Interview Questions about Educational Background

Although not as sensitive an area as personal and family questions, educational questions also cause applicants to trip when they make their grand entrances.

Degree delirium reached epidemic proportions in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s. After many casualties (and fatalities), industry has finally realized that experience in thinking doesn't necessarily correlate to ability at doing. Experience at doing is a much more accurate measure. If you doubt this, just look at the early films of most veteran actors.

I discuss the value of initials after your name in Finding the Right Job at Midlife.

During a recent tour, I found myself in front of a microphone on an all-night radio talk show somewhere west of New York. I ran out of fingers counting the number of interviews that day and was due to catch a plane to the next city. Since they're so much easier to catch when they're on the ground, the host announced that the next call would be the last. The caller asked, "What does the 'J.D., C.P.C.' after your name mean?" Of course, the straight answer would have been, "Juris Doctor and Certified Placement Counselor." But I just couldn't be straight under the circumstances. As I removed the headset and stood up to leave, my candid reply said it all: "The 'J.D.' stands for 'Just Do It!', and the 'C.P.C.' stands for 'Courage, Persistence, and Confidence!'"

So unless you're applying for a job that requires a specialized course of study for entry (lawyer, doctor, certified public accountant, etc.), don't waste a good worry about that piece of paper. In fact, be careful about accentuating unrelated education - it can pull you off the stage like a hook from the wings.

Don't falsify anything, and be sure to indicate any other names you used in school. (Sorry, Farrah Rambo Einstein is already taken.) These can be checked easily and usually are.

Instead, tell how your education ties in with:

1. A business approach.
2. Self-discipline.
3. The target job you're after.

Education Related Interview Questions

Many of my friends found themselves going to colleges their parents had chosen, but I set my own educational and career goals. _______________ might have been a little more expensive than some of the other colleges, but this forced me to work harder because I helped pay my own way.

I'm pleased with my decision. I relied on my instincts, and they paid off. Now I'm extremely optimistic about my future, because my college education also taught me self- reliance, time management, and the value of hard work.

I always knew ____________________ (business man- agement/electrical engineering) was where I had the most potential, and I've remained with it because I turned out to be right. Not everyone is as fortunate as I have been. It's very difficult at 18 to predict and plan for the future; but, even then, I knew what I wanted to do. I'm glad I set my goals at a young age. It has worked out well for me.

OR

When I was 18, nothing in the world seemed so important as ______________ (U.S. history/philosophy/Eng- lish literature), and I studied for the sake of learning. Later, I realized I needed further education in subjects that would help me in my career.

Absolutely, and my career success bears me out. I am very happy with the path my life and work have followed.

OR

Yes, at the time I did. I learned a great deal, and I believe in the value of education. I, of course, went on to learn more, both formally and on the job, that applies directly to my field. I'm glad I started out in one area and switched to another. It has enhanced my ability to be creative and flexible because I have learned different approaches to performing the work successfully. 

The training gave me the opportunity to apply my education. By having the chance to do the work expected of me in advance, I gained the confidence to meet future challenges and the experience to do so successfully. The real challenge starts where the education and training end.

Studying diligently and practicing constantly really paid off. Now I am confident in my work and have earned the respect of my coworkers.

After beginning my career, I saw that my __________ (high school diploma/vocational education/undergraduate degree) wasn't enough. I needed knowledge of a higher and more specific level, so I went back to school to get a _________________ (bachelor/master) of ________________, which I (will complete/completed) in __________________. By integrating my studies with actual job experience, I found I could leverage the value I received through my education. I estimate I learned about 10 times as much that specifically applies to this field during my ______________ (graduate) work.

OR

I took every opportunity that arose to attend classes, seminars, and workshops in this area. Even when my employer wasn't sponsoring the education, I used my own money and personal time to learn what I needed to know. It really paid off.

(If you can, mention two or three well-known and reputable seminars, especially those linked to schools prominent in the field—such as Wharton, Stanford, or AMA-sponsored seminars for management candidates.)

(Finally, if no further formal education:)

I know education is important. When we stop learning, we stop growing and achieving. Since I began my career ________ years ago, I have been so thoroughly occupied with the demands of work that my ongoing education has been through on-the-job learning, company- sponsored training, and similar activities. I read everything I can find that applies to my profession, subscribe to its trade journals, and keep myself current on new developments.

My employers always seemed to want more of my time and talents, and in many cases, I was working at levels beyond what I was studying in my classes. Finally, I left school in my _______ year and devoted myself full-time to my career. I've never regretted that decision because I have continued to learn and grow with my work.

OR

Above average—mostly Bs and some Cs. I worked and was involved in many extracurricular activities while maintaining a low B/high C average.

OR

My grades were average, but I spent a great deal of time achieving in other areas, such as part-time employment and extracurricular activities like ________________ (mention activities and affiliations related to the work for which you are applying). I always did my work thoroughly. As with most other people, if I could do it again, my grades probably would be much higher. I'd not only work harder, but I've learned a lot since then! 

OR

With the demands of keeping up with my job while interviewing, I haven't signed up for anything this semester; but as soon as I've made a decision and settled into my new position, I'm sure I'll be looking at those catalogs again. There's always something being offered that can help me perform better and bring new ideas to my work. I like to learn about new developments. Education is a lifelong process.

OR

No, not in the past year, but at other times in the past I've attended seminars and workshops on ________________ and ________________ given by various organizations in the field. Because there are so many seminars available, it's important to be careful in making a selection. Otherwise, there would be no time left to apply what is learned.

Because I'm selective, I always get something out of every educational program I attend. If a program is offered that would help me improve my knowledge or ability in my work, I'd attend on my own time and at my own expense.

(If applicable:)

Also, however, I ___________ (am taking/plan to take) courses in _______________ at __________ (name of school) and hope to complete a (bachelor of ________/ master of _______) by ______ (date).

OR

I earned average grades in school, but my work record has been good to excellent. In school you are evaluated simply by how well you show what you know. At work it's what you do with what you know—the results you achieve—that counts for everything. I've always concentrated on the result, and I've always delivered.

The turning point for me was when I took a course in __________. It opened my eyes to the possibilities in this business, and I found I had the potential to be successful at it.

(If yes:)
Yes, the military changes most people, because it demands self-discipline and self-reliance. I was a good student before the military but when I returned to school after I was discharged, there was a definite improvement in my grades. No excuses, only excellence. I wouldn't settle for less. I was there to learn.

OR

Yes, when I was in _________________ (elementary/ junior high/high school), I needed tutoring for a brief period in __________________ (English/math). It was beneficial to have one-on-one extra help like that. It helped me overcome a temporary obstacle and gave me an even stronger foundation in those skills.