Module 10-1 Job Interview Basics

In this module, we will:

  • Identify how to provide a response using the S.T.A.R. method

  • Recognize how to recover when you are unable to respond to an interviewer's question

  • Identify appropriate questions to ask the interviewer

S.T.A.R. Method


Management Consulted (2020). Star interview method [Image]. Retrieved from https://managementconsulted.com/star-method-should-it-be-used-in-fit-interviews/

  • Click on this video to watch an explanation and description of the S.T.A.R. Method

How to recover when you are unable to answer an interview question

  • Do's and Don'ts for answering interview questions you are unsure of

Appropriate Questions to ask the Interviewer

It is suggested that you ask your interviewer thoughtful and relevant questions in order to get a better understanding if the job is the right fit for you. Come to your interview with your questions prepared and consider asking questions pertaining to the job, company, and culture. This will show your genuine interest in the job!

Job Questions

  • Can you elaborate on the day-to-day responsibilities this job entails?

    • important in order to determine whether or not the job is the right fit for you

  • What are the characteristics of someone who would succeed in this role?

    • get an idea of the qualities employers wish to see in the individuals they hire

  • What’s the most important thing I could do to help within the first 90 days of employment?

    • demonstrates your eagerness and determination to contribute from the start

  • What are some of the challenges you’ve seen people in this role or on this team encounter?

    • it's beneficial to get an idea of not only the positives of the job but also the difficulties as well

    • get the interviewers perspectives on potential obstacles

  • If I were in this job, how would my performance be measured?

    • ask this to get a specific ides of how you can succeed in the job

  • What does the career path for someone in this role look like?

    • demonstrates your interest in growing in the company

  • What other functions or departments does this team work with most often? What are the characteristics of a successful collaboration?

    • generally relevant to most mid-sized or large companies

    • knowing how to collaborate is a key factor in most jobs


Company Questions

  • What do you like best about working here?

    • casual way to engage with the interviewer on a personal level

    • allows you to gain insight into their experience with the company

  • Who do you see as your biggest competitor and why?

    • shows that you have interest in the entire scheme of the company and industry

  • What changes or innovations in the industry are you most excited about?

    • allows you to see the interviewers perspective and passion regarding the company

    • gives you the opportunity to show your eagerness by following up with what your most excited about as well

    • follow up question e.g. “I noticed on your social media channels that you’ve opened several new offices lately. That kind of growth is exciting to me. It made me wonder what lines of the business are part of that expansion?”

Culture Questions

  • How would you describe the company culture?

    • great question to hear about the company’s work culture

    • ask this question to each interviewer (if you have multiple) to gain more perspectives

  • What are the most important values of your company?

    • companies usually have certain values that DRIVE the goals and decisions of the company

    • knowing these values can give you insight to the pre-existing culture

  • What are examples of company events?

    • ask this to gain a better understanding of the type of events the company holds/participates in

  • How would you describe the office environment?

    • ask this to get a better understanding of how employees generally interact with one another and how they would describe the overall work environment

  • Do you have any employee resource groups?

    • good to ask if you're looking for a company that promotes various concepts like diversity and inclusion

    • if the company does have resource groups, follow up with a question and relate it back to the company

    • e.g. “What influence do the resource groups have on decision making in the company?”

    • can help you understand how much the company values the suggestions given by the resource groups


Reference: Indeed. (2020, August 12). 17 best questions to ask your interviewer. Indeed Career Guide. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/questions-to-ask-in-an-interview

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