Sample Interview Questions                                                   Printer Friendly

Question Asked by Employers

1. Why did you choose California State University, Sacramento?

2. Why did you choose to major in... Communication Studies, Computer Science , or...?
(Interviewers are looking for your decision-making strategies.)

3. What are your special areas of interest?
(Respond with your specific interests in your professional field.)

4. What are the courses that you have enjoyed the most and the least?

1. Have you ever worked on a group project in which conflicts arose?

2. How did you resolve this situation?

3. What did you learn from this experience?

1. What do you consider to be your major strengths and weaknesses? Have you taken any steps to improve your skills or performance?

(Interviewers are looking to see if you have evaluated your strengths and weakness. Strengths may include such things as your willingness to work hard of your ability to get along with others. Be careful when discussing weaknesses. You never want to say anything negative about yourself in an interview.

The key is to show you have looked critically at yourself and taken action to improve yourself when necessary. Example: "I used to be very shy, but I have gotten involved in various activities to help overcome my shyness." Make sure you give concrete examples.)

2. What would you say are your most important accomplishments to date?

3. What are your short-term and long-term goals?

1. Tell me about a time you were faced with conflicting priorities. How did you determine what was the top priority? (Describe the situation, the action you took, and the results.)

2. What qualities do you look for in a supervisor? (You might respond on the basis of how much supervision you need or feel comfortable with.)

3. Give me a situation in which you had a lot of uncertainty and chaos and had to use your problem-solving skills.

1. Tell me about yourself.
(Briefly describe your education, work experience, job specific skills and personal skills as these relate to the job for which you are applying.)

2. Why should we hire you?
(same response as the above.)

1. Why do you want to work for our company?
(Focus your answer on what you can contribute to the company not on how your employment will benefit you.)

2. What is it about the job that interests you most?

3. Do you have any questions for us?
(Have at least 3 questions prepared. Never say you have no questions. Some examples are listed below.)

Select 3-4 questions from the list below:

1. What kinds of assignments might someone expect the first month on the job?

2. What type of schedule would be typical for this position?

3. How much team/project work will be involved in this job?

4. Will there be an opportunity to work on special projects?

5. What kind of career paths are possible in this company?

6. In what area of the organization do you expect the most growth?

7. Is the company environment formal or informal, structured or flexible?

8. How are priorities for the job established?

1. What do you think you will make a decision?

2. What is next in the interview process?

3. May I visit your facility? (Appropriate for on-campus interviews or phone interviews)

4. May I have your business card? (For writing a thank-you letter)

Shake hands and say something that confirms your interest in the job. Example:

"This has been an exciting meeting for me. I know I can do this job well and contribute to your company's goals."

*Do not ask about salary, benefits, perks, etc., during the first interview unless the employer brings up the topic, or you are offered a position