50 Questions Companies Frequently Ask

Most questions can be slotted into one of three categories. They are: 

Questions that show you can do the job. These relate to skills, education and
experience. 

Examples: Why should I hire you? Why do you want to work here? Which subject
in school did you like best and why? 

Questions that show you will do the job. These relate to positive work attitudes; ability to
cope, and motivation for success.

Examples: What would you like to accomplish in the next 10 years? What is it that
you want to do? Why did you major in …?

Questions that show you can get along with others. These relate to interpersonal
relationships, focus, flexibility and personality.

Examples: Can you describe an ideal working place in terms of your co-workers?

If I called your former adviser, how do you think you would be described? What
three people in public life do you admire most? 

50 Most Common Questions:The following is a list of typical questions which may be asked. Do not memorize
answers. Interviewers do not look for specific answers to particular questions. They are
interested in how you respond and qualities projected via responses. There are no “right”
answers.

1. What are your long-range and short-range goals and objectives, when and
   why did you establish these goals, and how are you prepared to achieve them?
2. What specific goals, other than those related to your occupation, do you have for the next ten years?
3. What do you see yourself doing five years from now?
4. What do you really want to do in life?
5. What are your long-range career objectives?
6. How do you plan to achieve your career goals?
7. What are the most important rewards you expect in your career?
8. What do you expect to be earning in five years?
9. Why did you choose the career for which you are preparing?

10. Which is more important to you, the money or the type of job?
11. What do you consider to be your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
12. How would you describe yourself?
13. How do you think a friend or professor who knows you well would describe you?
14. What motivates you to put forth the greatest effort?
15. How has your education prepared you for a career?
16. Why should I hire you?
17. What qualifications do you have that make you think you will be successful?
18. How do you determine or evaluate success?
19. What do you think it takes to be successful in a company like ours?
20. In what ways do you think you can make a contribution to our company?
21. What qualities should a successful manager possess?
22. Describe the relationship that should exist between a supervisor and subordinates.
23. What two or three accomplishments have given you the most satisfaction? Why?
24. Describe your most rewarding college experience.
25. If you were hiring a graduate for this position, what qualities would you look for?
26. Why did you select your college or university?
27. What led you to choose your field or major study?
28. What academic subjects did you like best? Least?
29. Do you enjoy doing independent research?
30. If you could do so, would you plan your academic study differently?
31. What changes would you make in your college or university?
32. Do you think that your grades are a good indication of your academic achievement?
33. What have you learned from participation in extracurricular activities?
34. Do you have plans for continued study? Graduate students: Why did you pursue an advanced degree?
35. In what kind of work environment are you most comfortable?
36. How do you work under pressure?
37. In what part-time or summer job have you been most interested? Why?
38. How would you describe the ideal job for you following graduation?
39. Why did you decide to seek a position with this company?
40. What do you know about our company?
41. What two or three things are most important to you in your job?
42. Are you seeking employment in a company of a certain size? Why? 

43. What criteria are you using to evaluate the company for which you hope to work?
44. Do you have a geographic preference?
45. Will you relocate? Does relocation bother you?
46. Are you willing to travel?
47. Are you willing to spend at least six months as a trainee?
48. Why do you think you might like to live in the community in which our company is located?
49. What major problem have you encountered and how did you deal with it?
50. What have you learned from your mistakes?

Other Possible Questions:

1. Tell me about yourself.
2. What do you know about the position I’m interviewing you for?
3. What did you learn in your last three positions?
4. Do you like your job? Why?
5. During your career, which position did you like best?
6. Why do you want to change careers?
7. Have you any supervisory or administrative experience? Please tell me about it.
8. What is your management style?
9. How are your people-management skills? Give me one or two examples.
10. How well do you communicate in writing and orally? Give me some examples of this.
11. Can you meet deadlines? If so, give me an example.
12. Give me an example of a decision you made that benefited your company.
13. What would the people who work with you say about you?
14. What motivates you?
15. What are your hobbies?
16. What do you do in your spare time?
17. Are you willing to travel for this position?
18. If your career demanded it, would you be willing to relocate for advancement?
19. What are your salary requirements?
20. What would your boss say about you?