If you’re nearing the end of your college education, you may feel ready to start getting some real-world experience on your resume. You might also consider applying for an internship or searching for your first entry-level position.
You’ll eventually land the interview after perfecting your resume, cover letter, and job application. But before you celebrate, you’ll still need to nail the job interview. The best way to do that is to prepare beforehand by understanding some common questions you’re likely to encounter during your interview.
Going into your first professional interview can be intimidating, but don’t worry – we’re here to help. Here is what Ascent found to be the 10 most common interview questions for new graduates you’ll want to answer.
Career Playbook – Avoid The Trap: The Art of the Job Interview
Interviews for Top Jobs at Navient
Agent Interview
I applied online. The process took 1 day. I interviewed at Navient (New Brunswick, NJ) in Sep 2021
Interview
I was told that the job requires talking to clients pertaining their vaccination questions. A laptop or desktop is needed to perform the duties of this job. The laptop could not be older than three years.
- Do you have a computer that is not older than three years?
Salesforce Administrator Interview
I interviewed at Navient
Interview
The interview process was very professional and timely. I met with four different people and they asked me department specific questions that allowed me visibility into my future role. I would recommend this interview process for future prospects
- Please provide examples of your prior work with Salesforce. They gave me example tasks to complete in Salesforce to see my skillset.
CSR Interview
I applied online. I interviewed at Navient
Interview
Quick and fairly easy process. The interview was conducted via Microsoft Teams, and it lasted about 45 minutes. Most of the communication you receive from them will be via email to keep going in the hiring process if selected.
- Do I have any customer service skills.
Example: “When I was working as an IT specialist at my previous job, we had a client who needed help with their website. They were having issues with the site loading properly on mobile devices. We worked together to find a solution. In the end, we decided to redesign the entire website from scratch.”
Example: “I am very comfortable making outbound calls. In my last position as an account manager for a software company, I had to make cold calls to potential clients to sell our product. I found it quite easy to get people on board with our software because of my outgoing personality and ability to listen to their needs.”
Example: “I am proficient in using all of the major Microsoft Office programs including Word, Excel and PowerPoint. I also know how to use Gmail and Google Drive. These skills help me stay organized and complete my work on time. In addition, I am familiar with several other software programs that help me analyze data and create graphs.”
Example: “I have worked in customer service for several years, so I am used to dealing with unhappy customers. In my last position, I had a lot of experience handling irate customers who were frustrated with their loans. I always made sure to listen to what they had to say and empathize with their situation. Then, I would explain our policies and offer solutions to help them resolve their issue.”
So, what kind of questions can you expect to be asked in an interview with Navient? Here are some examples of Navient interview questions and answers.
Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?
Most interviews start with the same question: “Can you tell me a little about yourself?”. It should be easy, right? According to The Muse career coach Theresa Merrill, this common question often stains candidates.
It tends to be tricky because it is so open.
What should I talk about? My favorite music? Movies? Recently binged Netflix shows?
The Muse shared a way to help you answer this question without hesitation: using the present, past, and future formula.
Your present section might tackle:
If you are a recent college graduate, then your past section should include:
Your future section should cover:
FAQ
What are the 10 most common behavioral interview questions and answers?
- Tell me about how you worked effectively under pressure. …
- How do you handle a challenge? …
- Have you ever made a mistake? …
- Give an example of how you set goals. …
- Give an example of a goal you reached and tell me how you achieved it.
How do you answer the dreaded Tell me about yourself?
- Who you are: a one sentence introduction to who you are professionally, that shows off your strengths infused with a touch of your personality.
- Expertise highlights: do not assume the interviewer has thoroughly read your resume or cover letter.
What questions should I ask at the end of a principal interview?
