Common Interview Questions

Assessment Questions asked by Professional Interviewers. See also Interview Reponses.

Sample Traditional Interview Questions

Employment interviewers commonly ask the following questions. These questions reflect open-ended, situational queries. Common themes include applications of analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills, leadership development, creativity, teamwork, and personal development.

• Tell me about a difficult decision you have made.

• What frustrates you the most?

• What can you contribute to this company?

• How would you react to having your creditability questioned?

• Are you willing to relocate or travel as part of your career?

• What goals have you set for yourself? How do you plan to achieve them?

• Who or what has had the greatest influence on the development of your career interests?

• What factors did you consider in choosing your major?

• Why are you interested in our organization?

• Tell me about yourself.

• What two or three things are most important to you in a position?

• What are your expectations of your future employer?

• Tell me about a project you initiated.

• What kind of work do you want to do?

• What is your GPA? How do you feel about it? Does it reflect your ability?

• How do you solve conflicts?

• Tell about how you perceive your strengths. Your weaknesses. How do you evaluate yourself?

• What work experience has been the most valuable to you and why?

• What is the most useful criticism you received and how did you use it?

• Describe a situation where you had to work with someone who was difficult. How was the person difficult, and how did you handle it?

• What were the biggest problems you encountered in college? How have you handled them? What did you learn from them?

• What are your team player qualities? Give examples.

• Describe your leadership style.

• Why are manhole covers round? (This is a stress question to see how you respond. There is really no right or wrong answer. Another typical question might be If you could be an animal, which would it be and why?

• What interests or concerns you about the position or company?

• In a particular leadership role you had, what was the greatest challenge?

• What idea have you developed and implemented that was particularly creative or innovative?

• What characteristics do you think are important for this job?

• How have your educational and work experiences prepared you for this position?

• How do you think you have changed personally since college?

• How do you motivate people?

• We are looking at a lot of great candidates; why are you the best person for this position?

• What else should I know about you?

 

Sample Behavioral Interivew Questions

Behavioral Interview Questions reflect on your prior experiences and how you handled them. Using the Star Formula, think about how you would respond to these questions:

• Describe a situation in which you were able to use persuasion to successfully convince someone to see things your way.

• Describe a time when you were faced with a stressful situation that demonstrated your coping skills.

• Give me a specific example of a time when you used good judgment and logic in solving a problem.

• Give me an example of a time when you set a goal and were able to meet or achieve it.

• Tell me about a time when you had to use your presentation skills to influence someone's opinion.

• Give me a specific example of a time when you had to conform to a policy with which you did not agree.

• Please discuss an important written document you were required to complete.

• Tell me about a time when you had to go above and beyond the call of duty in order to get a job done.

• Tell me about a time when you had too many things to do and you were required to prioritize your tasks.

• Give me an example of a time when you had to make a split second decision.

• What is your typical way of dealing with conflict? Give me an example.

• Tell me about a time you were able to successfully deal with another person even when that individual may not have personally liked you (or vice versa).

• Tell me about a difficult decision you've made in the last year.

• Give me an example of a time when something you tried to accomplish and failed.

• Give me an example of when you showed initiative and took the lead.

• Tell me about a recent situation in which you had to deal with a very upset customer or co-worker.

• Give me an example of a time when you motivated others.

• Tell me about a time when you delegated a project effectively.

• Give me an example of a time when you used your fact-finding skills to solve a problem.

Interview Questions YOU Can Ask 

"Do you have any questions for me?"

This is a question you can always anticipate. Having several specific questions to ask shows you are prepared. See also Interview Responses.

• How would you describe the responsibilities of the position?

• How has the position been filled in the past?

• What exactly would you like to have me accomplish in this position?

• When you think about people who tend to do well in this job, what kind of qualities do they have?

• How would you describe a typical week/day in this position?

• How will my leadership responsibilities and performance be measured? And by whom? How often?

• What promotional opportunities are available within your company?

• Can you discuss your take on the company’s corporate culture?

• How would you characterize the management philosophy of this organization? Of your department?

• What do you think is the greatest opportunity facing the organization in the near future? The biggest threat?

• What challenges might I expect to encounter on this job (efficiency, quality control, declining profits, internal policies, evaluation)?

• What opportunities are there for professional development?

• Is relocation something I can expect with this position?

• Whom do I report to? Tell me a little about these people?

• How many people work in this office/department?

• How does one advance in the company?

• What do you like about working here?

• What don't you like about working here and what would you change?

• Would you like a list of references?

• If I am extended a job offer, how soon would you like me to start?

• Do you have any questions about my qualifications?

• May I have a tour of the office/facility/plant?

• What prompted you to become a part of this company or start this business in the beginning?

• If there will be a few days before I start work, could I come in and observe?

• How soon will you decide if you want to hire? Will you contact me or shall I contact you?

Questions you SHOULD NOT ASK during an interview

• What does your company do?

• How much will I be paid? Asking about salary during the first interview tells the interviewer that you are more interested in money than you are in the position or organization.

• When does vacation time come?

• When will I receive my first raise?

• How much vacation time will I get?

• How soon will I be promoted? Ask instead, if there are opportunities for advancement?