The Best Interview Questions To Ask Entry-Level Job Seeker

Interviews can be one of the most helpful tools during the hiring process. You have the opportunity to assess candidates and determine if they are a good fit for your organization. Here at ROCS, we primarily focus on connecting recent college graduates with entry-level job opportunities. It is crucial to ask interview questions that assess a candidate’s skills, potential, and readiness for the professional world. Here are some of the best interview questions to ask recent college graduates and other entry-level job seekers:

Can you tell me about yourself?

Starting with an open-ended question allows the candidate to introduce themselves and provide a brief overview of their professional or educational journey. This question sets the stage for the interview, enabling you to gauge their communication skills, confidence, and ability to summarize their experiences concisely.

Can you provide an example of a time when you had to work as part of a team to achieve a goal?

Teamwork and collaboration are both crucial skills in today's workplace and many college students already have the experience! This question allows the interviewee to showcase their teamwork abilities, highlighting instances where they collaborated successfully with others, resolved conflicts, and achieved collective goals. It is important to pay attention to their communication style, leadership abilities, and capacity to adapt within a team dynamic.

Can you tell me about a project or accomplishment you are most proud of?

This question allows entry-level candidates to highlight their achievements, demonstrating their ability to set goals, work independently or as part of a team, and deliver results. Look for examples that showcase their problem-solving skills, initiative, and impact they had on the project or organization.

Can you describe a situation where you had to learn a new skill or adapt to new technology quickly?

In a rapidly evolving job market, the ability to learn and adapt is essential. This question evaluates a candidate's agility and willingness to embrace new challenges. Many entry-level job seekers have previous experience with quickly acquiring new skills, navigating unfamiliar technology, and taking the initiative to expand their knowledge beyond the classroom.

Is there anything I didn't touch on your resume that you wanted to share with me?

In general, a resume serves as a snapshot of a job seeker’s qualifications and experiences. However, there are often hidden gems that go beyond what is captured on paper, especially when it comes to entry-level job seekers. As an interviewer, it is crucial to provide candidates with the opportunity to share additional aspects of their background that could positively impact their candidacy. 

What are the top 3 most important things to you in your next job?

By understanding a job seeker’s priorities, you can make more informed decisions and ultimately select candidates who are more likely to thrive and contribute to the success of your organization. Asking this question provides insight to whether a prospective candidate aligns with your company culture and assesses their overall fit for the position. It can even help predicate employee retention down the line. 

Crafting a well-rounded set of interview questions is essential to uncovering the qualities and abilities of candidates that align with your organization's values. Remember, recent college graduates may have limited work experience, so it is important to assess their potential, adaptability, and alignment with your company culture. The best interview questions go beyond surface-level answers, encouraging candidates to showcase their unique qualities and providing you with the information you need to make informed hiring decisions.

If you are interested in learning even more best practices to follow during the interviewing process, check out our Leaving the Nest Podcast: Career Coaching Spotlight with Chris Ricci. Chris shares his process for career coaching, his best practices for communication and networking, and what he looks for in a successful interview. Click here to check it out! 

Are you on the job hunt? Check out our other podcasts episodes with different tips and tricks on how to ace your next phone, video, or in-person interview!