MOCK INTERVIEW CHECKLIST
Date:______________________________________________________
Name:___________________________________________________
Career Objective:______________________________________________
Interviewer:___________________________________________________
The youth must receive an “Acceptable” rating in all categories to be
considered proficient in this portion of the checklist.
Question
Acceptable
Needs
Recommended Feedback
Improvement
1. Tell me about
yourself.
Answer: Look for an answer that speaks to their
work experience and or skills, not personal
information.
2. Please describe
the ideal job for
you.
Answer: Keep the answer oriented to the needs
of the organization. Talk about your desire for a
challenge and your interest in contributing to the
company. Discuss opportunities, not the need
for personal security.
Answer: They know you want the job. Avoid
answers that are generalized such as “I like
people”. This is where doing your homework
will pay off. Answer in terms of the company’s
needs. You might address some of the projects,
products, systems, etc. the company is involved
with you want to participate in. Your homework
should give you enough information to decide if
this is a company you want to work for show
enthusiasm. Be sure to describe the key
responsibilities in the position and how your
skills and background qualify you to perform
these duties.
Answer: This could be a trick question. Don’t
just talk about “I”. Showcase your skills. Use a
success story to show something that you
accomplished that benefited the company that
you worked for. Be sure to include how you
worked closely with the management team to
accomplish this goal.
Answer: You should be able to discuss
products or services, revenues, reputation,
image, goals, problems, management style,
people, history and philosophy. But don’t act as
if you know everything about the place. Let
your answer show that you have taken the time
to do some research, but don’t overwhelm the
interviewer, and make it clear that you wish to
learn more.
Answer: Answer in terms of your abilities,
experience, energy and qualities. Let the
interview know you consider yourself to be a
good fit for the position, that you are able to get
along with potential co-workers, and that you
want the job.
3. Why do you
want to work for
this company?
4. Give me an
example of one of
your successful
accomplishments.
5. What do you
know about our
organization?
6. Why should we
hire you?
Fresno Regional Workforce Investment Board
Page 1 of 2
Form# ACA-006, revised 011210
Answer: Keep it positive. You can talk about
your goals and the desire to work for an
organization where you can really make an
impact on the success of the company.
7. Why did you
leave your last
employer (or current
employer)?
8. Can you describe
your goals and
objectives for the
next 5 years?
9. Can you explain
the gaps in your
employment
history?
10. What motivates
you?
Answer: Relate your goals to the company you
are interviewing with: “In a firm like yours, I
would like to …..” Focus on accomplishments,
rather than specific job titles. The answer must
only relate to growing within this company not
mentioning other careers or personal goals.
Answer: Focus on the positive during this time
frame. If in school the valuable skills learned.
If looking for a position discuss that you wanted
to make sure and find a position such as one
with this company that will challenge you while
giving you the opportunity to succeed.
Answer: Keep this answer focused on the
company as well. Motivation from a job well
done. A challenge that you are able to succeed
and the feeling of success. The ability to work
and motivate a team. When you manager lets
you know that you have done a job well. Do not
mention the money, bonuses (unless this is a
sales position), or the benefits.
Answer: When you mention your weakness
make sure that it is not only of the skills needed
for this position. Also mention what you are
doing to overcome this weakness. Finish this
answer with a strong job related strength to leave
the interviewer with a positive impression.
11. What are your
greatest strengths
and weaknesses?
Coach the youth on what to say to prospective employers:
“Hello Mr. Employer. I have been referred to you by Workforce Connection, where I completed a
thorough assessment and job readiness process. I received a Work Readiness certificate which
indicates exactly what my capabilities are to learn and perform the job that you are hiring for. Let me
show you the certificate, and the list of jobs that match my qualifications.”
Inappropriate questions that may arise in an interview setting
Answer: You do not have to directly answer this
12. Do you have
question, however, you’ll want to make sure the
any children?
employer knows that childcare will not be a
problem.
13. What religion
are you?
Answer: You do not have to directly answer this
question, however, you’ll want to make sure the
employer knows if you will need any religious
accommodations.
14. Are you
married?
Answer: You do not have to directly answer this
question, however, you can indicate that you are
able to work the required hours in a shift.
Fresno Regional Workforce Investment Board
Page 2 of 2
Form# ACA-006, revised 011210