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Common Interview Questions

Having well-thoughtout answers to common interview questions not only can help you come into your interview more prepared, but can also calm any interview jitters. With this in mind, we've compiled a list of common interview questions.

We recommend taking a moment to think through your answers, and having a friend or career counselor run through the questions with you in a mock interview before going into your next interview.

Common interview questions

  • 1. Tell me about yourself.
  • 2. What are your short- and long-term goals and objectives? When and why did you establish these goals and how are you preparing to achieve them?
  • 3. What do you see yourself doing five years from now?
  • 4. What do you really want to do in life?
  • 5. What rewards do you expect in your business career?
  • 6. Why did you choose this career?
  • 7. Which is more important to you: the money or the type of job?
  • 8. What do you consider to be your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
  • 9. What major problem have you encountered and how did you deal with it?
  • 10. What have you learned from your mistakes?
  • 11. How would your friends or professors describe you?
  • 12. What motivates you to put forth your best effort?
  • 13. How has your college experience prepared you for a business career?
  • 14. Why should I hire you?
  • 15. What qualifications do you have that you think will make you successful in business?
  • 16. How do you determine or evaluate success?
  • 17. What do you think it takes to be a successful company like ours?
  • 18. How will you contribute to our company's success?
  • 19. What qualities should a successful manager possess?
  • 20. Describe the ideal manager-to-employee relationship.
  • 21. What two or three accomplishments have given you the most satisfaction in your life? Why?
  • 22. Describe your most rewarding college experience.
  • 23. If you were hiring for this position, what would you look for?
  • 24. Why did you select your college or university?
  • 25. Why did you select your major?
  • 26. What subjects did you enjoy most and least? Why?
  • 27. If you could go back, how would you plan your academic study differently? Why?
  • 28. What changes would you make to your college or university?
  • 29. Do you have plans for continued study?
  • 30. Do you think your grades are a good indicator of your academic success?
  • 31. What have you learned from your participation in extracurricular activities?
  • 32. In what kind of work environment are you most comfortable?
  • 33. How do you work under pressure?
  • 34. Are you interested in part-time work? Why?
  • 35. How would you describe the ideal job for you?
  • 36. Why did you decide to seek a position with this company?
  • 37. What do you know about our company?
  • 38. What two or three things are most important to you in your job?
  • 39. Do you prefer large companies, small companies, mid-size companies? Why?
  • 40. What criteria are you using to evaluate the company for which you hope to work?
  • 41. Do you have a geographical preference? Why?
  • 42. Will you relocate? Does relocation bother you?
  • 43. Are you willing to travel?
  • 44. Are you willing to spend six months as a trainee?
  • 45. Why do you think you might like to live in the community in which our company is located?