Here is a list of fifty good questions that you might get asked during an interview. Some are specific to the particular job ("What do you think this job entails") and others are more general ("Tell me about yourself"). Think about each question and make notes about how you would answer. If you can handle all of these questions you'll have a good basis for handling any question you get asked. (You may also want to review The Five Types of Interview Questions.)
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You and Your Accomplishments
1. Tell me a little about yourself.
Because this is often the opening question, be careful that you don’t run off at the mouth. Keep your answer to a minute or two, and consider four topics:
- Early Years
- Education
- Work History
- Recent Career Experience
2. What can you do for us that someone else can’t?
Here you have every right and perhaps obligation to toot your own horn and be a bit egotistical.
- Talk about your record of getting things done.
- Mention specifics from your resume or inventory of accomplishments.
- Say that your skills and interests, combined with history of getting things done, makes you valuable.
- Mention ability to set priorities, identify problems, and use your experience and ability to solve them.
3. Why should we hire you?
Create your answer by thinking in terms of your ability, your experience, and your energy. See Question 2 for more detail.
4. What do you look for in a job?
Keep your answer oriented toward the opportunities at the organization and don't overemphasize salary.
- Talk about your desire to perform and be recognized for contributions.
- Orient your answer toward opportunities rather than personal security.
5. How long would it take you to make a meaningful contribution to our firm?
Be realistic. Say that, while you would expect to meet pressing demands and pull your own weight from the first day, it might take six months to a year before you could expect to know the organization and its needs enough to make a major contribution.
6. Have you ever taken a routine process and improved it?
Try to think of a time at work, as an intern, or in a school activity where you changed the way something had always been done and improved it.
7. Can you work under pressure and deal with deadlines?
Observe that both are facts of business life. Take examples from your list of accomplishments to show how you have dealt successfully with pressure and deadlines in the past.
8. In your present (last) position or at school, what problems did you identify that had previously been overlooked?
Be brief and don’t brag. Indicate the positive changes your suggestions or leadership resulting in.
9. If you could start your career (or education) over again what would you do differently?
The best answer is, “Not a thing” or something minor. Don't say "I should have majored in computer science."
- You should try to present yourself as a person who is happy with your life.
- You’ve enjoyed its ups and learned from its downs.
- You would not, as a result, want to change things that brought you to where you are today.
- You are excited by the challenges of the future.
10. What career options do you have at this moment?
You should try to identify three areas of interest, one of which includes this company and job. The other two should be in related fields (ie, not something wildly different).
11. How would you define success?
Think in terms of a sense of well-being. Consider opportunity, contribution and responsibility as components of success. If it's true, say that money is a component but not your overriding concern.
12. How successful do you think you have been so far?
Say that, all in all, you're happy with the way your career or education has progressed.
- Given the normal up and downs of life, you feel that you've done quite well and expect to continue to succeed in the future.
- Present a positive and confident picture of yourself, but don't overstate your case. An answer like "Everything is wonderful; I'm overjoyed!" is likely to make an interviewer wonder whether you are trying to fool him or yourself. The most convincing confidence is quiet confidence.
Our Organization
13. What do you know about our organization?
Do your research beforehand so that you are able to discuss the following:
| Products and/or Services | Goals |
| Revenues | Markets |
| Reputation | People |
| Image | Main Competition |
However, don't act as if you know everything about the place.
- Let answers show that you have taken the time to do some research, but don't overwhelm the interviewer.
- Make it clear that you wish to learn more.
- Give answers in a positive tone. It's ok to acknowledge well-publicized challenges but don't say "Well, everyone knows the company is in a heap of trouble and that's why you need me".
14. Tell us why you want to work for us.
The deadliest answer you can give is “Because I like people.” Here and throughout the interview, a good answer comes from having done your work so you can speak in terms of the company’s need.
- You might say your research has shown that the company is doing things you would like to be involved with, and that it's been doing them in ways that interest you.
- If the company is known for strong management, you should mention that you would like to be part of the team.
- If the company is known for R&D, emphasize that you want an innovative environment.
- If the organization stresses integrity and financial responsibility, say that you value its reputation.
If you feel you have to concoct an answer to this question, then you shouldn't be in the interview. Your homework should include learning enough about the company to avoid approaching places where you wouldn't want to work.
15. Tell me what you think this job entails.
Keep your answers brief and task oriented.
- Think in terms of responsibilities and accountability.
- Make sure that you actually do understand the job from having read the job description.
- If you aren't sure, give a general answer and tell the interviewer that you would like to hear more detail.
16. Do you prefer customer-facing or internal work?
Hopefully, you'll be able to answer this honestly and it will reflect the position you are applying for.
17. Don't you think you might be better suited for a different sized company, or a company of a different type?
Tailor your answer to the job being discussed.
- Say that your preference for the size or type of company depends on the job.
- Point out that your research convinces you that this organization and job are a good fit for you.
18. If you could choose any company, where would you go?
Talk about how this job and this company are a good match for your personality and skills.
19. What other jobs are you considering?
Don't give specifics or name companies. Restrict your answer to jobs similar to the one you are being interviewed for. Don't give the impression that you are searching around for something to do.
20. What are your long-range goals?
Relate your goals to the company and the job you're interviewing for, as part of a natural career progression. "In a firm like yours, in five to ten years I would like to..."
21. What do you find most attractive about this position? What seems least attractive?
List three or four attractive features of the job, and mention a single, minor unattractive item (eg., the length of the commute).
22. What do you like most and least about your current position (or internship or other work experience)?
Be careful and be positive. Describe more features that you liked than disliked.
- Don't cite personality problems.
- If you make your job experience sound terrible, an interviewer may wonder why you've remained there until now, or whether you have an attitude problem that would likely show up on a new job, too.
23. What have been your five most significant accomplishments in your last job (or in school if this is your first job)?
Have specific examples ready.
- Don't cite more than five.
- If you want to cite more than five, say "I've given you the five most important. There are others if you like to hear about them."
24. How long do you plan to work with us?
Say that you are interested in a career with the organization, but admit that you will have to grow and be challenged to stay. Think in terms of "As long as we both feel achievement oriented and are providing value to each other."
25. Your resume or degree suggests that you may be overqualified or too experienced for this job. What do you think?
Emphasize your interest in establishing a long term association with the organization and say that you assume if you perform well in this job that new opportunities will open up for you.
- Mention that a strong company needs a strong staff.
- Observe that good people are always at a premium.
- Suggest that if you are well-qualified, the company will get a fast return on its investment in you.
- Say that a growing company can never have too much talent.
(This is Part One of 50 Tough Interview Questions. Read Part Two...)
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