Anticipate Answers to Questions an Interviewer May Ask You

• Why did you choose the major/career for which you are preparing?
• How has your college experience prepared you for a career?
• What have you learned from participation in extracurricular activities?
• How would a professor who knows you well describe you?
• Do you think that your grades are a good indication of your academic achievement?
• What qualifications do you have that make you think you will be successful?
• What do you consider to be your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
• What have you learned from your mistakes?
• What motivates you to put forth your greatest effort?
• What accomplishments have given you the most satisfaction and why?
• How would you define “success”?
• What kind of work environment do you feel most comfortable - working on your own or as part of a team?
• Give an example of how you work under pressure or when meeting a project deadline.
• What leadership positions have you held? Describe your leadership style.
• What are your short-term and long-term career goals, and how do you plan to achieve them?
• What do you know about our organization?
• Why do you want to obtain a position at our organization?
• What do you think it takes to be successful in an organization like ours?
• In what ways do you think you can make a contribution to our organization?
• What criteria are you using to evaluate the company for which you hope to work?
• Do you have a geographical preference?
• Are you willing to relocate?
• Are you willing to travel?
• Why should I hire you?

Formulate Intelligent Questions to Ask the Interviewer
Use the interview as an opportunity to gather as much information as possible about what you should expect if you were to be hired as a new employee. More importantly than discussing salary and benefits, it is essential that you find out what the job entails, decide whether or not you see yourself fitting into the organization, meet your potential supervisor and co-workers and decide if they are the kind of people you want to work with, and look at whether your skills and interests match with the position available.

Here are some sample questions to ask the employer:

• Please describe a typical day in this department.
• What are the day-to-day responsibilities of this position?
• What do you see as the greatest challenge in the position?
• What type of training program do you offer new employees?
• What are the skills most essential for success in this position?
• How does this position fit into the overall corporate structure?
• How much contact and exposure to management would I have?
• How much freedom and responsibility is given to new employees?
• What is the retention rate of people in this position?
• What opportunities exist for professional growth and development?
• What are the typical career paths? What are realistic time frames for advancement?
• Can you explain the performance review process?
• What is the company’s plan for future growth?
• What makes your organization different from your competitors?
• How do you feel my experience and skills match up with your needs?

Practice through Mock Interviewing!
Plan to participate in a videotaped mock interview to sharpen your presentation skills prior to interviewing with any employers.  Contact Career Services by phone at 859.622.1568 to schedule a mock interview.