Interview questions for graduates

INTERVIEW QUESTIONS FOR  GRADUATES SUCCESSFUL PLACEMENT 

The questions most typically asked at interviews have been grouped into the following topic areas. You should prepare for questions about your background, your aspirations, the potential employer and the position, your personality and your interests


Potential Employer

1. Why did you apply to us?
2. What do you know about our organisation?
3. Do you know anyone who works for us?
4. What interests you about the position?
5. What do you think we have to offer you as a company?

Career Ambitions

1. What are your long/short-term goals?
2. Tell me about your career aspirations.
3. What are you looking for in a career?
4. Do you have plans to gain further qualifications?
5. Where do you see yourself in 2/5 years time?
6. Describe your ideal employer.

Skills and Requirements

1. Why should we hire you?
2. What have you got to offer the company? - What skills will you bring?
3. How do you work best? - Leading a group, in a team or alone?
4. Are you prepared to travel?
5. Are you looking for a position with training?
6. What has been your main career achievement to date?

What was the most difficult problem in your current/previous position - how did you find the solution? You say you have xxx skills…how did you demonstrate these in your previous position?
Personality

1. Describe yourself - strengths/weaknesses?
2. What motivates you?
3. What are your strengths/weaknesses?
4. How do you spend your spare time?

Problem/Sticky Questions

1. What salary or benefits are you looking for? 

(We can give you advice regarding how to deal with this question prior to your interview).

1. Why are you changing your career?
2. Explain the gap in your work history.
3. Given your career plans, how long do you expect to stay with our organisation?
4. Can we contact your current employer for references? 

(this question is usually only asked after an offer letter has been sent - nevertheless be prepared).

Questions to ask the Interviewer

1. Why is the position available?
2. What skills are needed to succeed?
3. What are the initial priorities of the position?
4. How does the position fit into the organisational structure?
5. How much scope (autonomy, flexibility, career growth, responsibilities) is there within this position?
6. What is the company’s managerial style/ culture?

Questions typically asked of Graduates.

1. Why did you choose your particular degree/ discipline?
2. Why did you choose your college/ university?
3. What did you most/least like about your course?
4. What was your strongest/weakest subject?
5. Tell me about your project work?
6. How are your studies related to this position/ vacancy?
7. Tell me about your career aspirations?
8. Describe your ideal employer?
9. Do you plan to gain further qualifications?
10. How do you spend your spare time?
11. Besides your degree, what else do you feel you gained from college/ university?
12. Were you active in any societies?
13. What positions of responsibility do you hold/have you held?

Prepare - Prepare for Interview Questions, have a few to ask the interviewer, dress well.
Identify - Who are you meeting? their titles, relationship to the job.
Research - Find out what the job entails. A good agency will always provide you with a detailed job specification. Make sure you have all the information.
Plan Ahead - Get a location map, contact telephone numbers, allow yourself a good 30 minutes of additional time to arrive, etc.

1. Smile and make eye contact.
2. Relax and be friendly.
3. Be positive and enthusiastic.
4. Think about your body language.
5. Don’t discuss salary until you’re offered the job

7-10% is what you say
20-30% is how you say it
60-80% is your image, your body language and the overall impression you create.

Good Luck with your interviews and don't forget you may not succeed the first time but practice makes perfect.