Some Common Interview Questions & Answers Quiz

1. Tell me about yourself.

I am currently not working and just taking it easy.

I am not sure what you want to know, can you be more specific?

I don't really have anything interesting to say about myself.

Well right now I am working on finishing up my general associates degree. I am still weighing out my options as far as my major goes, but I aim to find a career path which will allow me to utilize my customer service experience from my previous jobs as well as provide an opportunity to express my creativity. I feel that by broadening my horizons as far as work experience goes will help me to find a good match. Who knows I might even enjoy my next job so much that I will be inspired to work my way up in order to make a career of it.

The correct answer provides a detailed insight into the individual's current situation, aspirations, and mindset towards potential career paths. The incorrect answers either lack depth, show lack of engagement, or demonstrate a lack of direction.

Explanation

The correct answer provides a detailed insight into the individual's current situation, aspirations, and mindset towards potential career paths. The incorrect answers either lack depth, show lack of engagement, or demonstrate a lack of direction.

2. Why did you leave your last job?

I was fired due to performance issues.

I left because I was bored and wanted a change.

I left because I didn't like my coworkers.

I decided to leave JCpenney because I was offered a job at Clark College as a creative designer. Not only was this position more convenient on the account that I was also going to school there, but I saw it as a chance to gain valuable experience with self management and print media.

I left my position with Clark College because of a schedule conflict between my work hours and classes. I take pride on the fact that once I start something I dedicate myself to it 100%. Almost everyday I would work 10-12 hours creating new graphics for all of the stories as well as providing ads for our advertisers in order to make the paper the best that it could be. Unfortunately it was too much on my plate being that I was also a full time student who takes high personal achievement fairly seriously.

The correct answer clearly explains the reason for leaving the previous job, highlighting the opportunities and challenges faced. The incorrect options provide responses that do not demonstrate dedication, growth, or career advancement, which are important qualities in a potential employee.

Explanation

The correct answer clearly explains the reason for leaving the previous job, highlighting the opportunities and challenges faced. The incorrect options provide responses that do not demonstrate dedication, growth, or career advancement, which are important qualities in a potential employee.

3. Why do you want to work at X Company?

I just need a job and this company seemed okay.

My friend works here and said it's easy to get hired.

I want to work for this company because I feel that it will provide...

I heard they have good snacks in the break room.

The correct answer emphasizes a genuine interest and long-term motivation for wanting to work at the company, rather than superficial or fleeting reasons.

Explanation

The correct answer emphasizes a genuine interest and long-term motivation for wanting to work at the company, rather than superficial or fleeting reasons.

4. Why should I consider hiring you?

I have no weaknesses or areas for improvement, I am perfect in every way.

I really need the job and will do anything to get it.

I am the most qualified candidate on paper.

You should hire me because I have several traits that would prove my ability to serve as a beneficial addition to your staff and company. There are certain universal qualities that all employers seek which include but are not limited to; a positive attitude, reliability, honesty, and motivation to be of assistance to others. Many of my customer service knowledge came from JCpenney. There were several times when after I was finished helping a customer they would ask to speak to a manager to compliment my efforts. Although it felt good to be recognized it was never my priority, instead I always just tried to think of myself in their position and give the kind of help and consideration that I would expect from others. Having a positive attitude, and being honest are just part of my upbringing. I respect my parents enough to at least take a few of the examples they set for me to heart. No matter the times they kept a smile on their faces, and lying to get out of trouble would have never cut it. Reliability can be talked about but it is something that I would rather do my best to prove. Anything else can be learned with enough effort.

The correct answer focuses on the candidate's traits and abilities that align with what employers look for in employees. The incorrect answers either come off as arrogant, desperate, or unrealistic, which is not ideal for job interviews.

Explanation

The correct answer focuses on the candidate's traits and abilities that align with what employers look for in employees. The incorrect answers either come off as arrogant, desperate, or unrealistic, which is not ideal for job interviews.

5. Tell me about a time when you went above and beyond what was expected of you.

I stayed within the required hours and did not feel the need to go above and beyond my paid responsibilities.

When i first started working at Clark College their newspaper needed a facelift. The staff would deliver papers throughout the school in stacks and by the end of the week only two or three would be gone. Part of this had to do with content but I also knew that we needed a new design that would grab people's attention prompt readers to look inside and see the changes we were starting to make. Keeping this in mind i worked with the Editor-in-chief to start fresh. I was only allowed to get paid for 20 hours a week, but would find myself clocking in at around 30-40 hours. I enjoyed my work so much that the quality of product was more important to me than the compensation I received. almost every week thereafter during critique time my advisor would read of emails that students and teachers sent in complimenting the new look, and compliments to stories followed soon after. We ended up having to increase the amount of papers we distributed throughout the school and i like to think i played a part in sparking that.

I did the bare minimum of what was expected of me and did not seek to make any additional contributions.

I completed my assigned tasks on time and never needed to work extra hours.

The correct answer demonstrates initiative, creativity, and dedication to improving the organization's product without seeking additional compensation, resulting in positive outcomes and increased distribution.

Explanation

The correct answer demonstrates initiative, creativity, and dedication to improving the organization's product without seeking additional compensation, resulting in positive outcomes and increased distribution.

6. How do you prefer to work - alone or in teams?

I can just as easily work alone as I can with others. At both of my previous jobs as well as my experience as captain for the dance team and senior class president in high school there were times when my supervisors were busy when I needed them. I value these times perhaps the most because I learned how to solve problems on my own instead of always relying on others to give me the answers. However all of those positions I held also required me to work closely with other individuals in order for the company or group to be successful. I am not perfect and always have more to learn, and I know that everyone around me has something to teach.

I prefer to work alone at all times.

I avoid working with people as much as possible.

I only work well in teams and struggle when working alone.

The correct answer showcases a balanced approach to working both alone and in teams, highlighting the importance of being adaptable and open to different work styles.

Explanation

The correct answer showcases a balanced approach to working both alone and in teams, highlighting the importance of being adaptable and open to different work styles.

7. How would a good friend describe you?

A good friend would probably describe me as lazy, unreliable and selfish.

A good friend would probably describe me as shy, dishonest and negative.

A good friend would probably describe me as ambitious, loyal and

A good friend would probably describe me as forgetful, insensitive and arrogant.

A good friend is likely to focus on positive aspects of your personality and character when describing you. Traits like ambition, loyalty and caring are typically valued in friendship, which is why they are highlighted in the correct answer. The incorrect answers provide negative characteristics that are less likely to be associated with a good friend's description.

Explanation

A good friend is likely to focus on positive aspects of your personality and character when describing you. Traits like ambition, loyalty and caring are typically valued in friendship, which is why they are highlighted in the correct answer. The incorrect answers provide negative characteristics that are less likely to be associated with a good friend's description.

8. What are your weaknesses and strengths?

My weakness is that I am a perfectionist and my strength is that I am a great multitasker.

I am too hard on myself as a weakness and my strength is my ability to work well under pressure.

I don't have any weaknesses or strengths.

I am not exactly the quickest learner. I take my time and ask a lot of questions because I like to do things right the first time and every time after.

This question aims to assess the candidate's self-awareness and ability to reflect on their areas for growth and strengths. The correct answer showcases a realistic weakness and strength, while the incorrect answers either avoid discussing weaknesses or strengths altogether or present cliched responses that do not provide much insight into the candidate's self-awareness.

Explanation

This question aims to assess the candidate's self-awareness and ability to reflect on their areas for growth and strengths. The correct answer showcases a realistic weakness and strength, while the incorrect answers either avoid discussing weaknesses or strengths altogether or present cliched responses that do not provide much insight into the candidate's self-awareness.

9. What do you know about this organization?

I have never heard of this organization before

Blank

I am not sure about the details of this organization

Nothing

This question is subjective and tests the knowledge and awareness of the respondent about the organization. The correct answer may vary depending on the individual's familiarity with the organization in question.

Explanation

This question is subjective and tests the knowledge and awareness of the respondent about the organization. The correct answer may vary depending on the individual's familiarity with the organization in question.

10. Have you encountered any challenges while working with a supervisor?

Yes, but it was easily resolved through open communication.

I have always had a positive relationship with my supervisors.

No, I have never had any issues with a supervisor.

This question aims to assess how the candidate deals with conflicts or challenges in the workplace, specifically when it involves a supervisor. The correct answer highlights a specific problem faced with a supervisor and how the candidate navigated through it.

Explanation

This question aims to assess how the candidate deals with conflicts or challenges in the workplace, specifically when it involves a supervisor. The correct answer highlights a specific problem faced with a supervisor and how the candidate navigated through it.

11. Tell me about a time when you helped resolve a dispute between others.

I ignored the conflict and let the individuals sort it out themselves.

Blank

I took sides and actively participated in escalating the dispute.

I avoided getting involved in conflicts between others, as it was not my responsibility.

When resolving a dispute between others, it is important to take a proactive approach like facilitating a discussion rather than ignoring the conflict, taking sides, or avoiding involvement altogether.

Explanation

When resolving a dispute between others, it is important to take a proactive approach like facilitating a discussion rather than ignoring the conflict, taking sides, or avoiding involvement altogether.

12. Where do you see yourself in five years? Ten years?

Five years from now I hope to have decided upon and received my bachelors degree. I want to start a reliable career so that I could one day support my family and be a contributing member of society.

In five years, I see myself as a world traveler. In ten years, I aspire to be retired and living in a beachfront villa.

In five years, I plan to still be undecided about my future. In ten years, I hope something will work out.

In five years, my dream is to be a famous celebrity. In ten years, I want to be living a luxurious lifestyle.

The correct answer reflects a realistic and goal-oriented approach to career and personal development, focusing on education, stability, and financial independence. The incorrect answers provide unrealistic or vague goals that may not lead to long-term success.

Explanation

The correct answer reflects a realistic and goal-oriented approach to career and personal development, focusing on education, stability, and financial independence. The incorrect answers provide unrealistic or vague goals that may not lead to long-term success.

13. Tell me about a challenging situation you successfully navigated and what you learned from it.

There were several times while I was working for the newspaper that deadlines came down to the wire, but there was one time in particular that stands out in my mind. We were 3 hours away from having to send our finished product to the press and four of our twelve pages were completely blank because stories and photos were missing from multiple writers. Thinking on my toes I create all new larger graphics for other stories, I took pictures and I asked one of the editors to write a quick story. My editor in chief was sure that we wouldn't get done in time but we managed to send it in with about 5 minutes to spare. surprisingly enough with all of the additions it ended up being one of our most visually appealing products.

I never faced any challenging situations in my career.

I once encountered a difficult situation but failed to overcome it.

I always rely on others to handle challenging situations for me.

The correct answer showcases the candidate's ability to think on their feet, problem-solve creatively, and work effectively under pressure, which are all valuable skills in a professional setting. The incorrect answers either demonstrate a lack of experience in handling challenges, a failure to overcome difficulties, or a tendency to avoid facing tough situations.

Explanation

The correct answer showcases the candidate's ability to think on their feet, problem-solve creatively, and work effectively under pressure, which are all valuable skills in a professional setting. The incorrect answers either demonstrate a lack of experience in handling challenges, a failure to overcome difficulties, or a tendency to avoid facing tough situations.