Common Interview Questions

When you land a job interview, the excitement can wear off quickly as you begin thinking about the questions you’ll get asked. Thankfully, Jobzing.com has compiled some hints as to what you could be brought up, as well as the answers your interviewer might like to hear.

Common Job Interview Questions

Q: Describe yourself

Give a short rundown including your job titles, total work experience, and educational background. What’s most recent is most relevant, so begin with your current position.

Sample answer- I’ve been in the industry for about five years, most recently as a Senior Analyst. I began as a Junior Programmer after I finished undergrad and worked my way up to overseeing a team of twelve.

Q: Tell me about your educational background?

Be specific and to the point. Discuss your degree and any specialized certifications you might have that relate to the job you are being interviewed for.

Sample answer- I graduated from Cal-Berkeley with a bachelor’s degree in Structural Engineering. After two years in the field, I worked towards a masters degree from Duke University and achieved a LEED certification for sustainable construction and design.

Q: What do you know about the organization?

Spend some time doing research on the internet before your interview and highlight specific projects that caught your interest, if possible.

Sample answer- The company was founded twelve years ago by two brothers and has grown to include over 100 employees today. I was particularly impressed by their work with the city to improve local schools during time-compressed windows.

Q: How would you approach this job?

This is an opportunity to discuss your strengths and what you would bring to the organization. Be sure to phrase your answer in a way that makes it sound like you will add to the existing culture instead of making it run your way.

Sample answer- My first goal will be to get accustomed to the environment quickly, so I’ll set out to understand the supervisor’s vision for the position, what the needs are, and then use my internal drive to hit the ground running.

Q: What are your weaknesses?

Share something that might be turned into a positive with a little bit of direction from the kind of experienced supervisors the company will provide.

Sample answer- I can get wrapped up in my work a bit. When I get locked in on a project, I have a hard time thinking about anything else.

Q: What are your salary expectations for this job?

This is another area your research can come in to play. Be sure to highlight the most important factor – job satisfaction – but have an understanding of what to expect industry-wide, as well as special considerations that might affect the company’s ability to provide compensation.

Sample answer- I am aware of the salary range for others in similar positions at private companies, but I know the organization’s not-for-profit status will make it difficult to match that number. I’m interested in doing something with a bit more meaning, so I am somewhat open.

Q: What are the projects you have ever undertaken?

Provide concrete examples of your work, but be careful to avoid inflating your role. A simple phone call will help them discover the truth.

Sample answer- I worked as a lead engineer on the foundation and lower ten floors of the Prudential building earthquake safety update, which came after several roles supervising the reconstruction of smaller buildings. When I began, I was a junior engineer on the seating areas for the football stadium outside of town.

Q: What do you do in your free time?

This is an opportunity to show off your personality, something every company will want to know about. Focus on one specific hobby, but mention other interests.

Sample answer- I read a lot and love finding new music. I’m also a marathoner, so I run almost every day and am looking forward to qualifying for Boston someday.

Q: Do you have any questions?
It may sound odd, but your interviewer might dismiss you immediately if you are unable to come up with anything. This is a chance for you to display how serious you are about the position and your future in the company.

Sample answer- What sort of growth potential is there in this position? Do you have mentoring programs for younger workers to connect with executives?

Q: Why do you want to work with this organization?

Having done your research, you will know enough about the company to formulate a solid answer. What interests you about the projects they take on? Lay out more detail about what impresses you, but avoid the temptation to gush about their history – you’ll look like you’re trying too hard.

Sample answer- I am drawn to the reputation the company has developed as a leader in “green” design and construction. The consideration shown in recent projects, as well as the innovative solutions created, makes it seem as though the organization is on the cutting edge. I want to be a part of that.

Q: Where do you see yourself five years down the line?

Be straightforward, but keep from coming across as arrogant. At the same time, don’t be too modest, it will appear you have small goals.

Sample answer- I want to grow personally by learning new things and applying fresh ideas to my work. From a professional standpoint, I’d like to be on a track towards an upper-level management position, perhaps overseeing a team for long-term projects.

Q: Rate yourself on a scale of 10.

Much like a discussion of your strengths and weaknesses, this provides the human resources representative an opportunity to see where you evaluate yourself. Usually, you’ll have a go through a series of characteristics, like integrity, and be asked to give an honest appraisal of each one.

Sample answer- I value integrity very much, so I make every effort to be a “10” in the way I work and communicate with others. Like everybody, I come up short from time to time, which makes me think 9 is a fair assessment.

Q: Are you willing to travel?

This question can be tough to answer, because you’ll want to know how much travel is involved. If you have small children, for example, spending 50% of your time on the road might be problematic. Ask the interviewer if they have a percentage in mind, then answer honestly.

Sample answer- I’m young and have no responsibilities that tie me to one location. My only concern is that I do run marathons from time to time, so travelling more than 75% of the time might cause some issues in work-life balance.

Q: Do you prefer to work alone, or do you work better in groups?

Though it may seem like a trick question – it’s tough to be alone in an office, right? – be sure to tell the interviewer exactly what you think. Share good reasons why you like one, but don’t completely discount the other.

Sample answer- I am comfortable either way. I prefer groups because I think they foster a wider range of ideas. In my experience, there are certain projects that lend themselves to one style over the other. When it’s set up to be more of a solo job, I still want the ability to bounce ideas off co-workers if I get stuck.