Stand Out in Interviews

We understand that prepping for the big day can be stressful. Let us help you prepare, practice and land that dream job.

Tips & Tricks Interview Questions The STAR Method

Popular Questions Employers Ask During an Interview

Try and stay one step ahead of the interviewer by preparing answers for these popular questions.

Career Goals

  • Do you prefer to work under supervision or on your own?
  • What kind of boss do you prefer?
  • Do you prefer large or small organizations? Why?
  • How do you feel about working in a structured environment?
  • Can you work on several assignments at once?
  • How do you feel about the possibility of relocating?  

Education

  • Why did you choose to attend UB?
  • What led you to choose your major?
  • How has college prepared you for a career?
  • In which campus activities did you participate?
  • If you were to start over, what would you change about your education?
  • Do your grades accurately reflect your ability? Why or why not?
  • How do you think a professor who knows you well would describe you?

Experience

  • What job-related skills have you developed?
  • In what work environment are you most comfortable?
  • Tell me about how your experiences that would help you in this job? (Use the STAR method.)
  • Describe a major problem you encountered and how you dealt with it. (Use the STAR method.)
  • Give an example of a time when you worked under deadline pressure. (Use the STAR method.)
  • Give an example of a time when you worked on a team to accomplish something. (Use the STAR method.)
  • What did you enjoy most about your last employment? Least?
  • How do you think a former supervisor would describe your work?

Personal

  • Tell me about yourself.
  • What are your greatest strengths?
  • What is one of your weaknesses?
  • Define success.
  • Define failure.
  • Have you ever had any failures?
  • What did you learn from them?
  • What motivates you most in a job?
  • What can you offer us?
  • Describe your ideal job.
  • Why did you choose to interview with us?
  • Why should we hire you?
  • Why are you interested in this position? 

Questions You May Ask During an Interview

Employers will typically ask if you have any questions towards the end of the interview. Do not pass up this opportunity! Use this time to gather more information to show your interest and help decide if you want the position.

Questions to Ask a Prospective Coworker

  • What type of person would you like to see in this role/position?
  • What do you like best about working for this department/organization?
  • What do you find most challenging about working for this department/organization?
  • Can you describe a typical workday in the department?
  • Is there much opportunity to work independently? With superiors, colleagues, customers?
  • What projects are currently being worked on?
  • How important is diversity to you as an organization? What value does it bring to you?
  • Is the leadership team committed to diversity in the organization? If so, how do they express that and ensure that commitment cascades down throughout the organization?

Questions to Ask a Prospective Supervisor

  • What type of person would you like to see in this role/position?
  • What would be my primary responsibilities?
  • What would I be expected to accomplish in the first six months on the job? In the first year?
  • What are some of the department’s ongoing and anticipated special projects?
  • Can you describe a typical day in the life of this position?
  • How do you foster an open, communicative environment for your employees? 
  • What methods of communication does your team use?

Questions to Ask the Human Resources Representative

  • Are employees encouraged and given the opportunity to express their ideas and concerns?
  • What do employees seem to like best and least about the company?
  • What is the rate of employee turnover? Why is this position open?
  • How large is the department where the opening exists?
  • What type of orientation or training do new employees receive?
  • Does the company have any programs in place to support diversity? If not, are you planning to in the future?