Here is a list of common interview questions. Preparing good answers to these questions will help you feel confident when asked in an interview and help you get into the mindset to answer other similar questions in your interview.
Tell me about yourself.
A good answer provides a brief summary, two to three minutes, of why you are qualified for this position. Discussing your education and work background along with any other relevant information is best.
How has your education and/or past employment prepared you for this job?
Knowing the requirements of the job, explain how your education and employment experience meet these requirements
What are your career goals?
Try to keep the goals you discuss related to the job you seek
Where do you see yourself in five/ten years?
Employers are looking for answers that look to relate to their company goals. They want to hear that if they invest in you, you will be interested in continuing with them.
What do you consider your best qualities/strengths?
Mention strengths and how they relate to the job. Two or three strengths are best unless the interview mentioned a specific number.
What do you consider your weaknesses?
Keep them related to the position and be honest about any weaknesses you may. Itis good idea to mention how you are working on improving as well, giving specific examples of progress, if possible. If you feel that you have no weaknesses, say so.
Why do you want to work for this company?
This question is to see if you have done any homework prior to the interview. This answer does not have to be long or use a lot of details. Just talk about the company in general and what interests you about working for it.
What did you like/dislike about your last job?
Focus on challenges, responsibilities, people and accomplishments. When discussing dislikes, don’t bad mouth people. Be sure to talk about big picture situations and don't mention that you didn't like something that would be applicable to the job you are seeking.
Which course(s) did you like best in school?
Discussing courses that directly relate to the job is best.
Why should I hire you for this job?
Use your knowledge of the job requirements and relate them to your skills and strengths. The interviewer wants to hear how you can help the company, not how the company can help you.
How would your last supervisor or teacher describe you?
Employers will often seek out prior supervisors, so be sure to provide an accurate picture. Refer to old performance reports or talk to them to see what they would say.
What motivates you to put forth your greatest effort?
Focus on answers that are about your internal values such; “knowing I did a good job”, “seeing that made an impact for other people”. Answers like "getting a raise or a promotion" will not be looked upon very well by an interviewer.
What was the reason for your lapse in employment?
If there is a lapse in employment on your resume, be honest and try to assure the interviewer that any past challenges are not going to affect your future employment.