Santa Clara University

Sample Questions and Responses

• STAR Technique

  When answering an interview question, tell your story and give examples. Review the sample questions below. Try formulating your personal answers to these questions using this formula to create examples of your accomplishments or contributions: be a STAR.
  

  • Describe the Situation in detail by giving the overall context.
  • Describe the Task that you were responsible for – what was your role?
  • What Action did you take to resolve the situation?
  • What was the end Result of the action that you took?

  
  By subscribing to the STAR  formula and practicing out loud, your answers should present themselves clearly, succinctly, powerfully and positively.  

• Question: Can you tell me a little about yourself?

  This is your chance to make a confident first impression and help establish a direction for the rest of the interview. If you are able, highlight information that is relevant to the employer or tie your academic background to a particular field. Example: “I decided to major in Finance because it offered a wide range of courses related to analysis and quantification of results. In my current internship, I have been able to put these skills to use in various projects working with vendors and purchasing contracts.” 

• Question: How do your background fit the position I am hiring for?

  Example: “I believe my talents, academic training and applied experience are an excellent fit with this position because...”
  

  Your primary goal in the interview is to help the employer see the fit between you and the position. As you explain your skills and background, continually emphasize the connection to the job.
  

  Example: “Through my job in retail, I became very detail-oriented as I organized merchandise and weekly scheduling. I know your position requires lots of attention to detail, and my past experiences and organizational skills make me well qualified. I am very interested in putting my skills to use in this position.”

• Can you tell me about a time you worked hard to accomplish something?

  Organize your thoughts before you speak. Make your point and give examples.

  Example: “One example is my current internship. I had to work extremely hard in the beginning to establish myself as a competent professional who could take on advanced responsibilities. At first, my employer viewed me as a student worker who just made copies, until I took it upon myself to create an updated database of key clients. This project was a huge undertaking, but I executed it well and as a result, was offered tasks with more responsibilities.”
  

  Summarize points and restate the question:
  

  “The experience in my internship was definitely a situation in which I had to work hard for something. I learned the value of taking initiative and the importance of creating my own opportunities.”

• Question: How well do you handle pressure?

  People remember ideas through stories, not lists. Don’t just say, “I perform well under pressure.” Instead, tell the employer how you organized and executed something successfully within time constraints. The more vivid specifics you include, without getting overly detailed, the more memorable you will be to the employer.

• Question: What are your weaknesses?

  An employer wants you to give a realistic picture of your abilities in a persuasive manner. Be positive when discussing weaknesses as well, because they can always be viewed also as potential assets. Explain how you have either overcome a weakness, are working on it, or have used it as a strength.
  Example: “When I first started in my advertising internship, my desire to avoid conflict was a real problem. I sought out a mentor to coach me on ways to deal with conflict situations and I’ve now become much more effective in this area.”

• Question: What are your salary expectations?

  You have a couple of options. You may turn the question around and ask what the hiring range is for the position. Another option is to let the employer know that while money is important, it’s more important for you to learn more about the organization and the position in order to determine if you have a good fit. After you learn more about the opportunity, you will feel more prepared to answer that question.