Common Interview Questions

Sample Interview Questions - Best Practices for Recruiters and Employers and Tips for Job Seekers

During the interview process, the questions that employers ask candidates should be organized and focused on the available position, in order to allow employers to clearly evaluate the applicant. This is important, because it is the very first time that the employer gets to interact with applicants face-to-face to find out what they are really like and assess the value that they can bring to the organization.

It is helpful before the interview for employers to prepare a list of questions that they will want to ask their applicants and for those applicants to anticipate which questions will be asked so that they can be properly prepared to answer the recruiter's interview questions. Having a focused list helps employers stay organized during the interview and ensure that they cover important areas of the job qualifications and expectations. When employers conclude the interview, they want to possess all of the information that they will need in order to make an informed decision, so candidates must be able to articulate the answers to the interview questions and the employers must ask the correct questions.

Below is a list of sample interview questions that will help employers find the right applicants and for which those applicants should be prepared to answer honestly, concisely, and fully:

Warm-Up Questions
* How did you hear about the position?
* What compelled you to apply for this position?

Work History
* Can you describe a typical day in your current or previous job?
* What aspects of your work experience have prepared you for this job?
* What was your most important accomplishment thus far in your career?
* How much supervision do you receive in your present or previous job?
* Why are you leaving your present job? (Why did you leave your previous job?)
* What is important to you in a company?

Job Performance
* Do you prefer working independent or in groups?
* What are two areas that you would say you need improvement in?
* What types of pressures have your encountered in your present or previous jobs?
* Can you describe your ability to manage or supervise others?
* What is the most important attribute you are looking for in your next job?
* What did you like and dislike about your previous job?
* What motivates you?

Education
* What was your favorite extracurricular activity in school?
* How has your education or training prepared you for this job?

Career-Goals
* What are your long-term career goals?
* Where do you see yourself in five years?
* How does this job fit in with your career goals?
* What would you like to accomplish if you had this job?

Self-Assessment
* How would your best friend describe you?
* Can you describe a difficult work-related obstacle you faced and how you handled it?
* What characteristics and abilities do you feel are most important to be successful?
* How do you deal with frustration?
* What would your boss say if I asked him what he values most about you?
* How do you make tough decisions?

Written and Oral Skills
* How comfortable are you giving an oral presentation?
* Would you rather write a report or give a presentation? Why?

Leadership
* How would you describe your leadership style?
* What steps do you take in order to have everyone come to an agreement?
* How do you set an example for your employees?
* What type of leader would your employees say you are?
* Can you describe a time when you were able to motivate others to get the desired results?

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