When answering interview questions, it’s helpful to consider the interviewer’s perspective. Put yourself in the interviewer’s shoes—think about what you would want a candidate to say if you were the boss. This is a very effective way to prepare for potential questions, and prepare your answers.

In addition to using the below for reference, be sure to review our page about Behavior-Based Interview Questions. Those are the most difficult questions to answer well.

1. What experience do you have that relates to this position? Describe how your skills and education match the job requirements.
   Answer Tip: Be sure your answer includes many of the skills listed in the job description.
2. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
   Answer Tip: Prepare at least 3 to 5 examples. (At the actual interview, choose one or two that feel appropriate.) Focus on professional strengths that relate to the position. Don’t feel you have to gloss over a weakness, but do explain how you’re addressing it.
3. Tell me about yourself.
   Answer Tip: Don’t discuss any personal topics. Talk about aspects of your background that relate to the job, and that would make you a good fit.
4. Why do you want to work for this organization? Why are you interested in this position?
   Answer Tip: Research the organization in advance and use the research in your answer. It's important to know basics about the organization. Interviewers also want to know you’re excited about the position, so show enthusiasm for it! 
5. Tell me about a project or challenge that didn’t go well, and how you handled it.
   Answer Tip: This is a big one. Expect to be asked this question. Be prepared to tell a story about a real challenge. See Behavior-Based Interview Questions for more suggestions on this type of question.

• What motivates you?
• Why did you choose this career?
• How do you work under pressure or stress?
• What do you consider your greatest achievement?
• Tell me about a mistake you made and what you learned from it.
• Give me an example of your organizational skills.
• What’s the most creative idea you’ve ever had?
• How will you evaluate your success after you graduate?
• Describe your work ethic.
• Tell me about someone you have a lot of respect for.
• Give me an example of a time you learned something new.
• What does diversity mean to you?
• Give me an example of a time you provided excellent customer service.
• What do you like best about our company/organization?
• What do you think would be most challenging about this position? Most rewarding?
• What five adjectives best describe you?
• Why did you choose the major you did?
• Give me an example of a time you worked on a team and what role you played.
• Give me an example of a time you set a goal at work or in school. How did you accomplish your goal? Were you satisfied with the outcome?
• Tell me about extracurricular activities you participated in, what role you played, and what you gained from them.
• Tell me about a situation where you had to resolve a conflict with another person. (See Behavior-Based Interview Questions for tips.)
• What did you like most about your previous job? Least?
• Describe your work style. What work environment best suits you?
• Describe the best supervisor you’ve ever had. If you could make one suggestion to that supervisor, what would it be?
• If I called a previous supervisor or a professor, what would they say about you? What would they say are areas you could improve in?
• What are your short- and long-term career goals? What are you doing to achieve those goals?
• Where do you want to be in 3 to 5 years?

Study these questions and think through your answers in advance. For more guidance, CLA students can set up a Mock Interview through the Career and Community Learning Center, or visit our office in 135 Johnston Hall.