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Interview Question Database

Common Q's

These are basic and general questions that may be commonly found in any kind of job interview. If you don't know where to start in preparing for your interview, try practicing with these questions.

Education and Experience

QUESTION INTENT

Questions about your academic education and experiences (work, volunteer, etc.) are generally focused on confirming your:

  • Credentials
  • Knowledge
  • Range of experience
  • Level of expertise

These questions range from being broad (i.e. “What courses did you most enjoy at SFU?") to being very specific (i.e. “What specific skills did you gain from 'that' position?”). The employer is interested in knowing what skills and experiences you could bring to their organization.

TIPS FOR RESPONDING TO EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Q'S 
  • Provide adequate details to prove you have the desired skills, qualification, and credentials.
  • Select your best examples and broad range of experiences to profile yourself.
  • Be prepared to discuss any and all of the experiences you have listed on your resume and cover letter.
  • Clearly demonstrate your level of confidence and competence in the areas that are being questioned.

What courses do you enjoy? Which ones are you not enjoying?

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Answer Tips

Tell me about your depth of knowledge in your subject area?

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The question is intended to find out about the level of professional knowledge and expertise you have attained.

Answer Tips

Answer Tips

Job interviews often contain questions that ask you to describe your level of professional knowledge. Keeping up to date with trade magazines and networking with others in your field are both great ways to develop and deepen your professional skills and knowledge.

What courses/classes have you taken to stay ahead in your field?

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Employers like a candidate who has attended additional classes or courses to further their education and career. This type of question allows employers to guage your level of initiative and drive, as well as your commitment to your own career development.

Answer Tips

Answer Tips

You will impress your interviewer by showing that you have attended courses of your own volition or on your own time. Do not lie when answering this question. University results are usually, and easily, verified by employers. Be sure to highlight how your training has directly improved your ability to perform your job

Describe a time in which you found that your results were not up to your professor's or supervisor's expectations. What happened? What action did you take?

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Answer Tips

Tell me about a course you took at SFU that can help you succeed in this position.

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Answer Tips

Do you consider yourself a life-long learner?

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The interviewer is trying to assess your attitude towards learning and your willingness to take on board new ideas and new skills.


Answer Tips

Answer Tips

As a new employee in an unfamiliar environment there will be much to learn. You should demonstrate your capacity for learning and your desire to take on new knowledge.

How does your education apply to this position?

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To see if you can use the lessons from what you are learning in classes to real-world situations. Are you a passive learner? Or are you actively engaged in the content?

Answer Tips

Tell me about a time you went above and beyond to serve a client/customer.

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Customer service is very important in this position. They want to know that you know what it means to provide good customer service.

Answer Tips

Answer Tips

Use the STAR technique - Situation, Action, Task, Result. Pick a time and tell a story that demonstrates your ability to provide excellent customer service.

What courses do you enjoy? Which ones are you not enjoying?

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Answer Tips