Each Tuesday, the CSE Connect “Top Interviewing Questions Series” will highlight a different question from the CSE Top Interviewing Questions Guide, detailing 1) How the question is typically asked, 2) Why interviewers tend to ask the question and what the interviewer is looking for when asking the question, and 3) Tips for a successful response.
This week’s question is : “What do you know about this industry?”
How the Question is Typically Asked/Common Variations
- What do you know about this industry?
- What’s your experience with this industry?
- What significant trends do you know about in this industry?
Why Do Interviewers Ask/What are their Expectations
The interviewer and company are devoting time to your interview, and they expect that you are well-prepared and genuinely interested in their industry. They are not expecting a lot, however, you should be able to talk about larger trends and their significance. Test of your knowledge and again your research, preparation, and interest in the field.
Tips for Success
There is no excuse for failing to do enough research here.
It is important to do your homework and be able to speak intelligently about this topic. Read trade publications and make use of Google. You can also speak to people in the industry and ask their thoughts in an informational interview. You absolutely have to research beyond what anyone could find on the company’s website.
Alumni Advice
“Attend conferences in the industries that interest you”
“The people from Brandeis that I know that succeed in [investment banking] basically built a wall of questions and were prepared for anything that could ever be asked”
“When facing tough or unexpected questions, “Always return the conversation to how you can add value”
For practice with this question please visit: Big Interview > Practice > General
Visit the CSE Top Interviewing Questions Guide for more information regarding top general interview questions!
