Interview Questions

When preparing for interview questions, it is helpful to consider the following:

• What would you ask, if you were the hiring manager?
• Check the company’s website. How does your expertise fit into the company? Why do you think you were selected for an interview?
• How can you make a difference to the company and its product lines?
• What area of expertise is the company interested in? Ask your recruiter for more information and do your own research.
• Do you need to brush up on any skills before the interview?
• If the company has some areas of expertise that you are unfamiliar with, can you read up on these in advance, so you know why you’re being considered and how you can grow into the position?

The most common first interview question is, "Tell me a little bit about yourself." This question is your opportunity to shine. Master the 30-second elevator speech about yourself and you will be well on your way to a successful interview. Practice answering the question over and over until you have a well-formed, well-stated micro-bio for yourself.

Some common interview questions include:

• Tell me a little about yourself?
• Why do you want to leave your current company?
• Why did you leave your last company?
• Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
• What are your career goals?
• If I asked your supervisor about you, what would he/she say?
• Why do you believe you’re qualified for this position?
• How do you respond to pressure on the job?
• If a peer was promoted over you, how would you feel about it?
• Tell me about your attendance record?
• What is your work process?
• Do you prefer working for a large, medium or small size company?
• Do you prefer working on your own or in a group?
• How do you get along with your peers?
• What are your hobbies?
• Describe a time you turned a bad situation around – what did you do, and how did it make you feel?

Expect follow-up questions to all of these sample interview questions.

There are numerous websites and books devoted to the topic of interview questions. Please consult those resources for more comprehensive lists of interview questions.