Interview Questions

Keep your answer mostly work and career related. This is your chance to introduce your qualifications, good work habits, attributes and achievements that make you a valuable employee.

WHAT ARE A FEW OF YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND HOW DID YOU ACHIEVE THEM?

Briefly describe a few work projects that earned you praise, promotions, pay raises or other commendations. Focus more on achievement than reward.

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST WEAKNESS?

Everybody has weaknesses, but keep your answer work related. Try to point out a weakness that the interviewer might see as strength, such as sometimes being a little too meticulous about the quality of your work. For every weakness, offer a compensating strength.

WHY ARE YOU LEAVING YOUR CURRENT JOB?

Avoid criticizing other employers and making statements like, "I need more money." Instead, make statements such as, "I wish to further my career." It’s acceptable to discuss major problems within a company, or to share the fact that the company is being bought out or shut down.

WHAT DID YOU LIKE / DISLIKE ABOUT YOUR LAST POSITION?

This helps interviewers decide if you’re a good match for the position. Avoid admitting that you didn’t like working overtime or you had a conflict with your manager. Instead, put a positive spin on your answer by saying you enjoy challenges and growth opportunities.

IN WHAT WAYS ARE YOU QUALIFIED FOR THIS POSITION?

Focus on a few requirements of the job and how you can meet these requirements through your particular skills and experience. Highlight your interpersonal skills, management experience, a technical skill or a personal success story.

DESCRIBE YOUR MOST IMPORTANT STRENGTHS.

Identify a few strengths you feel are most in line with the position for which you’re interviewing and give an example of how you successfully applied that particular strength to a work situation.

WHAT IS YOUR IDEAL WORK ENVIRONMENT?

Tailor your answer to the job. For example, if the job requires you to lock the lab doors and work alone, then indicate that you enjoy being a team player, but also enjoy working independently.

HOW DO YOU HANDLE CRITICISM?

Your answer should be along the following lines: "I always think that it is important to get feedback on how I am performing so that I can improve any areas which my manager/supervisor highlights.”

HOW DO YOU HANDLE PRESSURE AND STRESS?

Everyone feels stress; the only difference is in the degree. A good answer may include exercising, relaxing with a good book, socializing with friends or turning stress into productive energy.

HOW HAVE YOU OVERCOME A MAJOR OBSTACLE?

The interviewer is likely looking for an example of your problem-solving skills and the pride you show in solving it. Emphasize the skills you used to deal with it, such as organizational and interpersonal skills, perseverance or diplomacy.

WHY SHOULD WE HIRE YOU?

Point out your positive attributes related to this job. Take this opportunity to reveal your organizational skills, positive attitude and confidence.