Traditional Interview Questions

1. Purpose.
The purpose of traditional interviewing is to evaluate how candidates would respond to hypothetical situations.

2. Methods of Evaluation.
The interviewer typically has no objective measurement tool to assess candidates' responses. Instead, interviewers compare candidates and base decisions primarily on personal impressions.

3. Implications.
Candidates should create a positive impression by adapting answers to emphasize qualities the specific employer desires.

4. Example Questions.
     1. Tell me a little about yourself.
     2. What led you to choose this career path?
     3. What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
     4. What motivates you to put forth your greatest effort?
     5. How has your college career prepared you for this position?
     6. Why should I hire you?
     7. How would you define success?
     8. Describe your ideal job.
     9. What do you know about this organization?
     10. What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?


Behavioral-based Interview Questions

1. Purpose.
The purpose of behavioral-based interviewing is to evaluate candidates' past performance to assess how they will perform in the future.

2. Methods of Evaluation.
Interviewers have objective standards upon which to base their decisions. These standards are developed based upon skills required for the job. Candidates are evaluated against these criteria instead of against one another.

3. Implications.
Candidates should know what skills are required for the job before being interviewed. They need to differentiate themselves by sharing specific examples of how they have displayed these skills in the past.  The interview should tell a STORY that illustrates the behavior that is internally consistent, relevant to the interviewer's question, and includes facts and descriptions that support the point being made (Ralston, Kirkwood & Burant, 2003)

4. Example Questions.
     1. Describe a time when you were under pressure.
     2. Tell me a time when you took initiative to begin a task on the job without being asked.
     3. Tell me about your role in a project team. What did you specifically do to contribute?
     4. Describe a specific problem you solved for your employer. How did you approach the problem, and what was the outcome?
     5. Tell me a time when you had multiple projects to complete. What steps did you follow to get them all done?
     6. Tell me a time when you failed to meet a deadline. How did you handle the situation?
     7. Describe a time when your work or an idea of yours was criticized.
     8. Describe a situation in which you had to take a risk. What was the outcome?
     9. Give me an example of a time you tried to accomplish something but failed.
     10. Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a personality conflict with a boss or co-worker.


Next Page: Preparation
Last update: 26 May, 2005
Notes: Ralston, S.M., W.G. Kirkwood, and P.A. Burant, Helping Interviewees Tell Their Stories. Business Communication Quarterly, 2003. 66(3): p. 8-22.