Practice Makes Perfect

People who interview well are often better employees because they have learned how to sell themselves and their ideas to others. One study revealed the most common mistake college graduates make when interviewing is that they aren't assertive enough. Positive interactions get people hired, promoted, and recruited for better opportunities.

You should take some time to practice answering common interview questions. Enlist the help of a friend to complete a practice interview. You may want to prepare answers for the following commonly asked interview questions. Click here for a printable list.

• Tell me about yourself.
• Why did you choose this particular career field?
• Who are your role models? Why?
• What do you see yourself doing five years from now?
• What are your long-range career objectives?
• How do you plan to achieve your career goals?
• What are the most important rewards you expect in your professional career?
• What do you consider your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
• Describe for me your ideal job.
• Tell me about a time when you spoke in front of a group of people.
• What kind of people do you enjoy working with?
• Why did you choose the major you did?
• What motivates you to put forth your greatest efforts?
• How has your college experience prepared you for a professional career?
• Why should I hire you?
• What qualifications do you have that will make you successful in this field?
• Tell me about the most rewarding accomplishment you've had since starting college?
• Tell me about the campus/extra-curricular activities you participated in and what you learned as a result.
• Have you ever done any volunteer work? What kind?
• What supervisory style do you work best under?
• What are the most important rewards you expect from your career?
• Tell me about the most satisfying and least satisfying jobs you ever held. Why?
• Tell me about a class in which you were part of a group. What role did you play?
• What have you learned from your mistakes?
• Do you have plans for furthering your education?
• How do you determine or evaluate success?
• What frustrates you on the job?
• Describe a time when you had to go above and beyond the call of duty to get the job done.
• What college subjects did you like best? Why?
• Why do you want to work for this organization?
• What type of work environment are you most comfortable with?
• Describe a time when a team member came to you for help. How did you respond?
• Are your grades a good indicator of your academic achievement?
• Tell me about a leadership role you had. What makes a good leader?
• How did you spend your spare time? What are your hobbies and interests?
• Tell me about a time you had to work under pressure to meet a deadline or complete a project.
• Describe your work experience as it relates to this position.
• How would you describe the ideal job for you following graduation?
• If you could start college over, what would you do differently?
• Are you seeking employment in a company of a certain size? Why?
• Describe a situation where you had to deal with conflict. What did you learn?
• Do you have a geographical preference? Why?
• Will you relocate? Are you willing to travel?
• What non-occupational goals have you established for yourself in the next five years?
• Describe a major problem you have encountered and how you dealt with it.
• How did you prepare for this interview?
• Why should I hire you?

One way to show an employer you have prepared for the interview is to have some questions ready to ask the interviewer. Doing so will communicate the interviewer your sincere interest in the company and position and can set you apart from the other candidates. You should prepare a few extra questions to ask because the interviewer may answer some of your questions during the process of the interview. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• What are the typical challenges I might anticipate the first six months on the job?
• Does your company encourage further education?
• What products (or services) are in the development stage now?
• Do you have plans for expansion?
• Have you cut your staff in the last three years?
• How do you feel about creativity and individuality?
• In what ways is a career with your company better than one with your competitors?
• Is this a new position or am I replacing someone?
• What is the largest single problem facing your staff (department) now?
• May I talk with the last person who held this position?
• How much authority will I have to make decisions?
• Do you fill positions from the outside or promote from within first?
• What qualities are you looking for in the candidate who fills this position?
• What skills are especially important for someone in this position?
• How will I be evaluated?
• What will be my opportunities for advancement?
• Do you have any questions or concerns about my qualifications?

Sources found at www.usu.edu/career