Common Interview Questions

[Badshah Mamun]

Job interviews are always stressful - even for job seekers who have gone on countless interviews. The best way to reduce the stress is to be prepared. Take the time to review the "standard" interview questions you will most likely be asked. Also review sample answers to these typical interview questions.

Then take the time to research the company. That way you'll be ready with knowledgeable answers for the job interview questions that specifically relate to the company you are interviewing with.

Interview Questions: Work History

    Name of company, position title and description, dates of employment.
    What were your expectations for the job and to what extent were they met?
    What were your starting and final levels of compensation?
    What were your responsibilities?
    What major challenges and problems did you face? How did you handle them?
    What have you learned from your mistakes? -
    What did you like or dislike about your previous job?
    Which was most / least rewarding? -
    What was the biggest accomplishment / failure in this position?
    Questions about your supervisors and co-workers.
    What was it like working for your supervisor?
    What do you expect from a supervisor? -
    What problems have you encountered at work?
    Have you ever had difficulty working with a manager?
    Who was your best boss and who was the worst?
    Why are you leaving your job?
    Why did you resign?
    Why did you quit your job?
    What have you been doing since your last job?
    Why were you fired?

Job Interview Questions About You

    What is your greatest weakness?
    What is your greatest strength?
    How will your greatest strength help you perform?
    How would you describe yourself?
    Describe a typical work week.
    Describe your work style.
    Do you take work home with you?
    How many hours do you normally work?
    How would you describe the pace at which you work?
    How do you handle stress and pressure?
    What motivates you?
    Are you a self motivator?
    What are your salary expectations?
    What do you find are the most difficult decisions to make?
    Tell me about yourself.
    What has been the greatest disappointment in your life?
    What are you passionate about?
    What are your pet peeves?
    What do people most often criticize about you?
    When was the last time you were angry? What happened?
    If you could relive the last 10 years of your life, what would you do differently?
    If the people who know you were asked why you should be hired, what would they say?
    Do you prefer to work independently or on a team?
    Give some examples of teamwork.
    More teamwork interview questions.
    What type of work environment do you prefer?
    How do you evaluate success?
    If you know your boss is 100% wrong about something how would you handle it?
    Describe a difficult work situation / project and how you overcame it.
    Describe a time when your workload was heavy and how you handled it.
    More job interview questions about your abilities.
    More job interview questions about you.

Job Interview Questions About the New Job and the Company

    What interests you about this job?
    Why do you want this job?
    What applicable attributes / experience do you have?
    Are you overqualified for this job?
    What can you do for this company?
    Why should we hire you? -
    Why are you the best person for the job?
    What do you know about this company?
    Why do you want to work here?
    What challenges are you looking for in a position?
    What can you contribute to this company?
    Are you willing to travel? -
    What is good customer service?
    How long do you expect to remain employed with this company?
    Is there anything I haven't told you about the job or company that you would like to know?

Interview Questions: The Future

    What are you looking for in your next job? What is important to you?
    What are your goals for the next five years / ten years?
    How do you plan to achieve those goals?
    What are your salary requirements - both short-term and long-term?
    Questions about your career goals.
    What will you do if you don't get this position?

Source: http://jobsearch.about.com/od/interviewquestionsanswers/a/interviewquest.htm