Read, Listen & Watch: Job Interview Questions & Answers
OVERVIEW
On this page, you will read about and review common interview questions and answers.
- First, read the text and study the chart.
- Then, listen to audio of the text.
- Last, listen to and watch the example interview.
READ & LISTEN
Read:
A job interview is a meeting with an employer to see if you are good for the job. It is a conversation. They will ask many questions. You should ask questions also. It shows that you know what you want and makes a good first impression.
Study the questions and advice in the chart below.
| Interview Question | Advice & Response |
|---|---|
| Introduction | This is your first impression. Remember to smile and make eye contact with the employer. Wait for the invitation from the employer to sit down. |
| Tell me a little about yourself. | Give a summary of your abilities (hard skills) and good qualities (soft skills), goals, and career (past jobs or profession). |
| What are your strengths or special skills? | Answer this question based on the type of job you are applying for. |
| What are your weaknesses? |
For this answer, you should mention a weakness that you can change to a strength. |
| What are your goals? |
Describe your goals within the position you are applying for. |
| Do you work well under pressure? | In most cases, the best answer to this question is answering yes. |
| Do you have any questions for me? | A good response is "Yes, what are the most challenging parts of the job?" |
Listen:
Image (Links to an external site.) by Gangplank HQ, CC BY 2.0 (Links to an external site.)
Read:
You should always prepare a list of appropriate questions to ask at a job interview. Practicing what you will say is also a good idea. Take notes while the employer is responding to your questions. Some questions are not appropriate. Read the appropriate and inappropriate questions below.
DO NOT ASK:
- "What is the pay?"
- "How much vacation time do I get?"
- "What kind of benefits will I get?"
DO ASK:
- "When can I start the job?"
- "What are the most challenging parts of the job?"
- "When will I hear from you?"
Listen:
Image Links to an external site. by Samuel Mann, CC BY 2.0 Links to an external site.
Read:
Watch the video of an interview between the bank manager, Mrs. Clark, and Mr. Wang. Pay attention to the answers to the interview questions. Think about what Mr. Wang does right and how he can improve.
READ ALONG WITH THE INTERVIEW Links to an external site.
Watch:
JOB INTERVIEW
Links to an external site.