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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