Sample Interview Questions and Answers

Common General Questions:

Q1:  Tell me about yourself.

A1:  Be prepared to answer this question at each interview.  Keep your answer limited to professional information only – leaving out personal details.  Most typical would be starting with applicable education and proceeding with relevant work experience.  Keep your answer concise – the interviewer will ask for more details if they want more information.

Q2:  Why did you leave XYZ Company?

A2:  Be prepared to give the reason you left any and all previous positions.  Stay positive regardless of the situation.  Do not mention conflict with management, co-workers or supervisors.  If you were ever involuntarily terminated from an organization – be honest if asked if you have ever been fired.

Q3:  Tell me what you know about our organization.

A3:  Be prepared to answer questions about the company you are interviewing with.  Take time to research the company on-line.  Visit their website to learn a little about their history, their mission and read any current news releases.

Q4:  What are your strengths/weaknesses?

A4:  Make sure strengths are kept to work related traits that are needed for the position for which you are applying.  Keep weaknesses positive, find something that you can explain as a weakness that most would see as a positive, i.e. tend to take on a lot of projects.

Q5:  What are your salary requirements?

A5:  Be prepared to give a salary range, as wide of a range you can, but don’t be afraid to ask some questions first.  It’s hard to answer this question without knowing details about job duties and responsibilities, travel requirements, etc.  Ask for that information and then give your range.

Q6:  Are you applying for other jobs?

A6:  Be honest, but make it brief and don’t give specifics.  Focus on why you applied for this job and why you think it is a good fit.

Q7:  Explain any gaps in your employment history.

A7:  Be prepared to explain all gaps in employment.  Be sure to include rotations, volunteer work, association participation, classroom work and anything else that relates to the position.

Q8:  How would your current/previous supervisor describe you?

A8:  Again, be sure to focus on positives.  Make sure you are honest and gear your answers toward the position for which you are applying.

Q9:  Describe your ideal job.

A9:  Use what information you have gathered on the organization and the position itself and answer accordingly.

Q10:  What are your short term/long term goals?

A10:  Explain your goals focusing on what you will do to achieve them and how that will impact the organization.  Talk about what you are looking to learn from an organization and why you feel this position and company will help you achieve those goals.