Question

I applied for an account assistant position in a private firm. Can you give me just some general answers of these questions?

a. Tell us about your ideal work situation.

b. Tell us about the first job you ever had, what you did and how long you had the job.

Answer 1

Tell us about your ideal work situation.

Small vs. large companies

A very common question is whether you are most productive and comfortable in a small or large company. Both have benefits, so you need to think about which environment best suits you and your work style. If you like small companies, you might say, “I want to work for a small company because you get exposed to more things faster.” However, if you like the greater resources and more formalized training of a large organization, you should communicate that when interviewing.

Your preference may also depend on where you are in your career. If you’re just starting out, a large company may be the place to learn processes. If that’s how you feel, say, “I want to own my own company someday and want to learn the best methodologies for running a business.”

If you have a number of years under your belt and believe you already know how to manage all or part of a business successfully, then a small company might be the place for you. In your answer, you might say, “I’ve had great training from large companies and want to import those practices into a small company, so I can have a greater impact.”

Typical interview questions like small company versus large company are designed to determine where you will be best-suited to perform and contribute. Let the interviewer know why you prefer one environment over another.

Formal vs. informal

Of the most typical interview questions, this one is designed to illuminate the environment in which you like to work. Everyone has a preferred way of working. Some people like the formality of processes. If that’s you, say, “I like when processes are in place, so I know what steps to take.”

Others may prefer a more informal work environment in which there is less structure in the way the company operates. If that’s your preferred environment, you might say you like extemporaneous meetings in hallways and business decisions made over a casual lunch.

Work-life balance

How you respond to this question may be a litmus test for how well you’ll fit into the organization. For some people, the ideal work environment has set hours, with people arriving at 9 a.m. and leaving at 5 p.m. For those with family responsibilities, this may represent the ideal environment. If this is what you want to convey, you could say, “I think it’s important to be productive by 9 a.m., so I can feel good about leaving at 5 p.m.”

For others, work is their life, so their ideal environment is one in which most of the other employees feel the same way. If that’s you, you might say, “When I’m on a roll, I like to work late, so I like it when there are other people around.”

Many people like an environment where they can work remotely, while others prefer the interactions that can happen only at the office. Work-life balance is a typical interview question, so you should give it a great deal of thought because your work environment will have many implications for your long-term happiness.

Mission statement

Some companies look for people who share their values and may expect you to address that in your interview. Review the company’s mission statement to understand how it addresses its long-term goals and the way it does business. Let the interviewer know how the company’s mission reflects your values. You might say, “I want to work for a company that cares about the environment, and that’s why I’m so interested in this opportunity.”

We all spend the bulk of our day at work, so making sure the work environment is right for you is critical. When interviewing, spend a few minutes describing your ideal environment, so both sides can make an informed decision.

Know what you want

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b. Tell us about the first job you ever had, what you did and how long you had the job.

• “I just started seriously looking recently, and I’m being choosy about what I apply to.”
• “I’ve been taking my time to make sure I find the right fit.”

Points to Emphasize

When you answer this question, you’ll want to focus on positive industry in order to make the best impression.

• Choose a job that is connected to the field you’re applying for.
• If the job isn’t connected, state reasons for liking the job that could be transferred to the current one.
• Focus on reasons that show your positive traits like hard work, a desire to be personally interested in your work and a love of community.
• Use this opportunity to show your enthusiasm and passion.

Your best job should show the hiring manager that you would be just as excited about the job you’re applying for.

Mistakes You Should Avoid

Answering this question can be tricky. To avoid common pitfalls and mistakes, follow these guidelines:

Your answer to this question reveals a lot about who you are as a person, so try not to let it detract from your chances of getting the position.

• Don’t say you liked a job because it was easy, stress-free or entry-level.
• Refrain from saying that you haven’t liked any of your jobs.
• Don’t list a job that isn’t easily connected to the one you’re applying for without stating a connection.
• Don’t mention a wish to return to the old job, but rather, use it as a springboard to talk about the current one.

Sample Answer

Below are two examples of how to answer a question about describing your favorite job:

The best job I’ve ever had was my last one. The internship really gave me insider knowledge into how the industry works, and I was able to develop my skills. I had a great group of professionals that I worked under. I’m excited to use what I learned there in a long-term position.

I’d say the best job I had was right out of college when worked overseas teaching English. The experience broadened my knowledge of the world, and while it was difficult work at first, I learned so much from those I taught.

A hiring manager needs to know what motivates you, and this question helps make his decision.