Tell me about yourself.

Suggested response

My parents gave me a computer when I was in grade school. This grew from a hobby to a real life interest. By the time I graduated from high school I knew I wanted to be a programmer. Soon after, I started my own part-time business to help friends and relatives with computer problems. Over the next two years I helped several small business owners set up their computer systems. At the University of Waterloo, I'm studying computer science and am just finishing my third year. I am also involved with several clubs where my role is web design and marketing. My computer programming skills, my creativity and my ability to learn quickly make me a great fit for this position. Rationale: Notice the interests, values, skills, experiences, and background that has been shared are relevant to the employer's needs.

Describe one of your weaknesses.

Suggested response

I'm interested in learning new things, so sometimes I have a tendency to take on too much. I always follow through and meet any deadlines I agree to, but sometimes this results in having to work extra hours to deliver a product that meets my high standards. Because I recognize this, I now ask more questions when offered or given a new task. I make a plan and then discuss it with my supervisor. For example, I might suggest that I can take on and do a good job on this more urgent project but that another project may have to wait. Or, I would suggest another colleague who might be able to work with me on the project. Rationale: The response began with a positive statement and reflected an actual weakness, followed by what is being improved.

A work colleague tells you in confidence that she suspects another colleague of stealing. What would you do?

Suggested response

I don't think it's fair for someone to take advantage of the company. I believe it is important to have evidence of someone stealing before any action could be taken. My response would depend on my position in the company and whether I had the authority to act. If this wasn't part of my responsibility, I would at least encourage my colleague to review the staff procedural manual and to talk to her supervisor in confidence. Rationale: A thorough and appropriate action plan was given so the interviewer could understand how the individual would act in this type of situation.

Tell me about a major decision you had to make and how you made it.

Suggested response

My choice of which university to study at would be an example of a major decision I have made. First, I worked with my high school guidance counsellor in order to determine which area of business I wanted to pursue which turned out to be engineering. Then I researched the various universities offering programs in this area and learned that UW had a solid reputation in the field and also offered a co-op program where I could gain work experience along with my education. When I visited the campus during my last year of high school, I really liked the look and feel of the university as well. I made my decision based on all of these factors and have been very pleased with my choice! I have received a solid education and have developed relevant skills, knowledge, and experience. I would be able to apply my decision-making abilities in the job as I understand that I will need to make decisions on which manufacturing process would make the most sense depending on the situation. Rationale: The interviewee explained what the decision was, how it was researched, actions taken and how this relates to the new job.

What is a comma splice?

Suggested response

A comma splice takes place when two independent clauses are connected, separated by a comma. An example would be, "The yard was covered with toys, children and dogs ran wild." In this case, the clauses could stand on their own. Using a comma can create confusion for the reader. Just to clarify, a clause is a group of words containing a subject and a verb. An independent clause makes sense on its own. It can stand alone in a sentence such as my first example, "The yard was covered with toys. Children and dogs ran wild." Rationale: The individual gave a good explanation demonstrating knowledge and utilizing examples for clarification. If you are stumped by a question, be honest about your lack of knowledge but then express your interest in learning the answer by indicating how you might do so. For example, "I don't know what a comma splice is but I could look in a grammatical dictionary to find the answer." You might also ask for the correct answer, further demonstrating your interest.

How many yellow cars are there in Canada?

Suggested response

Well, as I think about it, I don't notice many yellow cars on the road as compared to the number of other colours I see. This leads me to believe that there can't be too many. I would really need to do some research. It might make sense to check out the websites of a number of automobile manufacturers to see how many models come in yellow. I would also see if there was a national automobile association of some kind that might know how many yellow cars are made and sold in Canada each year. This research would help me to determine the answer. Rationale: This answer demonstrates a logical thought process and indicates what research would be necessary. With this type of question the interviewer is trying to determine how you problem solve and come to a conclusion. If you don’t share how you reached your conclusion, the interviewer will not know how you came up with the answer and may question your logic.