Sample Interview Questions

Projecting a Professional Image | Dressing for Interviews

Sample Interview Questions

• Tell me about yourself (your background, interests, etc.).
• Why do you feel you are qualified for this position?
• How would you describe yourself?
• What qualifications do you have that will make you successful in the field?
• What college subjects did you like best/least? Why?
• Do you think your grades are a good indication of your academic achievements?
• How much effort did you put into your course-work?
• Do you have plans for continued study? An advanced degree? Why?
• How has your college experience prepared you for a career?
• What have you learned from participation in extracurricular activities?
• What are your skills (i.e., leadership, organizational, interpersonal, language, technical, etc.)?
• Have you had previous experience in supervising a staff or other individuals?
• What is your supervisory and or management style?
• Describe the relationship that should exist between a supervisor and an employee.
• Why did you choose the career for which you are preparing? How did you choose it?
• In your present or last position, what aspects did you like the most/least?
• How would a previous employer, professor, or friend describe you?
• Why did you decide to seek a position with this organization?
• What do you know about our organization?
• What do you think it takes to be successful in an organization like ours?
• What contributions can you make to our organization?
• What do you consider to be your greatest strengths/weaknesses?
• What accomplishments have given you the most satisfaction? Why?
• How do you work under pressure?
• How do you handle criticism?
• Tell me about a situation where you had to convince someone to see your point of view.
• Talk about a situation where you had to deal with someone who was being difficult.
• Tell me about a time where you had a major disagreement with an employer and how you handled this.
• Describe a time when you had to deal with the public. Who was involved? What did you do? How did those involved respond?
• Tell me about your most challenging leadership role. What was your role in the group and what was the result?
• Give me an example of an important goal which you have set and tell me how you reached it. What steps did you take?
• Describe a situation that required you to do a number of things at the same time. How did you handle it? What was the result?
• Describe a situation where others you were working with disagreed with your ideas. What did you do?
• If you and another co-worker are working together and you end up doing a majority of the tasks and getting half of the credit, how would you handle it? What would you do?
• What are your long-range and short-range goals, personal and professional?
• What do you see yourself doing five/ten years from now?
• If you were hiring someone for this position, what qualities would you look for?
• What do you feel this position should pay?
• What additional information can you tell me, that we haven’t covered so far, that would make you the ideal candidate for this position?
• Why should we hire you?
• What questions do you have about this company, the position, or anything related?

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Projecting a Professional Image

• You always want your skills and experience to be the focal points of your interview, not what you are wearing.
• Conservative is usually better.
• When in doubt, it is better to be overdressed than underdressed.
• Anytime you are giving out your resume, attending an organization presentation, or meeting with a contact in the industry, regardless of circumstances, business casual is a minimum.
• Once you are “in” the organization (i.e., you have the internship or job), then you can judge what is acceptable by the organization. Until then, follow the rules below.

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Dressing for Interviews

The following are general guidelines for dressing appropriately for interviews. Different career fields may be more or less conservative so do your research.

Women 
Do's

• Professional dark business suit (black, dark blue, grey).
• Minimal or conservative jewelry (small earrings, one ring not three, small necklace, etc.).
• Stockings/pantyhose are a must when wearing a skirt.
• Conservative make-up and nail polish (shy away from reds and pinks, stick with neutral colors).
• If possible, keep hair away from face.
• Skip the perfume or use sparingly.
• Bring a briefcase or portfolio (if needed).

Don'ts

• High hemline on skirt - the skirt should be only a few inches above the knee (anything highe
• looks unprofessional).
• Low-cut blouse. Blouses need to be buttoned up to the top or second to top button.
• Open-toed shoes.

Men
Do's

• Professional dark business suit (black, dark blue, grey).
• White shirts or solid blue is acceptable.
• Conservative ties (solid or small neat patterns). Silk ties usually best.
• Clean-shaven or facial hair neatly trimmed.
• Polished shoes that match/complement your suit.
• Skip the aftershave or use sparingly.
• If you choose to wear jewelry, limit it to a watch, ring and/or cuff-links.
• Bring a briefcase or portfolio (if needed).

Don'ts

• Bottom of necktie reaches beyond belt.
• Shoes with a worn or run-down heel.

Want to learn more about how to dress for a job interview? Dress For The Job You Want is a basic guide that helps you put together an outfit for a job interview and present your best self. » Download your copy...

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