Common Interview Questions & Answers

Introduction

"Alright class, as we discussed in our Your Interview Playbook (Slide Deck), preparing for common questions is a huge part of being an Interview Ace. Let's go through some of the questions you'll likely hear and discuss how to approach them effectively."

Question 1: "Tell me about yourself."

"This isn't an invitation to tell your life story! This question is really asking: 'Who are you professionally, and how does your background relate to this opportunity?'"

"A good way to structure your answer is to briefly mention your present, past, and future, all related to the role you're interviewing for. Let me give you an example:"

Teacher Example:
"Currently, I am a dedicated student at [Your School Name], where I really enjoy my [Favorite Subject] classes and participate in [School Club/Activity]. In the past, I've always been drawn to [related interest or experience], which led me to develop skills in [mention a relevant skill]. I'm really excited about this [type of opportunity] because it aligns with my goal of [future aspiration related to the job]."

"Now, think about how you might answer this. What are some key things you'd want an interviewer to know about you, related to a job or opportunity you're interested in?"

Question 2: "What are your greatest strengths?"

"When they ask about strengths, interviewers want to know what skills or qualities you possess that would make you successful in the role. It's not just about listing them, but also providing a brief example."

"Think about a time you demonstrated a positive quality. What was the situation, what did you do, and what was the result?"

Teacher Example:
"One of my greatest strengths is my ability to problem-solve. For instance, in my science class, we were working on a challenging group project, and our initial approach wasn't working. I suggested we try [specific action], which involved [detail]. As a result, we were able to complete the project successfully and even earned a high grade."

"What's one strength you have that you think would be valuable in a work or team setting? And can you think of a quick example?"

Question 3: "What are your greatest weaknesses?"

"This question can feel tricky, but it's an opportunity to show self-awareness and a willingness to improve. The key is to pick a real weakness, but one that you are actively working to overcome, and then explain your plan of action."

"Avoid saying things like, 'I don't have any weaknesses!' or picking a weakness that's actually a disguised strength like 'I work too hard.'"

Teacher Example:
"Sometimes, I can be a bit of a perfectionist, which can lead me to spend too much time on a task. I've been working on this by setting specific time limits for myself on certain assignments and reminding myself that 'good enough' is sometimes truly good enough. I've found this helps me manage my time more effectively."

"Can anyone think of a weakness they've been working on, and how they're trying to improve it?"

Question 4: "Why do you want this job/opportunity?"

"This is where your research from Your Interview Playbook really pays off! Interviewers want to know if you've thought about why this specific role or company interests you. It's about showing enthusiasm and genuine interest."

Teacher Example:
"I am very interested in this [type of opportunity, e.g., internship/volunteer position] because I admire [Company/Organization Name][Company/Organization Name]]'s commitment to [mention something specific you learned from your research, e.g., environmental sustainability or community service]. I also see this as a fantastic chance to develop my [mention a specific skill] skills, which I believe are highly valued here."

"If you were applying for a dream job right now, what's something specific about that job or company that would make you want it?"

Question 5: "Do you have any questions for me?"

"Always, always, ALWAYS say yes to this question! Asking questions shows your engagement and helps you decide if the opportunity is right for you. Have 2-3 questions prepared in advance."

Teacher Example:
"Yes, I do! Could you tell me more about the typical day-to-day responsibilities of someone in this role? Also, what opportunities are there for learning and growth within this team/organization?"

"What kinds of questions would you want to ask an interviewer to learn more about a job or company?"

Conclusion

"Excellent work, everyone! Remember, the goal isn't to memorize answers, but to understand the purpose behind each question and to be able to share authentic, relevant stories about yourself. With practice, you'll feel much more confident!"

Mock Interview Role Play

Instructions:

1. Form Pairs: Find a partner for this activity. One person will be the "Interviewer," and the other will be the "Interviewee."
2. Choose a Scenario: Select one of the interview scenarios below. Read it carefully to understand the context.
3. Interview Round 1: The Interviewer will ask questions based on the scenario and common interview questions we discussed (refer to the Common Interview Questions & Answers (Script) and Your Interview Playbook (Slide Deck)). The Interviewee will answer as if it were a real interview.
4. Feedback Round 1: After the interview, the Interviewer will use the Interview Performance Rubric (Rubric) to provide constructive feedback to the Interviewee. Discuss what went well and areas for improvement.
5. Switch Roles: Swap roles! The Interviewee from Round 1 becomes the Interviewer, and vice-versa. Choose a different scenario for the second round.
6. Interview Round 2: Conduct the second mock interview.
7. Feedback Round 2: Provide feedback using the Interview Performance Rubric (Rubric).

Interview Scenarios:

Scenario A: After-School Volunteer at the Local Library

Role: The library is looking for a reliable and friendly volunteer to help shelve books, assist patrons with finding materials, and help with children's reading programs.
Interviewer Focus: Looking for someone responsible, organized, and good with people.

Scenario B: Junior Camp Counselor for a Summer Day Camp

Role: The camp needs enthusiastic and patient junior counselors to supervise younger campers, organize activities, and assist lead counselors.
Interviewer Focus: Looking for someone energetic, patient, a good team player, and with experience working with children.

Scenario C: School Event Helper (e.g., Freshman Orientation, School Play Setup)

Role: The school needs organized and helpful students to assist with setting up for school events, guiding attendees, and cleaning up afterwards.
Interviewer Focus: Looking for someone dependable, proactive, and able to follow instructions.

Scenario D: Local Pet Store Assistant (Volunteer/Shadowing)

Role: A local pet store is offering a shadowing or volunteer opportunity for students interested in animal care. Tasks include helping with animal feeding, cage cleaning, and customer greetings.
Interviewer Focus: Looking for someone who loves animals, is responsible, and can follow safety guidelines.

Interview Performance Rubric

Interviewee Name: _________________________
Interviewer Name: _________________________
Scenario: _________________________________

Instructions: For each criterion, circle the score that best describes the interviewee's performance. Provide specific comments and feedback to help them improve.

Overall Strengths:

Areas for Improvement (with specific suggestions):