Millennials, often referred to as the next great generation, are those born between 1980 and 1999. They make up approximately one-third of the workforce today, and by 2025 they are projected to make up three-quarters of the workforce.
Given their large numbers and significant impact on businesses, it’s no wonder that employers are eager to better understand this demographic and how to appeal to them. Here are a few questions you can ask in an interview to get insights into a potential millennial employee’s work style, values, and goals.
Or if you are a Millennial with an interview coming up, then you will benefit from this list of common interview questions for Millennials (plus possible answers).
Common Interview Questions for Millennials
Knowing how to put together a strong answer to the most common interview questions is obviously key to landing a job. That's why I've compiled a list of common interview questions and answers as a resource for you.
What are your career goals?
My goal is definitely to work at [ABC Company] and earn new responsibilities within the company, ultimately reaching higher positions as they open and helping the company succeed in the long term. I plan to spend the next few years as a [job title] mastering the job
How do you define work-ethic?
I define work ethic as having a positive attitude about your job performance and those whom you work with, being self-directed, arriving to work on time and prepared to be of assistance, ensuring that all that tasks are completed fully before leaving the office, having initiative, having loyalty to your employer, and never giving less than 100% of yourself.
What would you change about your school administration?
I would love to see a few more programs come available. Sometimes it's tough for people to make decisions about a career choice because what they are really passionate about isn’t offered close by. My friend, for one, is waiting for his program of study to be included in his local college’s curriculum.
What are your strengths (1)?
I’m able to quickly adapt to new environments and work well in fast-paced environment as well as able to work efficiently under time constraints. I am able to successfully work in a professional matter and demonstrate teamwork when working on a project. I’m capable of self-managing myself, multitasking, keeping myself organized, focusing on the task at hand until it’s completed, and maintaining a positive attitude at all times.
What are your strengths (2)?
I’d say my greatest strength is my drive and ambition. When I'm working on a project, I don't want just to meet deadlines. Rather, I prefer to complete the project well ahead of schedule. I have exceeded my production quotas every quarter and I've earned a bonus each year since I started with my current employer. My time management skills are excellent and I'm organized, efficient, and take pride in excelling at my work. I pride myself in my client service skills and my ability to resolve what could be difficult situations.
What are your weaknesses?
I tend to carry high expectations for myself, therefore when I don’t perform up to those expectations I can be pretty self-criticizing. At the same time though, I have found that when and if that happens, it’s a learning experience in how I can become better and I then try to find another solution in how I can meet those expectations.
- Tend to carry high expectations for myself
- I don’t meet those expectations I can be pretty self-criticizing
- Use it as a learning experience in how I can become better
- Try to find another solution in how to meet those expectations
Why did you apply for this position?
Apart from the fact that you one of the most innovative growth companies in the area, I was intrigued by my research of your company and the positive feedback I read about it. The higher education division provides greater value than a commercial enterprise and works with mission driven firms dedicated to making positive change around the globe. An aspect that especially attracts me to your company is its great location in [ large city? ]and the associate role offers ample resources to ensure that [job title] are supported. It would be an exciting company to work for, being surrounded by bright, passionate, and extremely intelligent people who happily put in long hours to get the job done.
Are you comfortable with working under pressure?
Absolutely. I believe that stress is natural and is important in strengthening our work ethic because it tests our endurance and helps us to overcome challenges. I believe that pressure can be a motivator in completing a task under a projected deadline and I believe that for others, people put more stress and pressure on themselves when it isn’t even needed. The way I see it, if the work is what strikes your interest, there shouldn’t be any pressure in the first place since the responsibilities and duties are expected.
- Stress is natural and it happens to all of us
- It is important in strengthening our work ethic
- Tests our endurance and challenges us
- Use it as a motivator to complete tasks well ahead of a projected deadline
- Others put stress and pressure on themselves when it isn’t needed
- The way I see it, if the work is what strikes your interest, there shouldn’t be any a huge amount of unexpected stress or pressure in the first place since the responsibilities and duties are expected.
What did you like least about your last job?
I’ve given this question some thought, and overall I have been very satisfied with my jobs. I’ve been able to work with some really interesting people and compelling work. I have to admit that I did have a job where most of the focus was on building wealth for the company and not having a focus on helping the external environment and working for a positive cause. Working for a company that does something positive, such as [ABC company ], would be something I’m striving for.
- There was nothing about my last job that I disliked; overall I have been very satisfied with my jobs.
- If I had to pick something out, I’d say that the location was not ideal for me
- I like to be in the city, that is why I chose to attend [college] for its city location
- Working in this type of environment would be something I’m striving for
How do you define success?
For me, I believe that little things do matter and they can add up to the bigger picture which is why I set success apart from one large goal, but as having a small goal each day and then meeting that goal. It could be as simple as getting to know a fellow coworker better, successfully helping a client on a project, completing all data filling before the day is over, or leaving for work even earlier to ensure I get a good start to my day. Little goals like that could help to further appreciate where I work and give myself that satisfaction that I am headed in the right direction.
What types of people do you find it difficult to get along with?
I get along with all types of people but get frustrated when working with those who don’t share my work ethic. In these situations, I find that by developing a good rapport with that person, letting them know how important their contribution is to getting the job done, and appealing to their better nature…. Things get done.
All brushed up on your common interview questions and answers?
The art of formulating great answers involves being well prepared and resourceful. For instance, you can go to www.glassdoor.com and research the company's generally asked interview questions as well as practice till you're a strong candidate as possible.
The best job candidates are not lucky. When I am actively seeking a new role I spend a ton of time preparing for that 30-60 minute interview that can make or break your career.
If you’d prefer to get started with a free resource before paying for a coach or a program, this tutorial is designed to get you up and running with the basics for acing your next interview.
Career Resources
When you are interviewing Millennials, remember that this is a highly educated, tech-savvy generation that values collaboration and feedback. They are also looking for opportunities to grow and develop their skills. Asking questions that tap into these themes will help you get to know your applicants better and determine if they are a good fit for your organization.
Want to learn more? Here are more career resources:
