Interviewing

Interview Types

  • Screening: Phone or In-person
  • Work Sample
  • Peer Group
  • Group/Panel
  • Luncheon
  • Stress
  • Video Conference

For tips & what to expect check out CareerOneStop.

 Types of Interview Questions

  1. Opening—Icebreaker, get to know you
    • Tell me about yourself.
    • How did you hear about this position?
  2. Credential—Measurement
    • What was your GPA?
    • How often did you lead campus tours?
  3. Experience—Subjectively evaluate answer to transfer skills
    • Can you describe to me your duties as _________?
    • Do you have any experience with managing budgets?
  4. Opinion—How you react
    • What have you learned from your mistakes?
    • What qualities does a successful manager possess?
  5. Company Research—How well you researched
    • Why do you want to work here?
    • What can you tell me about (company name)?
  6. Creative/Problem Solving –Displays original thought
    • Who has most influenced you in your life?
    • What superpower would you pick if you could have one?
  7. Behavioral—Your approach
    • Describe a time when you were faced with a challenging situation & how you handled it?
    • What next steps have you taken when you've made a mistake as a leader?
  8. Personal—Your style, work habits, employment history
    • Can you explain the gap in your employment history?
    • Would you rather work with information or with people?
  9. Closing—Next steps, you can ask questions
    • Can I contact your references?
    • Do you have any questions?
  10. Illegal—Can’t ask about things that delve into personal life:
    • Marital status & children
    • Religion
    • Age
    • Financial status
    • Criminal history
    • Veteran’s status
    • Memberships
    • Disabilities
    • Ethnicity

For more Common Interview Questions download this document.

 Questions to Ask at Interviews

When you are asked if you have any questions, be prepared!  You should have questions ready and ask only a couple of questions.  Take the timeframe into account before you ask too many questions.

How to Develop Questions

Your pre-application, pre-interview research of the employer and position should provide you with several questions.  In addition, you should listen carefully during the interview process and ask appropriate job related questions that arise.

Most people enjoy talking about themselves, so you usually can’t go wrong by asking the interviewer about his or her personal experience with the hiring company.  Why did he or she choose to work here?  What does he or she like about it?  What has been his or her career progression with the company?

Suggestions

  • Can you describe a typical day for someone in this position?
  • What is the top priority of the person who accepts this job?
  • What are the day-to-day expectations and responsibilities of this job?
  • How will my leadership responsibilities and performance be measured?  And by whom?  How often?
  • Can you describe the company’s management style?
  • Can you discuss your take on the company’s corporate culture?
  • What are the company’s values?
  • How would you characterize the management philosophy of this organization?  Of your department?
  • What is the organization’s policy on transfers to other divisions or other offices?
  • Are lateral or rotational job moves available?
  • Does the organization support ongoing training and education for employees to stay current?
  • What do you think is the greatest opportunity facing the organization in the future?  What is the biggest threat?
  • Why did you come to work here?  What keeps you here?
  • How is this department perceived within the organization?
  • Is there a formal process for advancement within the organization?
  • What are the traits and skills of people who are the most successful within the organization?
  • Do you have any reservations about my qualifications for this job?  (Asking this question enables you to address any concerns the interviewer might have).
  • When do you expect to make a decision?  This question will guide your schedule for following up with the employer.
  • If I’m a finalist for the position, what is the next step in the process?  This helps you to clarify the next steps, such as further rounds of interviews.

Don’t ask “me-first” questions, i.e. “What can you do for me?” questions regarding salary, benefits, vacation, etc.   Avoid questions that may reveal a weakness, such as, “Will I have to meet deadlines?”.

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