YOUR INTERVIEWING FAQS ANSWERED

Over the years, I have received hundreds of interview questions from clients, senior leaders, job seekers, university students, and members of this newsletter community.

Some are big strategic questions. Others seem deceptively simple. Sometimes it's not the complicated interview questions that trip people up. It's the small tactical decisions that nobody talks about. 

So today, let's do something a little different. Let's tackle some of the most common interview FAQs I get. 

Q. How long should my interview answers be?

This is probably one of the most common questions I receive. Many people worry that their answers are too short.

Others tell me: 

"Shub, if they ask me to walk through my CV, can I take 10 or 15 minutes?"

My answer? Please don't.

15 minutes is a very long time to hold someone's attention. Your goal is not to tell them everything. Your goal is to make them curious enough to ask more. 

As a rule of thumb:

• Most of your answers should be around 90 seconds to 2 minutes
• Some answers may only need 30-45 seconds
• More complex examples can be slightly longer

Remember: An interview should feel like a dialogue, not a monologue.

Q. I am interviewing with a startup. Can I dress casually?

Short answer: No. 

A good rule is to look at the company's LinkedIn page and see how employees typically dress. Then go one level more formal. 

If they are wearing shorts and t-shirts, wear a shirt and trousers. If they are already dressed professionally, elevate slightly. You don't need to look overdressed. But you do want to make a strong first impression. 

Q. Is it okay to research the interviewer on LinkedIn?

Absolutely. In fact, I would encourage it. LinkedIn is a professional platform. Most interviewers expect candidates to do some basic research. 

You may discover:

• Shared experiences
• Similar industries
• Common connections
• Interesting career paths

And it can lead to much richer conversations. Just keep the research professional.

LinkedIn? Great.

Digging through their personal social media? Probably not. 

Q. If I am offered multiple interview slots, should I choose an earlier or later one?

Choose the earlier one whenever possible. Here's why. Many candidates assume companies wait until every interview is completed before making decisions. That's often not the case. 

If they meet a strong candidate early and momentum builds, they may start progressing that person through the process quickly. I have seen candidates lose opportunities simply because they scheduled themselves two weeks later than necessary. 

Don't miss the boat because of your calendar. 

Q. Can I bring a notebook and take notes?

Please do. In fact, I love this habit. A simple notebook does three things:

• Helps you stay focused
• Helps you remember important information
• Shows that you're taking the conversation seriously 

If you are worried, simply ask: "I like taking notes during important conversations. Is that alright?"

I have yet to meet an interviewer who objects to that. 

Most people think interview success comes from having perfect answers. It doesn't. It comes from doing a lot of small things well. 

• Preparing properly. 
• Showing curiosity. 
• Creating genuine conversations. 
• And approaching interviews with intention.

That's what it means to Be the CEO of your Career. The best opportunities rarely go to the most qualified person, they go to the person who communicates their value most effectively.

Until next time, 

Go make an impact. 

Shub (Your Career Growth Partner)