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Interview Questions And Answers

Too many job seekers stumble through interviews as if the questions asked are coming out of left field. But many interview questions are to be expected. Need some job interview tips? Monster has you covered. Study this list of popular and frequently asked interview questions and answers ahead of time so you’ll be ready to answer them with confidence.

1. What Are Your Weaknesses?

“What are your weaknesses” is one of the most popular questions interviewers ask. It is also the most dreaded question of all. Handle it by minimizing your weakness and emphasizing your strengths. Stay away from personal qualities and concentrate on professional traits: “I am always working on improving my communication skills to be a more effective presenter. I recently joined Toastmasters, which I find very helpful.”

2. Why Should We Hire You?

Answer “Why should we hire you?” by summarizing your experiences: “With five years’ experience working in the financial industry and my proven record of saving the company money, I could make a big difference in your company. I’m confident I would be a great addition to your team.”

3. Why Do You Want to Work Here?

Many interview questions and answers seek to evaluate whether or not a job is a good fit for a candidate. By asking you, “Why do you want to work here?” the interviewer is listening for an answer that indicates you’ve given this some thought and are not sending out resumes just because there is an opening. For example, “I’ve selected key companies whose mission statements are in line with my values, where I know I could be excited about what the company does, and this company is very high on my list of desirable choices.”

4. What Are Your Goals?

When you’re asked, “What are your goals?” sometimes it’s best to talk about short-term and intermediate goals rather than locking yourself into the distant future. For example, “My immediate goal is to get a job in a growth-oriented company. My long-term goal will depend on where the company goes. I hope to eventually grow into a position of responsibility.”

5. Why Did You Leave (or Why Are You Leaving) Your Job?

One of the most critical job interview tips: Don’t badmouth a former employer. So if an interviewer asks, “Why did you leave (or why are you leaving) your job?” and you’re unemployed, state your reason for leaving in a positive context: “I managed to survive two rounds of corporate downsizing, but the third round was a 20% reduction in the workforce, which included me.”

If you are employed, focus on what you want in your next job: “After two years, I made the decision to look for a company that is team-focused, where I can add my experience.”

6. When Were You Most Satisfied in Your Job?

The interviewer who asks, “When were you most satisfied in your job?” wants to know what motivates you. If you can relate an example of a job or project when you were excited, the interviewer will get an idea of your preferences. “I was very satisfied in my last job, because I worked directly with the customers and their problems; that is an important part of the job for me.”

7. What Can You Do for Us That Other Candidates Can’t?

Emphasize what makes you unique when you’re asked, “What can you do for us that other candidates can’t?” This will take an assessment of your experiences, skills and traits. Summarize concisely: “I have a unique combination of strong technical skills, and the ability to build strong customer relationships. This allows me to use my knowledge and break down information to be more user-friendly.”

8. What Are Three Positive Things Your Last Boss Would Say About You?

It’s time to pull out your old performance appraisals and boss’s quotes to answer the question, “What are three positive things your last boss would say about you?”. This is a great way to brag about yourself through someone else’s words: “My boss has told me that I am the best designer he has ever had. He knows he can rely on me, and he likes my sense of humor.”

9. What Salary Are You Seeking?

When you’re asked, “What salary are you seeking?” it is to your advantage if the employer tells you the range first. Prepare by knowing the going rate in your area, and your bottom line or walk-away point. One possible answer would be: “I am sure when the time comes, we can agree on a reasonable amount. In what range do you typically pay someone with my background?”

10. If You Were an Animal, Which One Would You Want to Be?

Don’t be alarmed if you’re asked weird interview questions. Interviewers use this type of psychological question to see if you can think quickly. If you answer “a bunny,” you will make a soft, passive impression. If you answer “a lion,” you will be seen as aggressive. What type of personality would it take to get the job done? What impression do you want to make?

Go Beyond the Common Interview Questions

Yes, the job search is intimidating, but reviewing interview questions and answers in advance is one way to calm your nerves and boost your confidence. Are you looking for more ways to stand apart from the competition? Set up a free profile with Monster and we can send you career advice, workplace insights, and more job interview tips directly to your inbox. It’s a quick and easy way to stay one step ahead.

34 sample questions to ask during a full-time job interview

We know that a job interview is an opportunity for an employer to learn more about you. But it’s also your opportunity to learn more about the role, team, company culture, and more—so you can make an informed decision about the job. 

So, after you’ve brushed up on common interview questions, and the types of interviews, be sure to prepare some thoughtful questions to bring. Your interviewer will ask if you have any questions, and they’ll expect a few from enthusiastic candidates. 

Plan to prepare 3-5 questions ahead of time, as some may be answered during your interview. You may also think of new ones during your conversation. Below are some examples to get you started.

Learn more about the role 

These questions are good to ask the hiring manager.

• Can you describe a typical day for the person in this role?
• What are some of the first projects the person in this role will work on?
• What skills or qualities do you think are most important to succeed in this role? At this company?
• What do you think are some challenges that the person in this role will face?

Learn about the employer

Familiarize yourself with the employer before your interview by reading their Handshake page, company website, and searching for recent news online. Avoid asking questions about things that are readily available online, and show the interviewer that you’ve done your homework.

• What are the most important company values?
• What are the biggest goals for the company? 
• How does this team/role contribute to the company goals?
• What excites you most about the company’s future?

Learn about the team you would join

• Can you tell me more about the team? My manager?
• How would you describe your management style? (If you’re meeting with the person you’d report to)
• Who will I work closely with?
• Do you plan to hire more people for this team in the near future?
• Which other teams work closely with this one?

Learn about the interviewer’s experience

• How long have you worked here? Have you had any other roles?
• Has your role changed since you’ve been here?
• Why did you come to this company?
• What is your favorite part about your job? This company?

Learn about professional development

These questions can be asked of the recruiter or hiring manager.

• Are there training programs available to employees?
• What professional development opportunities are available to employees?

These questions are good to ask the hiring manager.

• What are the advancement opportunities for this role?
• Have employees previously in this role advanced in the company? What kinds of roles do they have now?

Learn about performance evaluation

These questions are good to ask the hiring manager.

• What do you want the person in this role to accomplish in the first six months? Year?
• How do you measure success in this role?
• What is the performance review process like? 
• What metrics or goals are used to evaluate this role?

Learn about company culture

• What is the company and team culture like?
• Are there employee resource groups?
• How would you describe the work environment for the team/company?
• What kind of team/company events do you have?
• What is something unique that you like about the company?
• Has the company changed since you’ve joined? How?

Finally, learn next steps before you leave

• What are the next steps in the interview process?
• Is there anything else I can give you that would be helpful in making a decision?
• Can I answer any final questions for you?

Want to practice your interview skills? Contact your school’s career center and ask if you can schedule a mock interview.

Log into Handshake now to start looking for full time jobs!

Find the right jobs for you. Get hired.

20 questions you might be asked at an interview

Some companies like to ask you what your ideal job is like. In others, why manhole covers are round and not square. Some employers consider standard interview questions useless and improvise, while others carefully consider each next step. We’ve put together 20 questions you’re likely to be asked during an interview.

Different questions serve different purposes. But most often, employers ask quite expected things related to the personality of the candidate, his professional level, career ambitions, understanding of the work mission, position fit.

1. “Tell me about yourself.”

You will be asked to do so, so be prepared to share the highlights of your work bio. Use the simple formula “present-past-future”. First, talk about who you are at the moment, what you do, what you can do. Then talk about what brought you to where you are today: a combination of skills and experience. At the end, talk about your plans and prospects.

2. “Name your strengths.”

It is important here not only to list your best qualities, but also to give an example of how they helped you achieve certain goals and success in your work.

3. “Name your weaknesses.”

Position your weaknesses as points of growth: tell us about how you plan to work on the shortcomings that you have already managed to fix.

4. “Why do you want to work with us?”

Here you can demonstrate the degree of preparation for the interview, the level of knowledge about the company, and interest in the job. If you can’t find enough information, feel free to ask your employer questions.

5. “Why did you leave your previous job?”

It is not necessary to be frank here. If your relationship with management did not go well or you just got bored, the employer will be wary.

Answer in a positive way

: You would like to see more variety in the work, or the ideal boss, in your opinion, does not bother you after hours.

6. “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?”

Do not try

be accurate in forecasts: here the employer is interested in your train of thought and direction of dreams.

7. “What are your

salary expectations

? Be prepared for the fact that after that you will be asked about the salary in the last place.

8. “What do you plan to do in the first month/quarter of your job if you get this job?”

It’s not scary that you don’t know the intricacies yet, the main thing is to demonstrate an active attitude, a willingness to join the process.

9. Tell us about your achievements in the previous place

.

10. Tell us about your biggest failure.

11. Do you have children?

12. How long have you been looking for a job? Are there other offers that interest you?

13. What exactly did you do at your previous job?

14. How do you feel about overtime?

15. What is your latest major project?

16. Why should we choose you for this job? How are you different from other candidates?

17. Why did you choose this major/university?

18. How do you spend your free time?

19. Do you have bad habits?

20. What problems do you most often have to solve in your work?

If you already know which company you want to work for, but do not find a suitable vacancy for you, send the message to the employer “I want to work for you!”. It will fall into a special folder, and the employer will know about your candidacy.

I want to work for you!

How to prepare for an interview: the applicant’s cheat sheet – Work.ua

The applicant must understand that the further development of events depends on how he shows himself to the employer at the first meeting.

A coveted position can easily slip out of your hands due to the slightest slips.

The first impression you make on someone is the most important. Remember to look the other person straight in the eye, smile, shake hands firmly, and speak confidently. Try to remember the person’s name, and if you have the opportunity to use it during the first five minutes of the conversation, do it! This will help you remember it better, and your interlocutor will be flattered.

1. Analysis of your future position

Write down all the duties and information you know about the position and thoroughly study them (this information can be obtained from the job description). Ask yourself:

• Do I really understand what is required of the person in this position?
• What is the purpose of this position?
• How can these goals be achieved?

If there are aspects of the job that you do not understand, make up questions that you can ask later in the interview.

It is very important to try to analyze this position in order to determine what your personal and professional qualities, your experience confirms that your qualifications correspond to it.

2. Assess yourself

Consider the answers to the following questions:

• What are your strategic career goals?
• Are they consistent with the objectives of your future position?
• Why are you interested in this position and this company?
• Can you prove that you are qualified for this position?
• What personal and professional qualities make you suitable for this position?
• Do you really need this job?
• Why should the company hire you?

3. Research information about the company

You need to collect as much information as possible about the company and its business. This will help you:

• decide if you want to work for such a company.
• be prepared for specific questions you may be asked.
• to impress with knowledge of the company (and this indicates that you are really interested in this position).

4. Prepare answers to possible questions and rehearse answers with your friends

Use specific examples, numbers, not general phrases!

What the employer expects from you

It is useful to know what a company representative expects to hear when interviewing a job candidate. Your answers will help him decide on your hiring.

Categories of interview questions HR asks:

• Will this person become an effective representative of our company?
• Will he look professional and serious?
• Will he be able to easily contact people, win over clients, make them want to work with us?
• Can this person do the job? Does he have relevant experience and knowledge?
• Would I enjoy working with this person?
• Will he get along with the rest of the staff?
• How much does he want to get this job?
• Is he as hardworking as he wants to show now?
• Will it last long enough for us to be of real use?
• Is this person capable of taking responsibility for our organization?
• Can he be an example for other employees?
• Is this person able to cope with a stressful situation?
• How would he behave in difficult circumstances?

On the day of the interview

Wishes for clothes for the interview. Wear quality business attire that you feel comfortable in! A strict business suit will not help you if you feel uncomfortable in it. Not in vain! A proverb lives in the people from time immemorial! Meet by clothes, see off by mind! The first impression you make on an employer is very important.

• Schedule your time to arrive at the company 10-15 minutes before the interview. You will have time to clean up, look around and relax.
  A smile and a confident handshake will be a great start to your acquaintance with a company representative.
• Bring a pen and notepad with you to take notes during the interview and write down the answers to your questions.
• Ask the interviewer questions (prepared at home) to clarify any unclear aspects of the position.
• Remember that issues such as salary and other benefits are usually discussed after an official job offer.
• Show that you want this job. If you get a job offer, welcome it with enthusiasm.
• Do not try to find out from the interviewer what he thinks of you. This will put him in an awkward position. You can say you want this job and ask what needs to be done to get it.
• Do not pressure the company representative to make a decision as soon as possible. You should ask the company representative when you can find out about his decision. But don’t try to use “I have other job offers” that irritates the interviewer and suggests that you are not very interested in getting the job.
• When discussing previous jobs, do not criticize your former boss and colleagues.
• Do not discuss your personal and financial problems unless you are specifically asked to.
• Avoid the word “WE”. When you describe what you did at work, say “I”.
• Don’t be afraid to sell yourself. You don’t have to be aggressive, but you need to convince the company representative that you are the right person for the job.

When the interview comes to an end, it is very important to leave a positive impression of yourself. Thank the interlocutor for his time, say that it was very interesting and pleasant for you to meet him and you hope to meet again, thereby expressing your interest in the work. Shake your partner’s hand firmly and smile as you say goodbye.

Interview. First Impression

The first impression you make on someone is the most important. Remember to look the other person straight in the eye, smile, shake hands firmly, and speak confidently. Try to remember the person’s name, and if you have the opportunity to use it during the first five minutes of the conversation, do it! This will help you remember it better, and your interlocutor will be flattered.

If you are going to an interview or an important meeting, then prepare for them in advance and responsibly. And no matter how nervous you are, try to look confident, like a person who knows what he wants to achieve in life.

Clothes “For success”

Employers’ opinion polls showed that at the first meeting with a future employee, 70% of them pay attention to clothes, and about 80% emphasized the importance of the style and condition of shoes.

Dress in a classic style and always have clean, polished shoes at all times. If you are in doubt about the choice of clothes, then it is always better to prefer a suit, a plain light-colored shirt and a tie – for men. A suit and a plain blouse are for women.

85% of job seekers are sure that employers choose people who look good in interviews, but this does not mean beautiful people, but people who can take care of themselves and their appearance.

Sign language

Your behavior says a lot about you before you open your mouth. You need to make sure that your gestures confirm that you are interested, take the job offer seriously and are ready to start it at any moment. Don’t fiddle with your hair, clothes, etc., cross your arms (this creates a subconscious barrier), and sit lounging in a chair instead of sitting up straight. Don’t bring your hand to your mouth or mutter under your breath.
Try to maintain eye contact with your interlocutor.

Clean, shiny and well combed hair always creates the right impression.