Mock Interview Questions

Questions

Appropriate Responses

Notes

1.            Tell me about yourself.

·               Summarize your work and educational experience as it pertains to the position for which you are applying.

·               List your strengths.

·               Be very concise.

·               Be especially prepared with an answer to this ice-breaking question, no matter how simple it may seem to “tell about yourself.”

2.            What are your qualifications for this job?

List your:

·               Specific job skills

·               Transferable skills

·               Interpersonal skills

·               Written and oral communication skills

·               Software knowledge and level of competence.

3.            Why would you like to work here?

·               Find out about the company before the interview.

·               The employer wants to know if you can speak intelligently about the company.

·               What kind of work do you find rewarding and stimulating? What makes you happy?

·               Can the company offer you that?

4.            Why did you leave your last job and are you eligible for rehire?

·               Speak positively about your previous jobs.

·               If you left a job under negative circumstances, such as a termination, practice what you will say.

·               An employer is trying to find out if you were fired and why.

5.            What did you like or admire most and least about your last supervisor?

·               Speak positively about your previous supervisors.

·               Your answer will reveal how well you work with management and what type of management style you work with effectively.

6.            How would you respond if your boss asked you to complete a job task in a manner with which you did not agree?

·               Would you discuss the subject with your supervisor without being insubordinate?

·               Will you defer to the supervisor’s request as long as it is not morally/ethically wrong?

7.            During performance reviews what areas have most frequently been cited as key strengths and weaknesses?

·               Do you have good, strong characteristics?

·               Are your weaknesses going to be detrimental to the company?

·               Start with your strengths.

·               Make sure your weaknesses are minor and can easily be turned into positives.

8.            Tell me about a time you received constructive criticism and how you handled it?

·               Your answer should detail a specific incident whenever the interviews asks you to “tell about a time when...”

·               Your story should indicate an attitude of openness and responsiveness to correction.

9.            We all make mistakes. How we correct them is more important. Describe a mistake you made on the job and how you fixed it.

·               Can you take responsibility for your actions?

·               Do you do whatever is necessary to correct the mistake?

·               Make sure you only mention a small mistake that didn’t cause much damage.

10.        Do you do your best work as part of a group or by yourself? Why?

·               Are you able to work well in both settings?

·               Emphasize the setting in which you are more likely expected to work.

11.        Do you do your best work under pressure or when not under the pressure of a deadline?

·               Can you work productively in both situations?

·               Can you work under pressure?

·               Can you manage your time effectively without a deadline?

12.        What is your expected salary range?

·               Be broad in your range. Indicate you are willing to negotiate.

·               Be prepared to state what the average wage is for such a position.

·               Know what your skills and abilities are worth.

13.        Do you have any questions?

·               Be sure to find out about the company.

·               Ask questions that indicate your interest in the company and finding out what you can do for the company, not what the company can do for you.

·               Have several questions prepared in advance as some of your questions may have already been addressed.

14.        Is there anything else you’d like to say on your behalf?

·               Summarize your strengths and why you are the best candidate for the job.

·               Mention any professional achievements.