Here’s the Top 10 Most Common Interview Questions and Answers
1 Tell Me About Yourself
Applying for a job at McDonald’s? The interviewer will ask you to talk about yourself.
Applying for a job at Goldman Sachs? Same thing.
It’s universal, and it’s difficult to provide a satisfactory answer.
Alternative Versions of Typical Interview Questions
- Describe yourself in three words.
What are they actually asking?
- Tell me about your professional self and how you would fit in with the company.
It’s a two-part, general interview question. Who are you as a professional? What makes you a good fit?
Your Three-part Answer
(Example Based on Answers to Job Interview Questions for Graphic Designers)
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Part One – Your Professional Persona
It’s good to tell the interviewer how long you’ve been working and for whom. You’re providing lots of information. How much experience you have. What kind of work environments you’ve experienced. What industry knowledge you might have. |
Part Two – What Makes you Stand Out (2-4 points)
Here you will want to tailor your answers to the job interview question. Mention accomplishments and skills that you know are relevant and valuable. Where do you find that information? Read the job offer and research the company and people with similar positions. |
Part Three – Why You’re Going to Fit
Notice how the interviewee listed two of the company’s projects. The interviewee has done their homework and is familiar with the business. That tells the interviewer that this person is in tune with the company’s goals and needs. |
WRONG |
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The story of your life
You are not interviewing with your biographer, and you are not on a date. While this classic job interview question is intentionally vague, the context is not. It’s a job interview – talk about the job! |
While this classic job interview question is intentionally vague, the context is not. As Meg Guiseppi points out, it’s a job interview – talk about the job!
Here’s some sample interview questions for you to ask the interviewer:
- Can you tell me about the job?
- What does a typical day look like at the company?
- What kind of tasks will be my primary concern?
Pro Tip: If you’ve worked for a prestigious or well-known company, you can name drop during this job interview question. “I used to work for Coca-Cola.” You will impress the interviewer, and they will think that you must be good if you worked for a big, fancy company.
2 Why Should We Hire You?
Level of Difficulty ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸
For the most part, the whole interview is about this question.
Everything you say during your job interview should explain why the company should hire you. The recruiter may also ask you this standard job interview question point blank.
Alternative Versions of Typical Interview Questions
- Why are you the right candidate for the job?
- What makes you the best choice for the position?
- What value would you bring to the job?
What are they actually asking?
- Are you the best person for the job?
The interviewer wants to know that you’re the most talented candidate and the best fit. They also want to make sure you’re the right investment.
Your Answer
(Example Based on Answers to Job Interview Questions for Teachers)
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Your top achievements and successes tailored to match the job requirements.
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A list of random strengths that you recite off the top of your head.
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But how do you know which achievements to highlight? What’s going to impress the interviewer most?
Here’s some sample interview questions for you to ask the interviewer:
- I noticed xxx, could you tell me about that?
When you get this question, you can attempt to offer a solution for one of the company’s pain points.
Think back to your research. Did you notice anything that would point to the company hiring someone to address an issue?
Ask a couple of questions to confirm that there’s an issue. Once you’ve done that, have answers ready that prove you’re the person that can provide solutions.
Pro Tip: Don’t be humble. Tell the interviewer why you’re the right person and back it up with real achievements and success.
Describe What You Do in Your Current Position
Level of Difficulty ✸ ✸
The good news.
You know what you do at your current job. So, preparing an answer for an open-ended interview question like this isn’t going to take too much effort.
At the same time, if you want to provide a great answer – and you do – you’ll need to tailor it to the position.
Alternative Versions of Typical Interview Questions
- Have you done this type of work before?
What are they actually asking?
Why would an interviewer ask you this general job interview question if they read your resume?
First, it’s one of the possible job interview questions to prepare for that puts most candidates at ease. Second, the interviewer may want more details than what you’ve put on your resume.
But don’t list every boring responsibility and task you’re required to perform during a work day.
Instead, provide an answer that shows you’re familiar with the type of work you will do in your new position.
Your Two-Part Answer
(Example Based on Answers to Job Interview Questions for IT Systems Technicians)
Let’s start by taking a look at a job description for an IT Systems Technician.
- Ability to work on a team with excellent communication skills.
- Ability to install, configure, and maintain routine and customized hardware and software.
- Experience with Microsoft Active Directory, administration, creation of user accounts and Internet email.
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A brief description of relevant responsibilities with a focus on tangible results.
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A list of boring activities that are common to anyone who holds a similar position.
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The job description called for the candidate to have teamwork and communication skills. So, the interviewee will want to emphasize these skills throughout the interview.
Next, the candidate needs to have experience with customized hardware and software. So, she mentions that she customizes software and adds that her work has resulted in cost savings.
Here’s some sample interview questions for you to ask the interviewer:
- What will my day-to-day look like at your company?
- Can you tell me a little bit about the team I will work with?
Pro Tip: If you saved or earned money for your company, back it up with numbers. If you’re not sure how much, you can estimate as long as you can back up your claims.
Why Did You Leave Your Last Job?
Level of Difficulty ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸
Why did you leave your last job? Because I got fired.
Depending on the honest answer, you might find it tricky to explain why you left your last job.
Some candidates will have it easier. You want the job. It’s your dream job! So, you’re leaving your current position.
Others will have a harder time. You got fired, laid off, downsized, or demoted. You’re not happy with your current position. You have/had a bad boss. The hours are too long and the work is too demanding.
Also, expect to provide an explanation if you have the following on your resume:
- Career Gaps
- Bouts of Long-term Unemployment
- Job Hopping
Alternative Versions of Typical Interview Questions
- Why are you leaving your current job?
- Why are you looking for new work?
What are they actually asking?
The “why did you leave” job interview question is straightforward. The interviewer wants to know why and how you left your last job.
They are checking to see if you’re loyal, trustworthy, and reasonable.
The only way to answer this frequently asked interview question is to tell the truth. You have to work on the best way to present the information.
The worst thing you can do is slander your former employer.
Your Two-part Answer
(Example Based on Answers to Job Interview Questions for Nurses)
Your answer should include both how and why you’re no longer working at your previous job.
Here’s how to answer the job interview question if you’re still employed:
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You like your old job, but you’re ready to move on to new opportunities and challenges.
Notice how the interviewee praises her team at General Hospital. She also talks about her achievements (training a team of five people). She then talks about how she has always wanted the job at Miracle Memorial. She finishes by mentioning that the opportunity will expand her knowledge and capabilities. |
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You hate your job and your boss is a jerk.
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Here’s how to answer this tough interview question if you’re not employed:
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The real reason why you left told in a positive and proactive way.
The interviewee’s reason for leaving is a conflict of scheduling. He does not place blame on the new supervisor. Instead, he cites a change in management and his lack of seniority. |
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My evil supervisor fired me.
Never, ever badmouth a past supervisor or employer. Even if it’s true. |
Here’s some sample interview questions for you to ask the interviewer:
- The opportunities and challenges this position presents are attractive to me. Can you tell me how you see the career path developing for this role and the department?
Pro Tip: Some recruiters find certain candidates risky.
You may find that’s true for you if you have a history of job hopping, long-term unemployment, or career gaps.
Be prepared to address these issues during an interview.
What Is Your Greatest Strength?
Level of Difficulty ✸ ✸ ✸
You don’t have to make this a tough interview question.
Your answer should illustrate a strength that’s valuable for the position. And your tone should land somewhere between humble and arrogant.
Aim for confidence of your competence.
And remember – you have to know how to answer job interview questions with your strengths.That’s because strengths and weaknesses interview questions are frequently asked.
And as Gary Vaynerchuk points out, yes you can always improve. But interviews are the best time to turn your attention to the things that are already great.
Alternative Versions of Typical Interview Questions
- What is your greatest accomplishment or the project you’re most proud of completing?
What are they actually asking?
It’s one of the most asked interview questions. At the same time, it’s not unique. It’s asking almost the same thing as the “why should we hire you” question.
The answers to interview questions like these don’t differ much. The recruiter wants to know that you’re the most talented candidate. That you’re the best fit for the job.
Your Answer
(Example Based on Answers to Job Interview Questions for Marketing Managers)
You’ll want to choose something that you feel strong about AND can illustrate with details.
Don’t say “I’m an excellent communicator.” So were the last three candidates.
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A skill or experience that you feel strong about and can illustrate.
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A modest soft skill.
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Here’s some sample interview questions for you to ask the interviewer:
- What kind of training could I expect on the job?
- Would I be expected to complete training before taking up the position?
Asking recruiters interview questions about how to further strengthen your skills shows that you’re willing to improve.
Pro Tip: Now is not the time for modesty. You’ll want to pick a skill or strength that’s relevant to the job. But it’s more important to pick one that you can illustrate as an apparent advantage.
What Is Your Greatest Weakness?
Level of Difficulty ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸
Unfortunately, the “what is your greatest weakness” job interview question is a favorite with interviewers everywhere. And it’s a tricky one. So, you need to prepare.
But not to worry. You can answer this hard interview question with honesty and still end up with the job.
According to Austin Belcak, all you have to do is follow a simple framework.
Alternative Versions of Typical Interview Questions
- What are your weaknesses? (Be prepared to talk about more than one weakness.)
- Tell me about a time you failed.
- Describe a difficult work situation and what you did to overcome it.
What are they actually asking?
The “weakness” job interview question is less about what you answer and more about how you answer.
Do you lie? Do you refuse to respond to the question? Do you try to disguise a strength as a weakness?
All these things speak louder than your actual answer. The best thing to do in this situation is to be honest without blowing up your chances.
Your Two-part Answer
(Example Based on Answers to Job Interview Questions for Administrative Assistants)
First, you will want to explain a real problem.
Are you shy? Do you have trouble speaking up in groups? Are you a control freak?
Make sure that whatever problem you choose, it’s not a required skill for the job.
Let’s say you’re applying for a position as an Administrative Assistant. You won’t want to say you’re not organized or that you’re bad at managing your time.
So, one of the better answers for this tough interview question is to pick a skill you won’t use often. For example, you can say you get nervous speaking in front of a large group.
You could also say that you like to be in control and have a difficult time working on a team.
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Choose a weakness that isn’t a required skill.
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Disguise a strength as a weakness.
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The second part of your answer should illustrate what measures you are taking to fix the problem.
Remember, this common interview question is behavioral. The interviewer wants to see how you’ll answer.
So, deliver a confident answer that involves examples of self-improvement. The interviewer will get the impression that you’re proactive about your weaknesses. They will see that you’re self-aware and that you care about your performance.
Are you taking any training courses? Did you pick up some activities outside of work that help you develop your weaker skills? Use these as examples.
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Explain how you’re taking measures to fix your weaknesses.
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Go into a detailed explanation of your weakness in a way that exposes other weaknesses.
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So, here is what a full answer to the “what is your greatest weakness” interview question should look like:
As an Administrative Assistant, I work alone or one-on-one with other people. I have excellent communication skills when making travel arrangements or negotiating with vendors. But I struggle if I have to work on a team with others. I have a hard time giving up control if I’m not the team leader.
During my employee review, I told my supervisor that I had trouble with teamwork. I asked if there was a way I could improve. I signed up for a series of internal workshops and team building exercises. I also joined several of the company’s charity initiatives. The events helped me practice the things I learned during the workshops. My supervisor complimented me on my progress after a half year of hard work.
Here’s some sample interview questions for you to ask the interviewer:
- Is there an employee review process so that I can gauge the things I need to improve?
Pro Tip: Prepare a couple of answers in case there are follow-up job interview questions.
The person interviewing you may ask about a second weakness, or they may feel like the first was too minor.
Why Do You Want This Job?
Level of Difficulty ✸ ✸
While not a tough interview question to prepare for, there are better and worse answers.
For example, you don’t want to admit it’s because you need a job. Any job.
You also don’t want to say that you want the job to keep you going until you can follow your dreams.
You’re going to have to come up with something that shows you’ve put some thought into wanting this job.
Alternative Versions of Typical Interview Questions
- Why are you interested in this position?
- Why do you want to work for us?
- Why do you want to work here?
What are they actually asking?
The “why do you want the job” question is another two-part, frequently asked interview question.
First, they want to know why you want to work for the company. And second, they are asking why you want the position.
You might get a version of this common interview question that focusses on the position. But you can always say why you want to work for the company as well.
Your Two-part Answer
(Example Based on Answers to Job Interview Questions for Accountants)
You can’t answer this basic interview question if you don’t research the company and the position. You need to look for things that you can express a genuine interest in and find attractive.
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Part One – Why do you want to work for the company?
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After much research, you can discuss what you like about the company in detail.
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After no research, you say you want the job because it’s open and you need one.
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Part Two – Why do you want the position?
The Position – Public Sector / Financial Management / Associate at PwC
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After much research, you can discuss what you like about the position in detail.
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After no research, you continue answer the open-ended interview question by saying you need the job.
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Remember that everyone wants to work for the best companies. Citing that as the reason for your motivation is too obvious. Focus more on the experience and specialized knowledge that you will bring to the position.
Let’s say you stumble across company values that you have a genuine interest in during your research. You can point out that one of the reasons you want the job is because of these shared values.
Here’s some sample interview questions for you to ask the interviewer:
- Why do you love working here?
Pro Tip: Research is the key to answering this basic interview question. If you don’t know anything about the company or the position, you can’t provide a satisfying answer.
Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?
Level of Difficulty ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸
Here’s the thing. Recruiters and HR personnel have to find AND retain the best talent. It’s not enough for them to hire the best programmer or waitress.
No, they also have to hire someone who isn’t going to leave two months later.
That’s why they want to know about your plans. Do you plan on staying with the company or do you plan on grabbing the cash and running for the hills?
You’ll need to be careful how you phrase your answer here because it will have a direct impact on the final decision.
What are they actually asking?
Do interviewers want a real, truthful answer? Not exactly. The purpose of this open-ended interview question is to get a confirmation of commitment from you.
Your job is to convince the interviewer that you want to commit to the position.
You want to invest because the opportunities are in line with your five-year career goal. And that goal (for now) is to grow with the company.
Your Answer
(Example Based on Answers to Job Interview Questions for Chefs)
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Expressing a desire for a long-term career with opportunities for development.
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Admitting to the fact that your plans include other opportunities in other places.
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Here’s some sample interview questions for you to ask the interviewer:
- Where does the company want to be in five years?
What Is Your Management Style?
Level of Difficulty ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸
Obviously, you’re more likely to get this hard interview question for managers if you’re interviewing for a management position.
At the same time, it’s a “behavioral interview question.” So, even if you are not applying for a management position, you should prepare to answer such job interview questions.
What are they actually asking?
Are they checking to see if you know what management style they prefer? Is this a straightforward job interview question for managers about management style?
Or are they looking for something else altogether?
Recruiters ask behavioral job interview questions to gauge how you’ll handle different situations. Your safest answers are those that show flexibility and adaptability.
You should also focus on skills that you know are valuable for the position. Follow up with examples of success.
Your Two-part Answer
(Example Based on Answers to Job Interview Questions for Supervisors)
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Part One:
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Part Two:
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Explain a rigid style of management that forces subordinates to submit.
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Here’s some sample interview questions for you to ask the interviewer:
- Can you tell me about the teams I’d be working with?
- What is the work culture like in the office?
Pro Tip: Use the STAR method (Situation Task Action Result) to describe your management successes.
Do You Have Any Questions for Me?
Level of Difficulty ✸
Do you have any questions for me – it’s not a difficult question. In fact, it’s rhetorical. The answer is always “yes.”
All you have to do is prepare some sample interview questions in advance.
Keep in mind that the interviewer will answer some of your questions during the interview. So, you should also be thinking of new things you want to ask throughout the conversation.
The one thing you do not want to do under any circumstance is say that you don’t have any questions.
Ask at least one question at the end of the interview.
Even if it’s: “Why do you love working here?”
We’ve placed basic interview questions for you to ask throughout the article. Plus, we’ve made a roundup of different questions you could ask during an interview.
Pro Tip: Tailor your job interview questions to the position, the industry, and the company. The best advice you can follow at any point during your job hunt is to personalize your approach.
What are they actually asking?
The question is straightforward. Do you have job interview questions for the recruiter? Yes, you do.
Your Answer
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Yes – proceed to ask a few well-prepared questions that you didn’t cover during the interview.
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No.
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Here’s a compilation of basic interview questions to get you started.
- Can you tell me about the job?
- What does a typical day look like at the company?
- What kind of tasks will be my primary concern?
- Why do you love working here?
- Can you tell me a little bit about the team I will work with?
- The opportunities and challenges this position presents are attractive to me. Can you tell me how you see the career path developing for this role and the department?
- What kind of training could I expect on the job?
- Would I be expected to complete training before taking up the position?
- Is there an employee review process so that I can gauge the things I need to improve?
- Where does the company want to be in five years?
- Can you tell me about the teams I’d be working with?
- What is the work culture like in the office?
- What’s the next step in the interview process?
Pro Tip: Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions during the interview when appropriate.
Key Takeaway
The key to acing a job interview is to prepare in advance. Don’t just review the most common interview questions and answers.
Grab a friend and do a mock interview. Record your answers to see how you sound.
One of the best job interview tips is to write down answers to the most common interview questions.
You don’t have to have your answers memorized. All you have to do is spend some time thinking about how to answer interview questions.
Take some time to research the company and the position. Focus on your achievements, skills, and successes. And remember a little preparation and confidence can go a long way.
Still not sure how to answer one of the questions above? We’re glad to help! Know of any other common interview questions? Leave a comment and we’ll help you find the answers. Thanks for reading!
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