Questions the Hiring Manager might ask in your interview

The following are typical questions hiring managers ask of our candidates. Although there are no perfect responses, you must be able to answer these and similar questions quickly, concisely, and confidently. How you say it is at least as important as what you say.

1. Why do you want this job? (or 'What are you looking for in a company and position, and why?')


2. What went into your decision-making process in selecting your current or last position?


3. Which of your skills do you consider most applicable for this job?


4. How do you handle
   1. conflicts?
   2. criticism?
   3. chaos?


5. Where do you see your career in five years?


6. In which areas do you think you need more experience in order to realize that goal?


7. Are you more motivated by
   1. money
   2. appreciative peers
   3. the opportunity to do excellent work?


8. Tell me about a project where you had to juggle multiple responsibilities. What would you do differently next time?


9. Give me an example of a project where you had to go the extra mile.


10. How do you respond to doing lots of repetitious work?


11. Of which work-related project are you most proud, and why?


12. Of which work-related project are you least proud, and why?


13. Tell me about a project that you think proved your versatility and initiative.


14. What would your previous managers say about your
    1. work ethic?
    2. productivity?
    3. your commitment to the team's success?


15. Describe your communications or technology areas of expertise, then rank the skills you mentioned in the order of your proficiency.


16. In which technology area do you want to gain more experience and knowledge?


17. Why did you leave your last position or why are you interested in leaving your current position?


18. To whom do (did) you report at your current (last) position?


19. How much do you want to earn from this job/contract? (Note: you don't have to answer this question. For those uncomfortable with negotiating, we recommend that you refer the question to us. If the hiring manager persists, give a broad range and be sure to say that you expect compensation that reflects your skills and proven ability to contribute.)

An interview is a two-way street. It's important that you ask your own questions of the hiring manager. Here are some suggestions and related articles.

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