1. Question: What qualifications do you possess that will help you in this job?
Answer: Well, aside from the skills that you know about from my resume (or application), I guess it's my interest in being an integral part of the winning effort; one that makes a difference in the scheme of things. And I'm more than willing to give 150 percent if that's what it takes.
2. Question: If you had your education to do all over again, what would you change?
Answer: Not very much except maybe to gain more course experience in my field. I received a first rate education in (field) at (school, college, etc.) but it is my opinion that you can never be too well prepared if you want to work for a company like
3. Question: Why did you select your college or university?
Answer: As you may know, (name of school) is well known for its (College of Business, Department of Accounting, and School of Nursing etc.). I shopped around but (name of school) was my first choice, and I'm glad I did because I got a first-rate education in (Business, Accounting, Nursing, etc.).
4. Question: Do you have any plans to go back to school for additional training or education?
Answer: I think the most valuable employees are those who continue to develop themselves, particularly in these days and times when updated skills are so necessary in _ (accounting, engineering, etc.).
You have probably noticed that the proposed answers are very generic and avoid specifics. This is recommended for two basic reasons. First, my experience tells me that the more in-depth you are in your answers, tie more likely you will get into trouble. This goes against your natural inclination to be straightforward and detailed about your successes and failures. Still, when you get into specifics, you run the risk of saying something that will offend the interviewer or cause him or her to disqualify you.
Second, candid and direct answers are hard to generate on the spur of the moment. Few of us are so glib that we can improvise on a theme without preparation. The net effect is that we say things like, "Well, I think, uh . . . I uh . . .," or "Gee, that's a tough question," or even, "I don't know I suppose I chose communication as a major by accident... I guess." You can insist that you are cleverer than this and that you can handle yourself in employment interviews without extensive preparation. But why take a chance in the name of vanity? Preparation for these open-ended questions will avoid any possible problems.
5. Question: Why did you decide to become a (business, engineering, art, English, etc.) major in (college, school, etc.)?
Answer: I have always been fascinated by the field of (business, engineering, etc.) because of the opportunities it offers to anyone who looks for them. I suppose some people fall into their majors in school almost by accident, but my choice was deliberate. It's a question of admiring a profession and doing what it takes to join it.
Questions based on Your Job and the Company.
1. Question: What do you know about our company?
Answer: Not as much as I'd like to. I read your (annual report, company newsletter, advertising material, brochure, newspaper story) and I was very impressed by (the range of your product line, market share, technology, enormous growth, sales last year, commitment to quality, financial position, interest in the environment, etc.). But I do have one question, if you don't mind. What will be the major thrust of your company in the next five years in terms of (market share, product line, diversification, growth, organizational development, etc.)?
2. Question: Why did you leave your last job?
Answer: (If you left voluntarily.) It was a very deliberate choice because my job became too easy. It's not that it was too routine. It just wasn't as challenging as it once had been. I never stopped liking my work, and I had excellent support from my superiors. They did everything that they could to convince me to stay but I need to feel that I'm really contributing to my employer's success. And I think the position that you are trying to fill will provide me with that opportunity and the challenge it represents.
Answer: (If you were fired or forced to resign.) I think there are times when the employer and employee have to come to grips with the reality of a situation that doesn't completely benefit either one. When that occurs, I think that mutual respect and common courtesy should prevail.
In my case, an analysis of the situation convinced my employer and me that I had done everything that I could for the company and that it was time to leave. I am grateful for the opportunity that (company name) gave me and I have nothing but respect for (company name) as a (manufacturer, social service agency, distributor, educational institution, etc.).
3. Question: Describe the kind of boss for whom you would like to work.
Answer: What I'd want in a boss is honesty and fairness. I'm a flexible person when it comes to working with different sorts of people so I'm not sure anything else would really matter to me. As long as he or she is honest and fair I'm sure I could get along with him or her.
4. Question: Why do you want to work for this company?
Answer: Mostly because of your (reputation, quality services or products, growth pattern, conservative or progressive approach, concern for people, team approach, track record on social issues, etc.). When I first considered applying for this position, I did a lot of research to find out as much as I could about (company name). I liked what I found out and that's why I'm here.
5. Question: In what ways do you think you can make a contribution to our company?
Answer: First, I think my skill level in the field of (Engineering, Sales, Accounting, Management, etc.) is higher than most other people. Because of this, I can save you time and money by being particularly productive. Second, because I believe I am more interested in the job than most others, I will be more highly motivated to do the best possible job. Third, (if appropriate), my experience in this line of work will enable me to bring a broad perspective to the job. So, the answer to your question is that I'll contribute productivity and a broad perspective because of my motivation and experience.
