50 Questions An Employer May Ask During An Interview

  1. Tell me about yourself
    1. I am a self-motivated, team playing, caring, responsible individual.
    2. I am a shy, insecure, bitter little man.
    3. I live vicariously through my TV.
  2. How would you describe yourself
    1. As a wonderful spirit-lifting prescence in any surrounding.
    2. I wouldn't, I'm not that bold.
    3. Again with the police.
  3. How would a close friend describe you
    1. As a friendly, honest, sincere hard-worker.
    2. As a goofy slacker, but they just don't understand me.
    3. Depends on how much you paid them probably.
  4. Are you creative
    1. Yes, I am always thinking of new ideas and ways to improve the world.
    2. Somewhat, but I usually just mimic others, or modify something to fit my liking.
    3. You read my resume, right?
  5. What do you consider to be your major strengths
    1. Aside from my strong technical background, I am a good communicator and love working with others.
    2. I tend to be more of a well-rounded individual, instead of focusing on any one thing.
    3. I can chew through a broomstick.
  6. What do you consider to be your weaknesses? (indicate your actions to correct them)
    1. Probably my compulsive attention to detail and the need to do a perfect jo
    2. I brought a list...
    3. Young babes that look over 16.
  7. What was the most difficult situation you have faced? How did you react?
    1. That would be my college career. I worked part time during my 5 year program, as well as co-op. Balancing that with my many extracurricular activities, plowing the fields, tutoring siblings, spending time with friends, family and relatives took a lot out of me. I reacted as I do with all things, by acknowledging the challenge and organizing my time and efforts.
    2. You know those 'safety' caps on medicine bottles?
    3. Well, she started off as kind of a prude, but eventually...
  8. What two or three accomplishments have given you the most satisfaction? Why?
    1. Oh, probably one of the several awards/scholarships I won during college, but I don't like to focus on me so much, as what they meant to my school.
    2. I haven't really accomplished much, but I did learn HTML.
    3. ...so after a little coaxing....
  9. Give an example of a time when you took the initiative to work.
    1. I don't understand any other way of living.
    2. Well, not having much of a social life, I usually focus on work anyway.
    3. hahahahahahahahaha
  10. Think of a crisis situation where things got out of control? Why did it happen and what was your role?
    1. On a group project, communication fell apart and the deadline was closing fast. Seeing no other alternative, I threw myself into the work, and a few days later (without sleep) we managed to finish up and got an 'A'.
    2. Sometimes I don't think those people in Financial Aid really listen. After a few weeks of this 'back and forth', I finally got my money, but it took a lot of effort and persistence on my part.
    3. ...then her dad came in and...
  11. If you had your life to live over again, what would you do differently
    1. I have enjoyed so many wonderful experiences, I don't think I would change a thing. Besides, if I did, I might not be here today with you.
    2. Oh, that's the second list..
    3. ..yeah, I probably should've been packin' heat...
  12. What are your short and long range goals? When and why did you establish these goals and how are you preparing yourself to reach them?
    1. First, I plan to gain real world experience and knowledge so that I may better help contribute to this company. Once I have established myself in the professional community, I plan to lead this company to new growth and world-wide respect.
    2. This time I definitely need an apartment with a bed. Not that I'm a whiner, but it's just that the floor gets cold. You know.
    3. I definitely need a nice pad to enhance my social image. I think that will help your company in the long run, as outsiders will see how 'cool' and 'fun' workers here are, and we can probably market that somehow.
  13. Describe your most rewarding college experience
    2. My graduate financial package. But if you mean academically, that would be my thesis work, as anything this hard has to be good for me.
  14. Why did you choose the career for which you are preparing
    1. My parents always encouraged me to set high goals. Combine that with my inner drive to help mankind, and this seemed like a match made in Heaven.
    2. My high school guidance counselor said, "hey, you're good in math, why not engineering?"
    3. Well, the pay is good, and it allows me to work on a technical side of things. At least until that gets too difficult, in which case, I can always switch over to management.
  15. Why did you select your college/university
    1. I investigated a wide range of options of course, but in the end, I figured being near family and friends was a good criteriAlso, I don't put much faith in rankings or statistics, I think you get out what you put in.
    2. I was poor and couldn't move away from home.
    3. I got some scholarships and the babes were nice.
  16. What college subjects did you enjoy the most? The least? Why?
    1. Of course since I love to learn, I enjoy all subjects, but I would have to say the most enjoyable were my senior mechanical courses. These courses let me see a more complex setting of my analytical skills, and to develop problem solving skills better.
    2. Dynamics and Kinematics. I like easy math problems and I like Legos.
    3. My foreign languages classes, because I finally got to see babes.
  17. Do you think grades are a good indicator of your college achievement
    1. Yes, I think they are *one* indicator, but a person is so much more than just a set of numbers.
    2. If you discount my first two years and those stupid electrical classes, then yes.
    3. No, I'm definitely more of an abstract thinker, and I believe grading systems are too subjective and confining.
  18. Do you plan to continue your education
    1. Of course, I plan to continue learning my entire life.
    2. I think I am ready to focus more on the workforce at this time.
    3. Oh, dear God no.
  19. Tell me about your extracurricular activities
    1. Ok, but I'll just focus on the most important ones...
    2. "I'm in the physics cluthe math club."
    3. Well, I like 'em young and pretty, you know...
  20. Did you hold any positions of leadership in any organizations
    1. Well, being the Treasurer of the Chess Club and Secretary/Webmaster of the Wrestling Club may not seem like much, but the responsibilities were greater than I imagined.
    2. Yes.
    3. Yes, but I like to lead more by example I guess.
  21. What have you learned from your participation in extracurricular activities
    1. I learned how to better organize events and motivate people.
    2. Sometimes more effort is required to get people moving in the right direction and that even little tasks can take a long time if no one will help you.
    3. People are stupid.
  22. How has you college experience prepared you for a professional career
    1. The analytical background and interpersonal skills I learned in college have prepared me to make a contribution in the workforce as I apply my knowledge to new and challenging situations, all the while learning from my mistakes and gaining valuable insight into the real world and life in general.
    2. I have most of my textbooks and got my degree.
    3. After 7 years of anything, a person gets good at it.
  23. If you had the chance to repeat your college career, what would you do differently
    1. I would probably work harder in some of the classes that were outside my major. I feel it is important to be well-rounded and to always strive to achieve high goals.
    2. Try to switch co-op companies after my 2nd term to gain better experience.
    3. Less spending on the credit card and more aggressive dating habits.
  24. What past jobs have you held? What job did you enjoy the most? The least? Why?
    1. I've had regular minimum wage high school jobs, but my only real applicable experience would be my co-op. That job was enjoyable as the people were great and the opportunities for work were plentiful.
    2. Since I really only have the co-op, that would be it.
    3. Well, my TA wasn't really a job, but it paid the most.
  25. How would you describe the ideal job for you following graduation
    1. One where I would be challenged technically, but in a team environment with helpful co-workers and supervisors.
    2. One where there's little chance of killing myself that pays well.
    3. They make these tasers, see, and...
  26. Why should I hire you
    1. Because my qualifications for the job seem a perfect match, and I am already enthusiastic about working here and helping this little community.
    2. Well, I don't suppose there's any overriding reason, but then there's no real reason not o.
    3. I need a break
  27. Why did you seek employment with this company
    1. Of course, everyone knows what a wonderful company this is, but I also had inside scoop from former co-ops that your company treats its employees well and believes in continuing education.
    2. It's near friends and family.
    3. It's the only job cooler than BOOM!
  28. What criteria are you using to evaluate the company for which you hope to work
    1. I'm seeking a company that will put my analytical skills to good use, believes in continuing education, and fosters intellectual growth among its employees.
    2. One that would hire me.
    3. I'm looking for a big company, where I can get lost in the shuffle and not really be held responsible for anything.
  29. What do you know about our company
    1. I've read your financial portfolio and am impressed. I also see you are expanding operations world-wide, and I believe you use software I am already familiar with.
    2. I've seen the commercials
    3. All I need to know is 'how much will you pay me?'
  30. If you were hiring a graduate for this position, what qualities would you look for
    1. I think the candidate should work well with others, communicate well, and strive to accomplish.
    2. The ability to learn and document seem reasonable.
    3. Probably the ones I’m the best at of course, what kind of stupid question is that?
  31. What do you think determines an individual’s progress in a company
    1. Hard work without undermining coworkers and the company’s goals, usually plays a part, but also the ability to manage projects and apply knowledge and skills to other areas of the business.
    2. The drive and devotion to the company and team, good presentation of ones self on technical aspects as well as social functions, and the ability to sell ones self.
    3. The good ol’ boy network and a little ass kissin’
  32. What qualities do you prefer in a boss
    1. One who has faith in me to assign difficult projects, yet is understanding enough to realize I may need help on occasion.
    2. One who won’t kill me outright, either physically or with a lot of OT.
    3. A hands-off guy who doesn’t know shit from shinola.
  33. Give an example of when you have gone the extra mile
    1. Recently, on our Vibrations III Final Project, I put In quite a few extra hours trying to compensate for a few mistakes we made during the initial setup. I learned there that proper planning can go a long way towards achieving the desired outcome.
    2. I get lost a lot….
    3. Once, I was stalking this babe jogging….
  34. Describe the relationship that should exist between a supervisor and to those reporting to him/her
    1. The relationship should be mutually encouraging and beneficial, it should not be degrading or competitive.
    2. The supervisor should assign tasks and the workers should complete them, assuming they’re reasonable of course.
    3. If it’s a him, we should be in the same work sports league. If it’s a her, it depends on what she looks like.
  35. In what kind of work environment are you most comfortable
    1. One where essential materials are provided and where coworkers are encouraged to work together.
    2. Below 65 is too cold, but above 73 is too hot.
    3. A Sleep-O-Matic.
  36. What kind of rewards are most satisfying to you
    1. A job well done is reward itself.
    2. I think a raise is standard, so that’s fine with me.
    3. Blowjobs.
  37. How do these rewards affect the effort you put into your work
    1. I do not look for rewards for my work, so they usually don’t affect what I do. I do my job because I love it.
    2. I usually try to do a good job, and I’ve never been lucky, so I don’t think too much extra work would gain me any favors anyway.
    3. …and I knew how she was going to reward me, so I was willing to work a little harder for it….
  38. How important is communication and interaction with others on the job
    1. Communication can be the most important aspect of any project. Without it, al the technical expertise in the world is useless if no one else can understand it.
    2. It’s pretty important, but if you’re ‘communicating’ too much, you’d probably get fired.
    3. Since most of the real world involves BS-ing and water-cooler politics, I’d say it was very important.
  39. What is your typical role as a group member
    1. I usually lead by example and carryout my part of the project, careful not to step on the toes of others, but also mindful that all the work gets done correctly.
    2. I usually ease tensions between arguing members.
    3. ...so then she called her sister in and told me to lie down between them….
  40. Do you have a geographical preference
    1. Of course I do prefer the warmer climates, but I believe my career is more important than anything as petty as climate, so I’d be willing to move anywhere.
    2. I really like the heat.
    3. A window office would suffice.
  41. Are you willing to relocate
    1. Of course, I am ready to do whatever is necessary to start off my career and help this company.
    2. As long as it’s not too cold.
    3. So, your office is becoming available?
  42. How do you feel about working overtime
    1. I understand that a little extra work and team effort can be required for difficult tasks.
    2. I believe we have labor laws for a reason.
    3. Is it paid?
  43. What is your attitude toward overnight travel
    1. The opportunity for travel is a benefit, both to me and the company.
    2. As long as it’s not cold.
    3. What about ‘entertainment’, or expense account?
  44. How would working evenings affect you
    1. An evening shift is fine, my job is to complete projects to help this company and myself grow, when I do them is irrelevant.
    2. Well, if it came down to that, I could probably arrange something.
    3. I don’t care what you do with your evenings.
  45. Are you willing to spend at least six months as a trainee
    1. I look forward to training as a way of personal growth, transition and bonding.
    2. As long as it’s not too cold.
    3. Does it pay the same?
  46. What kind of salary do you expect in 5 years? 10 years?
    1. I’m not too focused on the monetary gains of employment, I’m more concerned with increasing my experience and potential.
    2. Explain compound interest again.
    3. What do you make?
  47. What position do you expect to have in 5 years? 10 years?
    1. I think through my hard work and team efforts, I will be focused on expanding my skills towards management.
    2. I’m hoping I’ll still have a job here.
    3. Something where I’m so revered and respected I no longer have t follow dress codes.
  48. What can you do for us that someone else cannot do
    1. I bring unique perspectives from academiHaving 2 degrees from 2 different schools in 2 different environments I believe has helped shaped my understanding r personal interactions and broadened my perspectives into critical thinking, unlike other candidates may have achieved.
    2. Well, there’s always dwarf-tossing.
    3. Ok, so let’s say you give me $5 and want to make $10. I know a few guys….
  49. What special characteristics should I consider about you as a person
    1. The energy I bring to work everyday.
    2. I come from a dysfunctional family.
    3. Is that a come on?
  50. How long will it take you to make a contribution
    1. I believe after a short adjustment and training period, I should be able to make reasonable contributions easily.
    2. Oh. Well, I’ve got a few dollars in my wallet…
    3. How long until my first paycheck?