As college students the interview process becomes much more familiar and much more real. We transition from interviews for part time jobs at local stores and restaurants into interviews for full time careers.
It is typical for anyone older and more experienced to offer tips and tricks, but they can be so contradictory. I have been told, for example, to make sure to be myself but “not too much because you still want to be professional.”
No matter how much advice someone gives you, or how much it makes sense, it can be difficult to prepare for any unknown questions. However, some questions have survived the test of time and are still used frequently. How you prepare for them can make all the difference. So, here we have the good, the bad, and the ugly.
The Good:
Do you have any questions for me? This is commonly asked after the interviewer gives a brief description and asks the interviewee some questions. It is important to have done research on that company and that job to have some well-crafted questions that stand out. These questions should be
Tell me about yourself. Not so much of a question as it is a command, but it can be expected in most interviews. This gives you the opportunity to tell the interviewer your strengths and relevant experience or accomplishments, rather than give them your life story. I was told the formula for a good “tell me about yourself” answer is Present + Past + Future. Mention things you are currently doing or are involved
Why should we hire you? This can be confused with the above, as it is another opportunity for you to touch on your strengths.
The Bad
What is your greatest strength? This question is considered less difficult because you can adapt your answer to whatever the position is looking for. Whether they need communication skills, leadership, anything of the sorts, there’s your answer.
The Ugly
What is your greatest weakness? Who really wants to admit their greatest weakness to their potential future employer? The only reason for this question is to show your transparency, but other than that, it seems unnecessary.
What previous experience do you have that relates to this job? This is possibly one of the worst questions for college students. Many of us have little to no real experience, so we have to find ways to buff up what we do have. Also, the interviewer should have seen your resume and seen what you’ve done, so they kind of already know the answer.
These questions have come up in
So as you apply
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
