Preparing for a Nike Interview: Key Questions and Strategies

Introduction

• Nike is a leading athletic brand with a challenging job application process.
• This guide provides actual questions likely to be asked in a Nike interview and offers strategies to answer them effectively.

General vs. Specific Questions

• Questions covered are general; specific roles like developer or procurement positions will have specialized queries.
• Prepare for both general and role-specific questions.

Key Interview Questions and How to Answer Them

1. Why Nike?

• 50/50 Rule:
  • 50% of the answer should focus on why the company (Nike's core values, products, stances on issues).
  • 50% should be about why you are a great fit (experience, education, industry relevance).

2. Can You Tell Us About Yourself? (Work Experience)

• Common as an icebreaker.
• Focus on your education and work experience relevant to the role.
• Structure: chronologically go through positions held and qualifications.
• Avoid personal life details unless probed further.
• Aim for 45-90 seconds for your response.

3. What Are You Passionate About and How Does That Relate to Nike?

• Connect personal passions (sports, activities) to Nike products.
• Show genuine enthusiasm and energy in your response.
• Practice to make it sound natural.

4. Tell Us About a Time You Succeeded Under Pressure

• Behavioral Question: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
• Choose an example that showcases significant pressure and successful outcomes.
• Practice a concise, impactful story within 60-120 seconds.

5. Tell Us About a Time You Failed (School or Work)

• Behavioral Question: STAR method.
• Authenticity is key; share a real failure.
• Highlight what you learned and how it led to positive change.

6. How Important is Teamwork to You?

• Relate the importance of teamwork to Nike’s emphasis on sports and teams.
• Highlight benefits of teamwork such as knowledge sharing and achieving goals collectively.

7. Tell Me About a Time You Showed Initiative

• Behavioral Question: STAR method.
• Story should go beyond job requirements; show how you took extra steps to create a positive impact.
• Emphasize independent action and beneficial outcomes.

8. Describe a Time Where You Used Persuasion Successfully

• Behavioral Question: STAR method.
• Frame persuasion positively; show it as helping someone see a beneficial perspective.
• Focus on collaboration and mutual benefit, not manipulation.

9. Tell Me About Your Salary Expectations

• Defer initial response to know the company's range.
• Emphasize alignment with core values and career advancement over money.
• Have a researched range, with a non-negotiable minimum (bottom number) and a preferred range.
• Stay open and non-contentious if pushed for specifics.

Conclusion

• Why Nike? question is critical; prepare a compelling, specific answer to differentiate yourself.
• Watch the related video for in-depth strategies on answering "Why do you want to work at Nike?"