The most important thing to remember about a business job interview is that human resources is never really asking what you think they are.

For example, their surface level question might be “What is your best achievement,” but they’re really wondering “What motivates you?” They might be asking about your salary requirements, but deep down they’re wondering if they can afford you. They might ask why you want this particular job to see if you’ve really done your research or if you just cast a wide net which landed you here. They might ask about people you find difficult to work with or about a time management made a decision you disagreed with to gauge your ability to work in a team environment. Before a business job interview, it’s imperative you go through your past work history and try to think about the key moments, situations and contributions of your professional life.

1. Can you tell me a little about yourself?
2. Why do you want to work here?
3. How did you prepare for this interview?
4. What are your salary expectations?
5. Why should we hire you?
6. Why did you leave your last job?
7. Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
8. Tell me about a time where you had to plan and coordinate a project from start to finish.
9. Tell me about a time where you had to deal with a coworker or a customer who you found difficult.
10. Are you willing to put in more than 40 hours a week if necessary?
11. What motivates you?
12. Name three of your weaknesses.
13. If offered a position today, how soon can you start?
14. Describe a time where you had to manage a team of people.
15. How has your college education prepared you for a career in business?
16. What has been your most rewarding professional achievement to date?
17. Give me an example of a time you did something without being asked.
18. What made you want to pursue a career in business?
19. How do you stay current on the latest industry news?
20. How long does it take you to make a decision?
21. Tell me about a time you improved upon a process or procedure that really helped your company.
22. Do you consider yourself a team player?
23. What type of work environment is most appealing to you?
24. Name two management skills you feel you have.
What goals have you set for yourself and how do you plan to achieve them?