Interview Tips
In this group, we're going to talk about and practice for job interviews, both academic and industry.
Format:
- Fishbowl discussion of mock interview between Scott and Lorenz (15 min). Discuss what the mock interviewer could have done better.
- Discussion and Q&A on topics such as (15 min):
- How can you best prepare for an interview?
- What are interviewers looking for?
- What should your priorities be?
- What if you make a mistake?
- Pair up and practice sample behavioral interview questions (10 min)
- Discuss practice as a group (5 min). What would you do differently next time?
Below are the practice behavioral interview questions. When you pair up, please use random.org to select a number between 1 and 16 inclusive, and then ask your partner the corresponding question from below.
1) Describe a time you encountered a problem at work. How did you overcome it?
2) Tell me about a time you had a conflict with a coworker. How did you resolve it?
3) What motivates you? What steps do you take to keep up your motivation?
4) Describe a time you disagreed with a decision your supervisor made. How did you handle it?
5) Tell me about a time you worked well under pressure.
6) Describe a time you made a mistake, and what you did when you realized it.
7) Give an example of a time you worked on a team.
8) What do you do when your list of responsibilities becomes overwhelming?
9) Tell me about a time you had to work with someone very different from you. How did you adapt?
10) Describe a time you failed at something. What did you learn?
11) Tell me about a time you had to do something you weren’t trained for or had little experience with. How did you handle it?
12) Tell me about a time you were forced to compromise with members of a team. What were the results?
13) Can you tell me about a time when you encountered a major obstacle to completing a task? How did you get around that obstacle?
14) Describe a project that you planned. How did you organize it? Were you able to accomplish it by your deadline?
15) Describe a time you had to step up and demonstrate leadership skills.
16) Tell me about a time when you were the technical expert. What did you do to make sure everyone understood you?