Perhaps you have just started a part-time degree course and are at the beginning of your professional career or want to change direction and have applied for a new job? You’re full of energy and ambition, but you’re also a little nervous and have lots of questions before your interview.

No need to worry – most people feel the same way. A job interview is a great opportunity to present yourself and your skills. Many of the questions you will be asked are predictable. With the right preparation, you can plan your answers strategically and present yourself confidently.

In this guide, you’ll find the 14 most common job interview questions and valuable tips on how to master them. Get ready to impress the interviewer and take the first step towards your professional future. Let’s go!

Question 1: Tell me something about yourself

This question serves as an icebreaker and gives the interviewer the opportunity to get to know you better. Your answer should be a brief summary of your part-time studies, relevant work experience and personal strengths. Please don’t just repeat your CV, but go into detail about what you have learned and “taken away” from the individual stages. Structure is important – start with your education, then move on to your professional experience and finish with your strengths.

Sample answer: “I started my Master’s degree in Business Psychology with GoVersity four semesters ago and completed several internships in marketing and HR during my Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration , including at Porsche. There I was able to develop my skills in performance management and employer branding. After my business studies, I expanded these skills in the HR department at ENBW and also optimized important processes in this area. I enjoy working in a team and look forward to contributing my skills to your company.”

Question 2: Why do you want to work for us?

This question aims to find out why you are interested in this company. Find out more about the company and find out what its values and goals are. Combine this information with your own skills and experience to show how you can contribute to the company’s success.

Sample answer: ” Your company is a leader in sustainable technologies and I am excited about the opportunity to work in an innovative environment. My project management skills and passion for green technologies are a perfect fit for the projects you are currently working on. “

Question 3: What are your strengths?

Choose three strengths that are relevant to the job and support them with examples from your previous experience. Your strengths should fit well with the job profile.

Example answer: “My ability to solve problems, teamwork and time management are among my strengths. In my last job at ENBW, as already mentioned, I co-managed a process optimization project that led to a 20% increase in efficiency.”

Question 4: What are your weaknesses?

Question 4: What are your weaknesses?

Be honest, but avoid weaknesses that are critical for the position. Show that you are working on your weaknesses and developing yourself. This question aims to test your self-reflection and development potential. It is best to point out at the end that you have already improved.

Example answer: “I tend to take on too much responsibility sometimes because I want to make sure everything goes perfectly. I’m working on delegating tasks better and trusting my team more.”

Question 5: Where do you see yourself in five years?

With this question, the interviewer wants to find out whether your long-term goals are in line with the company.

Think about what your long-term career goals are and how the position you are seeking fits in. Research the company to understand what growth opportunities it offers and prepare a specific, realistic response that demonstrates your ambition and flexibility.

Example answer: “In five years, I see myself in a management position where I can use my knowledge from my degree in business psychology and my experience in HR or employer branding to lead innovative projects and drive the company forward.”

Question 6: Why did you choose this subject?

Explain your motivation and interests that led you to your choice of study. Your answer should show that you made a conscious and passionate choice.

Example answer: “I chose to study business psychology because I am equally interested in business and people. This combination gives me a better understanding of market trends and customer behavior.”

Question 7: Can you give an example of a challenge that you have successfully overcome?

Question 7: Can you give an example of a challenge that you have successfully overcome?

Choose a specific example and explain how you tackled the challenge and what the outcome was. Your answer should show that you are able to act proactively and solution-oriented in difficult situations.

Example answer: “During my last internship, there was a sudden increase in customer inquiries due to a technical error. I quickly organized a team, prioritized the requests and developed a communication strategy to inform the customers. Within two days, the problem was resolved and customer feedback was much more positive.”

Question 8: How do you deal with stress?

Describe your methods of coping with stress and give examples of how you have used them. Your answer should show that you can work calmly and efficiently under pressure.

Example answer: “I take a structured and organized approach to stressful situations. During my final exams, I set myself clear priorities and took regular breaks to stay efficient.”

Question 9: What do you know about our company?

Show that you are well informed about the company. Give some facts about the company and explain why you are particularly interested in them. Your answer should show your genuine interest and motivation.

Example response: “I know that your company has grown strongly in recent years and is a leader in the development of sustainable technologies in particular. Your efforts in environmental protection and innovation are exactly what I am looking for.”

Question 10: Why should we hire you?

This question is particularly popular with recruiters who want to test your behavior under pressure. Stay calm and briefly summarize your strengths once again.

Convince with a short self-presentation of your professional experience, successes and special achievements. Above all, show how the company can benefit from your skills. You should always keep the requirements of the job advertisement in mind. You should always think about the requirements in the job advertisement and link your strengths once again to the qualifications required in the job advertisement. Prepare yourself well for this too.

Sample answer: “With my skills in project management and my background in marketing and HR, I am ideally equipped to support your teams and contribute to the success of your projects. My experience in process optimization can help to further increase your efficiency.”

Question 11: Tell me about a successful team experience

Describe a specific situation in which you worked successfully in a team and what contribution you made. Your answer should show that you are a good team player and contribute effectively to achieving the team’s goals.

Example answer: “During a group project at university, we developed a marketing strategy for a start-up. I coordinated the communication strategy and we were able to significantly increase awareness of the start-up.”

Question 12: What motivates you?

Describe what motivates you and relate it to the position you are applying for. Your answer should show that your motivation fits the job and the company.

Example answer: ” I am motivated by the opportunity to solve complex problems creatively and to be able to apply what I have learned from my studies directly in your company. I find the challenge of working in an exciting and dynamic environment like the one your company offers particularly inspiring.”

Question 13: How do you deal with criticism?

Question 13: How do you deal with criticism?

Show that you accept constructive criticism and grow from it. Your answer should show that you see feedback as an opportunity to improve and that you are actively working on developing yourself further.

Example answer: “I see criticism as an opportunity to improve. In my last internship, I received feedback on my presentation technique and then took part in a course to improve my skills.”

Question 14: Do you have any questions for us?

Prepare questions that show your interest in the position and company. You should avoid questions about salary and vacation entitlement at this stage. The questions you ask should show that you have looked into the company and the position.

Sample answers:

“What important projects are coming up in the near future?”
“Which projects would I like to work on?”
“What training opportunities do you offer for new employees?”

Don’t forget that every job interview is a chance to show your best side. With the right preparation and authentic answers, you can not only impress. You will also lay the foundation for your professional future. So go into your next job interview with confidence. We wish you every success!

GoVersity’s career service helps you to successfully start your career and supports you in your job search. You can find more information about the study concept here!

A successful start to your career: The 14 most important job interview questions for part-time students