Sample
interview questions of the common type are listed below. Answers are
included. But perhaps suggestions for tailoring your responses is a
better way to put it, since specific answers are impossible to
provide. Practice answering these sample interview questions out loud
to yourself or ask a friend or relative to help you.
Don't
feel that you have to answer right away. Interviewers know that
you're nervous and expect you to think a bit, so do think carefully
before you answer. But don't hesitate too long or it'll appear that
you're stalling. Interviewers will ask open-ended questions to see
where you'll go with them, so try not to ramble while you're thinking
of a real answer.
Q.
Tell
me about yourself.
A.
This
is the dreaded, classic, open-ended interview question and likely to
be among the first. It's your chance to introduce your
qualifications, good work habits, etc. Keep it mostly work and career
related.
Q.
Why
do you want to leave your current job? (Why did you leave your last
job?)
A.
Be
careful with this. Avoid trashing other employers and making
statements like, "I need more money." Instead, make generic
statements such as, "It's a career move."
Q.
What
are your strengths?
A.
Point
out your positive attributes related to the job.
Q.
What
are your weaknesses?
A.
Everybody
has weaknesses, but don't spend too much time on this one and keep it
work related. Along with a minor weakness or two, try to point out a
couple of weaknesses that the interviewer might see as strengths,
such as sometimes being a little too meticulous about the quality of
your work. (Avoid saying "I work too hard." It's a
predictable, common answer.) For every weakness, offer a strength
that compensates for it.
Q.
Which
adjectives would you use to describe yourself?
A.
Answer
with positive, work-oriented adjectives, such as conscientious,
hard-working, honest and courteous, plus a brief description or
example of why each fits you well.
Q.
What
do you know about our company?
A.
To
answer this one, research the company before you interview.
Q.
Why
do you want to work for us?
A.
Same
as above. Research the company before you interview. Avoid the
predictable, such as, "Because it's a great company." Say
why you think it's a great company.
Q.
Why
should I hire you?
A.
Point
out your positive attributes related to the job, and the good job
you've done in the past. Include any compliments you've received from
management.
Q.
What
past accomplishments gave you satisfaction?
A.
Briefly
describe one to three work projects that made you proud or earned you
pats on the back, promotions, raises, etc. Focus more on achievement
than reward.
Q.
What
makes you want to work hard?
A.
Naturally,
material rewards such as perks, salary and benefits come into play.
But again, focus more on achievement and the satisfaction you derive
from it.
Q.
What
type of work environment do you like best?
A.
Tailor
your answer to the job. For example, if in doing your job you're
required to lock the lab doors and work alone, then indicate that you
enjoy being a team player when needed, but also enjoy working
independently. If you're required to attend regular project planning
and status meetings, then indicate that you're a strong team player
and like being part of a team.
Q.
Why
do you want this job?
A.
To
help you answer this and related questions, study the job ad in
advance. But a job ad alone may not be enough, so it's okay to ask
questions about the job while you're answering. Say what attracts you
to the job. Avoid the obvious and meaningless, such as, "I need
a job."
Q.
How
do you handle pressure and stress?
A.
This
is sort of a double whammy, because you're likely already stressed
from the interview and the interviewer can see if you're handling it
well or not. Everybody feels stress, but the degree varies. Saying
that you whine to your shrink, kick your dog or slam down a fifth of
Jack Daniels are not good answers. Exercising, relaxing with a good
book, socializing with friends or turning stress into productive
energy are more along the lines of the "correct" answers.
Q.
Explain
how you overcame a major obstacle.
A.
The
interviewer is likely looking for a particular example of your
problem-solving skills and the pride you show for solving it.
Q.
Where
do you see yourself five (ten or fifteen) years from now?
A.
Explain
your career-advancement goals that are in line with the job for which
you are interviewing. Your interviewer is likely more interested in
how he, she or the company will benefit from you achieving your goals
than what you'll get from it, but it goes hand in hand to a large
degree. It's not a good idea to tell your potential new boss that
you'll be going after his or her job, but it's okay to mention that
you'd like to earn a senior or management position.
Q.
What
qualifies you for this job?
A.
Tout
your skills, experience, education and other qualifications,
especially those that match the job description well. Avoid just
regurgitating your resume. Explain why.
Q.
Why
did you choose your college major?
A.
The
interviewer is likely fishing to see if you are interested in your
field of work or just doing a job to get paid. Explain why you like
it. Besides your personal interests, include some rock-solid business
reasons that show you have vision and business sense.
Hopefully
useful
