Are you gearing up for the 2020 job market, armed with a sparkling resume and a positive attitude? While your qualifications and enthusiasm will certainly open doors, it’s your performance during the interview that will ultimately determine your success. To help you ace your interviews and land your dream job, we’ve compiled a comprehensive collection of mock interview questions that will test your skills and showcase your potential.
Behavioral Questions
Behavioral questions are designed to assess your past experiences and how they relate to the job you’re applying for. These questions typically begin with “Tell me about a time when…” or “Describe a situation where…”
Common Behavioral Questions
1. Tell me about a time when you faced a challenging customer situation.
2. Describe a time when you had to work effectively as part of a team.
3. Give me an example of a time when you had to overcome a significant obstacle.
4. Tell me about a time when you had to make a difficult decision under pressure.
5. Describe a time when you failed at something and what you learned from the experience.
Technical Questions
Technical questions assess your knowledge and skills specific to the role you’re applying for. These questions may vary depending on the industry and position, but they typically cover the following areas:
1. Knowledge of industry-specific software and technologies: This question may require you to provide details about specific software programs or tools you’re familiar with.
2. Problem-solving skills: This question may ask you to describe a hypothetical problem and how you would approach solving it.
3. Experience with specific programming languages or technologies: This question will ask you to demonstrate your proficiency in certain programming languages or technologies.
Sample Technical Questions
- What is your experience with Agile development methodologies?
- How would you debug an error in a complex codebase?
- Describe your experience with data analysis and visualization techniques.
- What is your understanding of cloud computing and its applications?
- How would you design a database schema for a specific application?
Situational Questions
Situational questions are similar to behavioral questions, but they focus specifically on how you would handle hypothetical situations that may arise in the workplace.
Common Situational Questions
- What would you do if you were faced with an ethical dilemma at work?
- How would you handle a conflict with a coworker?
- Describe how you would prioritize your workload if you were facing multiple deadlines.
- What would you do if you were asked to take on a task that you didn’t feel qualified for?
- How would you handle a negative performance review?
Common Interview Questions for Freshers
If you’re a recent graduate or have limited work experience, you may be asked questions that focus on your education, skills, and aspirations.
Common Interview Questions for Freshers
- Tell me about your educational background and why you chose your field of study.
- What are your strengths and weaknesses as a recent graduate?
- What are your career goals for the next 5 years?
- Why are you interested in this role and our company?
- What do you know about our industry and our company’s products or services?
Tips for Answering Mock Questions
1. Practice, practice, practice: The more you practice answering mock questions, the more confident and prepared you’ll feel during your actual interviews.
2. Use the STAR method: When answering behavioral questions, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to provide clear and concise answers.
3. Quantify your accomplishments: Use numbers and metrics to quantify your accomplishments and demonstrate your impact on the organization.
4. Be yourself and be enthusiastic: Employers want to see the real you. Be confident in your abilities, show your enthusiasm for the role, and ask thoughtful questions.
Table of Mock Questions 2020
| Question Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Behavioral | Tell me about a time when you faced a challenging customer situation. |
| Technical | What is your experience with Agile development methodologies? |
| Situational | What would you do if you were faced with an ethical dilemma at work? |
| Freshers | Why are you interested in this role and our company? |
Useful Tables
Table 1: Top 10 Reasons Why People Fail Interviews
| Reason | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Lack of preparation | 40% |
| Poor communication skills | 30% |
| Negative attitude | 20% |
| Insufficient research about the company | 10% |
Table 2: Average Salary Ranges for Software Engineers
| Experience Level | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Junior Software Engineer | $60,000 – $80,000 |
| Mid-Level Software Engineer | $80,000 – $120,000 |
| Senior Software Engineer | $120,000 – $160,000 |
Table 3: Top 5 In-Demand Job Skills for 2020
| Skill | Description |
|---|---|
| Artificial Intelligence | The ability to develop and implement AI solutions. |
| Machine Learning | The ability to train and deploy machine learning models. |
| Cloud Computing | The ability to design and manage cloud-based systems. |
| Data Science | The ability to analyze and interpret data to solve business problems. |
| Cybersecurity | The ability to protect systems and data from cyber threats. |
Table 4: How to Get the Most Out of Mock Interviews
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Prepare questions | Research common interview questions and prepare thoughtful responses. |
| Practice answers | Rehearse your answers out loud, using the STAR method. |
| Get feedback | Ask a friend, family member, or career counselor to provide constructive criticism on your answers. |
| Use technology | Utilize online platforms or software to conduct mock interviews and receive real-time feedback. |