Common Interview Questions

Work Experience

  • Describe your job-related skills and experiences and how they relate to this position.
  • What have you enjoyed most about previous jobs? Enjoyed least?
  • What did you learn in previous jobs that will help you in this job?
  • What were your responsibilities in your previous positions?
  • How would previous supervisors describe you?
  • Why did you leave your last job (or why are you leaving your present job?)
  • Tell me about a work situation that really challenged you. How did you meet the challenge?
  • Can you explain this gap in your work experience? (If applicable)

The Job, the Employer, and the Industry

  • What do you know about our company? (Look at the “Employer Research” section for tips on how to prepare for this question)
  • Why do you want to work for us?
  • Why should I hire you?
  • What do you know about this industry?
  • How do you keep current on trends in this industry?

Behavioral-Based Interview Questions

Behavioral-based questions are those that require you to describe a specific situation that occurred in the past and how you handled it. Look at the “Answering Behavioral-Based Questions” section for tips on how to answer these.

  • Tell me about a work situation that really challenged you. How did you meet the challenge?
  • Describe a time you had to deal with conflict in a group situation.
  • Give me an example of your ability to manage or supervise others.
  • Describe a situation in which you had to handle an upset customer or co-worker.
  • Give me an example of a time you showed initiative. 
  • Tell me about a difficult decision you had to make at work. 
  • Give us an example of a time in which you worked under deadline pressure. 
  • Describe a time when you disagreed with your supervisor. How did you handle it?