Typical Questions Asked by Employers
 
Practice responding to these questions. You may find it helpful to jot down key points. If you can answer each of these questions clearly, concisely and confidently, you are well on your way to successful interviewing!
College and Academic Experience
  1. Why did you select Rutgers?
  2. Why did you choose your major?
  3. In which campus activities did you participate and what did you learn or gain from this involvement?
  4. Have you ever dropped a class? Why?
  5. Which college classes did you like the best? Why?
  6. Which college classes did you like the least? Why?
  7. How would you evaluate your education at Rutgers?
  8. What is your overall G.P.A.? What is your major G.P.A.?
  9. Do your grades accurately reflect your ability?
  10. Were you financially responsible for your education?
  11. How many classes did you miss because of illness, personal business or other reasons?
Work Experience and Accomplishments
  1. Did you work in college? If so, where?
  2. What did you enjoy most about your last job?
  3. What did you enjoy least about your last job?
  4. What did you learn from your most recent job?
  5. Have you ever quit a job? Why?
  6. Of which three accomplishments are you proudest?
  7. What problems have you solved on the job?
  8. Have you ever performed volunteer work? Where?
Skills and Personal Qualities
  1. Tell me about yourself. (Be prepared for this one. It may be the first question asked. Briefly highlight your career interests, studies, work experience and strengths.)
  2. What are your greatest strengths?
  3. Can you describe any weaknesses?
  4. What skills have you developed?
  5. Do you have any computer experience?
  6. Why should we hire you rather than another candidate?
  7. What public speaking have you done?
  8. Who are your role models?
  9. Do you have any hobbies?
  10. Define success and failure.
  11. Have you ever had any failures?
  12. How did you get along with your former professors (supervisors or co-workers)
The Job and Employer
  1. Why did you choose to interview with our organization?
  2. What can you offer us?
  3. How does your college education or work experience relate to this job?
  4. What do you know about us (products or services)?
  5. What are your salary requirements?
  6. Would you be willing to take a drug test?
Work Environment
  1. Do you prefer to work under supervision or on your own?
  2. Would you be successful working on a team?
  3. Have you worked under deadline pressure? When?
  4. Are you able to work on several assignments at once?
  5. Are you able to work on several assignments at once?
  6. Do you prefer large or small companies? Why?
  7. How do you feel about working in a structured environment?
  8. How do you feel about working overtime?
  9. How do you feel about travel?
  10. How do you feel about the possibility of relocation?
  11. Are you willing to work flextime?
The Future
  1. Describe your ideal job.
  2. Where do you want to be in five years? Ten years?
  3. Do you plan to return to school for further education?
Question and Answer Practice Form
 
FIVE MOST COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS
  1. Why did you choose Rutgers?
  2. Why did you choose your major?
  3. Describe your work experience (in general or at specific employers).
  4. Why do you want to work for this employer?
  5. What are your career goals?
TYPICAL "BEHAVIORAL INTERVIEW" QUESTIONS
  1. In dealing with a customer, think of your most difficult situation and tell me how you handled it.
  2. Give an example when you felt your boss made a bad decision and explain how you would have handled it differently.
  3. Describe a situation where 10 different things had to get done at once and how you handled it.
  4. Describe a major problem you have faced on the job and how you handled it
 
Questions to Ask Employers
At the First Interview
  1. Please describe the duties of the job.
  2. What assignments might I expect during the first six months on the job?
  3. What skills are important for someone in this position?
  4. Is there a lot of team or project work?
  5. Will I have an opportunity to work on special projects?
  6. Do you offer a training program? How long does it last?
  7. How many positions do you expect to fill this year with recent college graduates
At the Second or Third Interview
  1. How much responsibility will I have during my first assignment? Subsequent assignments?
  2. Do you promote from within or hire from the outside?
  3. What is the largest single challenge facing your staff/department/organization
At the Point of an Offer
  1. What is the salary range for this position?
  2. Are salary adjustments geared to the cost of living or job performance?
  3. Do you have a standard benefits package or can I choose from a variety of options?
  4. What is your vacation policy?
  5. How often are performance reviews given?
 
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Updated: 12/31/05

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