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Tell me about yourself.
“Well, I’m currently attending school and will graduate with my associate in arts degree in May from James Sprunt Community College and my high school diploma in June from East Duplin High School. I also work part time at McDonalds as a cashier. And while I enjoy the working there, I’d love the chance to use my degree and to also gain experience in this field (something related to the company.)
How did you hear about this position?
“I came across the job posting on your company's website, and after researching your organization, I was excited about the opportunity to contribute my skills and align with your values."
Why do you want this job? (choose job to describe)
Focus on why you want the job and how hiring you would benefit them.
I want to be a programmer because...
I want to work as a policeman because...
Why should we hire you?
Your answer needs to covers three things: that you can not only do the work, but also deliver great results; that you’ll really fit in with the team and culture; and that you’d be a better hire than any of the other candidates.
What is a previous job experience you have had?
Ex: I worked as a cashier in a retail store for two years.
What do you consider to be your weaknesses?
Self-awareness and honesty. Strike a balance by thinking of something that you struggle with but that you’re working to improve.
"I get really nervous when I have to speak in front of a crowd. To get rid of my fear of speaking in front of many people, I have been taking Public Speaking in college. Now, I feel more comfortable speaking during meetings."
What are your greatest strengths?
Talk about something that makes you great—and a great fit for this role. Specific and relevant to the position and illustrate them with examples.
Ex: My greatest strength is my ability to work well in a team.
Why did you choose this career?
They want to know how much you understand about the career you're beginning and what appeals to you about a career with that company.
"I committed myself as an Accounting major my Freshman year of college. But it wasn't until my internship after my Junior year that I began to develop my interest in tax accounting. I was assigned a mentor that summer who continued to stay with me as my mentor after I graduated and helped me understand the field better and map out my career plans…"
Tell me about a project in school that you were particularly proud of. Why were you proud?
Answer needs to reflect who you are, what type of work you like to do and what you value in your achievements.
"An example would be the research project I completed as part of my internship last summer. I was responsible for reviewing a new technology tool being developed in the marketplace to decide if there was a value for adopting internally. I completed the research ahead of schedule and recommended a small scale implementation to test the use of the tool internally. The tool is now used throughout the department…"
When can you start?
“I am excited for the opportunity to join your team. I have several projects to wrap up in my current role at [Company]. I plan to give them two weeks’ notice to make a smooth transition for my coworkers and will be happy to come onboard with the team here after that time.”
What are three skills you learned from a previous job or in school?
Ex: I learned to be organized, patient, and determined. OR I learned to be independent, efficient, and flexible.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Be honest and specific about your future goals. A hiring manager wants to see if you a) have realistic expectations, b) have ambition and c) if the position aligns with your goals and growth.
I see myself as...
I see myself working for...
I see myself doing...
What salary are you looking to receive?
“Before discussing any salary, I’d really like to learn more about what this role entails. I’ve done a lot of research on [Company] and I am certain if it’s the right fit, we’ll be able to agree on a number that’s fair and competitive to both parties.”
How would your teachers/boss and classmates/coworkers describe you?
Be honest. Pull out strengths and traits you haven’t discussed in other aspects of the interview.
“On my performance review, my supervisor described me as someone who takes initiative and doesn’t shy away from hard problems. I always try to do what I can. I know she appreciates that about me.”
How do you deal with pressure or stressful situations?
What is your strategy for dealing with stress? (Think positive, Exercise, Yoga)
“I stay motivated by thinking about the end result. I’ve found that even in the midst of a challenging situation, reminding myself of my goals helps me take a step back and stay positive.”
In your opinion, what are the qualities of a good leader? (name at least three)
Ex: The top three qualities I need to see in a good leader are confidence, good communication skills, and commitment.
Imagine you have told an interviewer that you are good at multitasking. Describe a situation when you multitasked.
Ex: I had to multitask when I had five work assignments due on the same day and had a travel basketball game the following day. I also had three practices that week. I had to manage my time and be prepared for everything.
Do you deal well with criticism?
Ex: Yes, I use criticism to improve and grow as an employee.
What are your pet peeves?
"How you deal with conflict". Pick something that doesn’t contradict the culture and environment at that organization.
“It bothers me when my classmates are really disorganized, because in my experience, disorganization can cause confusion, which can hurt motivation. As a person who likes things to be orderly, I try to help keep myself and my classmates on task while also allowing for flexibility.”
Tell me about a time you made a mistake.
“During my first year of college, I missed a deadline for a research paper that ended up lowering my grade. There were a lot of factors that contributed to this, but ultimately, I was the one who dropped the ball. From that experience, I went back and thought really hard about what I could’ve controlled and what I would’ve changed. It turns out that I was not nearly as organized as I thought I was. I sat down with my advisor, asked for suggestions on how to improve my organizational skills, and a few months later when the similar situation occurred, I was able to submit all my work on time and received an "A" on the paper.”
Are you planning on having children?
Questions about your family status, gender, nationality, religion, or age are illegal—but they still get asked. Of course, not always with ill intent—you should tie any questions about your personal life (or anything else you think might be inappropriate) back to the job at hand.
“You know, I’m not quite there yet. But I am very interested in the career paths at your company. Can you tell me more about that?”
If you find yourself in a conflict with a coworker, how would you resolve the issue?
Ex: I remain calm and speak with my coworker. If we cannot solve the issue ourselves, I will speak to my supervisor or with someone in the Human Resources department.
What should I know that’s not on your resume?
Talk about a positive trait, a story or detail that reveals a little more about you and your experience, or a mission or goal that makes you excited about this role or company. Ex: “Well, one thing you won’t find on my resume: the time I had to administer emergency CPR. Last year, I was at the lake when I saw a young girl who looked like she was drowning. I was a lifeguard in high school, so I swam out, brought her to shore, and gave her CPR. Although this was—hopefully—a one-time event, I’ve always been able to stay calm during stressful situations, figure out a solution, and then act. As your account manager, I’d use this trait to quickly and effectively resolve issues both within the team and externally. After all, obstacles are inevitable, especially in a startup environment. And if anyone needs CPR at the office beach party, well, I’m your woman.”
Is there anything else you’d like us to know?
Close out the meeting on a high note in one of two ways, First, if there really is something relevant that you haven’t had a chance to mention, do it now. Otherwise, you can briefly summarize your qualifications.
Do you have any questions for us?
“What's your favorite part about working here?”
What are my responsibilities in this role?
What are the opportunities for ongoing professional development?
How quickly can I be promoted?