Interview Questions You Should Be Prepared to Answer

As you begin the interview:

  • How did you find out about this job? Our company?
  • How are things going at school or on the job for you?

About your background:

  • Where were you born and raised?
  • Why did you choose to major in this subject?
  • What were your favorite subjects in school? Why?
  • Why did you select that college or university?
  • What extracurricular activities did you participate in?
  • What clubs or organizations did you join?
  • What sort of military service have you had?
  • What sort of work did your parents do?
  • What sort of work are you doing now?
  • Why do you want to change jobs?
  • How did you finance your education?
  • Why did you leave your other jobs?
  • Have you ever been fired? Why?

About your work experience:

  • What did you do during summers in college?
  • Have you ever held a parttime job?
  • Have you ever done volunteer work?
  • What was the most interesting or satisfying job you've ever held? Why?
  • Who was your best supervisor? Why did you like him or her the most?
  • What is your recent salary history?
  • What special skills do you bring to us?
  • What are your salary expectations for this position?

About your career plans:

  • Tell me a little about yourself. What sort of person are you?
  • What additional education plans do you have? Are you planning on attending graduate school?
  • What are your most notable professional strengths?
  • What are your most significant weaknesses?
  • How do you measure or define success?
  • Where do you want to be five years from now? Ten years from now? Why?
  • Are you willing to relocate? Any areas of the world you won’t live in?
  • Do you prefer working alone or in teams?
  • Do you like to travel?

About the company:

  • What attracted you to our firm?
  • What do you know about us?
  • Why do you think you’d like to work here?
  • Do you know anyone who works here?

About the position:

  • What interests you most about this job?
  • Is there any aspect of this job that you don’t find attractive?
  • Do you think you have the skills and motivation necessary to do well in this position?
  • How soon would you expect to be promoted?
  • What additional skills will you need to succeed here?

Finally:

  • When are you available to begin work?
  • Is there anything else you’d like to know about us?
  • Is there anything else you’d like us to know about you?

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