necessary only if you think your interview went well.

Top Interview Questions And Answers — Questions and Answers

Question 1: The interviewer asks you, “Tell me about yourself.” Which of these is the best answer?

“I was born in Oregon and moved to the East Coast with my family when I was twelve. After graduating from high school, I attended college and worked a couple of part-time jobs.”
“I’m highly interested in helping others and have been able to do so through fundraising. I have been volunteering with American Red Cross for the past two years and have learned many useful skills about organizing fundraisers. I think my experiences have prepared me to be a great Fundraising Coordinator.” (Correct answer)
“I’m a pretty outgoing person with an open personality. I love meeting other people and visiting new places. One of my favorite things to do is spend time with friends. I also like to travel. Last summer, I took a trip to Europe with a couple of buddies. We had a great time.”

Correct answer: “I’m highly interested in helping others and have been able to do so through fundraising. I have been volunteering with American Red Cross for the past two years and have learned many useful skills about organizing fundraisers. I think my experiences have prepared me to be a great Fundraising Coordinator.”

When an interviewer asks 'Tell me about yourself,' they want to hear about your professional background and how it relates to the job. The best answer focuses on relevant skills, experiences, and accomplishments that demonstrate your suitability for the role. It should be concise, highlight your strengths, and connect directly to the company's needs, rather than sharing personal anecdotes.

Question 2: You’re asked a really difficult question. You don’t know the answer off the top of your head, so you:

answer, “That’s a tough question. I’m really not sure.”
say the first thing that comes to mind.
take a deep breath and think of an answer while paraphrasing the question. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: take a deep breath and think of an answer while paraphrasing the question.

When faced with a difficult interview question, it's best to take a moment to compose yourself and think. Paraphrasing the question can buy you time and ensure you understand what's being asked. This approach demonstrates thoughtfulness and a desire to provide a well-considered answer, rather than guessing or admitting defeat immediately.

Question 3: Which of the following is okay to do at an interview?

Ask your employer questions. (Correct answer)
Answer your cellphone.
Be a few minutes late.

Correct answer: Ask your employer questions.

Asking your employer questions during an interview is highly encouraged and demonstrates your engagement and interest in the position and company. It shows you've done your research and are thinking critically about the role. This also allows you to gather important information to help you decide if the job is a good fit for you.

Question 4: You’re asked what your biggest weakness is. How do you answer?

“I can sometimes be disorganized. I have been trying to become more organized by creating a calendar for myself and categorizing things in folders. So far, these methods seem to be working. (Correct answer)
“I don’t have one.”
“I’m a perfectionist. As a result, I often work very hard, perhaps even too hard. I’m usually at the office for more hours than the average employee.”

Correct answer: “I can sometimes be disorganized. I have been trying to become more organized by creating a calendar for myself and categorizing things in folders. So far, these methods seem to be working.

When discussing a weakness, it's crucial to present it constructively. Acknowledging a genuine weakness, like disorganization, but immediately following it with specific steps you're taking to improve, shows self-awareness and a commitment to personal growth. This approach demonstrates your ability to identify challenges and actively work towards overcoming them, which is a valuable professional trait.

Question 5: Which of these things should you bring to an interview?

Copies of your resume
A list of references
Both (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Both

Bringing copies of your resume ensures the interviewer has one readily available, even if they have misplaced theirs. A list of references is crucial because employers often want to contact previous supervisors or colleagues to verify your skills and work ethic. Having both prepared demonstrates professionalism and preparedness, showing you are serious about the opportunity.

Question 6: How early should you arrive to the interview?

30 minutes
10 minutes\t (Correct answer)
1 minute

Correct answer: 10 minutes\t

Arriving 10 minutes early is ideal as it provides a buffer for unexpected delays like traffic or parking issues, allowing you to arrive composed. It also gives you time to check in, use the restroom, and mentally prepare before the interview begins. Arriving too early can inconvenience the interviewer, while arriving late or exactly on time risks being perceived as unpunctual.

Question 7: Your interviewer asks you what you think about your previous boss. You didn’t get along with your previous boss. You answer:

“He was a great leader and really kept the team focused and on-task.” (Correct answer)
“He was alright, but we weren’t that close.”
“We didn’t exactly get along because he made a lot of impossible demands and was constantly on the phone.”

Correct answer: “He was a great leader and really kept the team focused and on-task.”

When discussing a previous boss, even if you had a negative experience, it's crucial to maintain a positive and professional demeanor. Speaking negatively about past employers can make you appear difficult to work with or unprofessional to a potential new employer. Framing your answer positively, focusing on objective observations or even reframing challenges as learning experiences, demonstrates maturity and a constructive attitude.

Question 8: The secretary who greets you prior to your interview:

is only being friendly because it’s his job.
is the person you should go to if your interviewer is a few minutes late, if you need a cup of water, or if you think the room is too cold.
will probably be asked his opinion of you by the employer after you leave. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: will probably be asked his opinion of you by the employer after you leave.

Employers often solicit feedback from anyone an interviewee interacts with, from the receptionist to other staff members, to gain a holistic view of your character. Your behavior with support staff can reveal aspects of your personality and professionalism that might not come out during the formal interview. Treating everyone with respect and courtesy throughout your visit is essential, as it contributes to the overall impression you make.

Question 9: Which one of these things should you always try to do during an interview?

Ask your interviewer(s) for their business card and\/or contact information at the end. (Correct answer)
Inquire about your salary.
Smile and nod at everything the interviewer says.

Correct answer: Ask your interviewer(s) for their business card and\/or contact information at the end.

Asking for contact information demonstrates your proactive interest in the role and allows you to send a personalized thank-you note, which is a crucial follow-up step. This also shows you are organized and serious about the opportunity, facilitating further communication. Inquiring about salary too early can seem presumptuous, and simply smiling and nodding doesn't convey engagement or critical thinking.

Question 10: Thank-you notes are:

not necessary to send.
necessary only if you think your interview went well.
something that should be sent within 48 hours of the interview. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: something that should be sent within 48 hours of the interview.

Sending a thank-you note within 48 hours is a professional courtesy that reinforces your interest in the position and allows you to reiterate key qualifications or clarify any points. It also helps you stand out from other candidates who might not send one, demonstrating your professionalism and attention to detail. Promptness is key, as it keeps you fresh in the interviewer's mind while they are still making hiring decisions.

Question 11: Your interviewer asks you what your greatest strengths are. How do you respond?

By listing five or ten qualities you think are your best ones.
Give two or three strengths and concrete examples of them. (Correct answer)
Say all the qualities and requirements that were listed on the job description.

Correct answer: Give two or three strengths and concrete examples of them.

When discussing strengths, quality over quantity is key. Providing two or three relevant strengths backed by concrete examples demonstrates self-awareness and the ability to apply those strengths in real-world situations. This approach makes your answer more credible and memorable than simply listing many qualities or repeating the job description, showing how your skills translate into tangible results.

Question 12: The purpose of an interview is:

match candidates with the employer that best suits them, and vice versa. (Correct answer)
for the potential employee to talk about their achievements.
for the employer to test the interviewee by asking tricky questions.

Correct answer: match candidates with the employer that best suits them, and vice versa.

An interview is a two-way street, serving to match candidates with the employer that best suits them, and vice versa. While the employer assesses if you're a good fit for the role and company culture, it's equally important for you to determine if the company and position align with your career goals, values, and work style. This mutual evaluation ensures a better long-term match and job satisfaction for both parties.

Question 13: When you’re asked what your goals are, you say:

“Develop my customer service skills by meeting with a more diverse range of clients and challenging myself to address a wider range of needs.” (Correct answer)
“I hope to become a manager and then director.”
“I’m not really sure, I haven’t exactly thought about my goals.”

Correct answer: “Develop my customer service skills by meeting with a more diverse range of clients and challenging myself to address a wider range of needs.”

This answer demonstrates a growth mindset and a clear, actionable goal that aligns with professional development within a role, showing you are thinking about how to improve specific skills relevant to the job. It highlights a desire for continuous learning and contribution, rather than just focusing on promotions or expressing uncertainty. Employers value candidates who are proactive in their own development and can articulate how they plan to grow within the company.

Question 14: Which of these is not a good reason for wanting to work for a company?

Your vision aligns with the company’s mission.
The location, salary, and benefits are all great. (Correct answer)
You have skills that you think will contribute to the company’s goals.

Correct answer: The location, salary, and benefits are all great.

While location, salary, and benefits are important factors, stating them as your primary reason for wanting to work for a company can make you seem self-serving rather than genuinely interested in the role or company mission. Employers want to hire individuals who are motivated by the work itself, the company's goals, and how they can contribute. Focusing solely on personal gain can be a red flag, suggesting a lack of deeper engagement with the opportunity.

Question 15: Which of these is an example of a good question to ask the interviewer?

What is the average salary for somebody in my position?
What do you think is this company’s greatest challenge in the near future? (Correct answer)
What skills does this job require?

Correct answer: What do you think is this company’s greatest challenge in the near future?

Asking about challenges demonstrates critical thinking, a proactive attitude, and a genuine interest in the company's strategic direction and future. It shows you're thinking beyond the immediate role and considering how you might contribute to overcoming obstacles, indicating a desire to make a meaningful impact. Questions about salary or basic job requirements can be perceived as self-serving or indicate a lack of prior research.

Question 16: Other than your responses, you need to also pay close attention to:

your body language.
your eye contact.
both. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: both.

Non-verbal communication, including body language and eye contact, plays a significant role in how you are perceived during an interview. Confident body language (e.g., good posture, open gestures) and appropriate eye contact convey engagement, sincerity, and professionalism, reinforcing your verbal responses. These elements help build rapport with the interviewer and demonstrate your attentiveness and confidence.

Question 17: You think the employer might ask you for a list of references during the interview. Prior to the interview, you:

let your references know that they might be contacted, but don’t give them more details about the job.
let your references know that they might be contacted and tell them about the job you’re seeking and why you’re a good fit for it. (Correct answer)
choose to not tell your references that they may be contacted.

Correct answer: let your references know that they might be contacted and tell them about the job you’re seeking and why you’re a good fit for it.

Informing your references and providing them with details about the job and your qualifications allows them to prepare a relevant and compelling recommendation. This ensures they can speak specifically to your strengths as they relate to the position, making their feedback more impactful and tailored. Not informing them or giving insufficient details can lead to generic or less effective references, potentially hindering your chances.

Question 18: What should you do research on before the interview?

The company you’re interviewing for.
The industry you hope to work in.
both. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: both.

Thorough research on both the company and the broader industry is crucial for an interview. Understanding the company's mission, values, products, and recent news allows you to tailor your answers and ask informed questions, demonstrating genuine interest. Researching the industry helps you understand trends, challenges, and the competitive landscape, showcasing a broader strategic awareness and preparedness.

Question 19: What’s the safest thing to wear to an interview, if you cannot find out anything about the company’s dress code?

A suit. (Correct answer)
A collared shirt and khakis.
A comfortable t-shirt and jeans.

Correct answer: A suit.

When unsure of a company's dress code, a suit is the safest and most universally accepted professional attire for an interview. It conveys seriousness, respect, and professionalism, ensuring you make a strong first impression. It's always better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed, as it shows you take the opportunity seriously and are prepared for a formal setting.

Question 20: When talking about your past experiences, you should:

only mention things occurred at work.
only mention your successes.
not be afraid to mention things that happened outside of work or failures as long as it provides a good answer to the question. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: not be afraid to mention things that happened outside of work or failures as long as it provides a good answer to the question.

Interviewers are interested in your skills, experiences, and how you learn and grow, regardless of where those experiences occurred. Discussing relevant experiences outside of work (e.g., volunteer work, personal projects) or even failures (when framed as learning opportunities) can provide valuable insights into your character, problem-solving abilities, and resilience. The key is to connect these experiences back to the job requirements and demonstrate transferable skills.