Job Interview Questions

General questions Interviewers typically ask a variety of

general questions so that they can get
to know you and your personality,
such as:

1. Tell me about yourself. Well, I graduated from the

Autonomous University of
Querétaro with a degree in Modern
1) Keep It Professional and Brief Languages in English. I am
2) Practice, But Don’t Memorize dedicated to teaching English as a
second language, and since
3) Know Your Audience
graduating, my goal has been to
foster a participatory and
collaborative learning environment.
Hint: the interviewer isn’t looking for your life story, or what
I have previously worked as a
you had for dinner last night.
teacher, where I had the
opportunity to work with students of
This question seems simple, so many people fail to prepare for various proficiency levels, adapting
it, but it’s crucial. Here's the deal: Don’t give your complete my skills to meet their individual
employment (or personal) history. Instead, give a pitch—one needs.
that’s concise and compelling and that shows exactly why
you’re the right fit for the job. Muse writer and MIT career
counselor Lily Zhang recommends using a present, past, future
formula. Talk a little bit about your current role (including the
scope and perhaps one big accomplishment), then give some
background as to how you got there and experience you have
that’s relevant. Finally, segue into why you want—and would be
perfect for—this role.
2. Walk me through your resume. I began my career in 2021 and
since then, I have evolved both
personally and professionally. In
Like “Tell me about yourself,” this question is a common my previous positions, we faced a
interview opener. But instead of framing your answer around situation where we had to conduct
what qualities and skills make you best for the position, your virtual classes for a year. While I
answer should group your qualifications by your past jobs and had experienced online learning as
tell your career story. You might choose to tell this story a student, facilitating virtual
chronologically, especially if there’s a great anecdote about classes. So, I successfully
what set you on this path. Or, as with “Tell me about yourself,” conducted my classes, drawing on
you can begin with your present job then talk about what my prior experience having taken
brought you here and where you’re going next. But regardless, computer courses in previous
when you speak about your “past” and “present,” highlight years to address any potential
your most relevant experiences and accomplishments for this issues.
job and wrap up by talking about the future, i.e. connect your
One of the key priorities during this
past and present together to show why this job should be the
period was keeping my students
next one you add to your resume.
engaged through various effective
activities and dynamic approaches.
Despite the initial novelty of the
virtual environment, the proactive
steps I had taken, combined with
the implementation of engaging
teaching methods, made the
adaptation to virtual modalities
relatively smooth.

I am excited about the opportunity

to apply the lessons learned and
skills developed during this period
 in my future roles.

3. How did you hear about this position? I became aware of this position
through online research on the
institution's official website. The
Another seemingly innocuous interview question, this is actually prospect of contributing my skills
a perfect opportunity to stand out and show your passion for as an English instructor caught my
and connection to the company. For example, if you found out attention, and I see this opportunity
about the gig through a friend or professional contact, name- as an ideal platform to showcase
drop that person, then share why you were so excited about the my qualifications for the role.
job. If you discovered the company through an event or article,
share that. Even if you found the listing through a random job
board, share what, specifically, caught your eye about the role.

4. Why do you want this job? Well, throughout my years of

experience as a teacher, I've
gained valuable insights and honed
Again, companies want to hire people who are passionate about my skills. I genuinely love engaging
the job, so you should have a great answer about why you want with others and assisting them in
the position. (And if you don’t? You probably should apply learning the beautiful language of
elsewhere.) First, identify a couple of key factors that make the English. Looking ahead, I'm keen
role a great fit for you (e.g., “I love customer support because I on continuing my professional
love the constant human interaction and the satisfaction that growth in the long run, and I
comes from helping someone solve a problem”), then share why believe this position will offer me
you love the company (e.g., “I’ve always been passionate about the perfect opportunity to fulfill my
education, and I think you’re doing great things, so I want to be future career aspirations.
a part of it”).

5. Why should we hire you? My skills, such as adaptability, my

 motivation to inspire and
encourage students to engage in
language learning, creativity in
This interview question seems forward (not to mention crafting new and effective activities
intimidating!), but if you’re asked it, you’re in luck: There’s no to sustain their interest, the ability
better setup for you to sell yourself and your skills to the hiring to plan and tailor lessons to their
manager. Your job here is to craft an answer that covers three needs, and, above all, effective
things: that you can not only do the work, but also deliver great problem-solving to ensure student
results; that you’ll really fit in with the team and culture; and learning, make me a suitable
that you’d be a better hire than any of the other candidates. candidate for this position.

6. How do you deal with pressure or stressful situations? While we all encounter challenges,
I believe that problems are
separate from the task at hand
The employer wants to know: Do you hold down the fort or when working on something. If an
crumble under pressure? They want to make sure that you won’t issue arises, my approach is to
have a meltdown when the pressure becomes intense, and identify potential solutions and
deadlines are looming. The ability to stay calm under pressure implement the best course of
is a highly prized talent. action. I consistently remain calm
and successfully handle everything
within my reach.

7. What are your greatest strengths? Well, as I mentioned earlier, I stand

out for my creativity, motivation,
adaptability, effective lesson
Here’s an opening to talk about something that makes you great planning, and the ability to tailor my
—and a great fit for this role. When you’re answering this approach to the needs of my
question, think quality, not quantity. In other words, don’t rattle students, allowing me to deliver
off a list of adjectives. Instead, pick one or a few (depending on quality teaching. Even, as I
the question) specific qualities that are relevant to this position mentioned in my previous job, we
and illustrate them with examples. Stories are always more had to conduct virtual classes for a
memorable than generalizations. And if there’s something you period, and I was able to conduct
were hoping to mention because it makes you a great candidate, my classes professionally without
but you haven’t had a chance yet, this would be the perfect time. compromising the knowledge and
learning of my students.

8. What do you consider to be your weaknesses? Well, I used to be quite shy when it
came to speaking in front of a
group, but over time, I worked on it
What your interviewer is really trying to do with this question— and improved to the point where I
beyond identifying any major red flags—is to gauge your self- no longer got nervous, and the
awareness and honesty. So, “I can’t meet a deadline to save my words just flowed effortlessly.
life” is not an option—but neither is “Nothing! I’m perfect!”
Strike a balance by thinking of something that you struggle with
but that you’re working to improve. For example, maybe you’ve
never been strong at public speaking, but you’ve recently
volunteered to run meetings to help you get more comfortable
when addressing a crowd.

9. Tell me about a challenge or conflict you’ve faced at work, One of the challenges I have faced
and how you dealt with it. is dealing with certain students with
special needs where providing
attention, creating tailored
You’re probably not eager to talk about conflicts you’ve had at activities, and adapting to their
work during a job interview. But if you’re asked directly, don’t requirements proved challenging.
pretend you’ve never had one. Be honest about a difficult It's often the case that we are not
situation you’ve faced (but without going into the kind of detail adequately prepared for such
you’d share venting to a friend). “Most people who ask are only situations. However, through
looking for evidence that you’re willing to face these kinds of seeking guidance, researching
issues head-on and make a sincere attempt at coming to a better techniques, I managed to
resolution,” former recruiter Richard Moy says. Stay calm and facilitate learning for these
professional as you tell the story (and answer any follow-up
questions), spend more time talking about the resolution than students comparable to their peers.
the conflict, and mention what you’d do differently next time to
show “you’re open to learning from tough experiences.”

10. Tell me about a time you demonstrated leadership skills. Well, during my time in university,
we were assigned projects where
teamwork was crucial. I took on a
You don’t have to have a fancy title to act like a leader or leadership role by guiding my
demonstrate leadership skills. Think about a time when you teammates, assigning specific
headed up a project, took the initiative to propose an alternate tasks to ensure everyone
process, or helped motivate your team to get something done. contributed equally. In the face of
Then use the STAR method to tell your interviewer a story, challenges, it was important to
giving enough detail to paint a picture (but not so much that you understand each other while
start rambling) and making sure you spell out the result. In staying focused on the work. If
other words, be clear about why you’re telling this particular someone encountered difficulties, I
story and connect all the dots for the interviewer. provided support to ensure the
completion of the project on time,
despite the obstacles.

11. What time management strategies do you use? In terms of work, I am highly
organized, and I manage my time
efficiently. If something takes
Employers want to understand how you use your time and longer than expected, I adjust my
energy to stay productive and efficient. They’re also looking to other activities and their timelines
understand if you have your own system for staying on track to ensure everything is completed
with the work beyond the company’s schedules and workflow in an effective manner.
plans. Be sure to emphasize that you adhere to deadlines and
take them seriously.

12. Why are you leaving your current job? Well, I've always been of the belief
 that we need to learn and do new
things. While I enjoyed my
This is a toughie, but one you can be sure you’ll be asked.
previous job, it was time for a
Definitely keep things positive—you have nothing to gain by
change and to continue growing
being negative about your current employer. Instead, frame
both personally and professionally
things in a way that shows that you’re eager to take on new
in a new environment, and this is
opportunities and that the role you’re interviewing for is a
the opportunity I've been waiting
better fit for you. For example, “I’d really love to be part of
for.
product development from beginning to end, and I know I’d
have that opportunity here.” And if you were let go from your
most recent job? Keep it simple: “Unfortunately, I was let go,”
is a totally acceptable answer.

13. What do you like to do outside of work? I've always enjoyed drawing, and
I'm quite skilled at it. I also find
pleasure in watching movies and
Interviewers will sometimes ask about your hobbies or interests listening to music, especially in the
outside of work in order to get to know you a little better—to rock genre and its various
find out what you’re passionate about and devote time to during subgenres. Additionally, I'm an avid
your off-hours. It’s another chance to let your personality shine. gamer—I love video games and
Be honest, but keep it professional and be mindful of answers consoles. Essentially, those are my
that might make it sound like you’re going to spend all your time hobbies.
focusing on something other than the job you’re applying for.

14. Where do you see yourself in five years? In 5 years, I see myself working
and excelling as a dedicated
teacher, perhaps even as a
If asked this question, be honest and specific about your future proficient translator in literary and
goals, but consider this: A hiring manager wants to know a) if scientific texts. I also envision
you've set realistic expectations for your career, b) if you have delving into endeavors related to
ambition (a.k.a., this interview isn't the first time you’re
considering the question), and c) if the position aligns with your the field of subtitling. Ultimately, I
goals and growth. Your best bet is to think realistically about see myself engaged in what I am
where this position could take you and answer along those lines. truly passionate about.
And if the position isn’t necessarily a one-way ticket to your
aspirations? It’s OK to say that you’re not quite sure what the
future holds, but that you see this experience playing an
important role in helping you make that decision.

15. What are your salary expectations? Well, I believe a better question
would be to know what you are
offering for the position, so that we
The number one rule of answering this question is: Figure out can come to an agreement.
your salary requirements ahead of time. Do your research on
what similar roles pay by using sites like PayScale and reaching
out to your network. Be sure to take your experience, education,
skills, and personal needs into account, too! From there, Muse
career coach Jennifer Fink suggests choosing from one of three
strategies:

● Give a salary range: But keep the bottom of your stated

range toward the mid-to-high point of what you’re

actually hoping for, Fink says.

● Flip the question: Try something like “That's a great

question—it would be helpful if you could share what

the range is for this role,” Fink says.

● Delay answering: Tell your interviewer that you’d like to

learn more about the role or the rest of the compensation

package before discussing pay.
16. When can you start? Well, if I secure the position and
receive the materials used here, I
can start preparing my lessons and
Your goal here should be to set realistic expectations that will activities as soon as I get them,
work for both you and the company. What exactly that sounds within approximately one week. In
like will depend on your specific situation. If you’re ready to the event that I need to use my
start immediately—if you’re unemployed, for example—you own materials for every class, it
could offer to start within the week. But if you need to give would take me a maximum of two
notice to your current employer, don’t be afraid to say so; weeks.
people will understand and respect that you plan to wrap things
up right. It’s also legitimate to want to take a break between
jobs, though you might want to say you have “previously
scheduled commitments to attend to” and try to be flexible if
they really need someone to start a bit sooner.

17. Is there anything else you’d like us to know? I think we’ve covered most of it, but
just to summarize, it sounds like
you’re looking for someone who
Just when you thought you were done, your interviewer asks you can really hit the ground running.
this open-ended doozy. Don’t panic—it’s not a trick question! So I would start planning the
You can use this as an opportunity to close out the meeting on a curriculum, lessons, and activities
high note in one of two ways, Zhang says. First, if there really is as soon as you need them.
something relevant that you haven’t had a chance to mention, do
it now. Otherwise, you can briefly summarize your
qualifications. For example, Zhang says, you could say: “I think
we’ve covered most of it, but just to summarize, it sounds like
you’re looking for someone who can really hit the ground
running. And with my previous experience [enumerate
experience here], I think I’d be a great fit.”
18. Do you have any questions for me? Do you have students with special
needs? If so, it's better to know in
advance so that I can have
Before you walk in for your first interview, you should already activities and lessons already
know what the salary is for the position you’re applying to. prepared specifically for them,
Check out websites for salary information. You could also ask ensuring they learn alongside
people in the field by reaching out to your community on everyone else.
LinkedIn.