Sample Job Interview Questions

Many of my ESL students live and work in the U.S. (as opposed to those who are here in the U.S. specifically to study English). I give a lot of instruction on writing resumes, cover letters and preparing for job interviews. Below is a common list of job interview questions that we practice during our ESL tutoring lessons.

For more information, see Job Interview Skills for ESL Speakers.

Sample Job Interview Questions

1. Tell me about yourself?

2. What accomplishment are you particularly proud of?

3. Why did you leave your last position? Why do you want to leave your current position?

4. What did you enjoy most about your last/current job?

5. What was/is the most difficult part of your last/current job?

6. Where do you see yourself in five years?

7. Do you plan to pursue a graduate education?

8. Tell me about a time when you had to make a critical decision in your supervisor's absence. How did you handle it?

9. What are your strongest skills?

10. What are your weakest skills?

11. Tell me about the last time you had a short deadline and how you handled it.
12. When did you handle conflict with your boss, colleagues, or subordinates? Tell me about it.

13. What strengths do you bring to this job that other candidates might not?

14. What are your long- and short-term career goals?

15. Do you have any questions?

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