50 Interview Questions
Section 1 – Early Life & Influences (1–10)
Where did you grow up?
What was your family like when you were growing up?
Did your parents or guardians influence your career choices in any way?
What values or lessons from childhood have stayed with you the most?
As a kid, what did you imagine yourself doing for work when you grew up?
Did you have any role models when you were young?
What were your main hobbies or activities growing up?
Was there a teacher, coach, or mentor who had a big impact on you?
How did your community or environment shape your goals?
Did you have a part-time job or volunteer experience before college?
Section 2 – Education & Preparation (11–20)
Where did you go to high school?
What kind of student were you in high school?
Did you know your career path when you graduated high school?
How did you decide whether or not to go to college or trade school?
What school did you attend after high school (if any) and why did you choose it?
What was your major or area of study?
Did you ever change your major or field of study? If so, why?
What internships, jobs, or activities helped prepare you for your career?
Did you face any big challenges during your education?
Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently in school?
Section 3 – Career Path & Decisions (21–35)
What was your very first full-time job?
How did you get that opportunity?
Did you always want to work in your current field?
If not, what changed your direction?
What was the most important decision that shaped your career?
Did you ever have a “turning point” moment in your career?
What skills have been most important to your success?
How has your field or industry changed since you started?
Have you ever taken a big risk in your career?
Did you have a mentor in your professional life?
What’s been the most rewarding part of your work?
What’s been the most challenging part?
Have you ever switched careers entirely?
Do you feel your education prepared you well for your career?
What do you wish you had known when starting out?
Section 4 – Present Role & Daily Life (36–42)
What is your current job title?
What does a typical day look like for you?
What do you enjoy most about your current work?
What’s one thing people often misunderstand about your job?
How do you measure success in your work?
What qualities make someone great at your job?
What’s the hardest part of your current role?
Section 5 – Advice & Future Outlook (43–50)
What advice would you give someone thinking about your career?
Are there specific skills or experiences you recommend gaining early?
How do you continue to grow or learn in your field?
Where do you see your career in the next five years?
Are there new opportunities or challenges you expect in your field?
If you could start over, would you choose the same career? Why or why not?
What personal qualities have helped you the most in life?
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned about work and life?