Phase 2 · Step 1 — Peer Speed Interviews

Interview Question Bank

36 real interview questions across 6 categories. Pulled 2–3 at a time during the speed-interview carousel, so you never know exactly what's coming — same as a real interview.

How this works

In class: the class splits in half — interviewers and interviewees. Each pair draws 2–3 questions from this bank (teacher prints and cuts these into slips, or projects a category and calls a number). Interviewees answer live, unrehearsed. After ~30 minutes, switch sides.

Prepping on your own? Read through every category below and practice answering a few out loud — not just in your head. Saying it out loud is what actually builds the muscle.

There's no single right answer to any of these. Interviewers are listening for how clearly and specifically you can talk about yourself.

Warm-UpQuestions 1–5 · Break the ice, ease into the format

01Tell me a little about yourself.

02What's something you're proud of that isn't on a resume?

03What do you like to do outside of school?

04What's a class or activity you've genuinely enjoyed, and why?

05How would a friend describe you in three words?

Background & InterestQuestions 6–11 · Why this field, why now

06Why are you interested in this career field?

07What do you already know about this industry or role?

08What skills do you already have that would be useful here?

09What's something you hope to learn from this experience?

10What made you choose this placement over the others available?

11Where do you see this experience fitting into your future plans?

Behavioral — "Tell Me About a Time…"Questions 12–19 · Real past examples, ideally with STAR structure

12Tell me about a time you had to work with someone who was difficult to get along with.

13Tell me about a time you made a mistake. What did you do about it?

14Tell me about a time you had to meet a deadline under pressure.

15Tell me about a time you had to learn something new quickly.

16Tell me about a time you disagreed with someone in charge of you. How did you handle it?

17Tell me about a time you went above and beyond what was expected of you.

18Tell me about a time you had to juggle multiple responsibilities at once.

19Tell me about a time you received tough feedback. How did you respond?

Situational — "What Would You Do If…"Questions 20–26 · Hypothetical judgment calls

20What would you do if you were given a task you didn't know how to do?

21What would you do if you noticed a coworker doing something unsafe?

22What would you do if you disagreed with a decision your supervisor made?

23What would you do if you showed up and your supervisor forgot you were coming?

24What would you do if a customer or client was upset with something out of your control?

25What would you do if you finished all your assigned work early?

26What would you do if you realized you were about to miss a deadline?

Motivation & FitQuestions 27–32 · Work ethic, values, self-awareness

27What does being reliable mean to you?

28How do you handle criticism?

29What's a strength you bring to a team, and what's something you're working on?

30How do you stay organized when you have a lot going on?

31What kind of work environment brings out your best?

32Why should this placement choose you over another student?

ClosingQuestions 33–36 · How you wrap up an interview

33Do you have any questions for me?

34Is there anything about your background you'd like to explain further?

35What are you hoping to walk away with by the end of this experience?

36Is there anything else you'd like me to know before we finish?

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