During your Interview

General Questions:

• In what ways do you think you can make a contribution to our organization?
• In what work environment are you most comfortable?
• How do you work under pressure?
• In what previous part-time, co-op, or summer jobs have you been most interested? Why?
• What two or three qualities or criteria are most important to you in a prospective job?
• What criteria are you using to evaluate the organization for which you hope to work?

Job Specific Questions

• What are your long-term and short-term goals?
• How would this job or graduate program help you to achieve your career goals?
• What was your easiest, most difficult, and most interesting class? Why?
• Why are you interested in this position, our organization, or this graduate program?
• How do you think a friend or professor who knows you well would describe you?
• What are your strengths, weaknesses, and interests?
• What motivates you to put forth your greatest effort?
• What is your greatest accomplishment?
• What led you to choose your major or field of study?
• How has your school and work experience prepared you for this job or program?
• Do you think your grades are a good indication of your academic achievement?
• What makes you unique? Why should we hire you?

• How much opportunity is there to see the end results of my efforts?
• Who will review my performance? How often?
• How much guidance or assistance is made available to individuals in developing career goals?
• Can you describe an ideal employee?
• What are the company’s strengths and weaknesses compared to its competition?
• What is the organization’s plan for the next five years, and how does this department fit in?
• Could you explain your organizational structure?
• How will my leadership responsibilities and performance be measured? By whom?
• What are the day-to-day responsibilities of this job?
• Could you describe your company’s management style and the type of employee who fits well with it?
• What are some of the skills and abilities necessary for someone to succeed in this job?
• What is the company’s policy on providing seminars, workshops, and training so employees can keep up their skills or acquire new ones?
• What kind of work can I expect to be doing the first year?

Point out how you match the qualifications and add value to the organization. Use specific examples to answer the interviewers questions - no one else has your stories so tell them.

Arrive 10 minutes early. Confirm the exact time and location for the interview as some may occur at more than one location.

• Dress appropriately and conservatively
• Address your interviewer by title: Mr., Ms., Mrs., Dr.
• Offer a firm handshake 
• Express appreciation for meeting with you
• Show enthusiasm and initiative
• Portray self-confidence

Have questions prepared to ask the interviewer - review the above list. Research the organization prior to the interview and stay positive with your responses.

Send a note of thanks after your interview: email, handwritten or both. Use your thank you as a tool to remind the interviewer of something unique about you.