Traditional Interview Questions

1. Tell me about yourself (in two minutes).

A common opener, this broad question can "throw" many interviewees. It is in fact a "sell-me" invitation. Develop a brief summation of your background leading into your interest and desire to work for the organization as well as your qualifications for the position.

2. Why do you feel that you will be successful in ...?

3. Why did you decide to interview with our organization?

4. Are you willing to relocate?

5. Why did you choose your major?

6. Tell me about your scholastic record.

7. What courses did you like best? least? Why?

8. Tell me about your extra-curricular activities and interests.

9. What have been your most satisfying and most disappointing school or work experiences?

10. What did you learn from your part-time or summer job experiences?

11. What supervisory or leadership roles have you held?

12. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Everyone has a weakness but remember not to answer in a negative way. Turn your weakness into a positive (for example) "Because I tend to procrastinate, I have learned to work well under pressure and to always get work done on time."

13. Do you have plans for graduate study?

14. How do you spend your spare time?

15. Why should we hire you?

From your research, you should have gathered information on entry level opportunities within the organization and the necessary qualifications for those positions. From your own self-analysis you will have gained insight into your strengths and accomplishments. Mention key functions of the job and discuss your skills in relation to these functions. Use experiences from previous jobs, internships, and activities as examples to support your answer.

16. Describe briefly your philosophy of education or nursing (etc.).

17. Tell me about your practice teaching or clinical experiences (etc.).

18. Why did you choose to become a teacher, nurse,...?

19. How would your last supervisor describe you?

20. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?

This question is popular because it gathers a lot of useful information: maturity, foresight and realistic outlook, degree of preparation in career planning, and commitment to the organization and profession. -- In your research determine what position you could reasonably reach in five years. Speak to others who have successfully advanced themselves in the organization or profession. Express your desire and capability to grow within the organization. While you may be unsure of your future plans, demonstrate your knowledge of potential career paths.

21. Do you think your grades are a good indication of your academic achievements?

22. How do you work under pressure?

23. Why do you want to leave your current job? (If employed full-time.)

24. Describe one or two achievements which have given you the most satisfaction.

25. In what ways would you contribute to our organization?

See also http://jobsearch.about.com/od/interviewquestionsanswers/a/interviewquest.htm

http://www.bc.edu/offices/careers/skills/interview/questionsasked.html

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Sample Questions

Behavioural Interview Questions    Traditional Interview Questions    Case Interview Questions
Education    Previous Jobs    Company / Job    Questions determining your Competence
Questions on Wages / Salaries    Personal Characteristics    Your Community Involvement

	Questions You Can Ask
	Questions Not to Ask

 

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	5 employer concerns
	Before the interview     Commonly asked questions in a traditional interview     Commonly asked questions in a behavioural interview     Questions to Ask     Questions Not to Ask     References     Dress for the Interview     Anxiety
	Researching before your interview
	During the interview
	After the interview      Thank You Letters

Interviews