Sample Interview Questions with Answers

<strong>Sample</strong> <strong>Interview</strong> <strong>Questions</strong> <strong>with</strong> Suggested Ways of Answering<br />

Q. Tell me about yourself.<br />

A. This is the dreaded, classic, open-ended interview question and likely to be among the first. It's<br />

your chance to introduce your qualifications, good work habits, etc. Keep it mostly work and<br />

career related.<br />

Q. Why do you want to leave your current job (Why did you leave your last job)<br />

A. Be careful <strong>with</strong> this. Avoid trashing other employers and making statements like, "I need more<br />

money." Instead, make generic statements such as, "It's a career move."<br />

Q. What are your strengths<br />

A. Point out your positive attributes related to the job.<br />

Q. What are your weaknesses<br />

A. Everybody has weaknesses, but don't spend too much time on this one and keep it work related.<br />

Along <strong>with</strong> a minor weakness or two, try to point out a couple of weaknesses that the interviewer<br />

might see as strengths, such as sometimes being a little too meticulous about the quality of your<br />

work. (Avoid saying "I work too hard." It's a predictable, common answer.) For every weakness,<br />

offer a strength that compensates for it.<br />

Q. Which adjectives would you use to describe yourself<br />

A. Answer <strong>with</strong> positive, work-oriented adjectives, such as conscientious, hard-working, honest and<br />

courteous, plus a brief description or example of why each fits you well.<br />

Q. What do you know about our company<br />

A. To answer this one, research the company before you interview.<br />

Q. Why do you want to work for us<br />

A. Same as above. Research the company before you interview. Avoid the predictable, such as,<br />

"Because it's a great company." Say why you think it's a great company.<br />

Q. Why should I hire you<br />

A. Point out your positive attributes related to the job, and the good job you've done in the past.<br />

Include any compliments you've received from management.<br />

Q. What past accomplishments gave you satisfaction<br />

A. Briefly describe one to three work projects that made you proud or earned you pats on the back,<br />

promotions, raises, etc. Focus more on achievement than reward.<br />

Q. What makes you want to work hard<br />

A. Naturally, material rewards such as perks, salary and benefits come into play. But again, focus<br />

more on achievement and the satisfaction you derive from it.<br />

Q. What type of work environment do you like best<br />

A. Tailor your answer to the job. For example, if in doing your job you're required to lock the lab<br />

doors and work alone, then indicate that you enjoy being a team player when needed, but also

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enjoy working independently. If you're required to attend regular project planning and status<br />

meetings, then indicate that you're a strong team player and like being part of a team.<br />

Q. Why do you want this job<br />

A. To help you answer this and related questions, study the job ad in advance. But a job ad alone may<br />

not be enough, so it's okay to ask questions about the job while you're answering. Say what attracts<br />

you to the job. Avoid the obvious and meaningless, such as, "I need a job."<br />

Q. How do you handle pressure and stress<br />

A. This is sort of a double whammy, because you're likely already stressed from the interview and the<br />

interviewer can see if you're handling it well or not. Everybody feels stress, but the degree varies.<br />

Saying that you whine to your shrink, kick your dog or slam down a fifth of Jack Daniels are not<br />

good answers. Exercising, relaxing <strong>with</strong> a good book, socializing <strong>with</strong> friends or turning stress into<br />

productive energy are more along the lines of the "correct" answers.<br />

Q. Explain how you overcame a major obstacle.<br />

A. The interviewer is likely looking for a particular example of your problem-solving skills and the<br />

pride you show for solving it.<br />

Q. Where do you see yourself five (ten or fifteen) years from now<br />

A. Explain your career-advancement goals that are in line <strong>with</strong> the job for which you are<br />

interviewing. Your interviewer is likely more interested in how he, she or the company will benefit<br />

from you achieving your goals than what you'll get from it, but it goes hand in hand to a large<br />

degree. It's not a good idea to tell your potential new boss that you'll be going after his or her job,<br />

but it's okay to mention that you'd like to earn a senior or management position.<br />

Q. What qualifies you for this job<br />

A. Tout your skills, experience, education and other qualifications, especially those that match the job<br />

description well. Avoid just regurgitating your resume. Explain why.<br />

Q. Why did you choose your college major<br />

A. The interviewer is likely fishing to see if you are interested in your field of work or just doing a job<br />

to get paid. Explain why you like it. Besides your personal interests, include some rock-solid<br />

business reasons that show you have vision and business sense.<br />

Go here for sample interview questions from the Web.<br />

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http://jobsearchtech.about.com/library/weekly/aa031201-3.htm<br />

Copyright © 2001, J. Steven Niznik. All Rights Reserved.