Types of Interview Questions Always be prepared to answer these questions. -Introduce yourself and explain why you are pursuing this job. -What is your key message? -What special strength do you offer? -What makes you passionate about this field/job? -What qualities do you have that makes you an excellent candidate? -Use action words and emotion – be energetic and show passion for the field!

Types of Interview Questions Traditional Situational Behavioral Illegal

Types of Interview Questions - Traditional Standard set of questions that interviewers, recruiters and hiring managers use. Focus on goals, strengths/weaknesses, educational and work history. Very straight forward and easier to prepare an answer.

Traditional Interview Question Examples Tell me about yourself. What attracts you to this job? Why do you want this job? What do you know about us? What are your short term goals and compare them to your long term goals? Describe your idea of a comfortable work environment. How would a co-worker describe you to me?

Types of Interview Questions - Situational Using the STAR Method, be prepared to describe a couple of situations where you have had positive results. Situation: Give an example of a situation you were involved in that resulted in a positive outcome. Task: Describe the tasks involved in that situation. Action: Talk about the various actions involved in the situation's tasks. Results: What results followed due to your actions?

Types of Interview Questions - Behavioral Designed to predict your future behavior, based on your past behavior. Interviewers ask questions about how you acted or reacted in past situations, because most applicants are likely to repeat behaviors from previous experiences. Probably the toughest type to answer, because they force you to reveal much about yourself, and on the spot. Places the candidate in the “hot-seat.”

Behavioral Interview Question Examples Tell me about a time that you had to work with a difficult co-worker or participate in a group project in school with a difficult student. How did you handle the situation? How would you deal with an angry customer that is not hearing what you are telling them? Can you provide a specific example of when you utilized good problem solving skills?

Types of Interview Questions - Illegal Must prepare for them in case they are asked. State and federal laws are in place to prevent discrimination Information sought is irrelevant to the job.

Illegal Interview Question Examples Illegal: Are you a citizen of the United States? Legal: Are you authorized to work in the US? Illegal: Have you ever been arrested? Legal: Have you ever been convicted of ______? (Note: Crime should be reasonably related to the performance of the job in question) Illegal: Do you have any disabilities or past medical conditions? Legal: Are you able to perform the essential functions of this job? Illegal: What is your marital status? Legal: Would you be able to relocate (or travel, or work overtime) if necessary? (Note: OK if they are asked of all applicants for the job)

Illegal Interview Question Examples Illegal: How old are you? Legal: Have you reached the age of legal employment in US? Illegal: Why do you take a prescribed medication for sleeping? Legal: Have you ever been disciplined for breach of company policies over substance abuse? Do you use illegal drugs? Illegal: What is your race and ethnicity? Legal: Do you have any affirmative rights to claim on the basis of race? Illegal: Are you pregnant? Legal: None.

Closing the Interview - What Questions Do You Ask? General - What qualities do you look for in a new hire? What expectations do you have for the first three months? How would you describe the overall culture here? What does it take to be successful here? Is this a new position? Why did the previous person leave this role?

Closing the Interview - What Questions Do You Ask? Closing Questions/Comments - Ask when you might expect a decision –or what is the timeline for the rest of the process. Make sure the interviewer has your accurate and professional contact information. ALWAYS thank the interviewer(s) for their time and the opportunity to interview with them . Send a thank you within 24 hours after the interview.