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10 questions (and a few more)
Interview Questions
1. TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF.
TIPS
Expect this question and be prepared
to answer it.
Mention those things which you are proud
of and comfortable talking about, keeping
them job-related (skills, abilities, personal
qualities, work experience, vocational
training, etc.)
1. TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF,
Continued
Tell Me About Yourself ~ Oh No! What
do I Say?
Ideally the answer to this question should
be approximately a 2 to 5 minute overview
of your back ground tailored to match the
company and position. Your goal is to
practice this answer verbally until it
becomes second nature.
1. TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF,
Continued
Step 1: Begin with an upbeat statement
I would like to focus on my previous and current
positions and how successful and rewarding
they have been. My first job was
Step 2 Include some accomplishments
Try to use one or two power stories that focus on
your results. My position in ASB/on the football
team has given me the opportunity to...
1. TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF,
Continued
Step 3 Why are you seeking this
position?
Currently I am looking for a position doing
_______ because________.
Step 4 Use a closure statement to create
a smooth ending
Is there anything else you would like me
to cover?
1. TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF
SAMPLE 1
For three years, I have been a member of
the REV Speech and Debate Team. I
have worked extremely hard attempting to
be one of the most successful members
and excellent president. Also, my nine
years of volunteer work with the Native
Sons of the Golden West has prepared me
for longevity and dedication in a single
profession. What other information can I
offer?
1. TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF
SAMPLE 2
In my previous and current positions I have been very
successful, and the various jobs that I have had have
been rewarding to me. My experiences in school have
also influenced my work ethic and personality.
Throughout my high school career I have been an active
member of American Cancer Society which has taught
me much responsibility and shown me that integrity is
something very important. I have been one of the top
players on the varsity tennis team of my high school
every year since I was a freshman and this has also
been a part of my understanding of the importance of
responsibility. This, as well as being a member and now
an editor of the school newspaper has made me a very
dedicated person and a diligent worker. I am interested
in being an employee for your company because I am
confident I could do a great job, and your company
seems to fit my interests and personality very well. Is
there anything else you would like to know about me?
2. TELL ME ABOUT A TIME WHEN YOU
HAD AN IDEA AND MADE IT
HAPPEN.
Tips
Think about something that shows skills that
would be job/career related. Be positive
about the process.
Be specific about the situation.
2. TELL ME ABOUT A TIME WHEN YOU
HAD AN IDEA AND MADE IT HAPPEN.
Sample
Several years ago, I noticed that our company
wrote a great deal of recommendation letters. It
was difficult to get those letters printed on
company letterhead. I got the idea for a
scanned copy of the letterhead that could be
placed on the computer network so that letters
could be word processed onto a template with
the company letterhead on it. I checked with the
CEO of the company and got his ok and then
talked to the technology person who scanned in
the document for all to use.
3. TELL ME ABOUT A TIME WHEN YOU
WERE OVERWHELMED BY SCHOOL,
JOB, ACTIVITY OR JUST LIFE IN
GENERAL AND HOW YOU
SUCCESSFULLY HANDLED IT.
Tips
Be careful that you dont get too negative in this
answer. The employer is trying to see that you
have coping skills and that you have thought
through what you do in times of stress.
Discuss (if applicable) what qualities you learned
about yourself so that you can correct the
situation.
3. TELL ME ABOUT A TIME WHEN YOU WERE
OVERWHELMED BY SCHOOL, JOB, ACTIVITY OR JUST
LIFE IN GENERAL AND HOW YOU SUCCESSFULLY
HANDLED IT.
Sample:
My junior year of high school, I volunteered for too many extra
assignments. I was involved in the American Cancer Society, and I
truly felt the importance of what the club stood for. But I had too
many things to accomplish and not enough time to accomplish them
in. I sat down and made a list of things that needed done and then
prioritized that list so that I was more organized. Then I discovered
that there were some things I just was unable to complete myself. I
found that I had to ask for help, which upset me. I like to be
responsible for myself and live up to what I say I will do. But I also
learned a great deal about myself: I learned that I can ask for help if
I need it, and I learned that being organized can really make the
impossible become possible.
4. WHY SHOULD I HIRE YOU?
TIPS
Put yourself in the shoes of a typical
employer in your field and ask yourself
what you would want to see in an
applicant. State three basic needs.
Speak to those three needs by stating how
you can fill them.
Add a statement which reinforces the fact
that the employer will profit by hiring you.
4. WHY SHOULD I HIRE YOU?
SAMPLE
This position requires someone with
intellect, professionalism, and
responsibility. These characteristics sum
me up perfectly. I also have many other
great abilities such as prioritization,
leadership, and communication. I could
be a great asset to the building of this
company.
5. WHAT ARE YOUR STRENGTHS AND
WEAKNESSES?
What are your strengths?
TIPS
Remember that we all have strengths
and that its important for you to be able
to notice yours and to communicate them
effectively to an employer.
State those positive traits which would be
most highly valued in the job for which
you are applying.
5. WHAT ARE YOUR STRENGTHS AND
WEAKNESSES?
What are your weaknesses?
TIPS
Be willing to admit that you have areas of weakness.
Do not bring up weaknesses which would cause the
employer to question your behavior or performance on
the job.
Bring up a weakness which could be seen as a
strength in the vocational area you want to enter. For
example, getting bored with repetitive tasks could be
seen as a strength on a job in which ones duties are
constantly changing.
Mention to the employer how you are working to
correct your weakness.
5. WHAT ARE YOUR STRENGTHS AND
WEAKNESSES? Sample Answer
One of my strengths is my commitment to my duties, my
achievement, and my employers satisfaction. I always
stick with my promises and assignments through thick
and thin. I have extraordinary leadership skills that are
essential with proper organization and promotion in this
company. Are there any particular skills that you are
looking for?
A weakness I have is that I tend to become impatient with
myself when I have difficulty learning a new process.
This impatience, however, forces me to work above and
beyond to correct the situation. I am pleased that my
impatience pushes me because the difficulty does not
seem to last very long. I hope to be easier on myself so
that I am able to concentrate on learning to overcome
my frustration.
6. WHAT DID YOU LIKE MOST
ABOUT YOUR LAST JOB?
TIPS
Do not strain to answer as if you were hard-put
to think of something positive to say.
Mention some aspect of your previous job that
you will find in your new job.
Sell a personal trait of yours by saying, What I
liked most was having the opportunity to use my
________________skills.
Remember: If you dont have anything good to
say, dont say anything at all!
6. WHAT DID YOU LIKE MOST
ABOUT YOUR LAST JOB?
SAMPLE
I liked most the opportunity to work with the
people I did. Not only did I develop
intellectually from the experience, but I
also developed socially from the kind
people that I met at my last job. Working
within the community on such a close level
has helped me more than I could have
possibly imagined.
7. WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT OUR
COMPANY AND WHY DO YOU WANT
TO WORK HERE?
Do company research before your interview.
Relate what you know about the company to your interests, needs,
abilities, etc. Ask yourself how each fact about the company might
matter to you if you were an employee.
Make positive statements about the company.
If relevant, ask the employers permission to take notes.
If you havent researched the company for some reason, your best
response to this question might be, Actually I know very little about
your company and I wondered if you wouldnt mind answering a few
questions. Then proceed with your inquiries.
Expect this question and be prepared to answer it.
Express interest and motivation to work for the employer who is
interviewing you.
Do some research on the company so that you know why you want
to work there.
7. WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT OUR
COMPANY AND WHY DO YOU WANT TO
WORK HERE?
Sample:
I am very interested in the professional field that
this job has to offer me. After conducting my
research, I have found that your company is one
of the best in the area and I would be honored to
associate my work with this companys
reputation for quality work produced by some of
the most intelligent and educated people in the
field. It is probable that this company will go far
and will make great strides in a short while. This
is the exact reason why I would love to work for
your company.
8. WHERE DO YOU SEE
YOURSELF IN FIVE YEARS?
TIPS
If you do not know where you will be in five years, remember that you are
no exception to the rule; most of us are highly mobile in this culture.
Keep your answers job related.
Do not express career interests which are totally unrelated to the job you
are applying for unless it is obvious to you and to the employer that the job
you are applying for is a short-term work situation.
SAMPLE
I hope that I will have gained a lot of experience and seniority in
this profession and your company. I wish to gain as much
experience in this field not only to apply while at work but also
in my life for my future experiences. In the farther future, I
hope to fulfill my dream of becoming an ambassador or
Secretary of State.
9. WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR
SPARE TIME?
TIPS
Remember that the employer is not trying to pry into your
personal life, but is possibly attempting to strike up a
friendly conversation so as to lighten up the interview.
Do not mention pastimes which carry negative
connotations or give rise to unpleasant stereotypes.
Describe your activities in an interesting and positive
manner.
Do not give details of your pastimes unless they are
asked for by the employer.
9. WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR
SPARE TIME? continued
SAMPLE
I am a fan of government-based fiction
stories. I enjoy many novels concerning the
Presidency, the Department of Defense, and
major historical events. Once I start reading a
wonderful book, I find it difficult to put it down. I
also like social gatherings with friends and
family. A good book and friends are essential
parts of my spare time.
10. HOW SOON COULD YOU
START?
TIPS
Know the answer to this question before its asked.
If you are already employed, express your need to be fair to your
present employer and give two weeks notice. The interviewer will
respect you for your consideration.
Do not give an unrealistic time frame in order to please the
interviewer. Be honest.
Do not give personal reasons for delaying your start date. Phrases
like I have commitments up until ____(date)____ or the soonest I
could make arrangements to begin work here would be
____(date)____ can be used instead.
Other good answers for those people who can start work
immediately are Right away, Today! or Anytime." You name it!
10. HOW SOON COULD YOU
START? continued
Sample:
I could start within two weeks so I could setup my
schedule in order to allow the maximum time I
can spend with your company each day. I have
many commitments that I would have to shuffle
in order to begin work and balance my other
responsibilities. I am a very busy person, but
working for your company would be my top
priority.
Additional Interview issues
There seems to be a trend now of asking
questions like this:
If you were a ____, what kind would you be?
(in the blank insert any number of things: car,
cereal, animal, etc.)
Tips:
Think of qualities and characteristics that you
possess, and then try to match them to that
thing so that you are speaking to your ability to
work well at the establishment.