An exclusive interview is a conversation between a journalist and an individual who agrees not to talk to anyone else about the topic before it’s published. It’s often used in magazines as a way to give readers different ideas and viewpoints from people in various fields, such as celebrities or experts.
Interviews work best when they’re a genuine conversation, so avoid asking one-dimensional questions that you can answer with a simple yes or no. Instead, focus on asking questions that require thoughtful answers and will help you get to know the candidate better. This will also help you spot any red flags, such as unresolved issues or negative attitudes.
Shelbie Watts is the Content Marketing Manager at Homebase, the everything app for hourly teams (that’s 100,000+ small-but-mighty businesses who rely on us for employee scheduling, time clocks, payroll, team communication and HR). She focuses on writing engaging and informative content that helps companies attract, hire and retain top talent.
What professional achievement are you most proud of?
Interviewers ask this question to understand your career journey and determine whether you have the skills required for their company. Choose an accomplishment that showcases your professional determination, communication and organisation abilities – such as leading a project from start to finish or overcoming a challenge at work.
Co-founder of LendingHome, Jonah Greenberger, says that this is one of his favourite interview questions because it tests a candidate’s awareness of their own strengths and weaknesses. He wants to see if they can identify and address areas where they need to improve, as well as whether they’re willing to learn from their mistakes.