Description: This activity is combined of question that are commonly asked in an interview settings. You will receive feedback on your responses in order to strengthen your interviewing skills.
Instructions: Please answer the questions as you would if you were in a face-to-face interview. Be sure to answer the complete question.
- In your previous experience, would you say you were known for taking the initiative? If so,
provide an example.
If you are known for taking the initiative be sure to provide a good example of what you did and why it was taking initiative. If you have not been known to take initiative in the workplace, provide an example of why.
- Do you prefer a stable day-to-day routine or a dynamic constantly changing environment?
Be sure to consider the position you are interviewing for. If you prefer consistency, will this job provide that? If you prefer dynamic constantly changing, will this position provide that?
- How well do you handle criticism?
You may consider responding that constructive criticism allows you to grow as a professional.
- Tell me something about yourself that I will not find in your resume.
This is your opportunity to discuss experiences that you may have omitted from your resume to keep it at one page. Be sure the information you provide is relevant and not found in your resume. You want to give them something new. If you have won awards that weren’t noted, if you are currently working on a certificate, but didn’t include it on the resume because it is not finished… now is the time to bring those things up.
- Tell me about a time when you showed real determination.
Talk about a time when you persevered to accomplish a goal. Choose something that that will reflect an interest in developing new skills, demonstrates your ability to gather resources and manage stressful situations. Discuss the results you obtained.
- How do you manage stress in your daily work?
The interviewer is attempting to gain information to see if you have a tendency to crack under pressure. Be sure you show that you can manage high-pressure situations. Think of ways you manage your stress throughout the day. Stay professional, and be sure not to give an example of something that would display you are unproductive during work hours because of stress.
- What do you bring to this job that is unique and would make us want to hire you?
Your answer should demonstrate confidence in your abilities without sounding conceited. Consider what past and present supervisors or co-workers would say about you. What specific skills do you have that relate to this job? What specific tasks do your current co-workers/supervisors come to you to complete and why? Be sure to answer the question, do not just list the same skills that are displayed on your resume.
- What would your ideal job be like?
Your answer should demonstrate confidence in your abilities without sounding conceited. Consider what past and present supervisors or co-workers would say about you. What specific skills do you have that relate to this job? What specific tasks do your current co-workers/supervisors come to you to complete and why? Be sure to answer the question, do not just list the same skills that are displayed on your resume.
- Do you prefer working alone or in a group?
Be honest, but also appear flexible. Consider the values and mission of the company… is teamwork something they strive for? If you are best at completing tasks alone, you can honestly say that, but also state that you can work in a group setting, and if you are better working in a group, that is okay, but be sure to mention you can also complete tasks individually. Be sure that you consider the typical work day in this position and if you would normally be working alone or in a group…
- Why do you want to work here?
Be sure to consider what you know about this company, their mission, values, reputation, etc. (be aware of these, but do not recite them in the interview.) Discuss the reasons why a position in this company is appealing to you. Be sure to be insightful.
