Georgetown University: School of Foreign Service in Qatar

General interview questions tend to focus on relevant skills, personality-fit, focus, and interest in the employer. Stick to relevant information and try to keep your responses to approximately 2 minutes.

Sample General Interview Questions

• Tell me about yourself.
• Why you are a good fit?
• Relate your studies and/or experience to this job.
• What do you want out of your career?
• Why are you interested in working for __________?
• Why do you think you would like this type of work?
• How do you feel you will add value to our company?
• Why should I hire you? What do you know about my organization?
• As described to you, what about this position appeals to you?
• What are your 5 and 10-year career goals?
• Name three of your strengths and three of your weaknesses?

Leadership/Industriousness/Success

• What have you done that shows initiative and willingness to work?
• What qualifications do you have that will make you successful in this field?
• What qualities should a successful manager possess?
• What personal characteristics are necessary for success in this field?
• Why do you think you would be successful in this field?

Challenges and how you overcame them

• What are some of the things you find difficult to do? Why?
• Give me an example where you dealt with pressure.
• Describe a difficult problem you've had to deal with.
• What is the most difficult situation you have faced?
• What is your greatest weakness?
• How do you manage stress? How do you handle criticism?

College life and decisions

• Why did you choose your particular major?
• Describe your most rewarding college experience and tell me why it was so rewarding.
• How will you prepare for the transition from college to the workplace?
• Tell me about what you learned in school that could be used on the job.
• Why did you choose to attend Georgetown?
• In what ways has college prepared you to take on greater responsibility?
• What have you gained from your extracurricular activities?

Past Experiences/Future Plans

• What have your previous jobs taught you?
• What would you like to be doing five years from now?
• What are your biggest accomplishments?

Style

• Do you prefer to work independently or on a team?
• How do you organize and plan for major projects?
• What is your energy level like? Describe a typical day.
• Do you make your opinions known when you disagree with the views of your supervisor?
• Describe the relationship that should exist between a supervisor and subordinates.

This information is provided as a courtesy of Georgetown University's Career Education Center.

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