Preparing for an Interview

Difficult Questions Employers Might Ask you about your Criminal Background

During an interview, an employer is trying to get as much information about you as possible in a very short amount of time. Below is a worksheet of difficult questions that an employer might ask you. Fill in your answers to see how you would answer them.

1. I've noticed gaps in your work history; can you explain those gaps?
2. Have you ever been convicted of a crime?
3. What were your convictions?
4. What have you learned from this?
5. How can you assure our company that you won't re-offend or commit the same crime?

Advice on answering the "Felony Interview Question"

• Sandwich your response. Tell of your felony conviction between several strengths and accomplishments. People often remember the first and last parts of sentences.
• Own up. Be honest.
• Think about these questions:
• What strengths and accomplishments do I have? have I changed because of going to prison?
• Where am I going? What are my life and career plans?

Examples of Other Difficult Interview Questions

1. Tell us about yourself.
2. Why do you want to work here?
3. Why did you leave your last job?
4. Name three strengths and three weaknesses.
5. How do you respond to having to work under pressure?
6. How many days of work did you miss in the last year?
7. I see on your application that you have had many jobs in the past year; is there a reason for this?
8. Would you have any objections if we contacted any of your former employers?
9. Where do you see yourself five years from now? What are your long-range career plans?
10. Why should I hire you?
11. What would you do if there were a conflict between you and a supervisor? What would you do if there were a conflict between you and another worker?
12. Why do you want to work for our company?