Common Interview Questions

Common interview questions

Improve interviews by practicing answers to common questions in mock interviews.

Have a job interview coming up? Prepare yourself by preparing answers to these common interview questions. Many American Job Centers offer interview classes and will schedule mock interviews on request. Find your nearest American Job Center to see if they offer interviewing workshops.

Tell me about yourself.
Why are you interested in working for this company?
Tell me about your education.
Why have you chosen this particular field?
Describe your best/worst boss.
In a job, what interests you most/least?
What is your major weakness?
Give an example of how you solved a problem in the past.
What are your strengths?
How do others describe you?
What do you consider your best accomplishment in your last job?
Where do you see yourself in three years?
Think about something you consider a failure in your life, and tell me why you think it happened.
How do you think you will fit into this operation?
If you were hired, what ideas/talents could you contribute to the position or our company?
Give an example where you showed leadership and initiative.
Give an example of when you were able to contribute to a team project.
What have you done to develop or change in the last few years?
Do you have any questions for me?

Questions to ask the employer

Most interviewers will ask if you have any questions at the end of a job interview. It's helpful to prepare yourself ahead of time by having some questions in mind.

What are the responsibilities and accountabilities of this position?
How well is the position defined?
Can its duties be expanded?
Please describe an average day on this job.
What is the history of the position?
Why is it vacant?
What aspects of this job would you like to see performed better?
What are the key challenges or problems of this position?
Where can I go from here, assuming that I meet/exceed the job responsibilities?
How would you describe the ideal candidate?
What are the employer's short- and long-range objectives?
What are some outside influences that affect company growth?
Where does the company excel? What are its limitations?
When and how will I be evaluated?
What are the performance standards?
With whom would I be working?
Who would be my supervisor?
Who would I supervise?
What is the department's environment like?
When will you make the hiring decision?
May I call you for the decision?
When is a good time?

Illegal questions

There are some questions that employers arenotlegally allowed to ask you. You don't have to answer the following questions in an interview.

What is or was your spouse's name or line of work?
Have you ever filed a Workers' Compensation claim or been injured on the job?
Do you have any physical conditions that would prevent you from performing the job?
Have you ever been arrested?
What is your hair/eye color?
What is your height/weight?
Have you ever been hospitalized?
Have you ever been treated by a psychiatrist or psychologist?
How many days were you absent from work because of illness last year?
Are you taking any prescribed drugs?
Have you ever been treated for drug addiction or alcoholism?

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Common Interview Questions:

"Tell me about yourself."
- This is an open-ended question to gauge your communication skills and your ability to summarize your professional background.
"Why are you interested in working for this company?"
- Requires understanding the company's values, culture, and how your skills align with their goals.
"Describe your best/worst boss."
- Tests your ability to diplomatically discuss past experiences and what you value in a work environment.
"What are your strengths/weaknesses?"
- Showcases self-awareness, acknowledging strengths while addressing areas of improvement.
"Where do you see yourself in three years?"
- Assesses your career aspirations and if they align with the company's trajectory.
"Tell me about a problem you solved in the past."
- Highlights your problem-solving abilities and past experiences.
"Give an example where you showed leadership and initiative."
- Demonstrates your leadership qualities and proactive nature.
"What do you consider your best accomplishment in your last job?"
- Exhibits your achievements and contributions in your previous role.

Questions to Ask the Employer:

Clarification about the Position:
- Responsibilities, typical day, history, and opportunities for growth within the role.
Expectations and Challenges:
- Understanding what the employer expects, challenges in the role, and room for improvement.
Company's Objectives and Environment:
- Inquiring about the company's goals, limitations, evaluation criteria, and company culture.

Illegal Interview Questions:

These questions are prohibited as they touch on personal, discriminatory, or potentially biased aspects unrelated to job qualifications. You have the right not to answer them during an interview.

This comprehensive breakdown covers the essence of preparing for job interviews, effectively answering questions, and understanding the legal boundaries of inquiries during an interview process. If you need further insights or strategies on specific aspects, feel free to ask!