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Following are some typical behavior-based questions
that interviewers often ask. The job competencies they
are designed to measure are in parentheses.
x
Describe a situation in which you had to use
reference materials to write a research paper.
What was the topic? What journals did you read?
(research)
x
Give me a specific example of a time when a co-
worker or classmate criticized your work in front
of others. How did you respond? How has that
event shaped the way you communicate with
others? (communication)
x
Describe a situation in which you recognized a
potential problem as an opportunity. What did
you do? (initiative)
x
Give me a specific example of a time when you
sold your supervisor or professor on an idea or
concept. How did you proceed? What was the
result? (assertiveness)
x
Describe the system you use for keeping track of
multiple projects. How do you track your progress
so that you can meet deadlines? (commitment to
task)
x
Tell me about a time when you came up with an
innovative solution to a challenge your company
or class was facing. What was the challenge?
What roles did others play? (creativity and
imagination)
x
What, in your opinion, are the key ingredients in
building and maintaining successful business
relationships? Give me examples of how you’ve
made these work for you. (relationship building)
x
Describe a time when you got co-workers or
classmates who disliked each other to work
together. How did you accomplish this? What was
the outcome? (teamwork)
x
Tell me about a time when you failed to meet a
deadline. What things did you fail to do? What
were the repercussions? What did you learn (time
management)
x
Describe a specific problem you solved for your
employer or professor. How did you approach the
problem? What role did others play? What was
the outcome? (decision making)
National Association of Colleges & Employers (NACE)
For more examples contact the MSOE Career Services
Department.
x
Enjoy this opportunity! You’ve made the “short
list.”
x
Be yourself, your best self. Be enthusiastic,
interested, energetic, and friendly.
x
Remember, you’re being evaluated from the time
you enter the front door – including during lunch
– to the time you exit the parking lot.
x
Everyone you meet is important – including
receptionists and secretaries.
x
Review your notes (including your mental notes)
from previous interviews and contacts with this
organization.
x
Research the organization. Develop several
appropriate questions to ask.
x
During the visit, attempt to get all the information
you need (exception – salary: let them bring that
up) so that you can make a proper decision
should an offer be extended. Typically offers will
come later, by phone, email, mail, or a
combination.
x
Be prepared to talk salary if they bring it up. An
appropriate response might be; “last year’s (your
major) averaged $ ____ with offers ranging as
high as $ ____.”
x
Send a brief “thank-you” to everyone you meet.