A journalist or media outlet may ask you to grant them an exclusive interview on a particular subject, which means that you cannot talk to other reporters about the same topic until they publish their article. This is done when the interviewee has information or a good story that would make a compelling piece for their audience.
You should never bad-mouth current or past employees during an interview. Not only does it reflect poorly on you, but it can also reveal a toxic work culture or lack of professionalism from the company. This is a huge red flag and it should be a major reason not to accept the job offer.
Interviewers want to know that you can handle a hectic schedule and shift gears quickly. Use an example from your own experience—whether it’s a project deadline you had to meet, an unexpected meeting you had to attend or a sudden change in your schedule—to demonstrate that you can think on your feet and adjust your plans accordingly.
This question can feel like a brazen attempt to catch you off guard and put you on the spot, but it’s actually an opportunity to showcase your problem-solving skills. Choose a professional achievement that you’re proud of, one that demonstrates a quality or skill that would be beneficial in the role for which you’re interviewing. Be sure to share the whole story of how you achieved this success and explain why it’s a career highlight for you.
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