The purpose of an interview is to allow the employer to get to know you better. Each question asked is designed to give them insight into your skills, abilities, and attitudes. It is a known fact that the candidate who comes out of the interview with a job offer is not necessarily the best qualified but the one who made the best impression.

1. WOULD YOU TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF? This opening statement requires only a brief reply. The interviewer is already familiar with your background through your application and resume. The interviewer is now asking for an indication of your self-confidence and your ability to handle yourself under pressure. Mention those things which you are most proud of and comfortable talking about; however, keep them job-related (skills, abilities, personal qualities, work experience, vocational training, ROP, etc.).

2. WHY DO YOU WANT TO WORK HERE? This question gives the employer an idea of what really matters to you. Did you bother to find out any information about the company? Employers want to feel special or "chosen." Make them feel as if you have exercised discretion and good judgment in selecting them.

3. WHAT ARE YOUR STRENGTHS AND/OR WEAKNESSES? What an excellent opportunity to sell your skills! The employer wants to know that you recognize those areas in which you shine. Identify those personal qualities that make you special. Give examples of your accomplishments. The question regarding weaknesses is a chance for the employer to observe how you handle yourself under pressure. Don't bring up weaknesses that would cause an employer to question your job performance. Discuss a weakness that could be seen as a strength in the area you want to enter. For example, getting bored with repetitive tasks could be seen as a strength on a job in which one's duties are always changing. Mention to the employer how you are working to correct weaknesses. Turning negatives into positives is a good rule of thumb.

4. WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN THREE TO FIVE YEARS? Employers ask this question because they are interested in goal-oriented people. Few people know exactly where they will be several years into the future, so you need not be that specific. Have some direction or goals in mind and be ready to talk about them.

5. HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR SPARE TIME? This question is posed to determine if you use your time constructively. Do not mention pastimes that carry negative or boring connotations--shopping, watching TV, movies, etc. Describe positive or interesting activities. Good examples are sports, reading, education, or visits to museums.

6. HOW ARE YOU QUALIFIED FOR THIS JOB? WHY SHOULD I HIRE YOU? WHAT CAN YOU DO FOR ME? In this question, the interviewer wants you to explain how your background, experience, training, and personal qualities relate to the responsibilities of the job for which you are applying. You can answer this question by listing the qualifications of the job. Show how you have proven that you meet those qualifications. Don't be afraid to add personal qualities in addition to skills and abilities.

7. WHAT DID YOU LIKE/DISLIKE ABOUT YOUR LAST JOB/CLASS? Mention some aspect of your previous job or class that you find similar to the position for which your are interviewing. Promote a personal trait of yours by saying. "What I liked most about this (job/class) was having the opportunity to use my skills." Remember that a wise man once said, "If you don't have anything good to say, don't say anything at all!"

8. DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS FOR ME? This is your chance to let the employer know that you are looking for the right place to put your skills to work. Remember that you are interviewing the employer as well as being interviewed. Some sample questions might be:

* Does the company have any plans for future growth?

* Who supervises the job?

* When do you expect to make a decision? Or, when can I expect to hear from you?

* Do you have any more questions about my qualifications?

* How would you describe a typical day on the job?

1. What have you accomplished in your life that makes you feel proud?

2. Who has made the most positive influence in your life, and why?

3. Describe a time you have worked under pressure.

4. What talents do you possess that have given you the most satisfaction?

5. What rewards other than money motivate you to work hard?

6. Why did you choose the career for which you are preparing?

7. What are the most important rewards you expect from a job?

8. What have you learned from participation in extracurricular activities?

9. How would a former employer or teacher who knows you well describe you?

10. Describe a major problem you have encountered and how you dealt with it.

REMEMBER that an interview is designed to identify your strengths. Some questions may seem "impossible," while some may be open-ended and are intended to show how fast you think or how well you handle pressure. Interviewers have even been known to remain silent during an interview. This way you must be able to "sell" the employer on the idea of hiring you by carrying the entire interview yourself.

Motivation

• Why did you select this type of career?
  
• What is it that you seek in a job?
  
• What is your long-term objective?
  
• How do you plan to reach this goal?
  
• What kind of position would you like to hold in 5 years? 10 years?
  
• What would you want in your next job that you are not getting now?
  
  

Stability

• What were your reasons for leaving each job?
  
• Why are you seeking a job right now?
  
• What were your original career goals? How have they changed over the years?
  
• What was the greatest disappointment thus far in your life? How did it change your thinking or way of life?
  
  

Resourcefulness

• How did you change the scope of your previous job?
  
• What were some of the more difficult problems encountered on the job? How did you solve them?
  
• To whom did you go for counsel when you couldn't handle a problem on the job? What type of problems did you bring him/her?
  
  

Ability to Work Under Direction

• Describe your supervisor's supervisory methods--evaluate them.
  
• For what things have your supervisors complimented you? Criticized you?
  
• On what committees have you served? What did you contribute?
  
• In your previous jobs how much of your work was done on your own? With others?
  
• Which aspect did you enjoy more? Why?