Are you a college student preparing for job interviews? If so, you’ll want to be prepared for questions that may be asked. In this blog post, we will provide examples of common interview questions and answers that you can use as a guide. By being well-prepared, you can feel confident during your interview and increase your chances of getting the job!
1. Tell me about yourself?
This is a common question that interviewers ask to get to know you better. You can answer this question by giving a brief overview of your educational and professional experience, as well as your hobbies and interests.
2. Why are you interested in this job?
This question gives the interviewer an opportunity to understand why you are interested in the position. You can answer this question by explaining how your skills and experience make you a good fit for the job, or by sharing why you are passionate about the company or industry.
3. What are your strengths?
When answering this question, focus on your strengths that are relevant to the job and include specifics. You may want to refer to a list of your key skills and strengths that you compiled prior to the interview.
4. What are your weaknesses?
When answering this question, choose a weakness that is not relevant to the job you’re interviewing for (e.g., don’t say “I tend to be disorganized”). You can also share a weakness that you have been working on improving.
5. What are your goals?
When answering this question, be sure to share short- and long-term goals that are relevant to the job. You may also want to explain how your skills and experience can help you achieve these goals.
6. How would you describe your personality?
This is a question that interviewers ask to understand if you will fit well with the position and culture of the company. Be honest when answering this question, but focus on positive traits such as being polite, focused, or patient.
7. What are your strengths?
When answering this question, focus on your strengths that are relevant to the job and include specifics. You may want to refer to a list of your key skills and strengths that you compiled prior to the interview.
8. What are your weaknesses?
When answering this question, choose a weakness that is not relevant to the job you’re interviewing for (e.g., don’t say “I tend to be disorganized”). You can also share a weakness that you have been working on improving.
9. What are your long-term career goals?
When answering this question, be sure to share short- and long-term goals that are relevant to the job. You may also want to explain how your skills and experience can help you achieve these goals.
10. Why did you choose your major?
When answering this question, be sure to share how your major relates to the job you’re interviewing for. You may also want to talk about how your studies have prepared you for a career in this field.
11. What are your hobbies and interests?
When answering this question, be sure to share hobbies and interests that are relevant to the job. For example, if you’re interviewing for a position in marketing, you may want to share that you enjoy reading about new trends in the industry.
12. What are your salary requirements?
This is a question that you should ask your recruiter before an interview so that you know the appropriate salary range. If it is not brought up during the interview, you may want to discuss salary expectations early on in the conversation. However, if this question is asked, be sure to respond by only sharing your expected salary range and not naming a specific number.
13. What do you know about our company?
When answering this question, be sure to research the company beforehand so that you can share information about its products, services, and mission. You may also want to mention any similarities between the company and your personal values.
14. What are your plans for the future?
When answering this question, choose a path that is relevant to your field of work. You may also want to explain how your skills and experience can help you achieve those future goals.
15. Why do you need a new job?
When answering this question, be sure to share what you hope to gain from the new position as well as why it will benefit both you and the company. You may also want to talk about why you left your last job (if you have).
16. What are your weaknesses?
When answering this question, choose a weakness that is not relevant to the job you’re interviewing for (e.g., don’t say “I tend to be disorganized”). You can also share a weakness that you have been working on improving.
17. What’s your dream job?
When answering this question, choose a path that is relevant to your field of work. You may also want to explain how your skills and experience can help you achieve those future goals.
18. Why should we hire you?
While this is typically phrased as a question, you should still be sure to include the reasons why you are the best candidate for the job in your response. Be sure to focus on your key skills and accomplishments that are relevant to the position.
19. What do you know about our company?
When answering this question, be sure to research the company beforehand so that you can share information about its products, services, and mission. You may also want to mention any similarities between the company and your personal values.
20. What are your salary requirements?
This is a question that you should ask your recruiter before an interview so that you know the appropriate salary range. If it is not brought up during the interview, you may want to discuss salary expectations early on in the conversation. However, if this question is asked, be sure to respond by only sharing your expected salary range and not naming a specific number.
21. What are your long-term career goals?
When answering this question, be sure to share short-term and long-term goals that are relevant to the job you’re interviewing for. You may also want to explain how your skills and experience can help you achieve those goals.
22. What do you like to do outside of work?
When answering this question, be sure to share hobbies and interests that are relevant to the job. For example, if you’re interviewing for a position in marketing, you may want to share that you enjoy reading about new trends in the industry.
23. Why did you leave your previous job?
When answering this question, keep your response positive and relevant to the job. If there were issues with your last employer (e.g., lack of growth opportunities, unethical practices), be sure to avoid talking about them.
24. What are your strengths?
When answering this question, focus on the skills and accomplishments that are relevant to the job you’re interviewing for. You may also want to share a story that demonstrates how you applied those strengths in a previous role.
25. How do you think you can make a contribution to this company?
When answering this question, be sure to share concrete and relevant examples of how your skills and experience will help the company. You may also want to mention what makes you unique compared to other candidates interviewing for the same position.
26. Do you have any questions for me?
Be sure to have questions prepared for your interviewer, as this shows that you’re interested in the position. You may want to ask about the company’s culture, growth opportunities, or recent projects.
27. What is your availability?
This question should be asked early on in the conversation so that both parties have a clear idea of when you can start if offered the position. You can answer this question by sharing your availability (e.g., “I am available immediately”) or you can ask about the hours of the position (e.g., “What are typical working hours for this role?”).
28. Why were you fired from your last job?
When answering this question, be sure to keep your response positive and relevant. If you were fired for a reason related to the job you’re interviewing for, share how you’ve learned from the experience and improved in that area. If possible, avoid sharing personal issues that contributed to your termination.
29. How do you handle criticism?
When answering this question, focus on the positive ways you respond to constructive criticism. For example, you may want to mention that you take time to think about what can be improved before sharing your thoughts with the person who criticized you.
30. How much do you think this position should pay?
When answering this question, it is best to avoid naming a specific dollar amount and share your expected salary range instead. This will give the hiring manager an idea of what you’re expecting and allow them to determine if your expectations are reasonable.
The best way to answer tough interview questions is to stay positive, relevant, and concise. By preparing for these questions in advance, you’ll be able to walk into your interview with confidence and a clear idea of how you will answer any question.
