Personal
Tell me about yourself.
This is the most-often-asked interview question. You need to have a short statement prepared in your mind. Keep your response to two minutes or less. Be careful your statement doesn’t sound rehearsed. Limit it to work-related items. Talk about things you have done and jobs you have held related to the position you are interviewing. Start with the item farthest back and work up to the present.
How would a co-worker/supervisor/classmate describe your work?
Be prepared with a quote or two from co-workers. Either a specific statement or paraphrase will work. For example, “Jill Clark, a co-worker at Smith Company, always said I was the hardest worker she had ever known.” It is as powerful as Jill having said it at the interview herself.
What is more important to you? The money or the work?
Money is always important, but the work is the most important. There is no better answer.
Why are you interested in our company?
This may take some thought and certainly should be based on the research you have done on the organization. Sincerity is extremely important here. Relate it to your long-term goals.
Name an item you should bring to an interview.
What is (your resume, a notepad and pen, purse or briefcase)
Are you a team player?
Yes, of course you are a team player. Be sure to have examples ready to show evidence of your team attitude. Specifics show you often perform for the good of the team, rather than for yourself. Do not brag; just say it in a matter-of-fact tone. This is a key point.
Explain how you would be an asset to this organization.
You should be eager for this question. It gives you a chance to highlight your best points as they relate to the position being discussed. Give a little advance thought to this relationship.
What qualities do you look for in a boss?
Be generic and positive. Safe qualities are knowledgeable, a sense of humor, fairness, loyalty to subordinates, and holder of high standards. All bosses think they have these traits.
Are you applying for other jobs?
Interviewers want to know if you’re genuinely interested in this position or if it’s just one of your many options. Simply, they want to know if you’re their top choice. Honesty is the best policy. If you’re applying for other jobs, say so. You don’t have to necessarily say where you’re applying unless you have another offer. But they might want to know where in the hiring process you are with other companies. You can also mention that you’re actively looking for offers if your interviewer asks.
Name one of the phases of an interview
What is (Before You Go, Opening Moves, The Interview, Closing the Interview, Follow-Up)
What motivates you most in a job?
The interviewer is not looking for a long or flowery dissertation here. Keep it short and positive, showing a benefit to the organization.
What do you not like about co-workers?
This is a trap question. Think hard but fail to come up with anything irritating to you. A short statement that you seem to get along with folks is great.
What are your future plans?
Be honest and keep it brief.
Tell me about the most fun you have had on the job.
Talk about having fun by accomplishing something for the organization.
Name a step in the STAR method.
What is (Situation, Task, Action, Result)?
What is your greatest strength?
Numerous answers are a good response to the strength question, just stay positive. A few good examples: your ability to prioritize, your problem-solving skills, your ability to work under pressure, your ability to focus on projects, professional expertise, leadership skills, or your positive attitude.
Tell us about a time you didn't meet a deadline/complete a task.
Use the STAR method!
Tell me about your dream job.
Stay away from a specific job. You cannot win. If you say the job you are contending for is it, you strain credibility. If you say another job is it, you plant the suspicion you will be dissatisfied with this position if hired. The best is to stay generic and say something like: ‘A job where I love the work, like people, can contribute, and can’t wait to get to work.’
How do you handle conflict at work?
Employers ask this question to gauge your communication skills, problem-solving skills and how well you deal with stress. A good answer will illustrate a time when you confronted an obstacle, remained calm and worked toward a productive solution. (Think STAR Method!)
This is the time you should arrive for your interview.
What is 15 minutes before the interview?
Why should we hire you?
Point out how your assets and skills meet what the organization needs. Do not mention any other candidates to make a comparison. Explain why you are the “best” person for the job.
Describe your work ethic.
Emphasize benefits to the organization. “You are determined to get the job done or you work hard but enjoy your work” are good responses.
How would you know you were successful on this job?
Several ways are good measures: You set high standards for yourself and meet them, your outcomes are a success, your boss tells you that you are successful.
Do you have any questions for us? (The interviewers)
Great example questions are:
1. Tell me about an average day in the position.
2. What are the hours?
3. What are you looking for in a candidate?
Name something you should do before your interview.
What is (research the company, know how to get to your interview, take a shower, brush your teeth, wear a nice outfit)?