Sample Interview Questions with Suggested Ways of Answering
Q. Tell me about yourself.
A. This is the dreaded, classic, open-ended interview question and likely to be among the first. It's
your chance to introduce your qualifications, good work habits, etc. Keep it mostly work and
career related.
Q. Why do you want to leave your current job? (Why did you leave your last job?)
A. Be careful with this. Avoid trashing other employers and making statements like, "I need more
money." Instead, make generic statements such as, "It's a career move."
Q. What are your strengths?
A. Point out your positive attributes related to the job.
Q. What are your weaknesses?
A. Everybody has weaknesses, but don't spend too much time on this one and keep it work related.
Along with a minor weakness or two, try to point out a couple of weaknesses that the interviewer
might see as strengths, such as sometimes being a little too meticulous about the quality of your
work. (Avoid saying "I work too hard." It's a predictable, common answer.) For every weakness,
offer a strength that compensates for it.
Q. Which adjectives would you use to describe yourself?
A. Answer with positive, work-oriented adjectives, such as conscientious, hard-working, honest and
courteous, plus a brief description or example of why each fits you well.
Q. What do you know about our company?
A. To answer this one, research the company before you interview.
Q. Why do you want to work for us?
A. Same as above. Research the company before you interview. Avoid the predictable, such as,
"Because it's a great company." Say why you think it's a great company.
Q. Why should I hire you?
A. Point out your positive attributes related to the job, and the good job you've done in the past.
Include any compliments you've received from management.
Q. What past accomplishments gave you satisfaction?
A. Briefly describe one to three work projects that made you proud or earned you pats on the back,
promotions, raises, etc. Focus more on achievement than reward.
Q. What makes you want to work hard?
A. Naturally, material rewards such as perks, salary and benefits come into play. But again, focus
more on achievement and the satisfaction you derive from it.
Q. What type of work environment do you like best?
A. Tailor your answer to the job. For example, if in doing your job you're required to lock the lab
doors and work alone, then indicate that you enjoy being a team player when needed, but also