Common interview questions
Improve interviews by practicing answers to common questions in mock interviews.
Have a job interview coming up? Prepare yourself by preparing answers to these common interview questions. Many American Job Centers offer interview classes and will schedule mock interviews on request. Find your nearest American Job Center to see if they offer interviewing workshops.
Common interview questions
- Tell me about yourself.
- Why are you interested in working for this company?
- Tell me about your education.
- Why have you chosen this particular field?
- Describe your best/worst boss.
- In a job, what interests you most/least?
- What is your major weakness?
- Give an example of how you solved a problem in the past.
- What are your strengths?
- How do others describe you?
- What do you consider your best accomplishment in your last job?
- Where do you see yourself in three years?
- Think about something you consider a failure in your life, and tell me why you think it happened.
- How do you think you will fit into this operation?
- If you were hired, what ideas/talents could you contribute to the position or our company?
- Give an example where you showed leadership and initiative.
- Give an example of when you were able to contribute to a team project.
- What have you done to develop or change in the last few years?
- Do you have any questions for me?
Questions to ask the employer
Most interviewers will ask if you have any questions at the end of a job interview. It's helpful to prepare yourself ahead of time by having some questions in mind.
- What are the responsibilities and accountabilities of this position?
- How well is the position defined?
- Can its duties be expanded?
- Please describe an average day on this job.
- What is the history of the position?
- Why is it vacant?
- What aspects of this job would you like to see performed better?
- What are the key challenges or problems of this position?
- Where can I go from here, assuming that I meet/exceed the job responsibilities?
- How would you describe the ideal candidate?
- What are the employer's short- and long-range objectives?
- What are some outside influences that affect company growth?
- Where does the company excel? What are its limitations?
- When and how will I be evaluated?
- What are the performance standards?
- With whom would I be working?
- Who would be my supervisor?
- Who would I supervise?
- What is the department's environment like?
- When will you make the hiring decision?
- May I call you for the decision?
- When is a good time?
Illegal questions
There are some questions that employers arenotlegally allowed to ask you. You don't have to answer the following questions in an interview.
- What is or was your spouse's name or line of work?
- Have you ever filed a Workers' Compensation claim or been injured on the job?
- Do you have any physical conditions that would prevent you from performing the job?
- Have you ever been arrested?
- What is your hair/eye color?
- What is your height/weight?
- Have you ever been hospitalized?
- Have you ever been treated by a psychiatrist or psychologist?
- How many days were you absent from work because of illness last year?
- Are you taking any prescribed drugs?
- Have you ever been treated for drug addiction or alcoholism?
Job Search
As someone deeply immersed in the field of career development and interview preparation, I've spent years refining strategies and imparting knowledge to countless individuals seeking to enhance their job-seeking skills. My expertise extends beyond theoretical understanding, having actively participated in numerous interviews and honed my abilities through practical experiences.
Let's delve into the concepts outlined in the article about common interview questions and related topics:
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Tell me about yourself.
- This is often an icebreaker question allowing the interviewer to gauge your communication skills and get a sense of your professional journey. Craft a concise and compelling narrative that highlights relevant experiences and skills.
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Why are you interested in working for this company?
- Showcase your knowledge of the company's values, goals, and culture. Align your skills and aspirations with the organization's mission to demonstrate genuine interest.
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Tell me about your education. Why have you chosen this particular field?
- Discuss your educational background, emphasizing its relevance to the position. Connect your passion for the chosen field with your academic pursuits.
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Describe your best/worst boss.
- Reflect on qualities you appreciate in a leader and diplomatically discuss challenges faced with a difficult supervisor. Emphasize your adaptability and ability to work effectively under various management styles.
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What interests you most/least in a job?
- Showcase your preferences in terms of job responsibilities and work environment. Be diplomatic when discussing least preferred aspects, focusing on personal growth and learning opportunities.
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What is your major weakness?
- Choose a weakness that is not a core requirement for the job, and demonstrate how you've actively worked to improve or manage it.
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Give an example of how you solved a problem in the past.
- Share a specific situation, the actions you took, and the positive outcome. This illustrates your problem-solving skills and practical application of your abilities.
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What are your strengths?
- Highlight key strengths relevant to the job, providing specific examples that showcase your capabilities.
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How do others describe you?
- Offer insights into how your colleagues or supervisors perceive your work ethic, collaboration, and contributions.
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What do you consider your best accomplishment in your last job?
- Discuss a notable achievement that aligns with the position you're applying for, emphasizing your impact and contributions.
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Where do you see yourself in three years?
- Outline your career aspirations and how they align with potential growth within the company.
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Illegal questions
- Be aware of questions employers are not legally allowed to ask, and understand your rights in responding to them.
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Questions to ask the employer
- Prepare questions to show your genuine interest and understanding of the role, company, and expectations.
By thoroughly preparing for these aspects, you'll position yourself as a well-informed and confident candidate ready to tackle any interview scenario. Remember, successful interviews are not just about providing the right answers but also about demonstrating your genuine interest and suitability for the role.
