The final interview is the last stage before you can get hired. While it may seem like a daunting process, with the right mindset, you can ace the interview and get the job offer. It’s a culmination of all the steps taken during the recruitment process. By this time, the employer is pretty sure that you are going to be the best fit for the position. The interview is the time when the employer will decide whether you will be hired or not.
As the final interview comes closer and closer, you may have questions, too. Questions like “what’s this hiring manager really looking for?” and “is this job really a good fit for me?” Everyone is ready for the final interview, but few can answer the questions.
We at founderactivity will give you a glimpse of all the things you need to know, from the questions you can expect to the things you can do to ace this pivotal interview.
What are the final interview questions?
A final interview does not ensure you will receive the offer. Instead, it typically means the company has spent time selecting the top two to five candidates, and you are one of them.
Each company has a unique interviewing procedure. The size of the company and the position you’re applying for will usually affect how many and what kinds of interviews you attend. An entry-level candidate, for instance, might not have as many interviews to go through as a senior-level candidate.
How to Answer Final Interview Questions
The final interview is essentially the end of the hiring process. It’s the last chance the hiring manager has to learn more about you, and your last opportunity to impress them. When you reach the final interview stage, you aren’t going to get as many questions about your education and experience.
If you’re looking for a new job, you need to prepare the right strategy for the final interview. The STAR and Tailoring Method combines the STAR with the tailoring method to create compelling answers. Your responses will be engaging stories filled with details that will spark the hiring manager’s interest.
Examples of final interview questions and answers
1. How much do you currently make?
Your potential employer might inquire about your current pay in order to determine how much to pay you or determine what kind of salary you might be anticipating. Having said that, it’s actually against the law for an employer to inquire about your prior salary in some states. You are not required to respond to this query.
Sample Answer – “At this time, I don’t feel confident responding to this question. I don’t believe that my current pay is pertinent right now, but once you’ve discussed the pay scale for this position, we can talk about it.”
2. What is your desired salary?
If the employer hasn’t already, they’ll likely ask you about your salary expectations during the last interview. They require this information in order to determine whether your desired salary is within their price range. You should look into other salaries for related positions in your area if you are unsure of the wage you should be asking for. Take into account your background, training, and abilities as they pertain to the position.
When responding to this query, it is best to offer a range rather than a specific dollar figure. Your minimum number should still be an amount you feel comfortable with because the company may very well choose the lowest number. To avoid a scenario where you might be fired because your salary expectations are too high for their budget, it’s also a good idea to say that you are open to negotiations.
Sample Answer – “While I do aim for fair pay based on my skill set and the requirements of the position, I am aware that there are other considerations. A factor is having a job with a company that has a great culture as well as the value of the overall compensation package.
Could you please provide a brief overview of any benefits that increase the overall value of the total compensation package before I give you a number and more information about the salary range the company has in mind?”
3. What other jobs are you pursuing interviews for?
If you are being interviewed for this position, the interviewer might be curious about your other options in case you have other offers. They might be enquiring to learn more about their rivals or to determine whether they can trust you to accept a job offer from them.
Sample Answer – “I have interviews for a few other jobs that are comparable, but I’m giving this company priority. I think XYZ about this place’s culture is really important, and I’m sure I’d fit in.”
4. Can you or are you willing to work remotely?
Due to the COVID-19 crisis, an increasing number of people now work remotely or from home. Your potential employer will want to know that you will be able to do it if necessary.
Sample Answer – “I am adaptable. Although I prefer in-person interactions with my coworkers and clients, I am flexible and productive both in group settings and on my own at home.”
5. Can you give an example of a conflict you had in your previous position?
In the final interview, this is a behavioral question that interviewers like to ask because it gives them an idea of how you handle conflict and whether you work well with others. This is significant because interpersonal interaction at work is constant. Just as crucial as your knowledge and experience are your interpersonal skills and your capacity for upholding positive working relationships.
As this is a behavioral question, keep in mind to concentrate on the actions you took to address the problem and the successful outcomes that followed. You can get ideas for how to structure your response by using the STAR method.
Sample Answer – “I had a senior staff member assigned to me as a mentor in my previous position. However, he didn’t seem to have any time for me and didn’t train or instruct me. I made the decision to wait six months to see if things would not get better. When it didn’t, I requested a meeting with him and calmly explained why I didn’t feel like I was learning anything. He assured me that he recognized my perspective and that he would involve me more in upcoming projects.
However, nothing like that happened. I waited a few more weeks before calling a meeting with my direct manager and the subject because I value candor and open discourse. My manager gave me a new mentor after the meeting, and I learned a lot from him during my five years there.”
6. Have there ever been times in your professional life when you were under a lot of stress and pressure? If so, how did you deal with it?
In order to assess your emotional intelligence, interviewers frequently ask you this behavioral question. An HR manager wants to know that you can handle pressure-filled situations if you are applying for a job with a lot of pressure.
You should emphasize in your response to this question that you typically take precautions to avoid stress, such as using a strict schedule, and that you also maintain a healthy lifestyle to combat stressors. However, if stress does arise at work, you should also demonstrate how you handle it.
Sample Answer – “I consider myself to be a very disciplined and organized person. I make daily, weekly, and monthly schedules, for instance, and adhere to them exactly. Because I believe that leading a healthy lifestyle is helpful in reducing stress, I also make sure to exercise frequently and eat a balanced diet.
However, I am aware that stressful circumstances can arise at work frequently. My project manager in my previous position frequently trusted and depended on me. I didn’t want to refuse any of the tasks she gave me because I took this as a compliment. After doing this for a few months, I became aware that I wasn’t handling the pressure well and that my performance was suffering.
I requested a meeting with her and expressed my concerns. She was very understanding, and when I kept accepting the additional work she was assigning me, she said she thought I was coping. I learned from this experience how important it is to communicate honestly and openly at work.”
7. What kind of workplace would you prefer?
Perhaps after determining that you possess the necessary skills for the position, the interviewer is now interested in whether or not you would fit in with the company’s culture. If you want the job, the best way to respond to this question is to describe a workplace that is similar to one of the organizations you are interviewing with.
Sample Answer – “I really like working in an open floor plan, where I can easily connect with my team and share ideas in a collaborative space,”
8. Tell me about a time when you clashed with a superior official or your boss.
If you were hired, the hiring manager might ask you this question to learn how you would react in a conflict if you disagreed with them or another authority figure. Your best bet is to give a brief account of an incident, then discuss how you handled it maturely and took something away from it. You want to present a good image of yourself here, after all! Not challenging. (You also shouldn’t disparage anyone!)
Sample Answer – “I and a former boss couldn’t agree on how to proceed with X.” We discussed it thoroughly, kept an open mind, and ultimately decided to settle on Y. We were able to secure Z results as a result, so it was a wise choice. It turned out that cooperating with one another was beneficial to us.”
9. Tell me about a time when you made a mistake at work and how you recovered.
Again, the hiring manager will want to know that you can and will handle mistakes that unavoidably occur maturely and professionally. Make sure the story you choose to tell isn’t a big deal before you share it. After all, you want to give the impression that you are mature enough to acknowledge your faults, learn from them, and grow from your mistakes, not that you are irresponsible.
Sample Answer – “I encountered problems with Y while trying to meet X’s deadline. The project ultimately produced excellent results, but I learned Z about managing my time more effectively and delegating appropriately to maximize my team’s strengths and minimize future problems.”
Related: “6 Tips – No One Tells You About Problem-Solving Interview Questions.”
10. Describe a challenging coworker you once had to deal with.
And once more, the hiring manager will want to know that you get along with all different kinds of people.
Sample Answer – “I’ve worked with colleagues in the past whose work styles didn’t mesh well with mine, but I always value diversity and different viewpoints. I welcome new ideas and keep an open mind. I consider myself to be open, adaptable, and flexible.”
11. What is your greatest point of strength?
Although bragging about yourself may not be easy, now is your chance to showcase your greatest strength.
Sample Answer – “My capacity for inventive problem-solving is my greatest asset. I constantly think outside the box and do well when faced with a challenge. I view myself as a trailblazer who is very creative in this area.”
12. What is your greatest flaw?
It might be more difficult to discuss your biggest weakness than your greatest strength. Who would want to harm their own reputation, after all? However, your potential employer is probably interested in learning about your growth potential and how humble and self-aware you are.
Sample Answer – “My tendency to say yes to everything is probably my biggest weakness. I’m a curious person who likes to explore new things, but I’m also learning to set limits so that I can better manage my time. I am aware that doing some things very well is preferable to doing everything mediocrely. And I strive to get the most out of everything I do. I want to always be able to give my full attention and to be fully present.”
13. Why do you desire this position?
The same reason the employer will ask you why you want to work for their company is the same reason they might ask you this question. They want to confirm your continued interest in the position. Again, the key is passion.
Sample Answer – “The position is a perfect fit for me, and it is in line with my personal vision, so I would be overjoyed to take it on. I am sure that my abilities would be valuable, and I am eager to advance in this position.”
5 Good Interview Questions to Ask at the End of a Final Interview
You typically get the chance to ask a few questions of your own as your interview comes to a close. You want to concentrate on topics that make sense during the final round because you’ve conducted interviews before. This typically entails having an eye toward the future and making sure the hiring manager doesn’t need to know anything else about you before you leave.
While you can certainly ask a question as the interview progresses, you should also have a few backup questions prepared. You come off as engaged and interested when you pose questions. You won’t be at a loss for words when this moment arises if you have a few prepared in advance.
In light of that, the following are some inquiries to prepare for in a final interview:
- What is the first thing you want me to concentrate on if I get the job?
- Is there anything stopping me from being the best applicant for this position right now?
- Are there any upcoming changes for this position?
- Do you have any questions about anything that was not covered during the hiring process?
- What steps of the hiring process remain after today?
Related: “18 Killer Interview Questions to Ask your Employer”
Tips for the final interview
Are you anxious about your upcoming special day? Here are some pointers to keep in mind as you enter the last interview stage. (And always keep in mind: confidence is essential.)
1. Do not forget that interviews are two-way processes.
Interviews are ultimately nothing more than conversations. Even if you are at the very end of the interview, it is still just a straightforward conversation. Try not to worry about yourself too much. Both of you need to decide on them, just as they need to decide on you. So make sure to ask all the questions you have before you miss the chance. Also, remain composed!
2. Never Celebrate too early
Since you have advanced to the final round of interviews and are at the end of the process, you might believe that you are guaranteed the job. However, just because you have come this far does not guarantee that you will get the job. The same approach that you used in all previous interviews is still required for this last interview. Do your homework, behave professionally, show respect, ask questions, and approach this last interview with the same zeal that you did the first.
Give your 100% until the end of the task. Anything can happen at any time.
3. Do your research
Speaking with those in positions of authority within the company usually constitutes the final stage of the interview process. This is due to the fact that these people only set aside time to meet with candidates who have advanced this far; they do not waste their time speaking with every candidate who has entered the room. Therefore, research the person who will be interviewing you this time. Ensure you are familiar with them, what they do, how you will collaborate with them, and any other information that could make or break this final round.
4. Negotiate
At the conclusion of the final interview, if you are given the opportunity to negotiate a job offer, do so now. Before deciding whether or not to accept the position, this is the time to negotiate for more compensation, time off, flexibility, benefits, or whatever else you want or need from the position. You now have to inform the company as to whether or not you want the job as offered because it is yours if you want it.
5. Send a follow-up note
Always send a note of appreciation to the hiring manager (as well as anyone else who interviewed you during that process). Always end on a strong note with a letter that highlights your enthusiasm for the organization, the position, the industry, etc., and expresses your interest in the opportunity. Simply make sure to send it as soon as possible—you know, before the business makes a final decision!
