Interview Questions to Expect

Listed below are a series of practice interview questions for the entry level candidate. Most of these were compiled from The Northwestern Lindquist-Endicott Report by Victor R. Lindquist, formerly at the Northwestern University Placement Center, Evanston, Illinois.

  • Tell me about yourself.
  • Why did you choose this college and how did you arrive at this decision?
  • What factors did you consider in choosing your major?
  • Of the courses you have taken in college, which courses have you enjoyed the most?
  • Describe how your favorite course has contributed to your career interests.
  • What is your GPA? How do you feel about it? Does it reflect your abilities?
  • What college accomplishment makes you proudest?
  • How have you changed personally since starting college?
  • What has been your greatest challenge?
  • If you could change a decision you've made, what would it be and why?
  • Why did you choose the campus involvement and activities you did? What did you gain and contribute?
  • Describe a leadership role of yours and tell why you committed your time to it.
  • In a particular leadership role you had, what was your greatest challenge?
  • Give me an example of an idea that has come to you and what you did with it.
  • Give me an example of a problem you solves and the process you used.
  • Give me an example from the most creative project you've worked on.
  • Which work experiences have been most valuable to you and why?
  • Tell me about a project you initiated.
  • Describe the project or situation that best demonstrates your analytical abilities.
  • While in college, what is the toughest decision that you have had to make?
  • What have the experiences on your resume taught you about managing and working with people?
  • Tell me about your most difficult decision and how did you go about making it?
  • How have your educational and work experiences prepared you for this position?
  • What types of situations put you under pressure and how do you deal with pressure?
  • Give me a situation in which you failed and how you handled it.
  • Why are you interested in our organization?
  • What type of position are you seeking?
  • What industry besides this one are you looking into?
  • Why have you chosen this particular profession?
  • What interests you about this job?
  • What challenges are you looking for in a position?
  • What makes you think you can handle this position?
  • What can you contribute to this company?
  • Why should my company be interested in you?
  • What goals have you set for yourself? How do you plan to achieve them?
  • What is your most significant accomplishment?
  • To what do you owe your present success?
  • What motivates you?
  • What turns you off?
  • What three words would people who know you well use to describe you?
  • If I asked people who know you for one reason why shouldn't I hire you, what would they say?
  • Of the hobbies and interests listed on your resume, tell me which is your favorite and why?
  • When you take on a project do you like to attack the project as part of a group or individually?
  • Describe the type of manager you prefer.
  • What are your team-player qualities? Give examples.
  • Tell me about a team project of which you are particularly proud; describe your contribution to that project.
  • Describe a situation where you had to work with someone who was difficult. How did you handle it?
  • What type of work environment appeals to you most?
  • With which other companies are you interviewing?
  • What characteristics do you think are important for this position?
  • Why do you feel that this company will be a career for your rather than a job?
  • Name two management skills that you have.
  • What characteristics are most important in a good manager? How have you displayed one of them?
  • We are looking at a lot of great candidates. Why are you the best person for this position?