SAMPLE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
• What do you know about our company?( Research the company – website,“ About us,” news, etc.)
• What qualifications do you have for this job?( Match the job duties and company values to your past work, volunteering, and other professional experience.)
• What is your greatest strength?( Choose a strength from their job description; give an example of it.)
• What is your greatest weakness?( Turn into a positive. Admit a past problem and what was learned from it. Name three ways you’ re challenging that weakness to improve on it.)
• Tell me about yourself.( Describe the life events that led you up to this specific opportunity / field.)
• Why did you leave your previous job( s)?( Focus on positives; show gratitude. For example:“ I am looking for opportunities to grow the skills I learned in my previous position”.)
• What would you do if...?( Describe the situation, task, action, and result of a similar experience.)
• Give me an example of how you handled a difficult situation on a previous job.( Don’ t be too negative. Tell how you worked through the situation in a positive manner, as well as the positive outcome.)
• Where do you see yourself in three years?( Demonstrate ambition and flexibility; name one big goal.)
• What have you done recently that shows your initiative and willingness to work?( Cite extra duties or responsibilities you willingly took on.)
• How would you describe yourself to others?( Keep it positive. Name three traits with brief examples.)
• Do you have any questions for us?( Ask a success-focused question, such as“ What is a day at the job like?” or“ Are there any other skills I haven’ t mentioned yet that would make me a great candidate?” or“ What do you love most about your work?” Avoid asking about salary, benefits, or time off.)
Some interview questions are prohibited by Federal, state, and local laws. Such questions attempt to identify age, race, religion, citizenship, gender, height, weight, ancestry, marital / family status, sexual orientation, disabilities, medical history, affiliations, beliefs, arrest record, and military obligations. Some of the information is needed on an application for statistical purposes. However, they cannot be asked in an interview unless worded towards the job duties.
Improper question: Have you ever been arrested?
Proper question: This position requires a high level of security clearance. Would you be able to pass a rigorous background check?
Improper: Do you like kids?
Proper: We occasionally have groups of children visiting our company and seeing what we do. Would that be an issue for you?
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