Common Interview Questions and Answers

Q: Tell me about yourself.

A: “I have a BA in Finance with a minor in English. I love the details of numbers but I also love the all-encompassing role of literature. I am easy-going but I work hard. I love being part of a big project. My career started in accounts receivable, but I realized that I wanted a larger role, and was eventually able to transition into acquisitions. I love the international element of that area and I enjoy being able to contribute to the success of the company.”

Rationale: Not an invite to drone on and on. Prepare something concise, complimentary and illustrative of your good work habits. This is one answer where it’s okay to use the word “I” a lot. Would be really great if your spiel lead right up to the door of the prospective position for which you are applying.



Q: What is your greatest strength?

A: “I would have to say my ability with numbers. I love working with numbers, and I can crunch them to tell me just about anything. I enjoy helping other people by giving them the information they need to move forward.”

Rationale: Be honest and emphasize something directly related to the position for which you are interviewing.



Q: Tell me about a time when you faced a difficult challenge and what you did to overcome it.

A: “I was producing a directory that was generated from an online database. But the template for the directory that included all the codes to convert the database was corrupted. The company that hosted the database was going to switch to a different software program to do the new template. I found out just in time to take a class in the new program, and then made sure that I had everything ready, all information verified, to hit the ground running on the production as soon as the template was available. They were very late getting the template to me, so I had to work a lot of weekends. I worked 21 days in a row to get the book out on time – which was the end of our fiscal year.”

Rationale: Be very specific, using numbers or timelines if at all possible. Not blaming anyone for the problem, but showing how you stepped up to the plate and put in the work when it was necessary. Also show how you adjust to changes – learning new programs, new processes, etc. Or how you come up with them yourself.



Q: How are you at working with a team/do you work well in a team environment?

A: “I have worked with very large teams and very small teams. I find that my skills are often an asset and I am often the one who is able to join together the different factions of a team. I can take something someone says and explain it so that everyone understands.”

Rationale: Of course. You are a team player and work well with a team. You may be a leader, or you may say that your particular skill set is very important in a support role. Either way, you play well with others.



Q: What do you do when you come upon a roadblock in a project?

A: “Typically, I try to get to the source. Depending on the roadblock, I would either try to solve the problem myself or look for resources that I can work with. I am pretty good at ferreting out either people or technology that can help me. My experience with relationship building has given me a lot of great contacts in different areas.”

Rationale: You are resourceful and tenacious. You don’t give up easily. And even better if you really do have a lot of good contacts. But if you don’t, don’t worry. If you aren’t a people person, you can rely on your technology, research, or troubleshooting skills.