Fresher interview questions with sample answers

1. Tell us about yourself

This is an often-asked fresher interview question and its purpose is for the interviewer to observe the candidate's
demeanor and confidence in describing themselves. The best way to answer is usually by briefly speaking about
your family history and education.

Example: “I was born in New Jersey to a family consisting mostly of teachers. I'm a hard-working individual
with a winning mentality and I always look for creative solutions to difficult challenges.”

Related: Resumes for Freshers: Definition, Templates and FAQ

2. What are your biggest strengths?

The interviewer typically asks this question to see the area where you are most confident in. However, you have
to be able to find the right balance between showing belief in yourself and not seeming overconfident.

Example: “I am very good at mathematics and anything numbers-related. This is why I started to get into
coding and I am already a fairly experienced Node JS backend developer.”

3. What are your biggest weaknesses?

This question usually either follows the previous one or the two are mixed together. You should think of various
shortcomings that you have and that you are willing to work to overcome. They shouldn't be directly linked to
the responsibilities of the job you are applying for, however.

Example: “I sometimes have difficulties with time management and I end up spending much of my personal
time working or studying. However, this is something that I constantly work on, with better results each day.”

4. What are your hobbies?

Asking about your personal time is a way for the interviewer to see what kind of personality you have and how
you unwind after work. You should show enthusiasm when you answer but also reassure the interviewer that
your passions are not likely to interfere with your work.

Example: “My biggest passion is basketball. A knee injury kept me from trying out for my high school team,
but I play as often as I can. I believe sports keep you physically and mentally healthy while instilling discipline
in you.”

5. Where do you see yourself in five years?

Interviewers ask this question to test an applicant's forward planning and loyalty to the hiring company.
Although it may be difficult to answer this question as a fresher, it's best to do so by mentioning how you have
high ambitions for the future and how the company you are interviewing for can help you achieve them.

Example: “Five years from now I hope to be a successful sales professional working for your company. I
believe this job can help me improve my skills and kickstart my career."

6. Why do you want to work with us?

This is a way for the interviewer to see how much you know about the organization. The best answer is
typically one that underlines the company's strengths and how they can help your career.

Example: “I want to work for this organization because of its excellent track record in providing quality
services and loyalty to both customers and employees. I think your high standards can push me to be better and
your promotion policies can help me have a long and successful career here.”

7. Why should we hire you?

This question aims to evaluate how you perceive your own skills and how confident you are in your own
abilities. The best way to answer this question is to mention the skills and qualities you have that would be
helpful for the job you're applying for.

Example: “I am very good with numbers and have an almost obsessive attention to detail, so I think I am very
well-suited for the role of junior accountant at your company.”
8. What do you know about our organization?

This question helps the interviewer see how thorough your research was before attending the interview. The
best way to answer is by preparing for it and giving an answer that convinces the interviewer that you are
prepared for the interview and understand the company's business model.

Example: “I know you started with four employees in 1996, but gradually grew in the years since then, mainly
due to your total commitment to customer satisfaction and cost reduction. I also know that you plan to increase
your turnover by 20 percent in the next three years by going into new markets and geographical territories in
South America.”

Related: How To Format a Fresher Resume (With Tips and Examples)

9. What are your wage expectations?

This question typically appears after the interviewer has concluded that you may be a good fit for the role. The
best way to answer is typically by not giving an actual number and at the same time reiterating how grateful you
would be to get the job and how well you would perform.

Example: “It is a very difficult question to answer from my position, as my lack of workplace experience
prevents me from knowing exactly what the market is for this role. However, it would be a huge career step to
work for your organization and I am sure my skills and determination can be beneficial to the team.”

10. What is your motivation for doing a good job?

Interviewers ask this question to test your willingness to stay with the company over the long term without
losing your motivation. You should mention an internal or external factor that keeps you motivated to perform
and to succeed.

Example: “I am motivated by success, as I know how rewarding it can be. I also know it doesn't come overnight
and to have a good career in this industry I have to work hard every day and gradually improve my skills.”

11. Are you a team player?

Most jobs require some kind of collaboration between employees, so this question is a way for the interviewer
to test this skill. Ideally, you should not only answer with a yes but also give an example or explain why you
can function in a team situation.

Example: “Yes I am. I have been playing basketball and hockey since age seven and over the years I learned
that, no matter how good you are at something, you need to work with a team that is more than the sum of its
parts.”

12. What are your long-term goals?

In a similar way to the question about where you see yourself in five years, the recruiter asks this question to see
how far into the future you have planned out your life and how likely you are of being a long-term asset for the
company.

Example: “My long-term goal is to work in a management position. One of the things that attracted me to your
company is the fact that you tend to promote from within.”

13. How good are you at handling pressure?

The interviewer asks this question to test your composure in difficult situations and to discover how pressure
may affect your job performance. Simply stating that you are good at handling pressure is not likely to convince
the interviewer, so the best way to answer this question is by giving examples of situations where you were
faced with pressure and managed to handle it.

Example: “I think pressure helps me stay focused and prioritize things. For example, in my final year of high
school, I was pressured to finish the school year with high marks, prepare for college and keep performing my
extracurricular activities at the same time. The pressure helped me organize my tasks and pushed me to succeed
on all three fronts.”
14. When can you start?

Although it may seem so, this question is not an invitation to join the company, but simply a way for the
interviewer to see if you have other commitments preventing you from starting right away should you get the
job. Unless you have other activities that prevent you from doing so, you need to express your willingness to
start right away without seeming overeager.

Example: “I can start immediately. I organized my priorities to be sure that, should I get this position, I have the
time to do it."

15. What is your ideal job?

Recruiters ask this question to see how your ideals line up with the job you are interviewing for. You should
avoid mentioning any job that is completely unrelated to the one you are after right now.

Example: “I always wanted to manage a large company or department and make tough decisions on a daily
basis. I think this company can offer me that someday.”

16. How flexible are you regarding overtime?

Some companies require their employees to occasionally put in extra hours and work late nights or weekends.
Assuming you are willing to do that, you should express your desire to help the company when needed. If you
are not willing to do it, you should mention it politely and honestly.

Example: “I am comfortable with helping out in difficult situations once in a while, but I have some family
commitments and I usually prefer to maintain a healthy work-life balance.”

17. Who do you think are this company's biggest competitors?

This question not only shows how much research you did on the hiring company but also how familiar you are
with the entire industry it operates in. Ideally, you would have done your research and the best answer is
typically a brief description of the organization's biggest rivals.

Example: “As far as I know, Cybersmoke Systems have the biggest share of the market after yours, followed by
Hollow Communications. I also noticed a startup named OSB Tech who is quickly gathering market share.”

18. What kind of environment do you expect at our organization?

The recruiter asks this question to discover how well the employee knows the organization's culture and how
well they'd integrate. The best way to answer this question is to research the company and discover some of its
characteristics, while also stating your flexibility.

Example: “I am expecting an open-space office situation, with everyone working separately, but also
collaborating on various projects. That being said, I am very flexible and adapt quickly to any work situation.”

19. Are you willing to relocate for work?

The purpose of this question is fairly obvious: to find out if the candidate is willing to move to a different
geographical area. If the answer is yes, you should state so emphatically. If the answer is no, you should be
truthful but also show openness to the possibility of relocating in the future.

Example: “I would love to work for you but unfortunately I can't relocate at this time due to some personal
circumstances. However, I would definitely consider it in the future.”

20. What are your short-term goals?

This question helps the recruiter determine how much you want the role. You should provide an answer that ties
your goals to the role you are applying for.

Example: “Over the short term my main goal is to find a job with great career prospects.”

21. Do you have any questions for us?

This is a commonly-asked question and usually comes at the end of the interview. The best way to answer is to research
the company beforehand and have one or more questions prepared.
Example: “Can you tell me what my everyday tasks would be and who would I be reporting to?”
 How to Respond to Crucial Job Interview Questions
 

1. Can you tell me more about yourself?

This question may seem simple but it knocks off many applicants on the list. Interviewers don’t want to hear
about your personal history neither your professional history listed on your resume. Instead, give them a
compelling pitch that will convince them you are the perfect person for the role.

Begin with stating 2 to 3 achievements or experiences or that interviewer would find valuable. Then wrap things
up by narrating about the previous experiences that helped set you up for this job.

“Of course! I’ve always enjoyed the challenges in Digital Marketing. I’ve been an SEO Specialist for about 5
years now and have been learning as much as I can about the SEO side of Digital Marketing. My previous
experiences have been broad as I was given the opportunity to prove my skills for different industries like
health & recovery, real estate, and moving. After three years of working for my previous company, I’m ready to
take on a new role and challenge myself in other areas of Digital Marketing which is why I’m excited to join
your company. In here, I have the opportunity to learn new skills but still enjoy to continue polishing the skills I
already have.”

2. How did you learn about the job opening?

There are two ways to learn about a job opening – through advertisements or recommendations. Finding the job
vacancy through either way is a perfectly okay answer.

If you discovered the job opportunity through random job listings, state that fact and add what specifically
interests you about the role.

“I found the job opening while browsing different job sites. I have noticed that your company was hiring and
clicked on the job advertisement right away. I’ve always admired your company for the flawless products that
you produce; in fact, I’m a regular customer. I’d love to take this opportunity to put my skills to good use and
at the same time help the company I admire grow even more.”

If a friend shared the employment opportunity to you, name-drop that person and share why you were excited to
get on board with the company.

“Actually, a friend recommended this position to me – his name is Adrian Dioneso. I immediately checked the
website to learn more about the job and have been excited to book an interview ever since. My friend Adrian
has been working for the company and has said many good things about their management style and career
growth opportunities. This is exactly the kind of company I want to be in – a company that offers career growth
for its employees as I’m the type of person who loves to learn and use all the skills and talent I have to give
back to the company.”

3. Why is there a gap between your employment?

Recruiters check applicants’ CVs for employment gaps. If you have taken quite a long break in between jobs, state your
reasons directly then steer the conversation on how are you able to contribute to the company’s success.

“In all honesty, I’ve been having a hard time finding a job as most recruiters prefer applicants with solid
working experiences. I have taken this time to hone my skills by watching educational videos related to my
career and have been taking short classes to increase my knowledge regarding web development and
programming languages which I know are valuable assets web developers must-have.”

4. What are your strengths?

The key to answering this question is to be accurate and precise. Share your actual strengths and choose the
ones that are relevant to the position. Lying about strengths can get you in trouble if they discover that you have
lied about it during the job interview.

“My greatest strengths as a Customer Service Representative are my persuasive communication and
relationship-building skills. Through these skills, I am able to close deals and build a great working
relationship with clients that they become repeat buyers of the company.”

5. What are your weaknesses?

This question is a tricky one. Recruiters ask this question to applicants to determine their self-awareness and
honesty. You can never answer, “I have no weaknesses. I’m quite the perfect employee,” as every employee
and human being has shortcomings. Respond to this question by stating your weaknesses that you have been
improving.

“One of the weaknesses I’m working on is missing deadlines due to getting caught up in the tiniest details of a
project. Nowadays, I break down each project into sets of mini projects and allot enough time to work on it. If I
take longer than expected, I move on to the next mini project and get back to it to see if the finer details
complement the additional mini project. If it doesn’t, then I’d have a more objective reason to edit and improve
it.”

6. Have you experienced conflicts at work? Can you tell me more about it and how you’ve
helped resolve the issue?

The reason interviewers ask this question is to analyse how you respond to conflicts. Choose a situation you
were involved in and you helped resolve. Use the S-T-A-R method, which is mainly narrating the situation to
the interviewer, informing the interviewer of your tasks, explaining the action that you took then, and telling the
result of the course of action you took.

“In my previous role, I have handled different accounts that had my hours blocked per day. Sometimes, it’s
hard to finish one project given the limited hours I can work for a client in a day. I have spoken with my clients
and have asked them if it’s alright to edit my daily limit on their hours as long as I meet the required hours to
work for them per week.

So if I have a deadline for client A and client B isn’t rushing me for the day, I’ll spend the necessary hours for
the day to meet my deadline and at the same time make sure that I’m not exceeding my hours for this client.
When done, I’ll resume my tasks on client B. Then for the next day, I’ll spend the hours’ client A used for client
B.”

7. Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?

Though plans change, hiring managers would still want to know if an applicant (a) has set realistic expectations
for their careers, (b) has ambition, and (c) if the role is aligned with their plans and goals.

“Well, in 5 years, I see myself leading a team of digital marketers and an expert in my field. This role of content
writing is giving me an opportunity to learn more about the way content and the copy is evolving in the digital
world and at the same time opened my eyes to the digital strategies and tactics to the other sides of digital
marketing like SEO, Social Media, and such.”

If you are quite unsure what the future holds for you, simply say that and that you see this opportunity playing
an important role in shaping your career path.

“I’m still quite unsure what the future holds. I’m still taking it day by day, and hopefully, in the future, I have a
more concrete vision of my future career. But for now, I believe that this job opportunity will help me shape my
future and will add to the decision I make when choosing my career path.”

8. May I know what other companies are you interviewing with?

There is the right way to answer this question without actually giving off the names of the company you are
interviewing with. Answer the question by telling them the industry of the company.
“Of course! I’m exploring quite a number of opportunities under the same industry as your company. I’m
applying for several positions with real estate businesses where I can assist home sellers, buyers, and tenants
find the best deal that meets their home requirements and at the same time, stay updated on the latest real
estate news and updates.”

9. Are you leaving your current job or are you let go of your company? (two answers)

Applicants either resigned or were let go from a company. The question is which category you fall in? Like any
other interview, honesty is the best policy as recruiters check with previous companies if the facts you stated on
your CV and in the interview are true.

State the reasons why you are resigning, if that is the case. Let the hiring company learn more about your
reasons.

“I have resigned from my previous company as I have realised that there are companies that are invested in the
career growth of their employees and that’s the type of company that I want to belong in. This is what makes
me excited about this role. Aside from the fact that the job is already challenging, I’ll be able to develop and
hone my skills and be a big part of what the company considers to be its assets.”

Being let go from a company may seem like a big deal. It will be if you don’t learn from it. Reflect on the
reasons why you were let go and make sure to work on that to make it one of your desirable assets.

“I was actually let go from my previous company. As a Lead Generation Staff, my previous employer has set
KPIs for me to reach which I wasn’t able to achieve. I spent these past few weeks researching and studying
other ways I could’ve done my job better. This time around, I’m more focused on delivering both the quantity
and quality of the result. I believe the experience pushed me to work even harder as a Lead Generation Staff.”

10. What do you like to do outside of work?

This is quite a personal question that helps the recruiters analyse an applicant’s personality more deeply. There
is a fine line you can’t cross when answering this question as you’d want it to be both personal and professional
at the same time.

“I actually enjoy reading thriller type of books, collections of short stories, and articles to improve my
grammar skills. This helps me improve my writing and at the same time, I get to enjoy doing what I love.”

11. What is your salary range expectation?

One of the things every applicant must research is the salary range for a position for the skills they have. There
are many ways to do this: check the requirements of similar positions through job portals and check the salary
range they offer.

When asked what is your salary requirement, state the highest number in the range that is applicable to the
skills, experiences, and proficiency that you have. However, be sure to note that your requirement is negotiable.

“Thank you for asking me. My salary requirement is around Php 16,000 for a data entry position. However, I
am open to negotiations.”

12. Why should we hire you?

This question is absolutely tough and crucial for applicants. The best way to answer this is to highlight your
most impressive strengths that are crucial for the position. You can tailor your answer by combining three or
four key points in your resume. It can be any combination of industry experience, proficiency using software
programs, soft skills, technical skills, accomplishments, awards, and training.

“You should hire me because my experience proves that I am qualified for the position. I have 6 years’ worth of
experience as a Full Stack Developer and proficiency in three languages – PHP, .Net, and Python. I have
worked with various industries and I think that would be beneficial as the company is catering to clients from
different industries.”
 

13. Do you have any questions for us?

This is an important factor the recruiter weighs in an applicant’s interview. Prepare job interview questions in
advance and make sure that the answer to your questions covers a large scope regarding the job role and the
company itself. Here’s a sample of great questions to ask your interviewer:

 What are the day-to-day tasks and responsibilities this role entails?
 What are the important things an ideal candidate will do in the first 90 days of employment?
 How is a candidate evaluated in terms of performance for this role?
 How long will it take the managers and recruiters to make the hiring decision?
What are your strengths?
Don’t look at this common interview question as a trick, but rather a gift. This question provides an excellent
opportunity for you to demonstrate your personality, expertise, and preparation for the interview.

Choose two or three strengths that reflect you and are directly related to the job. Then, support at least one of
them with evidence, such as awards, metrics, or specific anecdotes. Stay away from clichés and focus on
substantive answers. The interviewer is looking for quality, not quantity. Here’s a good response:

I believe one of my greatest strengths is time management. For example, last semester I managed to earn a 3.8
GPA while working 20 hours a week at a local coffee shop, serving as president of my fraternity, and acting as
a teaching assistant for a freshman writing course. I’m also very organized and detail-oriented.

What is your greatest weakness?

The key to nailing this dreaded job interview question is to not let it psych you out. When it comes to your
greatest weakness, the hiring manager is not as concerned with what you say as how you say it. They’re looking
for honesty and confidence, so watch your body language and maintain eye contact.

Be sure to avoid clichés and cop-out answers like, “I’m a perfectionist.” Hiring managers want something real.
At the same time, don’t get overly candid; this is still a job interview, not a therapy session. Additionally, stay
away from true deficiencies or anything that could impact your ability to do the job well. Practice your answer
ahead of time and always give an example of how you’re working to improve upon your weakness. For
example:

I’m an organized person, so I have trouble with last-minute changes and ambiguity. In school, I scheduled out
all my work, but in an office environment, deadlines and priorities are always shifting. So, I’m working to get
more accustomed to those changes. I’m taking an online class in project management, and it’s helped me make
room for changing priorities. Now, if a last-minute change crops up, I know how to reprioritize.

>>>Read More: How to Answer “What Is Your Greatest Strength and Weakness?”

Tell me about yourself.

This common interview question often kicks off an interview. It also tends to trip up interviewees because they
say too much or not enough. Hiring managers don’t want to hear your entire life story, so just present the
highlight reel. Use the opportunity to show how you’ll add value in the role by sharing career highlights and key
accomplishments. At the same time, try to personally connect with the interviewer and convey your enthusiasm
for the job at hand.

Unlike most interview questions, you don’t need to focus solely on work and school. It’s fine to mention your
interests or accomplishments, too. In other words, this question is perfect for those with limited or no work
experience. You want to make a lasting impression by showing your interviewer that you’re well-rounded. An
example answer would be:

I grew up in a small town in upstate New York most people have never heard of, but I know you’ll recognize it
because I saw it listed as your hometown on your employee bio! What a small world. I graduated from ABC
University one year ago, then moved here to be an executive assistant at XYZ Organization. It fit well with my
passion for analytics and conceptualizing creative campaigns. Now, I’m looking for my next professional
challenge, and believe I’ve found it at your company.

>>>Read More: How to Answer “Tell Me About Yourself”

Why do you want to work here?

Consider this question an invitation to share your research and knowledge about the company. Show the hiring
manager that you’ve done your homework and truly want to work here and only here. As you share specifics
that drew you to the company, highlight how your own skills, goals, and beliefs align with the company.

One of the main reasons I want to work here is your company’s commitment to the community. It really sets you
apart from your competitors. I love that you all volunteer at the Special Olympics each spring. I’ve volunteered
with the local animal shelter every week for the past four years. Being a part of a company that also values
giving back to others is really important to me.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Interviewers ask this question because they want to get to know you—but they’re also looking out for the best
interests of their company. The truth is that recruiting and training new employees costs a lot of time and
money. So, the interviewer wants to ensure you’re serious about them and in it for the long haul. They also want
to know that you’re realistic in your expectations. It’s okay to have high aspirations, but saying that you expect
to be in a VP role in five years is a warning sign.

A great response should put the employer’s fears at ease. Tell them you expect to be with the company. Then,
show that you’ve done your research and have ambition by discussing your specific career goals and desire to
grow with the company. Use sites like LinkedIn to find more senior people at the company with titles that
you’re interested in. Here’s an example:

In five years, I see myself here at XYZ Company, contributing to the team and adding value for the branch. I
love that you offer so many opportunities for professional development, and I want to grow with the company.
So, I plan to master my role as an assistant in the next few years, and hopefully become an associate after that.

>>>Read More: How to Answer “Where Do You See Yourself in Five Years?”

Why should we hire you?

You’ll want to answer this open-ended interview question with a two-pronged approach: First, you’ll want to
highlight the attributes or experiences that make you unique. Second, you’ll want to show how that uniqueness
will add value for the company.

To show that you’re heads above the other candidates, be sure to highlight characteristics that would make you
a great fit for the company culture. This is another question where doing your research and being genuinely
enthusiastic can make a big difference. Here’s a good example:

ABC Company is revered in the advertising world for its commitment to creativity. Since before I can
remember, I’ve prided myself on being a creative person myself. In college, I was in charge of event planning
for my sorority and coordinated over a dozen distinct, themed events last year. In a typical year, the sorority
does five events. I’m excited to think how my creativity and ambition could enhance what’s already great here.

Why did you apply for this position?

Here, hiring managers are really asking, “Have you done your research and do you know what this specific job
entails?” Whereas “Why do you want to work here?” is about the company, this is about your role. And this is a
question where you need to tailor your answer carefully. The best way to stay on track is to keep the job
description in mind.

Mention key tasks, goals, and requirements that resonate with you. Then, emphasize how the role aligns with
your career goals and is a perfect fit for your skill set. And one more note: Don’t mention money. Even if
paying the bills was your main motivator for applying to this position, you never want to say that (or even joke
about it). A strong response might be:

I’m an experienced writer, who loves what she does. And I’m looking for an opportunity to utilize my strong
writing and editing skills to craft compelling messages. I was especially drawn to the cross-industry clients you
support, as it will allow me to flex my writing muscles and work on a diversity of projects at once. I know it will
be busy, but I also know it will be exciting.

Do you prefer to work on a team or independently?

There’s no right or wrong answer here, but you want to be diplomatic. Regardless of whether you’re an
extrovert or an introvert, it’s crucial your answer clearly shows that you’re versatile. Share your preference, but
also keep the role itself in mind. If you’re an event planner, hopefully you like working with others.

For a great answer, include two positive examples: one in which you worked well with a group and another in
which you worked well on a solo project.

I love working on a team. When I interned with XYZ Company, there were issues with a few fellow interns not
getting along. I intervened, organized a social gathering for the group, and it really helped them put their
differences aside. We finished the summer on a great note and came up with the best ideas by putting our heads
together. At the same time, I enjoy working independently when necessary. In school, I prided myself on never
missing an essay deadline. That was because I’m able to put my head down and focus.
What type of work environment do you prefer?
No matter how you answer this question, you need to make sure it jives with the culture and reputation of the
company. So, be sure to do your research beforehand. For example, you don’t want to say you like a fast-paced
work environment if the company you’re interviewing with is known for its laidback, chill atmosphere.

Based on the company website and Glassdoor reviews, share a preference you’re confident the interviewer will
appreciate. Stay away from anything that might reflect poorly on you (everyone wants two-hour lunch breaks;
keep it to yourself). Here’s an example:

My ideal work environment is one that really values communication and input from its employees. I know that
XYZ Company has Feedback Friday lunches with interested employees once a month, and I really love
that. Communication and transparency are really important to me, too.

How do you deal with pressure or stressful situations?

Hiring managers love this interview question because they want to make sure:  1) You’ve handled stressful
situations in the past and 2) You’ll be able to handle stressful situations with their company. The key to making
a good impression is honesty and a strong example.

So, in advance of the interview, come up with a solid example of how you’ve managed pressure or stressful
situations in the past. Be honest, but stay positive. It’s okay if you struggle under pressure, as long as you are
working to improve. And don’t pretend you’re so put together that you never buckle under stress. Here’s an
example:

In stressful situations, I do my best to stay calm and focus on a solution. For example, when I was the features
editor at my college newspaper, I had writers fail to make deadline a few times. Instead of panicking, I
approached the problem calmly and wrote the articles myself. Later, I sat down with each writer and we came
up with a plan so that wouldn’t happen again. In time, I didn’t have to deal with that type of stress again
because we’d addressed what caused it.

What are your hobbies?

Try not to overthink this question. Hiring managers don’t ask it to trip you up. Rather, they genuinely want to
make sure you’re a good fit for their company personality-wise. Again, honesty is the best policy here. You
don’t want to lie and say something you think is impressive—like that karate is one of your hobbies—only to
find out the hiring manager is a black belt and wants to know more about your dojo.

Avoid anything political, religious, or that could have a negative connotation (such as gambling), unless you’re
applying to a job where you know such answers are appropriate. Simply share two or three hobbies that show
commitment and illustrate you have a life outside of work. For example:

One of my favorite hobbies is running. I try to run every day and run about ten 5Ks a year. It helps me relax
and get outside of my head. I especially love running to raise money for causes I’m passionate about, like the
Humane Society. I have two rescue dogs, who are really fun, so I love spending time with them, too.

Do you have prior experience?

Don’t let this question scare you. If you’re applying for your first job after college, it’s unlikely you’ve had a
job that’s identical to the one you’re interviewing for. However, you do have experience! Share your relevant
experience through school, volunteer work, part-time jobs, internships, and extracurriculars.

Whenever possible, try to quantify your previous accomplishments with specific outcomes and metrics; it lends
credibility to your response. At the same time, don’t fall back on good grades. The hiring manager is more
interested in your hands-on experience.

Yes, I do have prior experience in the research field. In college, I spent eight semesters interning in ABC Lab.
While I was there, I co-authored two papers that ended up getting published.

Who was the most difficult person you ever worked with?
Approach this question with an abundance of caution. You’re going to be working with a lot of people in your
new role, and you won’t get along with everyone. But you’ll still need to work together productively.
The “who” here isn’t important—and no matter what, do not give a specific name. Rather, the interviewer wants
to know how you managed to work with this person despite the difficulty. After all, if you worked through a
challenging work relationship in the past, you can do it again. Don’t be petty and be sure to end on a positive
note.

I had a challenging lab partner last year. He was disorganized, and we kept missing deadlines because he
didn’t update me on his progress. Eventually, I insisted on weekly, in-person check-ins to stay on track. He
found it annoying at first, but we got the work done, and in the end, we walked away on good terms.

How would your professors/friends/co-workers describe you?

This can be a challenging question if you haven’t thought about it ahead of time. Consider recent feedback
you’ve received, both positive and negative. The interviewer’s main goal is to ensure you have a clear
understanding of how you’re perceived by others and understand how your actions impact them. To prove that
you’re self-aware, consider answering with two positive traits and one area for improvement. For example:

The other members of student council might say that I’m an extremely effective leader as president. They also
nicknamed me “Mr. Congeniality” because I get along with everyone. But they’d also say that I sometimes take
on too many things at once. I’m trying to delegate more.

Do you have any questions for me?

Warning: This is pretty much a guaranteed question—and a potential dealmaker or breaker. So be prepared.

This is your final opportunity to really stand out to the hiring manager. Come to the interview with a list of
prepared questions to ask. We suggest having at least 10 in mind since many will get answered throughout the
course of the interview. If you can come up with questions on the spot, based on what you’ve learned during the
interview, that’s even better.

Finally, don’t ever say, “Nope, you covered everything.” Not asking questions shows a lack of interest, a lack of
preparation, and a failure to engage in the interview itself. Here are a few great questions to get you started:

You mentioned there are quite a few opportunities for ongoing professional development at ABC Company.
Can you tell me more about these?

What would you like to see me accomplish in the first 60 days? By the end of the year?

Can you tell me what a typical day looks like in this role?