2019-2020 Purdue University Career Success Handbook

Sample Interview Questions

Questions Employers Ask Candidates

PERSONAL

• Tell me about yourself. • Why did you choose to interview with this organization? • What can you uniquely offer this position?

• Describe your strengths and weaknesses. • What have you learned from a failure? • Share an accomplishment in which you are most proud.

EDUCATIONAL

• Why did you choose your major? • Why did you choose to attend your college or university? • In which campus activities did you participate? • Which classes interest you the most?

• Do your grades accurately reflect your ability? Why or why not? • Were you financially responsible for any portion of your college education?

BEHAVIORAL

• Recall a time in which you provided a solution to a problem with minimal supervisory input. • Give an example of time you worked under deadline pressure for a major project. • Share an example of working with a team effort that led to a successful outcome.

• Tell about a time in which you came up with an innovative solution that involved convincing others. • Give me an example of a time you managed unexpected events or new information without any formal training.

INTERVIEW AND CAREER FAIR PREPARATION

CRITICAL THINKING AND CHARACTER

• How would you describe yourself in three words? • What are you most proud of? • Pick a color that represents your personality and share why you chose that color?

• What was the last book that you read? • How do you persuade someone who firmly disagrees with your idea/suggestion/plan of action?

EXPERIENCE

• What unique skills will you contribute if hired? • In your experience, how have you utilized time management skills? • What is your natural role in a group/team setting?

• Tell me about a time you have been disappointed in your performance. • How do you approach conflict resolution in difficult situations?

CAREER GOALS

• What other types of positions are you considering? • How do you feel about travel? • How do you feel about the possibility of relocating?

• What qualities are you looking for in a boss? • Are you able to work on several assignments at once? • Where do you see yourself in five years? Ten years?

Questions Candidates Ask Employers

• What kinds of assignments might I expect for the first six months on the job? • Does your company provide professional development opportunities? • What are your growth projections for next year? • What do you like best about your job/company? • How is your company environmentally conscious? • Will I have the opportunity to work on special projects?

• Is there a lot of team/project work? • Where does this position fir into the organizational structure? • What is the next course of action? When should I expect

to hear from you or should I contact you? • How is success measured for this position?

Log on to your myCCO account to practice interviewing with “Big Interview” our virtual practice system.

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