Common Questions Asked by Employers

During an interview, you will be asked many questions that deal with a broad range of topics. By asking you a wide variety of questions, an interviewer is trying his best to determine whether or not you are a good fit for the position and the company. Questions can fall under several categories:

Strengths and Weaknesses

• What do you consider to be your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
• Why do you want this job/position?

• What makes you think you will be successful in your career?

• Why should we hire you? What makes you better than the other applicants for this position?
• Why do you think you are qualified for this position?

• What contributions can you make to this organization/business/agency?
• What have you done which shows initiative and willingness to work?
• What have you done which demonstrates good communications skills?
• What have you done which demonstrates good interpersonal skills?
• Tell me about yourself.
• How do you describe yourself?
• How would your best friend describe you? Your academic advisor? Your work supervisor?

Motivation and Goals

• Why do you want to work for this organization/business/agency?
• How long to you expect to stay with us if you are hired?
• Describe your ideal job.
• What are your career goals? Where do you want to be in five years? Ten years?
• What are you doing now to prepare yourself for accomplishing your short and long-term career goals?
• Why did you choose the career for which you are preparing?
• What motivates you to put forth your greatest effort?

Fit with the Company and Position

• What kind of supervisor do you like?
• Describe the relationship that should exist between a supervisor and his/her subordinates?
• What would be your ideal working environment?
• What two or three things are most important to you in a job?
• How do you define success?
• What is your philosophy about (industry-specific)?
• Do you have a geographical preference?
• Are you willing to relocate?
• Are you willing to travel?
• Describe your most rewarding experience.
• How do you work under pressure? Give an example.
• What major problem have you encountered? How did you handle it?
• Why did you leave your last job?

Preparation for the Job

• What did you learn from your academic experience?
• What did you learn from your extra-curricular experiences?
• What type of leadership development and community service projects have you been involved in during your life that you are most proud of?

Research

• What do you know about this company/organization/agency?
• What do you know about the duties of this job/position?
• What questions do you have for me?

This last question is VERY IMPORTANT! Always prepare at least three or four questions for the person who is interviewing you. This shows you have interest in the company AND you have done your homework!