Getting Ready for the Interview Questions

Every interview is different, but a few similar questions tend to be asked in most interviews. After all, most employers are generally interested in one thing: why they should hire you rather than someone else.

It may help you to do a mock interview with a friend, family member or your Community Action Agency staff contact if that person is willing to share honest feedback.

Here are some typical interview questions:

1. What are your strengths and weaknesses? (The key here is to turn your "weakness" into a strength. For example, "I’m a perfectionist—just can’t leave work until my desk is cleared.")
2. How do you handle stress?
3. If you had a conflict with a coworker, how would you handle it?
4. Has a manager ever done something you didn't like? What did you do in response?
5. What are you most proud of?
6. Why do you want the job?
7. Why should I hire you?

An interview is also your opportunity to learn more about the company and the position. Some questions you might want to ask include:

1. What makes a person successful in your company?
2. How will you know you've hired the right person?
3. What kind of person will succeed in this job?
4. What kind of advancement potential is there in your company?
5. What's your company's biggest challenge right now?