Great Interview Questions

Why did you choose your major in college?

Many young people don't have a clue what they want to do when they grow up.

It's common for college students to change their majors once or twice before they earn their degree. It even takes some students 5 years to graduate because they've changed majors a few times.

There is nothing wrong with this.

But, why did you major in Psychology, Geography, or English Literature...and now are applying for a Marketing Analyst position?

Here are the real behavioral interview questions going through the minds of your interviewers:

• Did you take the path of least resistance to get your sheep skin?
• Have you known since Jr High School what you wanted to do?
• Do you have a passion for a particular field or discipline?
• Did your parents push you into your field of study?

Regardless of your degree choice, getting your bachelors degree will always be one of your greatest accomplishments.

Over half of all people who enroll in college don't graduate.

Your degree proves that you can set a long term goal, and make the effort and sacrifices necessary to achieve it.

Past behavior is a good indicator of future behavior.

So don't ever hang your head in shame because you have a degree in Archeology, and you are now applying for a job as a Purchasing Manager for a steel manufacturer.

True Story

I know this because he was the keynote speaker at my son's college graduation from Bucknell University. He mentioned in his speech that he didn't have a clue what he wanted to do when he graduated from college.

Looks like he's doing alright.

I also know a good Production Manager who has a degree in Geography. He barely made it through college, but he stuck with it and did graduate.

Did you know that John McCain graduated last in his class at the US Naval Academy?

Whatever your degree choice, be well prepared to share your thought process that shaped your choice of a major; then, focus on your strengths and accomplishments that make you the best candidate for their position.

There will always be more positives about your degree than negatives.

Having said that, I also don't want to minimize the importance of a degree that exactly fits your career choice--especially if you graduated with honors, and from a prestigious university.

This can give you a tremendous advantage if you are competing with other candidates. It can also enhance your upward mobility within a company.