Sample Questions for Beginners
You know some facts about the company, you know what to expect when it comes to the different types of interviewing, you have your outfit picked out, and you’re working on calming your nerves. The next step is knowing what kinds of questions you will be asked.
The beginning of the interview will consist of common, simple questions that involve getting to know you and where you are in life.
These are the kinds of questions that you probably know the answers to right off the top of your head, but be sure to browse through them in case there’s one that you don’t know.
Getting to Know You
Your boss wants to get a sense of who you are. These questions are centered on your interests and hobbies.
- What is the hobby or activity you have participated in the longest?
- What are the first three things you do when you get up in the morning?
- What activities do you do in your spare time?
Analysis: The answers to these questions will give the interviewer a glimpse at what you value. For instance, if you want to showcase your education, the answers you give should emphasize academic performance or activity. You may describe yourself in terms of your favorite subject and education goals, or your greatest accomplishment may be a scholastic achievement.
Be honest. Don’t think too hard about the answers to these — if you have always loved singing, and it’s the first thing that comes to mind, just say it. Your interviewer wants to get to know who you are; if you lie or say something that doesn’t really represent you, you aren’t letting them in.
If you can’t think of anything, or feel like you don’t have any special hobbies, think about what you do when you get home from school. What is the first thing that you’re most excited about? If it’s playing video games, say you’re interested in gaming. If it’s watching television, say you’re interested in film. Often times, just using more sophisticated wording will make you seem more professional and put-together.
Work History
These kinds of questions are used to understand your experience level.
- Can you give me a brief summary of your work history up to this point?
- What have you accomplished in the past that makes you particularly qualified for this position?
Analysis: If you haven’t had any jobs before, it’s okay. You are applying for an entry-level position; you aren’t necessarily expected to have too much of a work history.
Try to think of something that you’ve done that has helped you qualify for the position you’re applying for. For example, if you’re applying for a position as a cashier, now is the time to tell your future boss that you’re great at math or that you’re the class secretary.
Why This Job?
Make sure you choose a job that you’re actually interested in, because these kinds of questions may come up.
- Why did you apply for this job?
- How did you hear about this job opening?
- What have you done to prepare for this interview?
- What motivated you to be interested in this position?
Analysis: The way you answer these types of questions is important. They may help to separate you from other candidates with similar qualifications. Often, the person who wants the position more will put in the extra time and energy necessary to be successful.
These kinds of questions also make it clear that you need to apply for a company that you are interested in. That way, you can say, “Because I love your food,” “The clothes here are my favorite,” or “Because I love film.”
The fact that you’re reading this book is a great answer to the preparation question. Also, now is the time to tell your boss that you researched the company’s history (brownie points won).
School-Related Questions
These kinds of questions are also about getting to know you, but they are framed around your schooling.
- What school do you go to?
- What grade are you in?
- What is your favorite subject in school?
- What is your best subject in school?
- If you plan on going to college, do you know what you would like to major in?
- What course gave you the most difficulty?
Analysis: If you don’t have any work experience, use these questions to share information about your strengths. Being a student is like having a job — in fact, many companies, including the government, offer it as an option when they ask you what your occupation is.
Although work is different than school, it still requires you to have the following traits: communication, teamwork, motivation, initiative and organization. If one of these is your strong suit, now is the time to highlight it.
When you’re asked questions that force you to talk about your weaknesses (what subject is your worst one?), be honest. The worst possible answer to this question is “I don’t have a worst subject” or “I’m good at all of them.”
We are all human, and we all have weaknesses; your interviewer knows this. Your employer is trying to find out if your weakness will hinder you from being able to do the job you are applying for. The best way to answer this question is to reframe it. For example, “I had the most trouble with history, because I find that I’m not as interested in it as I am in English.”
This way, you’re softening the blow by providing a positive response.
