Career and College Exploration

Traditional Job Interview Questions (Sample)

• How would you describe yourself?
• Why did you leave your last job?
• What are your long range and short range goals and objectives?
• What specific goals other than those related to your occupation, have you established for yourself for the next ten years?
• What do you see yourself doing five years from now? Ten years from now?
• What do you really want to do in life?
• What are your long range career objectives?
• How do you plan to achieve your career goals?
• What are the most important rewards you expect in your career?
• What do you expect to be earning in five years?
• Why did you choose this career?
• How well do you work with people? Do you prefer working alone or in teams?
• How would you evaluate your ability to deal with conflict?
• Have you ever had difficulty with a supervisor? How did you resolve the conflict?
• What do you consider to be your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
• How would a good friend describe you?
• Describe the best job you’ve ever had.
• Describe the best supervisor you’ve ever had.
• What would your last boss say about your work performance?
• What motivates you to go the extra mile on a project or job?
• Why should I hire you?
• What makes you qualified for this position?
• What qualifications do you have that make you successful in this career?
• How do you determine or evaluate success?
• What do you think it takes to be successful in a company like ours?
• In what ways do you think you can make a contribution to our company?
• Do you have any hobbies? What do you do in your spare time?
• Have you ever been fired or forced to resign?
• What qualities should a successful manager possess?
• Do you consider yourself a leader?
• What’s the most recent book you’ve read?
• What two or three accomplishments have given you the most satisfaction? Why?

Make a to-do list every day

Put the most important tasks at the top, even if they’re things you’re dreading, and tackle them first. Include things you want to do on your list too, so you have items you’re looking forward to. Try motivating yourself with a reward if you get to everything on your list.

Keep your work with you

That way, if you find yourself with extra time—while on the train or bus or waiting for an appointment—you can get something done.

Don’t be afraid to say no

It’s OK to say no if your friend asks you to go to a movie one night but you have a test the next morning. Instead, find a time that works for both of you and go see the movie then.

Find your productive time

Are you a morning person or a night person? You’ll be more efficient if you work when you’re at your best.

Create a dedicated study time

Set up a time devoted only to studying or homework. Shut off your phone and respond to calls or texts when your work is finished. Don’t check email or surf the Web (except when you need to for the work you’re doing) during this time either.

Budget your time

Figure out how much time you usually spend on your activities and then create a weekly schedule to follow. Determine how much free time you have before you add any commitments. And don’t forget to schedule time to relax.

Don’t get sidetracked

If you find yourself wasting time on unimportant things, stop, check your to-do list and get back to what’s at the top. Maybe you’re procrastinating because you’re not sure how to move forward on a school project. If that’s the problem, check with your teacher to clear things up so you can get moving.

Get a good night’s sleep

Your brain needs rest to perform at its peak. If it’s time to sleep, list the things you still need to get done on the next day’s to-do list and go to bed.

Colleges often ask for two or three recommendation letters from people who know you well. These letters should be written by someone who can describe your skills, accomplishments and personality.

Colleges value recommendations because they:

• Reveal things about you that grades and test scores can’t
• Provide personal opinions of your character
• Show who is willing to speak on your behalf

Letters of recommendation work for you when they present you in the best possible light, showcasing your skills and abilities.

Get recommendation letters from people who know you well

When to Ask for Recommendations

Make sure to give your references at least one month before your earliest deadline to complete and send your letters. The earlier you ask, the better. Many teachers like to write recommendations during the summer. If you apply under early decision or early action plans, you’ll definitely need to ask for recommendations by the start of your senior year or before.

Remember that some teachers will be writing whole stacks of letters, which takes time. Your teachers will do a better job on your letter if they don’t have to rush.

Whom to Ask

It’s your job to find people to write letters of recommendation for you. Follow these steps to start the process:

• Read each of your college applications carefully. Schools often ask for letters of recommendation from an academic teacher — sometimes in a specific subject — or a school counselor or both.
• Ask a counselor, teachers and your family who they think would make good references.
• Choose one of your teachers from junior year or a current teacher who has known you for a while. Colleges want a current perspective on you, so a teacher from several years ago isn’t the best choice.
• Consider asking a teacher who also knows you outside the classroom. For example, a teacher who directed you in a play or advised your debate club can make a great reference.
• Consider other adults — such as an employer, a coach or an adviser from an activity outside of school — who have a good understanding of you and your strengths.
• Perhaps most important, pick someone who will be enthusiastic about writing the letter for you.
• If you’re unsure about asking someone in particular, politely ask if he or she feels comfortable recommending you. That’s a good way to avoid weak letters.

Your teachers will do a better job on your letter if they don’t have to rush.

Some teachers write many recommendation letters each year. Even if they know you well, it’s a good idea to take some time to speak with them. Make it easy for them to give positive, detailed information about your achievements and your potential by refreshing their memory.

Here’s how:

• Talk to them about your class participation.
• Remind them of specific work or projects you’re proud of.
• Tell them what you learned in class.
• Mention any challenges you overcame.
• Give them the information they need to provide specific examples of your work.
• If you need a recommendation letter from a counselor or other school official, follow these guidelines:
• Make an appointment ahead of time.
• Talk about your accomplishments, hobbies and plans for college and the future.
• If you need to discuss part of your transcript — low grades during your sophomore year, for example — do so. Explain why you had difficulty and discuss how you’ve changed and improved since then.

Whether approaching teachers, a counselor or another reference, you may want to provide them with a resume that briefly outlines your activities, both in and outside the classroom, and your goals.

Final Tips

The following advice is easy to follow and can really pay off:

• Waive your right to view recommendation letters on your application forms. Admission officers will trust them more if you haven’t seen them.
• Give your references addressed and stamped envelopes for each college that requested a recommendation.
• Make sure your references know the deadlines for each college.
• Follow up with your references a week or so before recommendations are due to make sure your letters have been sent.
• Once you’ve decided which college to attend, write thank-you notes. Tell your references where you’re going and let them know how much you appreciate their support.