Job Interview Typical Questions Part 1 of 3 - Education

Preparing for a job interview can be a simple task - if you are given the right tools. Just as trimming a sail is simple IF you receive the right guidance and preparation and understanding, so too is excelling at your job interview. Journey with us as we sail through some typical interview questions about your education. Remember preparation will give you that polish and set up apart from the pack and win that job for you! The questions are organized in six segments: I.) Attitudes II.) Academics III.) Relationships IV.) Extracurricular Activities V.) Application of Learning VI.) Career and Qualifications. Take your time with the questions, visualize your answers completely. Remember your answer is more than just words, it is also your non-verbal behavior. Practice will result in self-confidence and enthusiasm. Visualize your complete answer and you will be fully prepared. Patience and practice will land you that job!

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Interview Questions Part 1 of 3

Interview Questions Part 2 of 3

Interview Questions Part 3 of 3

Great Visual Aids Are 80% of Communications

Education

Your responses to questions related to education offer insight into patterns of behavior in learning situations. Research indicates that people who didn’t use their abilities in school won’t give their best on the job. The “knowledge explosion” demands continuous learning and updating of skills. Attitudes toward learning are especially significant for those considering management positions.

Grades are also important. Grade point average and graduating class rank can indicate your intelligence and level of motivation. High school students planning to enter college usually take SAT exams. The perfect score is 1600 points divided equally between verbal and numeric (quantitative) sections. Test scores can be a predictor of success if knowledge and intelligence is applied. However, as we all know, many people don’t use their abilities. Some had an attitude that interferes with their performance.

The questions being asked here will begin, “I’m interested in learning more about your educational background.” They may start with questions about high school and move to college, if applicable. Questions about best and worst subjects might be explored along with the reasons you liked some subjects more than others. Your answers will often provide clues to areas in which you excel.

Involvement in extracurricular activities develops social skills. Extra curricular activities require commitment, energy, organizational and communication skills. Athletics provide opportunities for individual and team achievements.

Savvy interviewers will not be too quick to judge you solely on academic success. Successful work experience is also an important element, and in most situations, is more critical than academic preparation.

I. Attitudes/Likes & Dislikes

1. What did you like best about school? Least? Why?
2. What are you most proud of achieving during your school years?
3. Do you feel you did your best in school? If not, why not? If yes, what motivated you?
4. What did you spend most of your time doing in school?
5. Describe your most rewarding high school/college experience.

II. Academics

1. What was your major? How did you choose your major?
2. If you had to do it over again, would you have chosen the same course of study? Why or why not?
3. Are your grades a good indicator of what you learned?
4. Which school year was most difficult? Why?
5. Have you ever cheated or been tempted to cheat on a test? Tell me about it.
6. If you had it to do over again, what would yopu do differently in school?
7. Did you ever fail a class? If yes, what was the reason?
8. What was your rank in your graduating class in high school? College?

III. Relationships

1. What would your instructors say about you?
2. Were your favorite teachers easy or demanding?
3. Tell me about a time when you had difficulty getting along with a teacher.

IV. Extracurricular Learning

1. What extracurricular activities did you participate in?
2. Give me an example of something that you can apply to your work that you learned as a result of participating in extracurricular activities.
3. What extracurricular activity did you not participate in that you wish you had?
4. Have you ever tutored another student? If so, what did you gain from the experience?

V. Application of Learning

1. How did you select the college you attended?
2. How has high school/college prepared you for the “real world?”
3. What makes you unique as a result of your educational experiences?
4. What are your plans for further education?

VI. Career & Qualifications

1. If you were hiring a (high school/college) graduate for this position, what qualities would look for?
2. How would you describe the ideal job for you following graduation?
3. What do you see as the advantages of your chosen career? Disadvantages?
4. How is your education related to your career?
5. What training beyond your formal education makes you qualified for this position?
6. What have you learned from the jobs you held while in school?
7. What criteria did you use to select a course of study and make a career decision?
8. Tell me about 3 areas that you have excelled in and how that knowledge makes you qualified for this position.

#1 Education Questions are Important

Education determines if you have the skill set to perform the job. Be prepared to answer the questions.

#2 Frame Your Answers to Showcase Your Personality

The interviewer will be seeking to know if your personality will fit within the corporate culture of the organization. Be prepared to frame your answers even on education as a team players.

#3 Preparation is the Key!

Like education, the more you study the higher your grade, so too, with practice - be prepared for these typical questions and you will sail right through the interview and land the job!