Once you have researched the prospective employer, it's time to concentrate on key points you wish to make during the interview, to create powerful answers to questions you anticipate being asked, and to identify questions you wish to ask. Prepare in several ways - mentally, in writing, through practice with a friend, and by participating in a mock interview. Questions Interviewers Commonly Ask     Plan how you would answer each of the following frequently asked interview questions: Why did you choose to interview with our company/agency? Describe your ideal job. What can you offer us? Where do you want to be in five years? Ten years? Do you plan to return to school for future education? What skills have you developed? Did you work while going to school? In what positions? What did you enjoy most about your last position? What did you enjoy least about your last employment? What did you learn from your past work experiences? Have you ever quit a job? Why? Why should we hire you rather than another candidate? Why did you choose your major? What do you consider to be your greatest strengths? Can you name some weaknesses? Do you prefer to work under supervision or on your own? Would you be successful working on a team? Of which three accomplishments are you most proud? In which campus activities have you participated? Have you ever dropped a class? Why? What do you know about our company/agency? Which college classes have you enjoyed the most? Why? Which college classes have you enjoyed the least? Why? Who are your role models? Do your grades accurately reflect your ability? Have you worked under deadline pressure? Give an example. Are you able to work on several assignments at once? Do you prefer large or small companies? Why? How do you feel about working in a structured environment? How do you feel about working overtime? What do you do in your spare time? What problems have you solved in previous positions? Have you ever done volunteer work? What? Define "success." Define "failure." How do your college education and personal career goals relate to this job? How did you get along with former professors/supervisors/co-workers? How many classes do you typically miss because of illness or personal business? What salary do you expect? Tell me about yourself. How would a friend describe you? What computer experience do you have? Have you ever given a presentation to a group of people? Would you be willing to take a drug test? What leadership or supervisory roles have you held? Tell me about one setback or difficult challenge you have experienced. How did you handle it? What are your plans for graduate school? Questioning the Interviewer     During the interview, you will need to ask intelligent follow-up questions about specific information presented by the interviewer. However, it's a good idea also to identify several pertinent questions ahead of time. The following list contains questions that co-op/intern students may wish to ask during the interview. Can you tell me what a normal day is like for someone in this position? Will this co-op/intern position be assisting one of your professional staff or working on a specially designed project? (If this is a project) Will the project be completed in the work term or carried on by another co-op/intern student? Will I be trained by a co-op/intern who has the position already or by the professional staff? How does this co-op/intern position fit in with the professional staff positions? Will I move around during my first work term to various projects or departments? Can you tell me what types of positions or projects I might have during subsequent co-op periods? Do you have other co-op/intern students working for you? How long have you had co-ops/interns working for you? Do co-ops/interns progress at their own pace or is the pace structured? How much supervision does a co-op/intern receive? Do co-ops/interns have the opportunity to participate in training exercises? What percentage of your co-ops/interns continue to work with you after graduation?