Three Key Sample Job Interview Questions

While every job interview is different, you can count on being asked certain types of interview questions. The following sample job interview questions, organized by categories, give you an idea of what to expect and will help you prepare for your interview.

Sample Job Interview Questions No.1 ~ Can You Do the Job?

This is the most basic job interview question of all. Every employer wants to know if you have the knowledge, skills, experience and personal attributes needed to do the job well. A skillful interviewer will approach the issue of your suitability with questions such as:

• What aspects of your education do you see as relevant to this position, and why?
• What aspects of your work experience do you see as relevant to this position, and why?
• Tell me about a time when you had to meet a tight deadline and how you did it
• Tell me about your greatest achievement

Additional questions, often in the form of behavioural interview questions or competency interview questions, may focus on your ability to perform specific functions of the job. The content of such questions will, of course, depend on the job you're applying for.

Sample Job Interview Questions No.2 ~ Do You Want the Job?

This may seem obvious, but with so many people applying for every job, interviewers want to be certain they have someone who is committed and will stay in the job.

If you don't demonstrate your keenness to do the job, you can bet there'll be someone else who will. Employers know that if you really want this job, you are more likely to put in the effort needed to learn new tasks. Be prepared for questions such as:

• Why do you want to work for us?
• What is it about our organization that you like?
• What is it about the job that interests you?
• Describe a situation where you found yourself in a new environment and had to learn how to meet expectations

Sample Job Interview Questions No.3 ~ Are You a Good Fit
for the Job and the Company?

It's up to you to tell the employer why they should select you over all the other candidates. This is not just about your professional qualifications – it's also about how you get along with other people.

Questions like the following give you an opportunity to tell the interviewers why you are the best person for the job:

• What skills will you bring to this job?
• Describe a situation where you worked on a project with a team. What did you contribute to the team? What did you learn from the experience?
• What personal strengths will you call on to do this job?
• How would you describe yourself in ten words or fewer?
• What weaknesses do you have that will present a challenge for you in this job?

Prepare Answers to Sample Job Interview Questions

By law, employers can only ask questions during a job interview that relate to your ability to perform the job. They are not allowed to ask personal questions that have nothing to do with the job you're applying for - so called illegal interview questions.

Experienced interviewers know the right way to ask questions to get at what they need to know. Use these sample job interview questions to anticipate the types of questions you are likely to be asked and prepare answers in advance.

With thoughtful preparation, you will present yourself in the best light possible and increase your chances of being hired.

To get you off to the right start, here are good interview answers to 38 sample job interview questions.

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