Interview Questions

Here's a list of 30 common interview questions that might be asked, along with brief explanations suitable for high school students. Practise these answers 3 times on your own, then ideally with another person or team of people.

Tell me about yourself.

• Explanation: This question is an invitation to introduce yourself, highlighting your skills, interests, and experiences.
  It should always be tied to the job description and what the company's values area.

What are your strengths and weaknesses?

• Explanation: Talk about your positive qualities and areas where you're working to improve.

Why do you want to work for this company?

• Explanation: Share your interest in the company and how your skills align with its values and goals.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

• Explanation: Discuss your career goals and aspirations, emphasizing your commitment to growth.

Can you describe a challenging situation you faced and how you handled it?

• Explanation: Share a difficult experience and focus on how you overcame it, showcasing problem-solving skills.

What motivates you?

• Explanation: Discuss what inspires you to do your best work and achieve your goals.

Tell me about a time you worked in a team.

• Explanation: Share an example of successful collaboration, emphasizing your communication and teamwork skills.

How do you handle stress and pressure?

• Explanation: Discuss healthy coping mechanisms and how you stay focused under pressure.

What are your favorite subjects in school and why?

• Explanation: Highlight your academic interests and explain how they relate to the position.

How do you stay organized and manage your time?

• Explanation: Share strategies you use to stay on top of tasks and prioritize responsibilities.

Describe a project or achievement you're proud of.

• Explanation: Talk about a successful project, highlighting your role and the positive outcome.

Why should we hire you?

• Explanation: Summarize your key skills and qualities that make you a great fit for the role.

How do you stay updated on industry trends?

• Explanation: Discuss ways you stay informed about developments in the field.

What do you know about our company?

• Explanation: Demonstrate your research by sharing key facts about the company and its values.

Tell me about a book or movie that left an impact on you.

• Explanation: Discuss a piece of media that influenced your perspective or inspired you.

How do you handle constructive criticism?

• Explanation: Talk about your ability to learn and grow from feedback.

What extracurricular activities are you involved in?

• Explanation: Share activities that showcase your leadership, teamwork, or other relevant skills.

How would your friends describe you?

• Explanation: Offer positive traits that align with the job requirements.

What do you think sets you apart from other candidates?

• Explanation: Highlight unique qualities or experiences that make you stand out.

Describe a time you had to adapt to change.

• Explanation: Discuss your flexibility and ability to navigate changes successfully.

What is your favorite technology tool or app, and why?

• Explanation: Share a tech tool you enjoy using and explain its benefits.

How do you handle competing priorities?

• Explanation: Discuss your organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks effectively.

Tell me about a time you faced a difficult decision.

• Explanation: Share a decision-making process, focusing on your ability to weigh pros and cons.

What skills do you hope to gain from this job?

• Explanation: Express your eagerness to learn and develop specific skills related to the position.

How do you define success?

• Explanation: Share your perspective on what success means to you personally and professionally.

Describe a time you had to overcome a communication challenge.

• Explanation: Highlight your communication skills by discussing a situation where you successfully navigated a challenge.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

• Explanation: Share hobbies and interests that demonstrate positive qualities or skills.

How do you handle tight deadlines?

• Explanation: Discuss your time-management skills and ability to work efficiently under pressure.

If you could have any job, what would it be?

• Explanation: Discuss your career aspirations and why they align with the field you're interviewing for.

What questions do you have for us?

• Explanation: Prepare a few thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer, showing your interest in the company and the role.