ENC3254--Speaking & Writing for Engineering Students Interview Question Types/Samples

According to the very popular guide, College Grad Job Hunter, there are basically five types of questions you may face during the course of an interview:

1. Credential questions--This type of question includes "What was your GPA?" and "How long were you at . . . " Its purpose is to place objective measurements on features of your background.

2. Experience questions--This type of question includes "What did you learn in that class?" and "What were your responsibilities in that position?" Its purpose is to subjectively evaluate features of your background.

3. Opinion questions--This type of question includes "What would you do in this situation?" and "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" Its purpose is to subjectively analyze how you would respond in a series of scenarios. The reality is that "Tape #143" in your brain kicks in and plays when you recognize the question and play back the pre-programmed answer.

4. Dumb questions--This type of question includes "What kind of animal would you like to be?" or "How many ping pong balls could fit in a Volkswagen?" Its purpose is to get past your pre- programmed answers to find out if you are capable of an original thought. There is not necessarily a right or wrong answer, since it is used primarily as a test of your ability to think on your feet.

5. Behavioral questions--This type of question includes "Can you give me a specific example of how you did that?" or "What were the steps you followed to accomplish that task?" Its purpose is to anticipate future responses based upon past behaviors.

Sample interview questions: -Why don't you tell me a little about yourself professionally/personally? -Can you tell me three characteristics about yourself? -What do you like about yourself? What do you dislike about yourself? -If you had to think for a minute, could you tell me about your strengths/weaknesses? -Why should we admit you? -What criteria do you use to evaluate the medical school to which you are applying? -What qualities do you think it takes to be successful in life? -What accomplishments in your last position are you most proud of? -Can you provide three references? -What is your family's or spouse's chief criticism of you? -How do you spend your leisure time? -Do your friends consider you to be a lucky person? -Do you have any final questions? 50 Practice Interview Questions adapted from Kaplan Educational Center

1. Tell me about yourself. 27. If you could do so, how would you plan your 2. What do you really want to do in life? study differently? Why? 3. Why did you choose the career for which you're 28. What changes would you make in your college preparing? or university? Why? 4. What are your long-range career objectives? 29. Do you have plans for continued study? An 5. How do you plan to achieve your career advanced degree? objectives? 30. Do you think that your grades are an indication 6. What are the most important rewards you expect of your academic achievement? in your career? 31. What have you learned from participating in 7. Where do you see yourself in 10 years? extra-curricular activities? 8. Which is more important to you, the money or 32. What are your interests outside of work? type of job? 33. In what kind of work environment are you most 9. What do you consider your greatest strengths comfortable? and weaknesses? 34. How do you work under pressure? 10. How would a friend or professor describe you? 35. In what part-time or summer jobs have you 11. What motivates you to put forth your greatest been most interested? Why? effort? 36. How would you describe the ideal job for you 12. How has your college experience prepared you following graduation? for this job/internship? 37. Why did you decide to seek a position in this 13. Why should we hire you? company? 14. What qualifications would make you successful 38. What do you know about our company? in the engineering field? 39. What 2 or 3 things are most important to you in 15. How do you determine or evaluate success? your jobs? 16. What do you think it takes to be successful? 40. Are you seeking employment in a company of a 17. In what ways do you think you'll contribute to certain size? Why? our company? 41. What criteria are you using to evaluate 18. What qualities should a successful manager companies? possess? 42. Do you have a geographic preference? Why? 19. Describe the relationship that should exist 43. Will you relocate? Does relocation bother you? between the supervisor and subordinate? 44. Are you willing to travel? 20. What 2 or 3 accomplishments have given you 45. Are you willing to spend at least 6 months as a the most satisfaction? Why? trainee? 21. Describe your most rewarding college 46. Why would you like to live in the community in experience? which our company is located? 22. If you were hiring someone for this position, 47. What major problems have you encountered what qualities would you look for? and how did you deal with them? 23. Why did you select your college or university? 48. Why did you leave your former job? 24. What led you to choose your field or major 49. What is your favorite book? What are you study? reading now? 25. What college subject did you like best? Why? 50. Where else have you applied? 26. What college subject did you like least? Why?