Whether currently enrolled in or just graduating from high school or college, younger job seekers face a similar problem: a lack of professional experience. Though internships and part-time jobs in the target industry certainly count for something, recruiters may press you a little bit harder to figure out whether you have the personality to make it in a particular field or career.

The best piece of advice students and recent graduates can take to the interview with them is to remember that even though they have not had much experience in the workplace, they have had the experience of gaining an education and therefore have certainly been able to determine where their strengths and weaknesses lie.

Q: Why weren't your grades better in school?

YES: School was a wonderful experience for me. I really enjoyed learning new ideas, I studied consistently, and I was attentive in class. But I never believed in cramming the night before an exam just to get a higher grade or staying up all night to finish a term paper. I really believe I learned just as much as many students who went for the grades.

NO: As president of my university's most popular fraternity, I had a lot of social and philanthropic issues to attend to. I took this position very seriously and chose to devote more time to my brothers than my studies.

If you've made it to the interview stage, it is likely that your qualifications meet what the employer is looking for. In this case, the interviewer is just interested in how you react to her inquiry. The most important thing in responding to this question is not to get defensive or place blame on someone else. Instead, try to put a positive spin on it. For example, you could focus your answer on what you learned and the extra effort you put in to learning, rather than on the actual grades you received. Be aware that your grades could be just fine; don't take this question personally and don't think it is an insult in any way.

Q: Why did you decide to major in history?

YES: Deciding to major in history was a fairly difficult decision for me, as I was also very attracted to an education in government, international relations, and economics. But the study of history allowed me to combine all three of these subjects, especially considering that my major focus was on economic history. What's more, I found several of the professors in the department to be exceptionally knowledgeable and stimulating, which made my college experience that much more enriching and valuable.

NO: The one history class that I had taken my freshman year in college was fairly easy and interesting, so I thought that majoring in it would be a great idea.

Show that you have solid, logical reasons for choosing your major. If you can't defend your choice of major, the interviewer will wonder how much thought you've put into choosing a career. You should also be sure that your reasons for choosing your major are compatible with your career choice. For instance, if you're applying for a position as a banker, don't say you were an English major because you love literature and writing.

Q: Was there any course in particular that you found to be especially challenging?

YES: Initially I was completely overwhelmed by the introductory chemistry course that I took last year. No matter how hard I studied, I seemed to be getting nowhere. I even failed the first three quizzes. So I decided to try a new approach. Instead of studying by myself, I asked a friend who's a chemistry major to help me with my studies. I also began seeking help from the professor after class. I found that more time spent in the lab was critical. I ended up with a B-plus in the course and thought I achieved a solid understanding of the material. More than that, I learned that tackling a new field of study sometimes requires a new approach, not just hard work, and that the help of others can be crucial!

NO: Not really.

We all have difficulties mastering certain ideas and concepts, so don't be afraid to admit your own. Be careful, however, that the “subject” you mention does not directly correspond with the subject matter of the position you are looking to fill. The interviewer will want to see how well you respond to difficult situations. Demonstrate that you will not fold in the face of difficulty and that you're willing to put in the extra effort to meet a challenge. Show the recruiter that when the going gets tough, you get thinking!

Q: Why didn't you participate more in extracurricular activities?

YES: I wanted to give as much effort as possible to my studies. Though I had done very well in high school, I lived in a very small town, and the school didn't prepare me very well for college. In order to keep getting the As I had become accustomed to, I was forced to study very hard. Luckily, I was able to grasp material quickly enough that I found time to explore the city and make new friends. Still, between studying, working a part-time job, and socializing with friends, I never had much time for organized, extracurricular activities.

NO: I never found one that interested me enough to participate in.

The interviewer is a bit concerned that you don't have many outside interests and, therefore, that you may eventually suffer from burnout. Employers like candidates who are well rounded and have interests outside work. If you didn't participate in formal extracurricular activities in college, you still may want to talk about some of your interests, such as reading or exercising, that you participated in on a more informal level. For instance, you may have a passion for running, even if you weren't on the college track team.