Top Ten Interview Questions

Why are you looking for a job?

What They Want to Know: Of course, everyone wants to make money at a job, but the reasons you should share with a potential employer should reflect your interest in the field, or in helping to develop your skill set.

My favorite hobby is baking for my family and friends. I’m hoping to gain restaurant experience in order to decide if I have what it takes to go to culinary school and become a pastry chef.

Why are you interested in working for our company?

What They Want to Know: Employers ask this question to gauge your interest in the field, and to see if you have done your research. Make sure you check out the company’s website at the very least and familiarize yourself with what the company does, what the work and the work culture are like, and what’s important to them.

I am studying to become a LEEDS-certified architect at the University of ABC, and so I’d really like to get some “hands’ on” experience at a leading “green” construction firm so that, when the time comes, I’ll be able to collaborate well with construction managers, general contractors, and sub-contractors.

How has school prepared you for working at our company?

What They Want to Know: Here is your opportunity to talk about the skills you have gained in your education that will make you an ideal candidate for the position.

My best subject in high school is English, which is why I hope to go into digital marketing one day. I’m also a bit of a computer “geek” and know my way around Adobe Creative Cloud – I’ve used Photoshop, InDesign, and Publisher to design the layout of our school newspaper. I believe I have the communications and design skills you’re looking for in your next marketing intern.

Why should we hire you?

What They Want to Know: New hires take time to train, and the company wants to know you are worth it. Let them know about your interest in contributing to the company immediately, and be sure to mention if you think they are a firm you would like to consider when your studies are complete.

My teachers would tell you that I have an excellent work ethic – I have a perfect attendance record, have never been late for class, and am diligent in studying (which is why I’m an honors student). You should hire me because I’m quick off the mark, good at retaining information, and easily adapt to new processes.

What do you think it takes to be successful in this position?

What They Want to Know: The job posting can be very helpful in letting you know how they will want you to answer this question. Let them know about the skills you have that they are looking for.

Front-of-house staff need to be cheerful and focused on their customers’ needs – and I suspect that they also need to be mature enough to resolve any complaints tactfully. I’m an extrovert who loves engaging with others, which is why I was elected President of our student counsel. I’ve also done a lot of volunteer fundraising and event coordination for our school and my church, so I know how to work on teams, build morale, and create positive experiences for people.

How would you describe your ability to work as a team member?

What They Want to Know: There have likely been many times you have worked as a team, on projects, in sports or while volunteering. The interviewer will want to hear a specific example of a time you worked successfully in a team situation.

I’m very active in my high school band, and was chosen to serve as a band officer last year because of my enthusiasm for teamwork and my willingness to support my peers. I’m also first chair of our percussion section, and have led our section to repeated wins at state Solo and Ensemble competitions. I really enjoy coordinating practices and motivating our section members.

What has been your most rewarding accomplishment?

What They Want to Know: You don’t want to brag, but you should share an accomplishment that relates to some of the qualities or experiences required for the job you’re interviewing for.

My biggest success, I think, was being accepted into university and offered a full scholarship based on my good grades and my enthusiastic leadership and participation in high school groups. My family immigrated here when I was in sixth grade, so it was a challenge to learn a new language and adapt to a new society. I’ll be the first of my family to attend college, and am so excited about what my future holds!

What are your salary expectations?

What They Want to Know: With this question, the employer is trying to establish that your expectations are reasonable. As a young worker, the salary you are offered will probably align with an entry-level position. It’s usually best to avoid a specific number unless you know for a fact what the job pays.

I’m happy to negotiate my pay level, since the most important thing I want from this job is solid work experience and – I hope – positive referrals from you eventually. What did you pay the last entry-level person who did this job?

Tell me about a major problem you recently handled.

What They Want to Know: With this question, the interviewer is trying to determine how skilled you are at problem-solving. It’s fine to use an example from school, work, sports or volunteering. Make sure you show a positive resolution.

Our German club had raised the money to attend a convention in Leavenworth, Washington. We could afford our hotel and food, but the school system didn’t have the funding to provide us with a bus. Most of our parents work full-time, and so we weren’t getting enough volunteers for carpool drivers on our sign-up sheet. So I got a list of everyone’s parents and grandparents’ phone numbers and called them to explain our dire need for transportation. I guess I was convincing, because by the end of the day I had more than enough volunteer drivers.

Have you ever had difficulty with a supervisor or teacher?

What They Want to Know: The interviewer will ask this question to determine how you relate to authority. Always answer honestly, but make sure that you have a positive outcome. Remember that the most difficult situations are sometimes the best learning experiences.

I love both playing varsity football and performing with our high school’s marching band. At first my coach and band director told me that I’d have to choose one or the other, since practices sometimes conflicted and there was no time to change at halftime into my band uniform. But I convinced them to compromise with me, since I’m a strong football team member and a first-chair trumpet player. The band director agreed to let me perform in my football uniform, and Coach let me leave football practice early on Tuesdays and Thursdays so I wouldn’t miss practices.