you’ve thoughtfully considered the current opportunity will reassure them that you’re committed to the position and the organization.

Say something like: “The experiences I’ve had at XYZ University have also shaped my decision to apply for this position. I want a role that will allow me to put the things I’ve learned into practice and develop my skills even further. I know that this position would be a good fit for me and I’m excited about the possibility of joining the team.”

Now bring it all together.

“I originally chose to attend XYZ University because ______________. During the time I’ve spent there, I’ve been lucky enough to have access to ______________. My education has given me a solid foundation for a career in _________ and I’m so glad I made the decision to go to school there. The experiences I’ve had at XYZ University have also shaped my decision to apply for this position. I want a role that will allow me to put the things I’ve learned into practice and develop my skills even further. I know that this position would be a good fit for me and I’m excited about the possibility of joining the team.”

Whether you’ve chosen to attend a small liberal arts college or large university, your choice of school can tell an interviewer a lot about you. Answering “Why did you choose to attend this university or college?” is a great opportunity to show the hiring manager that you take big decisions seriously and that you’ve put some serious thought into your college experience and professional career.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How to Become a Recruiter and find answers to common interview questions such as How Do You Handle Pressure?.

How to Answer: What Type of Environment Do You Prefer?

Along with your experience and skill set, interviews are a chance for potential employers to find out who you are as a person and to get a sense of how well you’ll fit into the company’s work environment. After asking about your educational background and skills, the interviewer will say something like, “So, what type of work environment do you prefer?”

The reason hiring managers ask this question is to assess your compatibility for the position and to find out whether you’re a team player who is able to adapt when necessary. Other versions of this question are, “What type of person do you work well with?” and “What type of person don’t you work well with?”

Here are some tips to help you prepare your answer.

Establish your ideal work environment.

If you’re applying for your first internship or entry-level job, you may not know what your ideal work environment looks like. The first step to answering this question effectively is to figure that out. To do that, think about some great experiences you’ve had working on class projects. Do you prefer to work as part of a large or small team? Do you communicate more effectively in group discussions or by email? Once you’ve identified your personal working style, think about the bigger picture. This refers to things like work-life balance or the company’s mission. Focus on what motivates and what you’d like your professional life to look like, then look for roles at companies that have those qualities.

Research the company culture.

Since cultural fit is one of the most important things employers look for when hiring, this is a great chance to show that you know a lot about the company and that you would fit in well as part of the team. For example, does the company seem to have a lot of happy hours or cohesive team meetings? If so, talk about how much you enjoy those types of activities and any experiences you’ve had in similar environments in the past.

Pro Tip: If you don’t know much about the company culture, mentioning that you work well in fast-paced and collaborative environments is a great place to start. These are usually good attributes to include because most companies, especially smaller companies, consider themselves fast-paced and most jobs are collaborative in nature.

Be honest, but flexible.

Once you’ve established your familiarity with the company and shown that you would be a good culture fit, talk about one of two things that make a work environment great for you. For example, if you are someone who prefers to work alone most of the time, it’s okay to say that as long as you also demonstrate commitment to the team and a willingness to collaborate with your coworkers on a regular basis. This is especially important if the role is described as cross-functional in the job description.

Say something like: “I love a fast-paced environment where I can have a collaborative relationship with the people around me and develop my skill set by learning from other members of the team. Although I do my best work on my own in a quiet atmosphere, I really enjoy grabbing coffee with team members in my spare time and running through ideas together.”

Answering “What type of environment do you thrive in?” with thoughtful examples is a great way of demonstrating that you understand the company culture and are flexible enough to adapt to change. Whether you’re comfortable in a fast-paced environment or a more relaxed one, finding a way to highlight your unique qualities and connect them with a role will show potential employers that you’re the candidate they’ve been looking for.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as Top 5 Tools for Digital Marketing and find answers to common interview questions such as Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?.

How to Answer: What Makes You Uncomfortable?

Whether it’s a conversation with a friend or a question in a job interview, no one likes talking about what makes them uncomfortable. However, putting a positive spin on discomfort is a great way of showing hiring managers that you’re able to tackle tough situations effectively and to overcome challenges successfully. When interviewers ask this question, they’re trying to determine how you handle difficult moments and whether these moments affect your overall job performance. By demonstrating an ability to remain cool under pressure and address the problem, you’ll impress them and get one step closer to landing the entry-level job of your dreams.

Here are some things to keep in mind as you prepare your answer.

Focus on one thing and give a real-life example.

Similar to answering questions like, “What’s your greatest weakness?”, your answer to “What makes you uncomfortable?” should focus on one thing that makes you uncomfortable. Because the interviewer is most interested in how you overcome difficulties, talking about one main discomfort will give you a chance to show how you identified the problem and the steps you took to resolve it.

For example, if you’re very organized and like to have a systematic way of working, you can say that disorganization makes you feel uncomfortable. However, you should mention that you can easily overcome this type of situation because you’re level-headed and are often seen as a problem-solver. Don’t be afraid to be honest. Everyone has things that make them uncomfortable and trying to gloss over your own discomforts will make you seem insincere. Instead, focus on how you can put a positive spin on challenges and use them as growing experiences.

Show how you’ve successfully overcome being uncomfortable.

Whether you’ve encountered something uncomfortable in class, at an internship, or within your personal life, chances are you’ve successfully navigated a tough moment and come out on top. In order to demonstrate your ability to get past this type of challenge, outline the steps you’ve taken to address these sorts of problems when they crop up.

Say something like: “I’m very organized and do my best work in environments where things are structured. On the flip side, I’m uncomfortable in situations where things are disorganized and I always try to fix disorganization when I come across it. I recently encountered this type of situation during a group project and I was able to put a process in place that outlined everyone’s responsibilities and streamlined our workflow. We went from not being sure of our roles to getting everything done very efficiently, and we were able to actually finish the project early as a result!”

Answering “What makes you uncomfortable?” might seem challenging at first, but it can be a great opportunity to prove to potential employers that you’re self-aware, adaptable when pushed out of your comfort zone and able to solve problems effectively.

Next, be prepared to answer other common interview questions such as How to Answer: Tell Me About a Time You Failed and learn more about the interview process such as What is a Panel Interview.

How to Tell An Employer About Competing Job Offers

Having competing job offers is generally considered a great problem to have. It means that multiple companies are interested in working with you and that you’ve proven yourself to be a competitive candidate. However, there are a few things you should consider as you navigate this process, from how to keep both companies in play while exploring your options to whether to tell each company about other offers you’ve received.

It may seem tricky, but we’ve broken down the steps to make sure that you’re able to juggle everything without dropping the ball, and that you end up with the internship or entry-level job you want.

Step 1: Make sure your offers are in writing.

A verbal offer is not an official offer. Before you attempt to negotiate with various companies, you need to make sure their offers are in writing — outlining not only base salary but other important benefits like health insurance, vacation days and flexibility.

If you’ve only received a verbal offer, contact the hiring manager, recruiter or HR representative that you’ve been interacting with to firm up the offer. Consider saying, “This all looks great. I’m looking forward to reviewing all of the offer details. When can I expect to receive a written offer?”

Step 2: Don’t accept an offer if you may back out. Instead, extend the timeline.

Let’s say Company A just gave you an offer, but your top choice – Company B – has yet to finalize their offer in writing. Company A is pressuring you to get back to them with your final decision. What do you do?

Ideally, you want more time. Unless you think asking for more time would be so damaging that it could put your offer at risk, it’s worth saying, “I’m very excited about this offer and the chance to join Company A. I know that you asked for my response by Tuesday, but  there’s a lot to consider here. Could I have until Thursday to communicate my final decision?”

It’s possible that Company A may decline your extension request, in which case you have to make a choice to either 1) accept Company A’s offer without knowing the outcome of Company B’s offer or 2) decline Company A while banking on Company B’s offer. While it might be enticing to accept Company A’s offer while also keeping the door open for Company B, accepting and then rescinding an offer could easily burn bridges. It’s best to avoid that scenario if possible.

Pro Tip: A final option, and one we recommend, is to reach out to Company B and tell them about your situation. Let them know that they’re your first choice but that you’re under a deadline to make a decision. If they’re planning to make an offer, this will

Step 3: Carefully time when you’ll inform each company about the other offers.

If you’re going to inform Company B about Company A’s offer, it’s best to do so in the final interview or final follow-up, once you’ve had a chance to gauge where you stand relative to competing candidates. That said, you don’t want companies thinking you’ve pitted them against one another in a salary war. You could run the risk of having your original offer pulled if you mishandle this conversation.

Only if you’re feeling confident in the offers and your ability to manage the conversation carefully, should you go ahead and share this information. The goal here is to get all of the offers on the table at the same time for you to consider them and maximize your chance to make the best decision.

Say something like:“I’m very excited about the opportunity to work for Company B, especially the ability to have an impact. Company B is by far my top choice, but I have just received another offer this week at a company that would allow me to build out a different skillset. They asked for my response in a few days, and I was wondering when I could anticipate to find out Company B’s final decision. Thank you again for a great interview process, and I very much look forward to hearing your response.”

Step 4: Show appreciation.

Wrapping up your communication with a company should be done with grace and tact. Showing sincere appreciation for the hiring managers involved respects the time and energy they invested in your hiring process. When you’re ready to turn down one of the job offers, find out the right way to turn down a job offer.

With this tricky part of the journey managed, you’ll be ready to dive into your new job.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as What to Do When You Want a Second Job Offer and find answers to common interview questions such as Tell Me About Yourself.