Washington State Department of Services for the Blind

Common Interview Questions and Hints on How to Answer Them

Tell me about yourself. How would you describe yourself? Please tell me about your personal background. (Hint: Detail some accomplishments- make a list and learn it.)

What motivates you?

What are your short-term goals? What do you see yourself doing in five years? (Hint: Talk about your general goals and be realistic.)

What are your long-term goals?

Why are you interested in this position? Why do you want to do this type of work? What can you do for us?

How do you work under pressure?

How do you feel about overtime work? Are you willing to travel? What hours do you prefer to work? Are you willing to relocate? (Hint: Be honest in the information you offer.)

What salary do you want? (Hint: Ask, “What salary range does this job pay?” Explain your qualifications and the reasons for whatever you request.)

What are the three most important accomplishments of your career thus far?

What are your greatest strengths? Give an example of how you have used these strengths in previous positions.

What are your major weaknesses? In what areas do you need to improve? (Hint: Describe what you have done to overcome this weak area. Take a negative and turn it into a positive. Draw upon Myers-Briggs testing and positive previous experiences.)

Give an example of your creativity.

Give an example of your analytical skills.

Give an example of your administrative skills.

Give an example of some of your leadership skills.

What direct supervisory experience have you had?

How do you interact with subordinates?

How do you motivate people?

How did you get along with your last boss?

If I were to call your past employer, what would they say about you?

What do you know about our company? Tell me what you know about our industry. (Hint: Draw upon research you have done.)

In what way do you feel you can make the biggest contribution to this firm?

How do you think you would fit in with our firm?

Why are you leaving your present company? (Hint: Be honest but do not bad-mouth the company or anyone in it.)

Why are you changing fields?

What did you like best about your last (or present) job?

What are the most satisfying aspects of jobs you have had? What were the most frustrating? (Hint: Think about training, opportunity, and location – play up the positive.)

Is your present (or past) income commensurate with your abilities?

What are your general feelings about psychological assessment?

What are your thoughts regarding promotion for yourself? What are your thoughts regarding promotion for your subordinates?

How would you describe the “ideal” boss? What kind of supervisor do you relate best to? (Hint: Bring out something positive.)

How do you define cooperation?

Do you prefer working with others or by yourself?

How do you spend your spare time? Do you have any hobbies?

In what school and community activities have you participated? Which did you enjoy most?

What would you do to improve our firm? How would you do it?

Could you have done more in your last (or present) job?

Give an example of your innovative abilities. What suggestions have you offered former employers that were actually adopted?

How do you define success?

What do you think determines a person's progress in a company?

What is the most difficult assignment you have completed?

What is the most rewarding assignment you have completed?

Have you ever had a problem at a previous job? How do you get along with people? (Hint: This can be described in terms of what you learned from bad experiences. Be honest in your answers and support them with examples.)

Have you ever been fired or asked to leave a job? Why have you changed jobs so often? Explain the gaps in your employment. (Hint: Be honest in your answers and support them with what you have learned from your past experiences.)

What have you done that shows initiative and willingness to work?

Are your childcare arrangements reliable? (Hint: Volunteer the information and be certain you have personal necessities taken care of.)

When answering the famous question, “Tell me about yourself,” cover the past, the present, and the future.

A good way to begin answering this question is to tell a little about your early history. Take only about 40 seconds for this! Some good lead-in information is where you were born, early jobs you held and perhaps something unique in your childhood that puts you in a favorable light. Example: “I was born at the foothills of the Rockies, the middle child of a large family of six children. I held my very first job at age 13, picking strawberries at a neighbor's strawberry patch. This was hard work and the days long, but I enjoyed earning my own spending money. In high school, I was on the honor roll, held down a part-time job, and performed in many drama productions in the community.”

Lead right into your post-high school education or military experience (if applicable). Again use only 40 seconds. Describe where you went to vocational or academic training, your major, and any accomplishments or highlights. Example: “My first year in college, I believed I changed my major three times. I attended WSU because all of my friends had decided to go there. I had a work-study job doing entry-level clerical work for the education department- typing, filing, copying and collating for the professors. I found I loved this sort of work, and at the end of the school year I decided I would transfer to a vocational school to become a secretary. I completed a two-year secretarial degree in four quarters by taking 24 to 28 credits per quarter. Again, it was hard work and long days, but I loved the courses, and the skills came easily to me. Our class took top honors in state competition, and I received first place for typing speed and accuracy at a net 80 wpm.”

Next you should talk about the history of your career. Use the bulk of the time on this. How much time you spend will depend on your work history, but take no more than a minute-and-a-half. This is your opportunity to brag about yourself. Although this is difficult to do, with practice it can come off as polished and positive and may be a great selling point. Example: Chronologically describe a capsule of your work experience. It is fine to use volunteer experience, work-study jobs, etc. if you do not have much of a work history. It is important to illustrate that you have been doing something productive, even if you have employment gaps. Diligently looking for work is a good way to fill those gaps, but be honest about your efforts and showcase it in such a way that it appears positive. Talk about one accomplishment for each job or employment-related activity. Also, briefly describe what you learned from each job, as well as any strengths or weaknesses you discovered while doing that job.

Wrap up with the future or what you plan to do now. Use 40 seconds. This is a good time to tell why you are interviewing for this particular job, why you want it, and/or what you plan to do if you get this job. Example: "While I enjoyed marketing and working with the public at my last job, I would like the opportunity to work behind the scenes in producing your high-quality show. As my resume indicates, I have continued freelance and volunteer work in this field. I am creative, very energetic and a quick learner. If you would like to hear some of my ideas, perhaps I can elaborate after the interview or return for a second interview."