Common Interview Questions

In our last issue, we explored crafting career stories using the STAR and CAR methods to highlight your skills and experiences during interviews. This week, we'll delve into common questions you’ll encounter.

Phone or Video Interviews

These are often preliminary interviews used to screen candidates before inviting them for in-person interviews.

Top Questions:

Can you walk me through your resume?

Why are you interested in this position?

What do you know about our company?

What are your salary expectations?

How do you handle tight deadlines and pressure?

Behavioral Interviews

Behavioral interviews focus on past behavior as an indicator of future performance.

Top Questions:

Can you give an example of managing a difficult project?

Tell me about a significant challenge you faced and how you overcame it.

Give an example of handling a conflict with a coworker.

Describe a time when you went above and beyond your responsibilities.

Describe a time when you used your leadership skills.

How have you demonstrated problem-solving abilities in past roles?

Can you give an example of adapting to a major change at work?

Tell me about a time you had to learn a new skill quickly.

How do you manage and prioritize your workload?

Technical Interviews

These assess your specific skills and knowledge related to the job, often used in IT, engineering, and other technical fields.

Top Questions:

Can you describe a complex project and the technologies you used?

Explain a technical concept relevant to the job.

How do you stay updated with industry trends?

Panel Interviews

These involve multiple interviewers at once, each focusing on different aspects of your qualifications.

Top Questions:

Can you explain your experience in a specific area?

How do you handle multiple priorities under tight deadlines?

What makes you a good fit for this position and our team?

How do you deal with constructive criticism?

Mastering your responses to these questions can make a significant difference in your interview performance.

Stay tuned for part five of the Design Your Post-Service Career Action Plan series: From Military Transition to Transformation – Mastering the Mental Shift. This installment focuses on the crucial mental aspects of transitioning from military to civilian life, helping you navigate and embrace the changes with competence and confidence.