Congratulations on getting an interview, it’s no minor feat! It’s important to remember that the employer will be far less forgiving in an entry-level job interview than in an internship interview. Hiring a full-time employee is much riskier than hiring an intern for the summer. So come well rested, prepared, and as relaxed as you possibly can.
We’ve compiled a list of the top 20 entry-level interview questions and answers to help you prepare to land your first job after. They fall into the following categories:
Pro Tip: visit this page on your phone to turn these questions into flash cards for practicing!
Select a topic to navigate to related interview questions and view their answers.
You’re guaranteed to get asked these questions.
1. Tell me about yourself.
This question is often used to break the ice and see how personable you can be. Be careful not to drone on endlessly for this question. It’s easy to get caught up in your back story and lose track of time. A safe answer is to give a brief overview that covers where you grew up, where you went to school, why you chose your major, any internship experience you have, and why you’re applying for this job.
2. What are your strengths? Your weaknesses?
3. Give me an example or a situation in which…
4. Tell me about this (class / internship) I see on your resume?
5. What are your longer-term career goals (or where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years)?
Questions specific to the nature of entry-level jobs.
1. Why are you interested in this role?
2. What do you know about our company?
Failing to have any knowledge of the company/organization you are applying for will appear to be indicative of a lack of interest or commitment to the application, and to the position itself, whether or not that was your actual intention.
3. How has your internship experience prepared you for the position you’re applying to?
4. What classwork has best prepared you for this role?
5. How would you assess your writing and communication skills?
Questions to assess your passion and motivation.
1. Why did you choose the major that you did?
2. What were some of your favorite/least favorite classes? Why?
3. What activities do you do outside of work or school?
4. How would your past professors or managers describe you?
5. Have you worked any part-time jobs?
Questions about your past behavior in certain situations to see how you react and learn from previous experiences.
1. Give me an example of a time in which you handled a looming deadline.
2. Give me an example of a time when you worked on a team. What was your role?
3. Describe a situation where you taught a concept to a co-worker or classmate.
4. Describe a time where you disagreed with a coworker or teammate on a project.
5. Describe a situation in which someone critiqued your work. How did you respond?
Now that you’ve got the top 20 questions down, you’re gonna nail that interview and get the job. Well, at least we hope you do! Next, check out some tips we have on evaluating entry-level job fit.
Once you’ve got the job, come check out our tips on starting your entry-level job off right and setting great entry-level job goals.
Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as What is an Entry-Level Job? and find answers to common interview questions such as Tell me about yourself.
READY TO INTERVIEW? FIND YOUR NEXT ROLE ON WAYUP. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR…
READY TO INTERVIEW? FIND YOUR NEXT ROLE ON WAYUP. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR…
READY TO INTERVIEW? FIND YOUR NEXT ROLE ON WAYUP. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR…
READY TO INTERVIEW? FIND YOUR NEXT ROLE ON WAYUP. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR…
READY TO INTERVIEW? FIND YOUR NEXT ROLE ON WAYUP. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR…
READY TO INTERVIEW? FIND YOUR NEXT ROLE ON WAYUP. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR…