Instructional Design by
Cheryl Briggs
November 2001
Interview Questions
Read through these questions. Each question explains why the interviewer would ask it. When you are finished go to You Try to Answer and see how well you do.
Tell me about yourself.
The interviewer wants to know about you not just your job skills.
What can you tell them?
Talk about hobbies, interests, work experience, training and education.
Why should we hire you? What are your strengths?
Talk about the job. List your skills and positive characteristics.
What are your weaknesses?
The employer wants to know if you have any weaknesses that will keep you from doing your job. If you have a weakness that will not affect your job don't talk about it. If you have a weakness that could be a problem you must decide if this is a good job for you. If you have a problem but you know how to do the job anyway then tell the employer this.
What experience do you have?
Talk only about skills you need on the job. If you do not have those skills talk about skills you have that are similar.
Why did you leave your last job?
Why do you want to change jobs?
The interviewer wants to know if you had problems that may happen again. Do not say bad things about a company or supervisor.
What are your long range goals?
The interviewer wants to know if you are serious about your job. If your goals will help you do your job better, talk about them.
Why do you want to work here?
The interviewer wants to learn how much you know about the company and the job. Talk about as many positive things as you can about the company and why you would be a good choice for the job.
What kind of salary do you expect?
Most jobs have a set pay range. It is best if you know this before your interview. If you don't then tell the interviewer that you would work for what the company thinks is fair based on your skills and their salary levels.
When are you available for work?
If you do not have a job you can probably answer immediately. If you have a job you need to know how much notice your employer needs before you quit. Many employers want 2 weeks notice. If you are in school the interviewer may want to know what days and hours you can work.
How will you communicate with your co-workers when there is no interpreter?
Because you are deaf the interviewer wants to know how you interact with people around you. Because this may affect how you work they are allowed to ask. Be polite and explain how you are able to use a variety of methods.
Do you have any questions?
This is usually the last question you will be asked. Ask one or two questions
about the job or business. Do not ask about salary, benefits, hours or
vacation until you are offered a job.
