I bet you can’t answer all these!! Is this the most comprehensive list of interview questions you have seen?

I was going through one of my old websites yesterday, and I came across this extensive (if I say so myself) list of interview questions I had on the website. They are aimed at both companies looking for interview help, and for candidates looking for some help to get through interviews.

So you reckon you can answer an interview question or two? Or are you interviewing people this week, and are a little short on interview question inspiration?

If either is the case, then have fun with this long list - there are over 125 interview questions here!

Achievement
Tell me about a time when you went beyond the call of duty.
Tell me about accomplishments of which you are the most proud.
What challenging experiences have you had?
What do you consider to be your most important accomplishment and why?
What is the most difficult task you have undertaken?
What is the most stimulating thing you are looking for in a job?
What were your most memorable accomplishments with your last employer?
What was your greatest disappointment?

Motivations
How important is recognition to you?
How important is responsibility to you?
What makes you put forth your greatest effort?
What motivates you in accomplishing difficult tasks?
What has your last employer done that motivated you to work harder?
What challenges are you looking for in a job?
What motivates you to be successful in your job?
How important are promotions and advancement to you?

Sense of Self
Describe situations in which you are most successful.
How do you define ‘success?’
How would you describe your standards of performance?
What are some of the reasons for your success?
What does ‘failure’ mean to you?
Tell me about your recent successes.
Why are you better than your colleagues/co-workers?

Weaknesses
How could you have improved your progress?
What weaknesses have you overcome when accomplishing difficult tasks?

Behavior
Describe a conflict with an employee and how you handled it.
Describe a (recent) situation in which you had to quickly establish your credibility and gain the confidence of others. What did you do ?
Describe a (recent) situation when you didn’t know who you needed to speak with in an organisation to get something done. What did you do ?
Describe a (recent) situation on your last job that you did not handle as well as you might have.
Describe a time when you simplified or clarified a situation by putting your finger on the key issue.
Describe how you work under pressure.
Describe how you would handle rude, difficult or impatient people.
Finish this sentence: Successful managers are the ones who….
Given a situation when you disagree with your supervisor, how would you deal with it?
What role do you take in a group situation? Give examples.
Your supervisor tells you to do something in a way you know is ineffective. What would you do?

Experience/Responsibilities
Describe your current job for me.
Describe your typical workday.
What experience do you hope to gain from this position? I always love asking this question!
What experiences have taught you the most?
What experiences led you to choose your career path?
What have you learned from your mistakes?
What kind of projects using leadership skills have you done?
Which of your jobs presented the best (learning) experience?

Organisation
How do you determine your priorities?
How do you fix unexpected problems?
How do you organize your workload?
How do you plan to achieve your career goals?
How do you plan to correct your weaknesses?
How do you usually plan your day?
How important are details?
Tell me about a time when you organised a project where your directions were vague?

Analytical Thinking
Describe a time you had to make a quick decision.
Describe how you solve difficult problems.
Describe your problem solving skills.
How do you identify potential problems before they occur?
How do you make important decisions?
What kind of decisions are difficult for you?
What do you do when you’re stuck on a problem?
What happens when two priorities compete for your time?
What types of decisions are easiest for you to make and which ones do you find most difficult?

Progression
How did you move up within the company?
How do you feel about your career progress?
How has your job prepared you to take on greater responsibility?
In what ways has your job changed since you began it?
What do you think determines a person’s progress in a good company?
What kind of responsibilities would you like to see added to those you have in your next job?
Which do you consider more valuable, a high salary or job recognition and advancement?

Goals
How did you choose your last employer?
How did you decide on this profession?
How did you reach goals you have set so far?
How have your career goals changed over time?
How often do you set goals for yourself?
If you could start your career over, what would you do differently?
Tell me about your most important long-term goals.
What are your long range career goals?
What are your personal five-year goals?
What goals have you set for yourself? Why did you choose these?
What goals, other than those related to your occupation, have you established for yourself for the next 10 years?

Flexibility/Adaptability
How do you deal with surprises?
How do you cope with change?
How would you change your current working conditions?
How would you handle a decision for which no procedure existed?
What changes would you make in your current job?
What is the most difficult change you’ve encountered in your career?
Would you prefer a large or a small company? Why?
What job responsibilities would you like to avoid on a new job?
What do you do when starting a new job?

Benefit to Company
How could you contribute to our company?
How would we benefit if we hired you?
What did you do particularly well in your last job?
What did you spend most of your time doing in your last job?
What skills do you bring to us and how can you put them to work?
Why would you be an asset to our company?

Handling Stress/Pressure
How do you cope with stress on the job?
How well do you work under pressure?
How would you clarify an unclear assignment?
In what ways do you deal with criticism?
Think of a particularly hectic day. How did you handle it?
What do you find frustrating?
What part of your workload do you find most challenging?
What was the most frustrating thing about your last job?

Qualifications
Describe one reason I should hire you over a more qualified candidate?
If you were hiring a person for this position, what qualities would you look for in an applicant?
Tell me your (specific) qualifications that make you the best candidate for this job.
What are the skills you need to work on most?
What are your specific strengths and weaknesses?
What characteristics do you think a person must have to be successful in your field?
What skills do you think this position requires?
What types of positions are you best qualified for?
Why do you believe you are qualified for the position?
You’ve had little experience in this field. How do you intend to learn?

Self-Knowledge/Awareness
How did you like your last employer?
How do you handle compliments?
How would you describe yourself as an individual?
How do you handle conflicts?
What are some of your weaknesses, things you’re still working on?
What in your life has given you the most satisfaction?
What is your energy level?
What do you consider to be your greatest asset?
Describe your personality.
What criticism of you has helped you the most? Who was it from?
What is your best personality trait?
What are the aspects that you would like to further improve on yourself?

Compensation
What level of remuneration are you seeking?
What are your current salary requirements?
What do you think would make a fair compensation package for this position?
What kind of money do you need to make?
What type of salary are you worth, and why do you think so?
Why do you think you deserve your current salary?
What was your salary history (on your last job)?

Did you get through them all ok then? If you are interested I have a couple more sets of interview questions to share - one for management, and one for sales based roles.

I hope you found these useful.

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