Interview Questions
The following are a list of commonly asked questions that might be posed to you during a job interview. Following the question are answers or tips on how to best answer the question. Click HERE to download more sample questions (.pdf).
1. Tell me about yourself.
-60 seconds brief introduction; talk about experiences, qualifications, and why you are interviewing
2. What do you know about our company?
-Know facts- do research, utilize the internet, get an annual report
3. Why should I hire you?
-What are your strenghts/what do you have to offer a company that is special?
4. Tell me something about yourself.
-First you must know what is on your resume
5. Why do you want to work for us?
-Companies want to be wanted- keep it simple- know why you want this particular job!
6. How many employers have you worked for in the last five years?
-Tell the truth- this can be verified- a dishonest answer can put you back on the street.
DO NOT BLAME OTHERS FOR YOUR PROBLEMS.
7. Tell me about your last job.
-Duties, responsibilities, ACCOMPLISHMENTS.
8. Why are you leaving that job?
-Job stagnation, down sizing, or simply a bad choice.
9. Tell me about your education/training.
-How did it help you prepare for the job?
10. Did you enjoy school? Why? What was your favorite class?
-The superivisor may want to know if you enjoy learning and if you can benefit from their training.
11. Did you join any school/community activities? Why?
-Are you sociable? Do you enjoy being part of a group? Do you work well with others?
12. Do you plan to continue your education?
-Be careful what you say- this can suggest growth, ambition, promotibility or suggest you will not give your full attention to the job.
13. How do you relax after work?
-This could be to check for energy levels. In high stress jobs it could be a check for release or you are being recruited for the softball team- be honest- but do develop an outlet. Read? Hunting? Fishing? Work out?
14. What do you plan to be doing in five years? What are your career goals?
-Continue training, education, certification? Management?
15. What is your greatest accomplishment/disappointment? What did you learn?
-A personal touch can work; however, be careful about expressing personal disappoinment, you do not want to appear unstable. A focus on work can say you have a one track mind or you are dedicated. Family life could say I can not work overtime or travel- know your company culture. Balance is important.
16. What is your greatest weakness?
-Focus on work not character, find something that could be a strength. Attention to detail is a worn-out answer. I dont know when to quit.
17. What is your greatest strength?
-Dependability, Loyalty, Team Player, Self-Motivated
18. Tell me about a goal you have set for yourself in the past and how successful you were in accomplishing this goal.
-Have some examples ready (complete a certification, save for a particular item)
19. What experience have you had with a co-worker/roommate when information was miscommunicated. How did you solve that problem?
-A punch in the nose is a wrong answer. Describe briefly the situation and outcome.
20. Tell me about a time you were in a situation you could not handle. What did you do?
-Show maturity and judgement
21. Who are your heroes? Why?
-Think about it!
22. Tell me about a situation in which others did not pull their weight and how you handled it.
23. What kind of salary are you looking for?
- "I have no set salary. What salary is usually offered to someone with my qualifications?" If the manager persists, give a general answer like, "somewhere in the teens," or "somewhere in the thirties."
24. Do you have any questions for me?
- Yes thank you, I do have a few questions.
-- If hired, would I be filling a newly created position, or replacing someone?
-- Was my predecessor promoted?
-- Would you describe a typical workday and the things I would be doing?
-- Which duties are most important for this job? Least important?
-- How would I be trained or introduced to the jobs? Evaluated?
Click HERE to download more sample interview questions (.pdf).
