Sample Interview Questions

Entry-Level General Questions:
Why did you choose the college or university you attended? What determined your choice of major? How did you decide to become an (accountant, engineer, etc.)? Do you have plans to continue your education? What was there about the subjects in your major that made them appealing? What elective courses did you take? What subjects did you do best in? Why? What subjects did you do poorest in? Why? Describe the most significant project, paper or presentation you've had to complete. Describe the most creative solution you applied to a problem. How do you think college contributed to your overall development?


More Advanced General Questions:
How did you hear about this position? Tell me about the specific job responsibilities you had in your last job or internship. In what ways do you feel your present or most recent job has developed you to take on even greater responsibility? Give me an example of your work which illustrates the extent of your written communication skills. What are some of the problems you encountered on your present or most recent job? What did you usually do about it? Do you prefer working alone or in groups? Why or under what circumstances? Give me an example of a time when another person really tried your patience. What kind of people do you like to work with? Not work with? Why? Explain two creative methods you have used in solving a problem. Describe a high pressure situation and explain how you handled it.


Technical Questions:
What exposure have you had to (software, hardware, product marketing, budgeting, etc.)? Briefly describe a technical project that you found challenging or rewarding. How do you approach a technical problem? Give an example. What have you done above and beyond class or course work especially in an area related to your major? Have you published any papers or projects? Have you ever been in a situation where you found yourself without the specific technical knowledge to perform a task essential to your project? What did you do? Please describe any technical hobbies or interests you have.


Personal Strengths:
Apart from knowledge or experience, what traits or qualities do you feel could be strengthened or improved upon? What would you say are some of the basic factors that motivate you? What kinds of things do you feel most confident in doing? What do you feel less confident about doing? In what way do you feel you have grown most in the past two or three years? What are some of the things you are either doing now or have thought about doing that are self-development activities?


In addition to behavior related questions, many interviewers include situational questions in which a specific scenario is staged and you are asked to react. There are many types of questions (close ended, open ended) and many types of interviewers. The most important thing is to be yourself and to be honest. And remember, this is a two way street, you want to find out if you want to work for this company just as much as they want to find out if they should hire you. Be sure to ask questions during the interview so you can find out if this company is a "fit" for your skills and goals. Also, it looks good in the employer's eyes if you have done some reading about the organization in preparation for the interview.


What To Wear

Women:
1. Think professional and reserved. Preferably a dark or tan suit (jacket and skirt), conservative shoes, and no flashy jewelry.
2. A dark outfit calls for dark or nude stockings with low pumps.
3. Don't stop by the perfume counter on the way to the interview -- and don't give the interviewer the impression that you have.
4. When it comes to make-up, forgo the heavy hand in favor of some simple styling. It's OK to wear make-up; just keep it as natural-looking as possible.
5. This is a personal interview; leave friends and family at home.

Men:
1. Wear a freshly pressed jacket and tie.If you feel the environment doesn't necessitate a full suit, wear a nice sport shirt and slacks with a tie.
2. Have your shoes polished.
3. Make sure you have a clean shave.
4. Make sure your hair is neat, clean, and trimmed including your side burns.
5. This is a personal interview; leave friends and family at home.

Remember To Bring

1. Two copies of your resume.
2. A nice pen and note pad.
3. Prepared questions that you would like answered.
4. A portfolio of your work, if appropriate.
5. Your references.
6. A positive attitude.

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