Interview Practice Questions

Name:
Company:
Position:

Use spaces below each question to practice answering potential interview questions.
Use a pencil to record your answers. Erase as new or better thoughts/answers come
to mind. Keep your responses to approximately 1-2 minutes. This question and
answer activity will help you prepare, grow confident and familiarize yourself with
answering interview questions.

1.How are you doing today? (General question – Getting to know client)

2.I have reviewed your resume and would like to know more; please tell me about
your experience and skills and how it relates to this position? (General question –
Getting to know candidate, use Elevator Pitch)

3.What do you know about our company? (Research question)

4.Why do you want to work for our company? (Research (how and what kind of research
did you do) and discovery question)

5.I note by your resume; it appears you have the following strengths such as
__________. What other strengths do you have? (Discovery question) and why are they
important for a career in ________((example: sales)- Research question))

6.You noted that__________are some of your strengths. Tell me or give me an

example when you had to utilize this/these skill(s) with a fellow worker, who you did
not get along with, what the result was and how you influenced them into taking or
seeing things your way? (Behavioural question relating to problem solving, influencing,
negotiating, and/or conflict management. Use STAR = situation, task, action, & result. The
employer is looking for your past performance as it will likely determine the future. Be
specific.)?
7.What areas can you improve upon and what steps are you currently taking to
ensure and validate you are moving in the right direction? (Identifying your weakness.
You can use improving your English but have another response prepared. Most importantly
what steps are you now taking – be accurate and specific)

8.Can you describe the steps you take to develop a relationship with the customer?
(Discovery question. Suggestion walk the interviewer step by step through your process,
provide example).

9.What should I know that is not on your resume? (discovery question, getting to know
the client. Employer wants to uncover personal strengths and personal abilities for the
position)

10.What makes you unique? (discovery question, employer wants to uncover asset
qualifications that sets the applicant apart for the position)
11.What motivates you? (discovery question, employers want to know how applicant
derives job satisfaction or personal motivating factors)

12.Describe a specific example of when you took initiative. (Discovery and behavioural
question. Use STAR = situation, task, action, & result. Be specific).

13.Give me an example of a situation in which a co-worker, employer, or customer

were proud and/or happy of your performance. (Use STAR = situation, task, action, &
result. This is a behaviour question and the employer is looking for your past performance
will likely determine the future. Be specific.)

14.In your resume, you speak of customer service/satisfaction. Describe a situation

to me in which you were able to turn a negative customer experience to a positive
one What was the issue and how did you accomplish this turnaround? (Use STAR =
situation, task, action, & result. This is a behaviour question and the employer is looking for
your past performance will likely determine the future. Be specific)
15.How do you deal with conflict or not getting along with others? (Behavioural
question as the employer is gauging how you would solve conflict do you avoid,
accommodate, collaboration, compromise or are you combative? Identify the issue(s). What
is the real problem? Remember: Your perception of the problem may be different than your
co-worker's. Communication is key! Use STAR = situation, task, action, & result.)

16.Tell me about a time you demonstrated leadership skills? (Use STAR = situation,
task, action, & result. This is a behaviour question and the employer is looking for how your
past performance will likely determine the future. Be specific)

17.Tell me about a time you had to work on multiple projects with short deadlines.
What did you do to stay on track? (Use STAR = situation, task, action, & result. This is a
behaviour question and the employer is looking for your how past performance will likely
determine the future. Be specific)

18.Tell me about a time you made a mistake. What was the mistake and what did you
learn from it? (Use STAR = situation, task, action, & result. This is a behaviour question
and the employer is looking for how your past performance will likely determine the future.
Be specific)
19.Tell me about a time you disagreed with a decision at work. How did you handle
such disagreement? (Use STAR = situation, task, action, & result. This is a behaviour
question and the employer is looking for how your past performance will likely determine the
future. Be specific)

20.Describe a time you experienced a challenging situation and came up with a

solution you implemented or a solution you suggested to someone? (Use STAR =
situation, task, action, & result. This is a behaviour question and the employer is looking for
how your past performance will likely determine the future. Be specific)

21.Tell me about a time when you went above and beyond what was expected? What
motivated you to take/make the extra effort? (Use STAR = situation, task, action, &
result. This is a behaviour question and the employer is looking for your past performance
will likely determine the future. Be specific)

22.What is the most difficult person to work with? (Be positive and specific; only answer
the question. Note how the next question leads into a more in-depth response)
23.How would you go about building a relationship to work productively with this
person? (Use STAR = situation, task, action, & result. This is a behaviour question and the
employer is looking for your past performance will likely determine the future. Be specific)

24.Can you tell me about your most recent experience working with a team? What
was your role? How did you interact with other team members? (Discovery question.
Use STAR, focus on own contribution. Suggested response is collaboration with the team
members, more creative ideas?)

25.Define success and what it means to you? (Discovery question as the employer is
gauging if the position offered suits the applicant.)

26.When you have multiple requests from customers or co-workers, how do you
prioritize them? (Discovery question as the employer is gauging if the position offered suits
the applicant.)
27.What are your short and long-term career objectives? (Career aspirations; based
upon your response the employer is trying to identify if you are a fit to their organization. Try
and create a link to the organization and position you are applying for. Such as the position
you have applied for and growing within the organization and becoming one of the top well
respected employee in the field)

28.What do you do in your spare time? (Employer is looking if you have balance in your
life. Responses such as reading books, going to movies, are good but ensure you know the
books you read and the last movie you went to as you may have to explain)

29.What are your salary expectations? (Try to stay away from specifics, use a range. This
is also a research question as you should know the average salary of that position)

30.Why should we hire you over the other candidates who have applied to work in our
organization? (What sets you apart or makes you UNIQUE! It`s your opinion. Interviewer
looking for personal aspects such as being genuine, loyalty, motivated, skills, abilities. What
they can expect from you)?

31.Any questions? (Suggestion - ask them the next steps in the process and when you
can expect a response. Also, any other questions which you want to know. Be careful here
make sure the responses are not on their website. This shows the employer you’re
interested and if you have done any research)
 Mock Interview Evaluation

CHARACTERISTICS Poor(1) Fair(2) Average(3) Good(4) Superior(5)

Achievement-oriented

Confidence

Professional

Persuasiveness

GOALS/PERCEPTION OF SELF Poor(1) Fair(2) Average(3) Good(4) Superior(5)

Reason for Interest in Field

Realistic Career Goals

QUALIFICATIONS Poor(1) Fair(2) Average(3) Good(4) Superior(5)

Relevant Education/Training

Relevant Accomplishments

Relevant Skills

Relevant Experience
 Mock Interview Evaluation

STAR QUESTIONS Poor(1) Fair(2) Average(3) Good(4) Superior(5)

Teamwork Skills

Problem Solving/ Conflict

Resolution

Ability to Meet Deadlines

Flexibility

LONG TERM OBJECTIVES Poor(1) Fair(2) Average(3) Good(4) Superior(5)

Realistic

Potential to Grow

APPERANCE Poor(1) Fair(2) Average(3) Good(4) Superior(5)

Smile

Eye Contact, Positive Body

Language

Refrained from Fidgeting