Typical Interview Questions

The most important thing that you need to carry to a job interview is confidence. Everything else works out well if you are completely confident. But to be confident you have to be well-prepared for what is coming. So, to prepare for a job interview, you should be ready with answers to all the interview questions that are likely to be asked. Because it is your first and perhaps the only opportunity to create an impression and assure the employer about all your skills and your willingness to learn more.

Now, every interview is different because every interviewer, every company and every job is different. Although there are some common interview questions that you can expect and be prepared for. In the following article I have listed some ideal questions that you can expect in most interviews. However, you should not make and mug up fixed answers for these questions because the interviewer will recognize that in a minute. Consequently, you should simply try to remember the important points that you would want to occur in your answers to these questions.

I have categorized the questions for ease of understanding. There is also an explanation provided for every category. It will help you understand the intention of the employer behind the questions in that category.

Questions Related to Education
These questions are aimed at understanding your educational background and the reason why you entered that particular career. These are basic questions about your grades, favorite subjects and career choices.

• How has your education prepared you for your career?
• Do you think your grades are a good indication of your academic achievement?
• What have you learned from participation in extracurricular activities?
• What academic projects did you undertake?
• Which was your favorite subject? Why?
• What plans do you have for continued study? An advanced degree? (This is the most common interview question. So be prepared with an answer.)
• How has college changed you as a person?
• How was your transition from high school to college? Did you face any particular problems?
• Did you take any extra courses alongside your regular academics?
• Why did you select your college or university?

Questions Related to Work and Experience
These questions are about your previous or current job, the type of experience you have, your relationships with your colleagues and superiors etc. They include some tough interview questions.

• Describe a situation in which you had to work with a difficult person How did you handle the situation?
• Was there an occasion when you disagreed with a supervisor's decision or company policy?
• Describe how you handled the situation.
• Name of company, position title and description, dates of employment.
• What were your starting and final levels of compensation?
• What major challenges and problems did you face? How did you handle them?
• What did you like or dislike about your previous job?
• Who was your best boss and who was the worst?
• What have you been doing since your last job?
• Describe a situation in which you lead a team.
• Who else have you applied to/got interviews with?
• How would you describe your previous manager/boss/supervisor
• Tell me about a typical day in your current/previous job

Questions about You
These questions are aimed at knowing you as a person, your hobbies and interests, your goals in life, etc. These are the most frequently asked interview questions.

• Tell me about yourself.
• What are your weaknesses and strengths?
• Are you a team player?
• What are your hobbies and interests
• What motivates you to put forth your greatest effort?
• Why do you think you are suitable for this particular job
• Are you willing to travel or relocate?
• If you had the financial security needed to retire right now, would you?
• What would disappoint you about a job?
• Describe yourself in just one sentence.
• Who is your idol? Why?

Questions about the Future
The questions about your future plans tells the employer about how useful you will be to the company in the future. They also reveal if you are an ambitious person or not.

• What are your long-term goals for the next seven to ten years?
• What are your short-term goals for the next one to three years?
• How would you know if you have been successful in your previous jobs or not?
• Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?

These were some questions that are sure to come your way in almost every interview you appear for. Like I have said before, don't mug up any answer word to word. Just list out the necessary points and remember them. Best of luck!