Interview Question: Describe Your Employment History

Strategy and Approach to an Answer:

This is one of the most standard and common opening question in an interview. Since this is a broad and general question, the worst thing you can do is give a broad and general answer.

To make the most of this question you should structure your answer as a lead in to topics that you want to discuss on the interview. This question allows you to decide what parts of your career experiences and skill set you want to share with your prospective employer.

Note: It is expected that candidate are  able to review their work history in detail.  Be prepared to tell the interviewer the names of the companies you worked for, your job title, your dates of employment and what your job entailed.  You’d be surprised how many candidates freeze up when asked about prior employment. Remember to refresh your memory prior to the interview by reviewing your resume.

List of Standard Interview Questions

• Tell me about yourself?
• Describe your employment history
• What are your major strengths?
• What are your major weaknesses?
• What prompted your decision to apply for this position?
• What do you know about this company?
• What’s your greatest achievement to date?
• Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
• Why do you want to work in this industry?
• Why should we hire you rather than someone else?
• Why weren’t your grades better?
• What have you gained from your work/school experiences?
• Why didn’t you participate more in extracurricular activities?
• What difficulties have you faced on the job?
• What do you put as an objective for a resume?
• Do you have any questions?