The interview is an opportunity for a prospective employer to assess your fit for a position and the organization as a whole. Regardless of the format (phone/video or in-person, one-on-one or panel), most interviews take a common sequence:

1. Introductions - A few minutes of small talk designed to acquaint you with your interviewer(s) and put you at ease.
2. Organization and Information - Brief information about the employer, the position, and possibly, the format of the interview.
3. Qualifications - A discussion of your goals, skills, strengths and weakness as they relate to the organization and the position.
4. Conclusion - Next steps in the selection process and final questions.

• Evaluate your interests, skills/abilities, and weaknesses relative to the position for which you are interviewing. If possible, obtain a copy of the position description.
• Research and review the organization's purpose, structure, strengths, and challenges. Use the organization's website, press releases, contacts.
• Dress professionally (clean, conservative, classic)for the desired position.
• Know exactly where you are going for the interview and give yourself plenty of time to get there with a few minutes to spare.
• Be courteous to everyone your encounter. You never know who will have the opportunity to offer input and impressions in the hiring decision.

• Tell me about yourself.
• What are your hobbies?
• Why did you choose to interview with our organization?
• Describe your ideal job.
• What can you offer us?
• What do you consider to be your greatest strengths?
• Can you name some weaknesses?
• Define success. Failure.
• Have you ever had any failures? What did you learn from them?
• Of which accomplishments are you most proud?
• Who are your role models? Why?
• How does your college education or work experience relate to this position?
• What motivates you most to succeed?
• Have you ever had difficulty getting along with a professor/supervisor/co-worker? How did you handle it?
• Have you ever spoken in front of a large group? How large?
• Why should we hire you rather than another candidate?
• What do you know about our organization (mission, goals, competitors, products, services)?
• Where do you want to be in five years? Ten years?
• Do you plan to return to school for further education?

• Why did you choose your major?
• Why did you choose to attend your college or university?
• Do you think you received a good education? In what ways?
• In which campus activities did you participate?
• Which classes in your major did you like best? Least? Why?
• Which elective classes did you like best? Least? Why?
• If you were to start over, what would you change about your education?
• Do you think your grades accurately reflect your ability? Why or Why not?
• Were you financially responsible for any portion of your college education?

• What job-related skills have you developed?
• Did you work while going to school? In what positions?
• What did you enjoy most about you last employment? Least?
• Have you ever quit a job? Why?
• Give an example of a situation in which you provided a solution to an employer.
• Give an example of a time in which you worked under deadline pressure.
• Have you ever done any volunteer work? What kind?
• How do you think a former supervisor would describe your work?

• Do you prefer to work under close supervision or on your own?
• What kind of supervisor do you work best with?
• Would you be successful working with a team?
• Do you prefer large or small organizations? Why?
• What other types of positions are you considering?
• How do you feel about working in a structured environment?
• How do you feel about travel?
• How do you feel about the possibility of relocating?
• Are you willing to work flextime?

• Please describe the duties of the job for me.
• What qualities are you looking for in the candidate who fills this position?
• What skills are especially important for someone in this position?
• What characteristics do achievers in this organization see to share?
• What kinds of assignments might I expect the first six months on the job?
• Does your organization encourage further education?
• How often are performance reviews given?
• What products (or services) are in the development stage now?
• Do you have plans for expansion?
• What are your growth projections for the next year?
• Have you cut your staff in the last three years?
• How do you feel about creativity and individuality?
• Do you offer flextime?
• Is your organization environmentally conscious? In what ways?
• In what ways is a career with your organization better than one with your competitors?
• Is this a new position or am I replacing someone?
• What is the largest single problem facing your staff/department?
• What is the usual promotional time frame?
• Does your organization offer either single or dual career-track positions?
• What do you like best about your job/organization?
• Once the probation period is completed, how much authority will I have over decisions?
• Has there been much turnover in this job area?
• Do you fill positions from the outside or promote from within first?
• Is there a lot of team/project work?
• Will I have the opportunity to work on special projects?
• Where does this position fit into the organizational structure?
• How much travel, if any, is involved in this position?
• What is the next course of action in your search process? When should I expect to hear from you or should I contact you?