8 answers
Monica
Student
Prattsville, NY
1
Question
Updated
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What questions were you asked during interviews?
Going to have my second interview on Thursday and I would like to be prepared for this one, I really really want this job. What were some common questions that I should be ready for?
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8 answers
Mark Howard
Billing-related Contract Management
25
Answers
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Updated
Mark’s Answer
To make your job application more effective, it's important to narrow down the type of job you're seeking. You don't need to pinpoint a specific company or position, but identifying the industry and broad job category can be beneficial. This is especially significant because your current status is "student", which could mean high school or college. For instance, a high school student seeking their first job wouldn't typically be asked to "Describe a time where you presented to a group of executives". However, if you're applying for a role like a shift leader, you might be asked to "describe a time where you had to resolve a conflict between two team members".
For general jobs, employers often ask about punctuality and reliability. For example, "Your car won't start but you need to be at work in 30 minutes; how do you handle this?" If your solution will take time, acknowledge it and assure them you'll inform your supervisor as soon as possible. This question also tests your commitment to regular attendance.
If you're applying for a specialized role, it's crucial to understand what's required to excel in that position. Be ready to discuss challenges you've faced and how you overcame them. The focus here is not on the challenge itself, but your problem-solving skills and resilience.
Prepare a few thoughtful questions about the job or the company to show your interest and attentiveness. When answering questions, unless asked for brevity, feel free to provide detailed responses.
Be ready to discuss your strengths and areas for improvement honestly. Avoid canned responses. Consider the interview from the employer's perspective and think about what you would ask a potential hire.
Finally, always take a moment to collect your thoughts before answering, even for expected questions. This shows thoughtfulness and composure.
For general jobs, employers often ask about punctuality and reliability. For example, "Your car won't start but you need to be at work in 30 minutes; how do you handle this?" If your solution will take time, acknowledge it and assure them you'll inform your supervisor as soon as possible. This question also tests your commitment to regular attendance.
If you're applying for a specialized role, it's crucial to understand what's required to excel in that position. Be ready to discuss challenges you've faced and how you overcame them. The focus here is not on the challenge itself, but your problem-solving skills and resilience.
Prepare a few thoughtful questions about the job or the company to show your interest and attentiveness. When answering questions, unless asked for brevity, feel free to provide detailed responses.
Be ready to discuss your strengths and areas for improvement honestly. Avoid canned responses. Consider the interview from the employer's perspective and think about what you would ask a potential hire.
Finally, always take a moment to collect your thoughts before answering, even for expected questions. This shows thoughtfulness and composure.
Margarita Olivarez, M.A.M
Work Force Manager
9
Answers
Lubbock, Texas
Updated
Margarita’s Answer
Absolutely, Senthil's advice is spot on. Always be ready to share personal experiences. These don't have to be strictly work-related. Think about your time at school, team activities, family events, or even church gatherings. Often, we underestimate our own experiences, but in truth, life teaches us many valuable skills through these moments. So, remember to use these experiences to your advantage. Best of luck!
Tony Roig
Volunteer
53
Answers
New Hope, Pennsylvania
Updated
Tony’s Answer
When faced with the question, "Why should we choose you for this job?" during an interview, it's crucial to have a well-thought-out response ready. Consider what sets you apart as the perfect candidate and how your unique skills and experiences could benefit the company.
One effective strategy is to thoroughly study the job description and requirements. By doing so, you can tailor your response to highlight how your previous achievements align with the role you're applying for, demonstrating that you're an excellent fit.
Preparation is key. Make sure to research the company thoroughly, including its mission and the products or services it offers. This will not only help you understand the organization better but also show your genuine interest in the role.
As an interviewer, I always appreciated when candidates took the initiative to ask insightful questions about the company's challenges. This not only shows your motivation but also your desire to contribute to the company's success.
Best of luck on your journey!
One effective strategy is to thoroughly study the job description and requirements. By doing so, you can tailor your response to highlight how your previous achievements align with the role you're applying for, demonstrating that you're an excellent fit.
Preparation is key. Make sure to research the company thoroughly, including its mission and the products or services it offers. This will not only help you understand the organization better but also show your genuine interest in the role.
As an interviewer, I always appreciated when candidates took the initiative to ask insightful questions about the company's challenges. This not only shows your motivation but also your desire to contribute to the company's success.
Best of luck on your journey!
Ranger Kielak
Life Coaching/ Consulting
5
Answers
San Carlos, California
Updated
Ranger’s Answer
It depends on the job—expect technical, personality, or scenario-based questions. One of the weirdest I got was, "If you were a country song, what would you be?"
I answered "Mr. Mom." It’s a fun, upbeat song, which fits my personality. But more importantly, I tied it to something deeper: “The character in the song does whatever it takes to support his family, showing grit and determination. That’s the kind of attitude I bring to work.”
For unusual questions, don’t overthink. Tie your answer to traits or values that show why you’re a great fit. It’s not about the what—it’s about the why.
Also- LEARN about the company you're applying to. At least know the very basics!
I answered "Mr. Mom." It’s a fun, upbeat song, which fits my personality. But more importantly, I tied it to something deeper: “The character in the song does whatever it takes to support his family, showing grit and determination. That’s the kind of attitude I bring to work.”
For unusual questions, don’t overthink. Tie your answer to traits or values that show why you’re a great fit. It’s not about the what—it’s about the why.
Also- LEARN about the company you're applying to. At least know the very basics!
Kalkidan Gebray
Pharmacist
20
Answers
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Updated
Kalkidan’s Answer
Here's a version of some typical interview questions you might encounter:
1. Could you share a little about yourself?
2. Can you tell me about your strengths and your areas for improvement?
3. What makes this position appealing to you?
4. What information do you have about our organization?
5. What aspects of this role pique your interest?
6. Could you describe your perfect work setting?
Remember, if given the chance, don't hesitate to ask the interviewer some questions of your own. Always maintain honesty and confidence! Some questions you might consider are:
1. What possibilities for growth and advancement does this position offer?
2. When might I anticipate hearing back from you?
1. Could you share a little about yourself?
2. Can you tell me about your strengths and your areas for improvement?
3. What makes this position appealing to you?
4. What information do you have about our organization?
5. What aspects of this role pique your interest?
6. Could you describe your perfect work setting?
Remember, if given the chance, don't hesitate to ask the interviewer some questions of your own. Always maintain honesty and confidence! Some questions you might consider are:
1. What possibilities for growth and advancement does this position offer?
2. When might I anticipate hearing back from you?
Senthil Kumar Narayanasamy
1
Answer
Updated
Senthil Kumar’s Answer
I would encourage you to enjoy this interviewing process. It is essential to prepare ourselves and anticipate questions. Please prepare for both role-specific and behavioral questions.
The role specific questions are asked to assess the technical skills, knowledge, and ability to perform the job. One of the popular methods is the STAR method that stands for Situation, Task, Action, Result. Structure your answers to problem-solving or past experience questions.
1. Make a note of the challenges you have experienced
2. Prepare well a project or task you have done exceptionally well. Articulate that confidently. Preparation makes us confident.
3. Make a note of how you have managed deadlines
4. How proficient you are in specific skills. Learn to explain that well
Behavioral Questions
1. Sit down, think about the time when you had to deal with a difficult team member or colleague. How you handled it. Make a note of them
2. Prepare to describe a situation where you went above and beyond your job responsibilities
3. Be ready to share an instance where you failed at something and what you learned from it
The interview is important. However, what we become through this process is more important. Hence, I would strongly recommend you to be honest, but frame challenges or failures as opportunities for growth.
The role specific questions are asked to assess the technical skills, knowledge, and ability to perform the job. One of the popular methods is the STAR method that stands for Situation, Task, Action, Result. Structure your answers to problem-solving or past experience questions.
1. Make a note of the challenges you have experienced
2. Prepare well a project or task you have done exceptionally well. Articulate that confidently. Preparation makes us confident.
3. Make a note of how you have managed deadlines
4. How proficient you are in specific skills. Learn to explain that well
Behavioral Questions
1. Sit down, think about the time when you had to deal with a difficult team member or colleague. How you handled it. Make a note of them
2. Prepare to describe a situation where you went above and beyond your job responsibilities
3. Be ready to share an instance where you failed at something and what you learned from it
The interview is important. However, what we become through this process is more important. Hence, I would strongly recommend you to be honest, but frame challenges or failures as opportunities for growth.
Michael Creamer
Sr Director Engineering
5
Answers
Northborough, Massachusetts
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Remember that your answers need to be answered in a STAR format (Situation, Task, Action Result), and talks about what you actually did at a point in your career, not something that you would do in a situation would it arise. Try and be as brief and concise as possible, without rambling. It really helps to practice in advance and think about 3-4 projects that you have worked on in school or your internship. If you can think about those 3-4 topics and really flush them out, there is no question that can be asked that you won't be able to give an answer for.
Some example questions:
"Please describe why you are interested in a role at XXXXX."
"Describe a time when you built partnerships with teammates, colleagues, or classmates that each had different personal styles. How did you approach building these relationships?"
Some example questions:
"Please describe why you are interested in a role at XXXXX."
"Describe a time when you built partnerships with teammates, colleagues, or classmates that each had different personal styles. How did you approach building these relationships?"
Aidan Chranko
Audit
2
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Aidan’s Answer
Hi, this is a great question, and a really important one! Interviews can obviously range widely in terms of the questions that could be asked, but from my experience, you don't need to feel like you have to know every single question that is going to be thrown at you. Personally, my interview preparation is usually very general, and I try to round up all of the experiences I have had that I think I am comfortable talking about and fitting to a variety of different questions (Aim for 6-7 different experiences). Then, you can look up "behavioral interview questions" on Google, and with one of those lists, try to go through and match the questions to one of your experience you came up with. This will be good practice for thinking on the spot and also seeing how your experience can fit to a variety of types of questions. Also, be sure to generally research the company and your interviewers if possible, have some good questions prepared, and truly understand why you want to work at that company in that specific role. Best of luck!