• Tell me something about yourself.
    This is a frequent opening question. It provides you the opportunity to sell yourself and to prove to the employer that you have what he needs. Take no more than 1-5 minutes to offer a concise, well-organized presentation of yourself. Keep it relevant to what you have to offer them.
  • Which of the qualities that you possess makes you feel that you would be successful at this job?
    If you did your research, it will be easier for you to focus on the qualifications that they are looking for. Pay particular attention to areas in which your strength relates either directly or indirectly to the position.
  • What interests you about our company and why do you want to work for us?
    Again, your research is essential! Find out what products they offer and what services they render. Your answer should reflect your career goals as they relate to the goals of the company. Attempt to show why this particular company, and not any other is important to you. You should convey that you are looking for a particular job and not just “any job.”
  • When can you begin work?
    If you are not employed at the time of the interview, there should be no problem in answering this question. If you are working, you should alert the employer that you need to give the present employer fair notice that you are leaving. Your consideration in this manner will show the new employer that you are interested in leaving behind a positive impression of your term of employment.
  • Why are you leaving military service at this point? What did you do in military service?
  • What would you like to be doing five years from now?
  • What is the ideal job for you?
  • Do you prefer working alone or with others?
    The employer is really looking for a sign that you are confident and able enough to work without supervision. Let him/her know that while you enjoy the freedom of working alone, you also enjoy the team spirit of working with others.
  • What activities did you engage in while at school?
    Employers are interested in persons with varied interests. Having no outside interests indicates that you are either dull, or that you need all spare time to get by in your studies.
  • What are your strengths? Your weaknesses?
    Attempt to turn your weaknesses into strengths and to explain what constructive ideas you have about handling them. Your strengths should relate directly to that which is required in performing the job.
  • What was your GPA? What courses did you like best/least and why?
  • Have you had any special training for this job?
  • Why should I hire you?
  • What would you do to improve our operations?
  • Who has exercised the greatest influence on you? How?
  • Which supervisor did you like best and why?
  • How many people have you supervised? What types?
  • What are your greatest accomplishments to date?

Interview Questions to Ask the Employer

  • What future changes do you see for the company?
  • Who are your competitors?
  • What makes your company different from others?
  • How does my job fit with the mission of the organization?
  • What will I be contributing to the organization?
  • What do you wish you knew about the company before you started?
  • How would top management describe the corporate culture, and how does this compare with things in the organization as they really are at the lower levels?
  • What are the ethical and environmental philosophies of your company?
  • What is this company’s philosophy towards their employees?
  • What values are sacred to the company?
  • What do you see as the biggest areas of needed improvement within the company?
  • What are short- and long-term strategic directions of the company?
  • What is the greatest challenge, from your perspective, that the organization faces during the next year?
  • Can I expect opportunities for advancement with the company if I prove myself?
  • Where would my career progress from my first assignment?
  • What was your career path within the company?
  • What makes your association with this employer enjoyable?
  • What are the company’s goals for the future?
  • If I do well, what will I be doing in five years?
  • What programs for minorities does your firm have?