Common Interview Questions
The following are some typical questions you might expect to face on an interview.
General Questions
- Tell me about yourself.
- How would you describe yourself?
- Why did you choose Loyola University?
- Why did you choose to study (your major)?
- What classes have you enjoyed the most?
- Which classes have been the most challenging?
- What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
- What accomplishment are you most proud of in your life?
- Who do you admire most?
- Who are your role models?
- What is your favorite book/movie/television show and why?
- Are you involved with organizations or hobbies outside of classes?
Work-Related Questions
- Why are you interested in this internship (or job)?
- Why are you interested in our company?
- How much do you know about our company/firm/organization/product?
- Why are you interested in this industry?
- What do you predict for this industry’s future?
- What are your short-term and long-term career goals?
- How has your previous experience prepared you for this position?
- Tell me more about (a specific job/internship/student organization).
- If hired, how would you contribute to our company?
- Do you prefer to work individually or with others?
- How have previous employers (or faculty, coaches, etc.) described you?
- What did you like best about your previous position?
- What did you enjoy least about your previous position?
- Why did you leave your last position?
- Describe your ideal job.
- What is your ideal work environment?
Situational Questions
- If you found out that a coworker was doing something unethical, what would you do?
- As a new intern/hire, what would you do if you disagreed with your supervisor or colleague’s suggestions for completing a project?
Behavioral Questions
- Provide an example of a difficult decision you’ve made. What happened?
- Tell me about a time when you showed (innovative thinking, analytical thinking, etc.)
- Provide an example that shows your contribution to a team environment.
- Tell me about a time when you demonstrated leadership ability.
- Give me an example of a time when you took initiative.
- Tell me about a time when you showed creativity, at work or in school.
- Describe a time when you juggled multiple responsibilities successfully.
- Give me an example of a conflict you’ve had to resolve.
Closing Questions
- Why should we hire you?
- Do you have any questions for us?
Sample Questions to Ask During an Interview
- What will my specific responsibilities be (if you haven’t already been told)?
- What are some of the major challenges facing someone in this position?
- How is job/internship performance evaluated?
- What qualities have previous successful interns (or employees) possessed?
- Please describe the training and professional development opportunities available.
- How would you describe the company’s organizational culture?
- How would you describe the management style?
- What do you enjoy most about working here?
- What are the next steps in the interview process?
- When do you expect to make a decision?