Possible Questions for the Candidate

As a candidate you should be prepared for a variety of interview questions. When responding to behavioral based questions remember to provide specific examples.

• Tell me about yourself.
• Tell me about the education you received at Susquehanna University.
• What did you enjoy most about your education? The least?
• Why did you choose Susquehanna University?
• Do you think your grades are a good indication of your academic achievements?
• What are your long range and short range goals? When and why did you establish these goals and how are you preparing yourself to achieve them?
• Why did you choose the career for which you are preparing?
• In what ways do you think you could make a contribution to this company?
• What are you looking to gain from an opportunity with our company?
• Describe your most rewarding college experience.
• What type of work environment are you most comfortable in?
• What is a major problem you have encountered and how did you handle it?
• What motivates you to put forth your greatest effort?
• How would you handle a conflict with an immediate supervisor?
• How would a previous employer describe you?
• What do you believe to be your greatest strengths? Why? What is the area that you most need to improve? Why?
• Describe a time you made a mistake and how you handled it.
• Describe a time when you had to motivated individuals.
• Tell me about a time when you demonstrated leadership ability.
• How important is it to you to be the best at what you are doing?
• Tell me about a time when you made a bad decision.
• Why should I hire you?

Possible Questions for the Interviewer

As a candidate you should be prepared with questions for the employer. These questions should demonstrate that you have done your research and are sincerely interested in the organization. Questions should be oriented toward what you can do for the organization, rather than what they can do for you. The questions below are only examples; questions will vary greatly depending upon the organization, the interview and your research.

• How did the position become available?
• Can you describe a typical day for someone in this position?
• What are you looking for in a candidate?
• What is the top priority of the candidate who accepts this position?
• What would you like to see someone accomplish within his/her first six-months on the job?
• What do you enjoy most about working here?
• What are the characteristics of successful employees within the organization?

For additional information on interview preparation refer to the On-Campus Recruiting Guide.

Mock Interviews

It is important to practice prior to your first interview. Consider scheduling a mock interview with CfCS staff to prepare. We will set aside an hour to meet with you. The first half of the appointment will be conducted as if it was an actual interview. The second half of the appointment will be an opportunity for feedback and discussion. In order to make the experience as realistic as possible, we ask that you drop off a copy of your resume a few days prior to your appointment and if applicable, indicate the position you are interviewing for and the organization or the academic program and institution (if preparing for a graduate/professional school interview). This will allow us to tailor interview questions to your specific needs. We also suggest that you dress the part and bring any materials that you would bring to an actual interview. If you would like to videotape your mock interview, notify the receptionist when you schedule the appointment and remember to bring a blank tape.

Helpful Web sites

Behavioral Interviewing - Advice on handling behavioral interview questions
Career Builder - Advice before the interview
Job Interview Questions - A bank of mock interview questions by career and job function
Quintessential Careers - Job interview question database: questions with excellent sample responses
Salary.com - Sample job interview questions
Tough Interview Questions - Tough interview questions and the answers managers want
101+ Sample Questions - 101 + commonly asked interview questions