The following are some questions that are frequently asked of students in an interview. We have given some brief tips in preparing a response to the “top five” questions. We hope this will set you up to have the mental perspective on the other questions. It is wise to prepare a complete response to each question. With that done, you will be well prepared to address the questions they have for you.
Laws have been passed against discrimination, although it still does exist and shows occasionally in the interview process. Some questions cannot legally be asked. More information on illegal questions is available through the Academic Internship Office and Career Development.
This is often the most feared question of interviewees. However, if you are prepared, it gives you the opportunity to show interviewers the four traits that they are looking for most in job candidates: enthusiasm, confidence, dependability, and intelligence. You will want to prepare a brief (60-70) second speech in response to this question. Below is a suggested outline for your speech.
Express your past experiences and interests that directly relate to this job. Even though you are a college student with little practical experience, you can strengthen your qualifications by mentioning special projects you worked on or pertinent part-time or volunteer positions. End your response by emphasizing your enthusiasm and interest in this position.
The employer is looking for an idea of your motivation and interest in the type of work this job involves. Your answer should directly reflect your qualifications for the job. If you are interviewing for a sales position in an insurance office, you might respond with “My educational background has prepared me to be involved in the field of sales and I have some valuable experience in this area. I am particularly interested in the insurance field because...”
Rather than present a weakness, present an area you would like to improve. Identify an area or an aspect of the job that concerns you and state that you would like to learn more about that piece rather than saying you are weak in doing that kind of work. Invite the employer to allow you to attend some training or work with someone who is a master of that type of work. Don’t be intimidated by this question. We all have “weaknesses.”
This is usually the final question asked. At this point, you need to reiterate the points you have made throughout the interview and stress the strongest benefits you have to offer. Finish by stating how much you would appreciate the opportunity to work for this company.
PLU is committed to providing equal opportunity in employment and in education for all members of the University community without regard to an individual's race, color, creed, religion, gender, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, marital status, sexual orientation or any other status protected by law.