SAMPLE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
An interview is a time for you and the company to get acquainted, compare goals, and ask questions, the means of determining if you "fit". Being prepared for the interview is one of the first things you can do to ensure a successful interview.
- Why are you interested in this job?
- What are you looking for in your next position/company?
- Why are you considering leaving your present position?
- What are your three most significant accomplishments in your present job?
- What is your greatest asset and your weakest point?
- What do you enjoy doing most in the performance of your job? What do you enjoy the least?
- Describe your typical workday.
- What area of your performance capacity needs the most improvement?
WHAT AN INTERVIEWER REALLY WANTS TO KNOW
Your interviewer is looking for three things:
- Can you do the job?
- Do you fit in?
- Can we afford you?
Can you do the job?
- Consider your strengths and past experiences and how they apply to the job you're interviewing for.
- Sell yourself and your abilities - give the interviewer examples of how they can expect you to perform, based on your previous experience.
- Display confidence in your capabilities, but never seem cocky.
Do you fit in?
Rapport and chemistry are essential, you must display enthusiasm and desire for the job.
Can we afford you?
Now for the final step. When the interviewer asks you what will it take or what are you looking for money-wise $$$, how will you respond?
- Never mention a number - it will be either too high or too low, so most of the time mentioning a salary figure that you want will work against you.
- Tell them what you are currently earning (or were last earning). If there are other factors involved in your compensation, include them also.
- I am looking forward to considering your strongest offer.
- What do you consider to be a fair and logical offer?
- Tell them you are interested in the job and confident of your ability to handle the job and if they will make you an appropriate offer you will give it serious consideration.
Here is a sample response:
"Mr. Employer, as you know I am currently earning $65,000 and I also receive a yearly bonus of 5-10%. The last several years it has averaged 8% and I expect it will be the same this year. I am very interested in this opportunity (and restate why at this point). I'm sure that you will find that I will do an excellent job for you. My background has prepared me well and this job is something I am very excited about... if you will make me your best offer, I will get back to you promptly with my decision and I could start approximately two weeks after I give you my acceptance."
THE 20 TOUGHEST JOB INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
- "Tell me about yourself? How would someone else describe your personality?"
- "What are your greatest personal strengths and weaknesses?
- "What is important to you in a job? What are you looking for that you haven't found in your present job?"
- "What is your opinion of the last company you worked for?"
- "Tell me about your last job - what were your responsibilities?
- "What were your greatest achievements in your last job?"
- "Have you ever been fired? Were you fired from your last job? And if so, why?"
- "Do you think your career progress to-date is satisfactory?"
- "What does your boss think of the progress you've made? What has he liked/disliked about your work?"
- "What do you think of your boss? What are his good points and bad points? Did you and he ever disagree; and if so, what did you disagree about?"
- "What is your idea of good management? What do you look for in an assistant? Have you ever hired or fired anyone?"
- "What kind of people do you like working with? Dislike working with? How do you cope with them?"
- "We're talking to a number of qualified candidates -why should we hire you over one of them?"
- "When could we expect you to make a real contribution to the company?"
- "How much salary do you make now? How much do you want, and how did you arrive at this figure?"
- "Where do you expect to be career-wise in 5 years? 10 years? What is your overall career objective?"
- "Are you considering offers from any other companies? If you really had a choice which job would take?
- "Why have you changed jobs so often?"
- "Don't you think you're over-qualified?" Or, "What makes you think you can handle this job?"
- "Would you mind meeting with the company psychologist?"
OTHER COMMON INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
- How do you spend your spare time? What are your hobbies?
- What do you know about our Company?
- Do you prefer working with others or by yourself?
- Are you primarily interested in making money or do you feel that services to your fellow man is a satisfactory accomplishment?
- Can you take instructions without feeling upset?
- Tell me a story?
- Which of your parents has had the most profound influence on you?
- What have you learned from some of the jobs you have held?
- Can you get recommendations from previous employers?
- What is your major weakness?
- Will you fight to get ahead?
- Do you demand attention?
- Do you have an analytical mind?
- Are you eager to please?
- What types of books have you read?
- Why are you interested in this job?
- What are you looking for in your next position/company?
- What types of people seem to "rub you the wrong way"?
- Do you enjoy sports as a participant? As an observer?
- Have you ever tutored an underclassman?
- What jobs have you enjoyed the most? The least? Why?
- What are your own special abilities?
- What job in our Company do you want to work toward?
- Would you prefer a large or a small company? Why?
- What is your idea of how industry operates today?
- Do you like to travel?
- How about overtime work?
- What kind of work interests you?
- What are the disadvantages of your chosen field?
- Do you think that grades should be considered by employers? Why or why not?
- Are you interested in research?
- What have you done which shows initiative and willingness to work?
Your objective should be to write a complete and convincing answer to each question. After you've done so, go over the questions and answers with a friend adding any improvements they might suggest. Then review your notes again and again until the answers are right on the tip of your tongue.
If you follow this approach, you will be ready for any interview situation. You'll be better prepared to find yourself a new and more rewarding job. Best of luck and on to the interview.