Missouri State University Career Guide - Flipbook - Page 27
ANSWERING INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
It is normal to be nervous during an interview. Take a deep breath and keep the tone conversational.Some interviewersmay ask you a set
of predetermined questions, while others may be more conversationaland ask open-ended questions based on your resume. Find a good
balance between listening and speaking. Be Specific: Use the Situation, Task, Action, Result (STAR) Method (see page 27).
COMMON INTERVIEW QUESTION TYPES
There are two main interview question types: traditional and
behavioral. An interview may stick to one structure, or it
could include a combination of question types.
Traditional Interveiw Questions
Traditional interview questions are open-ended. They allow
interviewers to get to know you, your skills, and your goals.
Traditional interview questions include:
• How would you describe yourself?
• What are your strengths?
• What are your weaknesses?
• Why are you interested in this position?
• Where do you see yourself in five years?
Prepare answers that highlight your interests and
qualifications, with a focus on the job description. Avoid
disparaging the company, belittling the position, or implying
that you are only looking for short-term work.
Behavioral Interview Questions
Behavioral interviews use past experiences to see whether
you would be a good fit for the position. They are best
answered using the STAR method (outlined on page 27).
Behavioral interview questions include:
• Have you ever had your work flow interrupted by
something unexpected? How did you handle it?
• Tell me about a time you had to cooperate with a team
to achieve a goal.
• What has been your biggest professional challenge to
date, and how did you overcome it?
• Give me an example of a time you had to compromise
in the workplace.
Personal Questions
Your employer is not entitled to information about your
personal life; however, some personal questions may be
pertinent to company policies and your ability to do a job.
It's important to recognize which personal questions are
appropriate and which are not . Remember, if you encounter
an illegal question, you are not required to answer it.
Legal Personal Questions
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Are you authorized to work in the U.S.?
Are you over the age of 18?
Are you willing to travel?
Are you willing to relocate?
Are you a member of a professional/trade association?
Have you ever been convicted of a crime?
Are you able to lift 50 pounds?
Have you served in the armed forces?
Illegal Personal Questions
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Are you a U.S. citizen?
How old are you?
Are you married?
Do you have any children, or are you planning to have
children?
What is your sexual orientation?
What are your religious beliefs?
What are your political beliefs?
Have you ever been arrested?
Do you have any disabilities or health conditions?
What is your height and weight?
Were you honorably discharged from the military?
CAREER GUIDE 2025
25
