Answering Interview Questions

Question: What are your strengths?

What interviewers are looking for: They want to know whether you understand your own value and can back it up with evidence.

How to answer: Choose 2–3 strengths that fit the job and give proof.

Example

“One of my strengths is organization. As treasurer for a student club, I tracked budgets, deadlines, and event expenses to keep things running smoothly. I’d also say I’m dependable—when I commit to something, I follow through.”

Good strengths for students

• Communication
• Teamwork
• Time management
• Initiative
• Problem-solving
• Adaptability
• Attention to detail

Avoid

• Listing too many strengths
• Using clichés without examples
• Choosing strengths unrelated to the role

Question: Tell me about a time you worked as a part of a team.

What interviewers are looking for: They want evidence that you can collaborate, communicate, and contribute effectively.

How to answer: Use STAR

• describe the project
• explain your role
• show how you worked with others
• end with the outcome

Example

“In a class project, my team had different ideas about how to divide the workload, and it was slowing us down. I suggested we create a shared timeline with clear responsibilities and deadlines. That helped everyone stay on the same page, and we ended up completing the project early and receiving strong feedback from our professor.”

Avoid

• Talking only about what the team did, not your contribution
• Blaming teammates
• Giving a vague example

Question: Tell me about a challenge you faced.

What interviewers are looking for: They want to know how you handle difficulty, pressure, or disagreement.

How to answer: Focus on…

• the challenge
• how you responded professionally
• what you learned

Example

“During a group assignment, one team member stopped responding close to the deadline. Instead of getting frustrated, I reached out directly, adjusted our plan with the rest of the group, and covered part of the unfinished section while keeping the professor informed. We submitted the project on time, and I learned the importance of proactive communication.”

Avoid

• Making yourself sound like the victim
• Choosing a story where you acted poorly and did not grow from it
• Focusing too much on drama

Question: Tell me about a time you showed leadership.

What interviewers are looking for: They want to see initiative, responsibility, and influence—not just a formal title.

How to answer: Leadership can come from

• leading a club event
• organizing a class project
• training new employees
• stepping up during a problem

Example

“In my part-time job, we were short-staffed during a busy shift. I helped organize tasks, communicated priorities to newer team members, and made sure customers were still helped quickly. Even though I wasn’t a manager, taking initiative helped the team stay on track.”

Reminder: Leadership does not have to mean “being in charge.” It can mean solving problems and helping others succeed.

General Questions:

• In what ways do you think you can make a contribution to our organization?
• In what work environment are you most comfortable?
• How do you work under pressure?
• In what previous part-time, co-op, or summer jobs have you been most interested? Why?
• What two or three qualities or criteria are most important to you in a prospective job?
• What criteria are you using to evaluate the organization for which you hope to work?

Job Specific Questions

• What are your long-term and short-term goals?
• How would this job or graduate program help you to achieve your career goals?
• What was your easiest, most difficult, and most interesting class? Why?
• Why are you interested in this position, our organization, or this graduate program?
• How do you think a friend or professor who knows you well would describe you?
• What are your strengths, weaknesses, and interests?
• What motivates you to put forth your greatest effort?
• What is your greatest accomplishment?
• What led you to choose your major or field of study?
• How has your school and work experience prepared you for this job or program?
• Do you think your grades are a good indication of your academic achievement?
• What makes you unique? Why should we hire you?

Interviews should give every candidate a fair chance to show their skills and qualifications. If you need an accommodation, it is appropriate to request one before the interview so you can participate fully and comfortably. 

Requesting Accommodations 

If you need an accommodation, contact the employer as soon as possible after receiving the interview invitation. You do not need to disclose a diagnosis in most cases; you can simply explain the adjustment you need for the interview process. For example, you might request extra time for an assessment, captioning for a virtual interview, a wheelchair-accessible location, or a quiet space with limited distractions. 

Interview Accessibility 

Accessible interviews may include physical access to the building, accessible parking, elevator access, clear directions, screen-reader compatible materials, captioning, sign language interpreters, or alternative interview formats. For virtual interviews, accessibility can also involve platform compatibility, chat options, or advance access to links and instructions. 

Disability-Related Considerations 

Focus on whether you can perform the essential duties of the role, with or without reasonable accommodation. Employers should evaluate your qualifications, not assumptions about disability. If disability comes up in the interview, keep your response centered on your strengths, your readiness for the role, and any accommodations that help you succeed. If you are unsure what to share, remember that your goal is to communicate what you need to interview effectively and perform well.