Interviewer Questions

Common Interviewer Questions

There are several frequently asked interview questions that you can prepare to answer prior to your interview.


	Tell me about yourself.
	Why did you sign up for an interview with (insert the organization's name)?
	Why did you seek a (job, position, membership) with (insert the organization's name)?
	Why did you select (insert the organization's name) over (insert a competing organization's name)?
	What do you know about our (products/services/activities)?
	Why did you choose this line of work?
	Why are you pursuing this field?
	Why are you seeking this type of affiliation?
	Why did you choose (insert University name)?
	Why did you choose your major?
	What distinguishes you from others we might interview?
	Why should I hire/accept you?
	What can you offer us?
	Why will (insert the organization's name) be better off with you?
	What job-related skills have you developed?
	How does your education relate to this position?
	How does you background prepare you for this position?
	What qualifications do you have that will make you successful in this position?
	Where do you see yourself fitting in?
	What classes did you like best? Why? (What classes in you major did you like best? Why?)
	What classes did you like least? Why? (What classes in you major did you like least? Why?)
	What motivates you most?
	In what type of settings do you do your best work?
	Describe how you handle stress.
	How do you handle criticism?
	What have you learned from the jobs you have had?
	Give me an specific example of a time when you had to (deal with some problem). What was the problem and what was the outcome?
	Give an example of a situation where you provided a solution to an employer. (If you have little or no work experience, this question may be asked about a team project or a volunteer project, etc.)
	When working on a team project, have you ever had an experience where there was strong disagreement among team members? What did you do?
	When working on a team project, have you ever had a team member that did not do their part? What did you do?
	What was you most challenging personal encounter? How did you deal with that individual?
	Given an example where you mediated a conflict.
	Tell me about a time when you had to be assertive.
	Tell me about a time when your listening skills paid off for you.
	Tell me about a time when you had to present really complex information. How did you ensure that the other person understood?
	Give an example of when you pushed yourself to do more than the minimum.
	Tell me about a project that you initiated. What prompted you to begin it?
	Give an example of a situation that could not have been successful without you being there.
	How do you determine priorities when scheduling your time?
	Give me an example of an important goal that you set in the past. Tell me about your success in reaching it.
	Describe a situation when you had many projects or assignments due at the same time. What steps did you take to get them all done.
	Describe a time where you were faced with problems or stresses that tested your coping skills.
	Tell me about a time when you influences the outcome of a project by taking a leadership role.
	Give me an example of a time when your successfully led a group.
	Tell me about a time when you led people that did not want to be led.
	When did you provide a solution that was outside the box?
	What is the most creative thing that you have ever done.
	Given an example of a time you had to make a difficult decision.
	Tell me about three accomplishments of which you are proud.
	What kind of supervision gets the best results from you?
	Do you prefer to be directly supervised or to work independently?
	Do you prefer working with others or alone?
	Describe an experience working on a team (work or school).
	How would your former supervisor describe you?
	What are your career plans?
	What kind of job do you expect to hold five years from now? (ten years from now?)
	Describe your perfect (ideal) job.
	What do you consider to be your greatest strengths?
	What do you consider to be your greatest weaknesses?
	What are you do to overcome your weaknesses? (What personal development strategies have you used for any of your weaknesses?)
	Discuss two accomplishments for your college experience.
	What have you learned from your failures?
	What are your salary expectations? (This is often used to screen applicants. I may be best to be somewhat evasive. Perhaps: "I am flexible; I would like to know more about the position." If pressed, be prepared to provide an acceptable range by researching industry salary information.)
	What other positions are you applying for?
	What other companies are you applying with?
	Do you plan to return to school for further education?
	How do you feel about working overtime?
	Are you willing to travel?
	Are you open to relocation?

Click Here to return to the Interviewing Notes