Commonly Asked Interview Questions

1. What can you tell me about yourself?

Don't give the interviewer your life history. Instead, specify how your related past work experiences and skills relate to the position. Writing your Two-Minute Presentation will assist you in quickly discussing your most relevant qualifications.

2. What are your major strengths?

The interviewer is looking for you to emphasize your skills and best qualities. Provide examples of how you have displayed these skills in prior work or school experiences.

3. What are your major weaknesses?

This question can be challenging for many job seekers to answer. The interviewer wants to know that you are aware of your weak points and in what ways you are working to overcome them. A helpful hint would be to articulate a weakness that is also a strength.

4. What are your short/long-term goals?

The interviewer wants to see that you have considered plans for your future and that you can specifically identify them. Remember to outline your career objectives before the interview!

5. How has your educational background prepared you for this job?

Your answer should clarify the connection between your academic preparation and this position. Just like with work experiences, you should provide examples about your educational experiences that demonstrate your relevant skills, qualities and experiences.

6. What do you know about our organization?

You need to do homework on the organization before the interview to learn the mission, current initiatives, and overall goals. Being able to discuss the organization demonstrates your initiative and interest in the position.

7. What questions do you have for me?

Prepare 3-5 questions to ask the employer at the conclusion of the interview. Ask strong, probing questions that show that you have studied the company and are sincerely interested in working for that organization. It is appropriate to type or write these questions down ahead of time and use them as a reference tool during the interview.

You can find additional interview questions in the Interviewing Resource Sheet (pdf). Also see interview questions by industry