Tell me about yourself.
It seems like an easy interview question. It’s open ended. I can talk about whatever I want from the birth canal forward. Right?

Wrong. What the hiring manager really wants is a quick, two- to three-minute snapshot of who you are and why you’re the best candidate for this position.

So as you answer this question, talk about what you’ve done to prepare yourself to be the very best candidate for the position. Use an example or two to back it up. Then ask if they would like more details. If they do, keep giving them example after example of your background and experience. Always point back to an example when you have the opportunity.

“Tell me about yourself” does not mean tell me everything. Just tell me what makes you the best.

Why should I hire you?
The easy answer is that you are the best person for the job. And don’t be afraid to say so. But then back it up with what specifically differentiates you.

For example: “You should hire me because I’m the best person for the job. I realize that there are likely other candidates who also have the ability to do this job. Yet I bring an additional quality that makes me the best person for the job--my passion for excellence. I am passionately committed to producing truly world class results. For example . . .”

Are you the best person for the job? Show it by your passionate examples.

What is your long-range objective? Make my job easy for me. Make me want to hire you.
The key is to focus on your achievable objectives and what you are doing to reach those objectives.

For example: “Within five years, I would like to become the very best accountant your company has on staff. I want to work toward becoming the expert that others rely upon. And in doing so, I feel I’ll be fully prepared to take on any greater responsibilities which might be presented in the long term. For example, here is what I’m presently doing to prepare myself . . .”

Then go on to show by your examples what you are doing to reach your goals and objectives.

How has your education prepared you for your career?
This is a broad question and you need to focus on the behavioral examples in your educational background which specifically align to the required competencies for the career.

An example: “My education has focused on not only the learning the fundamentals, but also on the practical application of the information learned within those classes. For example, I played a lead role in a class project where we gathered and analyzed best practice data from this industry. Let me tell you more about the results . . .”

Focus on behavioral examples supporting the key competencies for the career. Then ask if they would like to hear more examples.

Are you a team player?
Almost everyone says yes to this question. But it is not just a yes/no question. You need to provide behavioral examples to back up your answer.

A sample answer: “Yes, I’m very much a team player. In fact, I’ve had opportunities in my work, school and athletics to develop my skills as a team player. For example, on a recent project . . .”

Emphasize teamwork behavioral examples and focus on your openness to diversity of backgrounds. Talk about the strength of the team above the individual. And note that this question may be used as a lead in to questions around how you handle conflict within a team, so be prepared.

Have you ever had a conflict with a boss or professor? How was it resolved?
Note that if you say no, most interviewers will keep drilling deeper to find a conflict. The key is how you behaviorally reacted to conflict and what you did to resolve it.

For example: “Yes, I have had conflicts in the past. Never major ones, but there have been disagreements that needed to be resolved. I've found that when conflict occurs, it helps to fully understand the other person’s perspective, so I take time to listen to their point of view, then I seek to work out a collaborative solution. For example . . .”

Focus your answer on the behavioral process for resolving the conflict and working collaboratively.

What is your greatest weakness?
Most career books tell you to select a strength and present it as a weakness. Such as: “I work too much. I just work and work and work.” Wrong. First of all, using a strength and presenting it as a weakness is deceiving. Second, it misses the point of the question.

You should select a weakness that you have been actively working to overcome. For example: “I have had trouble in the past with planning and prioritization. However, I’m now taking steps to correct this. I just started using a pocket planner . . .” then show them your planner and how you are using it.

Talk about a true weakness and show what you are doing to overcome it.

If I were to ask your professors to describe you, what would they say?
This is a threat of reference check question. Do not wait for the interview to know the answer. Ask any prior bosses or professors in advance. And if they’re willing to provide a positive reference, ask them for a letter of recommendation.

Then you can answer the question like this:

“I believe she would say I'm a very energetic person, that I’m results oriented and one of the best people she has ever worked with. Actually, I know she would say that, because those are her very words. May I show you her letter of recommendation?”

So be prepared in advance with your letters of recommendation.

What qualities do you feel a successful manager should have?
Focus on two words: leadership and vision.

Here is a sample of how to respond: “The key quality in a successful manager should be leadership--the ability to be the visionary for the people who are working under them. The person who can set the course and direction for subordinates. The highest calling of a true leader is inspiring others to reach the highest of their abilities. I'd like to tell you about a person whom I consider to be a true leader . . .”

Then give an example of someone who has touched your life and how their impact has helped in your personal development.

If you had to live your life over again, what one thing would you change?
Focus on a key turning point in your life or missed opportunity. Yet also tie it forward to what you are doing to still seek to make that change.

For example: “Although I’m overall very happy with where I’m at in my life, the one aspect I likely would have changed would be focusing earlier on my chosen career. I had a great internship this past year and look forward to more experience in the field. I simply wish I would have focused here earlier. For example, I learned on my recent internship…” …then provide examples.

Stay focused on positive direction in your life and back it up with examples.

In reviewing these responses, please remember that they are only to be viewed samples. Please do not rehearse them verbatim or adopt them as your own. They are meant to stir your creative juices and get you thinking about how to properly answer the broader range of questions that you will face.

Interview Question: Have you ever asked for feedback about your work? Is feedback a positive or a negative?

Answer Guide: Applicant should consider feedback from others important to him/her, they should be a good listener, and they should be able to process feedback in an optimistic way to improve skills and services.
Interview Question: Can you explain the working culture of your current team? How do you manage to let your colleagues know that you are concerned about them?

Answer Guide: Applicant should not be self-centered; they should be kind, understanding, and cordial in meetings; they should be obliging and supportive.
Interview Question: When faced with a problem do you ever view it from the other person’s point of view? Can you give me a recent example?

Answer Guide: Answer should show the applicant can easily see things from another’s point of view. They should be able to understand another’s way of thinking and understand their interests. They should make decisions considering all dimensions of the situation.
Interview Question: Tell me about a time you had to deal with a customer who was very vague.

Answer Guide: Job seeker should be able to recognize or assess the feelings and views of others while interacting with them. They should be able to determine what a customer wants from him/her.

Interview Question: Tell me about a time when you asked for extra responsibility in any of your previous jobs.

Answer Guide: Applicant should show a natural desire for doing extra tasks willingly.
Interview Question: Tell me about a specific task you undertook, which was a challenge for you?

Answer Guide: Applicant should try to do his work with dedication, even in stressful circumstances.
Interview Question: How do you manage your time in a project when the project has a tight deadline? Give an example to prove your point.

Answer Guide: Job seeker should know the importance of time management in projects and be able to show this in his/her personal example. They should also show that they have the techniques and ability to manage time properly under the pressure of completing major projects.
Interview Question: Describe to me in detail a time when you took the initiative in a major project.

Answer Guide: Applicant should express a desire to take on more responsibility when needed. They should have enough confidence to single handedly make decisions and a desire to move up in the company.
Interview Question: Describe a situation in where you had a task that was quite demanding and what was the result of it?

Answer Guide: Applicant should show strong decision making powers and a feeling of responsibility towards his/her work.
Interview Question: Tell me about a time you got totally fed up on the job. What did you do after that?

Answer Guide: Job seeker should be able to accept his/her mistakes gracefully and try there best to resolve it. They should also be able to determine why the situation became so stressful.
Interview Question: What is your first reaction when your senior manager assigns a task that you think is impossible?

Answer Guide: Applicant should have the ability to analyze the situation and make every attempt to come up with a solution. They should not have a problem asking co-workers for help from and be responsible enough to make sure that the task was done right.

1. Tell me about yourself:
The most often asked question in interviews. You need to have a short
statement prepared in your mind. Be careful that it does not sound
rehearsed. Limit it to work-related items unless instructed otherwise.
Talk about things you have done and jobs you have held that relate to
the position you are interviewing for. Start with the item farthest
back and work up to the present.


2. Why did you leave your last job?
Stay positive regardless of the circumstances. Never refer to a major
problem with management and never speak ill of supervisors, co-workers
or the organization. If you do, you will be the one looking bad. Keep
smiling and talk about leaving for a positive reason such as an
opportunity, a chance to do something special or other forward-looking
reasons.
3. What experience do you have in this field?
Speak about specifics that relate to the position you are applying for.
If you do not have specific experience, get as close as you can.
4. Do you consider yourself successful?
You should always answer yes and briefly explain why. A good
explanation is that you have set goals, and you have met some and are
on track to achieve the others.
5. What do co-workers say about you?
Be prepared with a quote or two from co-workers. Either a specific
statement or a paraphrase will work. Jill Clark, a co-worker at Smith
Company, always said I was the hardest workers she had ever known. It
is as powerful as Jill having said it at the interview herself.
6. What do you know about this organization?
This question is one reason to do some research on the organization
before the interview. Find out where they have been and where they are
going. What are the current issues and who are the major players?
7. What have you done to improve your knowledge in the last year?
Try to include improvement activities that relate to the job. A wide
variety of activities can be mentioned as positive self-improvement.
Have some good ones handy to mention.
8. Are you applying for other jobs?
Be honest but do not spend a lot of time in this area. Keep the focus
on this job and what you can do for this organization. Anything else is
a distraction.
9. Why do you want to work for this organization?
This may take some thought and certainly, should be based on the
research you have done on the organization. Sincerity is extremely
important here and will easily be sensed. Relate it to your long-term
career goals.
10. Do you know anyone who works for us?
Be aware of the policy on relatives working for the organization. This
can affect your answer even though they asked about friends not
relatives. Be careful to mention a friend only if they are well thought
of.
11. What kind of salary do you need?
A loaded question. A nasty little game that you will probably lose if
you answer first. So, do not answer it. Instead, say something like,
That’s a tough question. Can you tell me the range for this position?
In most cases, the interviewer, taken off guard, will tell you. If not,
say that it can depend on the details of the job. Then give a wide
range.
12. Are you a team player?
You are, of course, a team player. Be sure to have examples ready.
Specifics that show you often perform for the good of the team rather
than for yourself are good evidence of your team attitude. Do not brag,
just say it in a matter-of-fact tone. This is a key point.
13. How long would you expect to work for us if hired?
Specifics here are not good. Something like this should work: I’d like
it to be a long time. Or As long as we both feel I’m doing a good job.
14. Have you ever had to fire anyone? How did you feel about that?
This is serious. Do not make light of it or in any way seem like you
like to fire people. At the same time, you will do it when it is the
right thing to do. When it comes to the organization versus the
individual who has created a harmful situation, you will protect the
organization. Remember firing is not the same as layoff or reduction in
force.
15. What is your philosophy towards work?
The interviewer is not looking for a long or flowery dissertation here.
Do you have strong feelings that the job gets done? Yes. That’s the
type of answer that works best here. Short and positive, showing a
benefit to the organization.
16. If you had enough money to retire right now, would you?
Answer yes if you would. But since you need to work, this is the type
of work you prefer. Do not say yes if you do not mean it.
17. Have you ever been asked to leave a position?
If you have not, say no. If you have, be honest, brief and avoid saying
negative things about the people or organization involved.
18. Explain how you would be an asset to this organization
You should be anxious for this question. It gives you a chance to
highlight your best points as they relate to the position being
discussed. Give a little advance thought to this relationship.
19. Why should we hire you?
Point out how your assets meet what the organization needs. Do not
mention any other candidates to make a comparison.
20. Tell me about a suggestion you have made
Have a good one ready. Be sure and use a suggestion that was accepted
and was then considered successful. One related to the type of work
applied for is a real plus.
21. What irritates you about co-workers?
This is a trap question. Think real hard but fail to come up with
anything that irritates you. A short statement that you seem to get
along with folks is great.
22. What is your greatest strength?
Numerous answers are good, just stay positive. A few good examples:
Your ability to prioritize, Your problem-solving skills, Your ability
to work under pressure, Your ability to focus on projects, Your
professional expertise, Your leadership skills, Your positive attitude
23. Tell me about your dream job.
Stay away from a specific job. You cannot win. If you say the job you
are contending for is it, you strain credibility. If you say another
job is it, you plant the suspicion that you will be dissatisfied with
this position if hired. The best is to stay genetic and say something
like: A job where I love the work, like the people, can contribute and
can’t wait to get to work.
24. Why do you think you would do well at this job?
Give several reasons and include skills, experience and interest.
25. What are you looking for in a job?
See answer # 23
26. What kind of person would you refuse to work with?
Do not be trivial. It would take disloyalty to the organization,
violence or lawbreaking to get you to object. Minor objections will
label you as a whiner.
27. What is more important to you: the money or the work?
Money is always important, but the work is the most important. There is
no better answer.
28. What would your previous supervisor say your strongest point is?
There are numerous good possibilities:
Loyalty, Energy, Positive attitude, Leadership, Team player, Expertise,
Initiative, Patience, Hard work, Creativity, Problem solver
29. Tell me about a problem you had with a supervisor
Biggest trap of all. This is a test to see if you will speak ill of
your boss. If you fall for it and tell about a problem with a former
boss, you may well below the interview right there. Stay positive and
develop a poor memory about any trouble with a supervisor.
30. What has disappointed you about a job?
Don’t get trivial or negative. Safe areas are few but can include:
Not enough of a challenge. You were laid off in a reduction Company did
not win a contract, which would have given you more responsibility.
31. Tell me about your ability to work under pressure.
You may say that you thrive under certain types of pressure. Give an
example that relates to the type of position applied for.
32. Do your skills match this job or another job more closely?
Probably this one. Do not give fuel to the suspicion that you may want
another job more than this one.
33. What motivates you to do your best on the job?
This is a personal trait that only you can say, but good examples are:
Challenge, Achievement, Recognition
34. Are you willing to work overtime? Nights? Weekends?
This is up to you. Be totally honest.
35. How would you know you were successful on this job?
Several ways are good measures:
You set high standards for yourself and meet them. Your outcomes are a
success.Your boss tell you that you are successful
36. Would you be willing to relocate if required?
You should be clear on this with your family prior to the interview if
you think there is a chance it may come up. Do not say yes just to get
the job if the real answer is no. This can create a lot of problems
later on in your career. Be honest at this point and save yourself
future grief.
37. Are you willing to put the interests of the organization ahead ofyour own?
This is a straight loyalty and dedication question. Do not worry about
the deep ethical and philosophical implications. Just say yes.
38. Describe your management style.
Try to avoid labels. Some of the more common labels, like progressive,
salesman or consensus, can have several meanings or descriptions
depending on which management expert you listen to. The situational
style is safe, because it says you will manage according to the
situation, instead of one size fits all.
39. What have you learned from mistakes on the job?
Here you have to come up with something or you strain credibility. Make
it small, well intentioned mistake with a positive lesson learned. An
example would be working too far ahead of colleagues on a project and
thus throwing coordination off.
40. Do you have any blind spots?
Trick question. If you know about blind spots, they are no longer blind
spots. Do not reveal any personal areas of concern here. Let them do
their own discovery on your bad points. Do not hand it to them.
41. If you were hiring a person for this job, what would you look for?
Be careful to mention traits that are needed and that you have.
42. Do you think you are overqualified for this position?
Regardless of your qualifications, state that you are very well
qualified for the position.
43. How do you propose to compensate for your lack of experience?
First, if you have experience that the interviewer does not know about,
bring that up: Then, point out (if true) that you are a hard working
quick learner.
44. What qualities do you look for in a boss?
Be generic and positive. Safe qualities are knowledgeable, a sense of
humor, fair, loyal to subordinates and holder of high standards. All
bosses think they have these traits.
45. Tell me about a time when you helped resolve a dispute betweenothers.
Pick a specific incident. Concentrate on your problem solving technique
and not the dispute you settled.
46. What position do you prefer on a team working on a project?
Be honest. If you are comfortable in different roles, point that out.
47. Describe your work ethic.
Emphasize benefits to the organization. Things like, determination to
get the job done and work hard but enjoy your work are good.
48. What has been your biggest professional disappointment?
Be sure that you refer to something that was beyond your control. Show
acceptance and no negative feelings.
49. Tell me about the most fun you have had on the job.
Talk about having fun by accomplishing something for the organization.
50. Do you have any questions for me?
Always have some questions prepared. Questions prepared where you will be an asset to the organization are good. How soon will I be able to be productive? and What type of projects will I be able to assist on? are
examples.

Teacher Interview Questions - Teaching experiences:

• Please review for us your teaching experiences such as levels subjects taught, years, location, etc.
• Please tell me about your most challenging experience while working with children or in the classroom?
• What was your most rewarding experience during student teaching?
• How well has your college/university prepared you for the field of teaching?
• What experience have you had with students from culturally diverse backgrounds?

Teacher Interview Questions - Instructional Skills:

• Describe the best lesson you have delivered. Why was it successful?
• Describe your typical lesson.
• How will you instruct students with varying abilities?
• If students were having difficulty teaming a skill or concept, what would you do?
• What techniques would you use to be sure that students understand?
• How do you feel when a student fails?
• What techniques do you use to keep students actively involved during a lesson?
• It seems like there is never enough time to cover the curriculum or to get children to master content and skills. Would you comment on that?
• Are you constantly searching for things you can show, tell, or demonstrated to students? Tell us about some recent discovery, something that you have found.
• How do you deal with the unmotivated student?
• Tell me about some specific motivational strategies you use to get students excited about teaming.
• Given the multitude of material that must be taught, what is the optimum way to cover all subjects and still meet individual needs? How does your management of your classroom facilitate this?
• What would you do if 50% of a class did poorly on a test?
• Have you developed any new ideas about teaching in the past few months? Describe one or two of them for us.

Teacher Interview Questions - Technology Skills:

• How would you apply technology to enhance daily instruction and increase student learning?
• What activities has this technology replaced, if any?
• Are you comfortable with the use of technology in the classroom?
• What are your computer skills? What computer software have you used?
• What technology-based activities do you have your students do?

Teacher Interview Questions - Planning Skills:

• How well organized are you? Why is organization important for a teacher?
• What do you include in your daily lesson plans?
• Do you prefer to do long term or short term plans? How do you plan for instruction?
• How closely do you follow your plans?
• How do you feel when you don't meet a deadline? What do you do when students do not meet their deadlines?
• What are some of the considerations you make when planning your lessons?
• How do you go about planning a unit?
• How much homework will you assign? How do you know how long it will take your students?

Teacher Interview Questions - Classroom Discipline & Management:

• Describe your philosophy regarding discipline.
• What was the most challenging discipline problem you've encountered and how did you handle it?
• What techniques would you use to handle discipline problems that may arise in your classroom?
• A student is consistently late to your class. How do you handle the situation?
• What kinds of rules do you have in your classroom? How are they established?
• What do you feel are the most important factors in classroom control?
• What techniques do you use to increase the probability that students will behave appropriately?
• Share three interesting techniques used in the classroom.
• Describe a situation in your last job when you felt pressure. How did you handle it?
• What is your attitude towards individual vs. total class punishment?
• Compare negative and positive reinforcement and describe effects of each.

Teacher Interview Questions - Knowledge of Subject:

• What coursework have you taken that has made you especially suited for this position ?
• What kinds of materials and supplies would you need to do your best job?
• Are there any materials you have used that you find are especially effective for slow learners or bright students?
• What kinds of tests do you like to give?
• Describe your educational background and teaching experience related to your subject area.
• How do you stay current in your field.
• In which curriculum area do you feel particularly strong?
• What goals do you hope to achieve in your subject?

Teacher Interview Questions - Relationships with colleagues, parents, and students:

• Are you willing to sponsor any extra-curricular activities?
• What kind of person do you like to work for?
• What kind of people do you find it difficult to work with and why?
• How do you feel about parent contact?
• How would your students describe you as a teacher?
• Tell me some ways you would involve parents in your classroom.
• How do you let parents know the progress of their child?
• In your opinion, how effective are parent conferences in solving student problems?
• What would you tell a parent who complained about his/her child not having enough homework?
• How much do you want to know about your students in order to be most helpful to them?
• What three things do you most want to know about your students?
• What would you do if your Principal made a decision you didn’t like?
• Give an example of how you handle conflicts.

Teacher Interview Questions - Personal Qualities:

• Why do you want to teach?
• What do you enjoy most about teaching?
• Tell me three things you believe about teaching.
• Why do you want to teach in our School District?
• You have heard students complaining constantly about another teacher. What would you do?
• What are your plans for continuing your professional growth?