The job search can be an intimidating process. From writing a resume that grabs recruiters’ attention to writing a cover letter communicating your passion for the role, you’ve pushed through it all to secure the coveted interview.
Scoring that interview was no easy feat, so congratulations on getting it! Now it’s time to put that same energy into getting the job offer. Unlike building a resume, you can’t redo your interview or enlist a professional to help write it.
Fortunately, you can prepare for an interview by rehearsing your answers to some of the most common interview questions. No two interviews are ever exactly the same, but you can expect certain questions to come up as the interviewer tries to get to know you and determine whether you’re a good fit.
Let’s go over:
If you haven’t landed the interview yet and you’re looking to spruce up your resume to get more callbacks, try our AI Resume Builder for professional writing tips, AI-generated resume content and step-by-step help building and customizing each section.
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10 Most Common Job Interview Questions and Answers
Learning how to answer interview questions isn’t an exact science. There’s no “right answer” to any interview, but the more thought you’ve put into the role and your career, the better equipped you’ll be to tackle them.
To help you prepare for the job interview, here are the top 10 interview questions with example answers:
- Tell me about yourself.
- What are your strengths?
- What are your weaknesses?
- Why do you want to work for our company?
- Why should we hire you?
- Can you describe a challenging situation at work and how you handled it?
- Where do you see yourself in five years?
- How do you handle pressure and tight deadlines?
- What’s your preferred working style?
- How do you handle constructive criticism?
Let’s explore these questions in more detail to see how you can answer them effectively in a job interview.
Tell me about yourself.
The best answer to this common open-ended interview question should focus on who you are as a professional. Think about your career and the skills you use every day. The interviewer wants to learn about these skills.
It helps if you’ve noted some of the key skills from the job listing. Those are often the skills that you want to draw the most attention to. Avoid going into too much detail on any one point and instead, provide a brief conversational overview of your professional journey. The point here isn’t to summarize your entire professional history but to give the interviewer a sense of the most relevant ways in which your experience matches their needs.
What are your strengths?
For this interview question, we once again recommend looking at the job listing. Pay extra attention to the way the listing describes the ideal candidate. If the listing repeatedly mentions that they’re searching for a candidate with strong organizational skills and attention to detail, make sure you include these in your answer.
What are your weaknesses?
This intimidating but very popular interview question is often the most feared in the entire interview process.
Nobody wants to put themselves down in front of someone they’re trying to impress. The key is to be honest but still try to highlight the ways that you are working to overcome your weaknesses.
Recognizing your weaknesses and identifying ways to address them is a strength in and of itself. You don’t want to panic and give a hasty answer to this question, so we recommend coming to the interview prepared with some weaknesses to discuss.
If you do draw a blank when asked about your weaknesses, don’t rush it! Take a breath and give the best answer you can, even if you need to think for a moment.
Why do you want to work for our company?
There are many reasons why you might be considering this particular role. Whether or not you have a genuine interest in the organization itself, you should come prepared to discuss this question.
Research the company and the role and identify the things that excite you most about it. Even if you are really in it for the salary or benefits, it helps to have something to say about the organization and the role.
Often, interview questions are designed to give you space to talk about yourself. This question allows you to provide an interview answer outlining how your career values align with the company.
It might seem like an intimidating interview question, but this one is also a great opportunity to expound on your strengths as a candidate.
Why should we hire you?
Ah, the dreaded open-ended sales pitch.
When a company asks you this interview question, they’re really giving you a chance to say anything that you think will help you land the role. It’s intimidating, but it’s another great opportunity to discuss any accomplishments or qualifications that haven’t come up yet.
If you’re really passionate about some aspect of the company or the role, your answer to this common interview question is a great place to describe that passion. If you’ve been acknowledged with awards or honors in the past and haven’t found a good opening to discuss them yet, this is your chance!
Can you describe a challenging situation at work and how you handled it?
This is a common behavioral interview question. Every role has hard days, so it’s no wonder that interviewers want to hear about your strategies for handling them.
Try to keep the focus of this conversation on the solution rather than the problem. To do this well, we recommend the STAR method; Situation, Task, Action and Result. STAR interview questions encourage you to guide the interviewer through your thought processes and methodologies for tackling challenges.
Tell the story of your workplace challenge in your answer while emphasizing your active role in problem-solving.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
This question might seem a bit philosophical in a job interview. Just remember to keep the focus of your answer on your career aspirations.
It’s okay to touch on your personal life, but “rocking a really cool hairdo in a brand new Corvette” is probably not the answer the hiring department is looking for.
When formulating your answers, try to keep the purpose of job interview questions in mind. This question is intended to help the interviewer learn about your ambitions and career trajectory.
How do you handle pressure and tight deadlines?
Despite how often people say this in interviews, most people don’t “thrive under pressure.” This interview question aims to understand how you handle demanding work assignments and your time management skills.
Even if you find tight deadlines upsetting, you shouldn’t answer this question by explaining all the ways that too much pressure makes you sick. Instead, give a calm rundown of the coping methods you use to deliver work under less-than-ideal conditions.
What’s your preferred working style?
With this question, an employer may be trying to determine whether or not you’re a good cultural fit for the role. Try to be honest with your answer, even if you aren’t certain it’s what they want to hear.
A working style mismatch can be difficult to overcome once you’ve settled into your new job. Remember that your interview answers should help the interviewer decide if you’ll fit into the role well. This means that dishonest answers can make your life harder in the long run.
How do you handle constructive criticism?
Nobody loves to be criticized, but it’s an inevitable aspect of most jobs. Use this interview question as an opportunity to explain how you listen to feedback and allow suggestions to shape your work.
Bonus question: Do you have any questions for us?
You’ve probably heard the advice before that you should always come into a job interview with a few questions of your own. This is a good idea, not just because it makes you look prepared but also because it will help you understand more about the role and the organization.
Building a list of interview questions to ask will give you and the interviewer new insights. Even though you’re the one being interviewed, this process gives you the opportunity to “interview” the role and decide if you’re sure it’s the right place for you.
If you can’t think of anything to ask, here are a few to consider:
- Can you describe the day-to-day responsibilities of this role?
- What does success look like in this role, and how is it measured?
- What opportunities for professional development and growth does the company offer?
- What are the main challenges that this organization/department/team is currently facing?
- What is the company culture like here?
More Interview Questions and Answers
Along with the most common interview questions from above, here are several more to consider.
- What motivates you to perform well at work?
- Can you walk me through your resume?
- Why are you leaving your current job (or why did you leave your last job)?
- What are your salary expectations?
- Can you tell me about a time you demonstrated leadership skills?
- How do you prioritize your tasks when managing multiple deadlines?
- What do you consider your greatest professional achievement?
- How do you stay updated on industry trends and developments?
- What is your preferred management style?
- Can you give an example of a time when you went above and beyond for a project?
- How do you handle feedback or constructive criticism?
- What steps do you take to ensure high-quality work?
- How do you handle working with a difficult coworker or client?
- What tools or software are you most proficient in that are relevant to this role?
- What do you hope to accomplish in your first 90 days here?
What motivates you to perform well at work?
Employers ask this to understand your internal drive and what keeps you focused. Share specific motivators, such as personal growth, teamwork, or achieving measurable goals. Connect your answer to the role you’re applying for to show alignment with the company’s culture.
Example answer: “I’m motivated by opportunities to solve challenging problems and contribute to meaningful outcomes. For instance, in my previous role, I streamlined our reporting process, reducing delays by 20%. Knowing my work made a difference energized me to keep improving.”
Can you walk me through your resume?
This is your chance to guide the interviewer through your professional journey. Highlight the most relevant aspects of your career, focusing on achievements and skills that align with the job. Keep your explanation concise but impactful.
Example answer: “I started my career as a marketing coordinator, where I learned campaign planning and analytics. Over the years, I took on roles with increasing responsibility, including leading teams and managing large-scale campaigns. I’m excited to bring this experience to your team.”
Why are you leaving your current job (or why did you leave your last job)?
This question helps employers understand your motivations for change. Avoid speaking negatively about your previous employer. Instead, frame your answer around seeking growth, new challenges, or better alignment with your goals.
Example answer: “I’m looking for a role that offers more opportunities to grow my project management skills. While I value my current experience, I’m ready to take on new challenges that align with my long-term career goals.”
What are your salary expectations?
This helps employers determine if your expectations align with their budget. Research the market rate for similar roles in your industry and location, and provide a range that shows flexibility.
Example answer: “Based on my research and the responsibilities of this role, I’d expect a salary in the range of $60,000 to $70,000. I’m open to discussing this further and am excited about the opportunity.”
Can you tell me about a time you demonstrated leadership skills?
Employers want to see examples of how you’ve led or inspired others. Share a specific situation, describe your leadership approach, and highlight the positive results you achieved.
Example answer: “In my previous role, I led a team during a system migration. I organized weekly progress meetings, assigned tasks, and provided support to team members. As a result, we completed the migration two weeks early and saved 15% of the projected budget.”
How do you prioritize your tasks when managing multiple deadlines?
Time management and organizational skills are crucial for most roles. Show how you assess urgency and importance, delegate when needed, and stay on track under pressure.
Example answer: “I start by listing tasks and deadlines, then prioritize based on urgency and impact. For example, during a product launch, I focused on high-impact deliverables first and delegated smaller tasks, ensuring all deadlines were met without sacrificing quality.”
What do you consider your greatest professional achievement?
Highlight an accomplishment that demonstrates your value and aligns with the company’s goals. Use specific metrics or results to quantify your success.
Example answer: “My greatest achievement was leading a customer loyalty program that increased retention by 15%. I conducted market research, designed the program, and collaborated with cross-functional teams to execute it successfully.”
How do you stay updated on industry trends and developments?
Employers want to know you’re proactive about staying current in your field. Mention specific resources, like industry publications, webinars, or professional groups, that you use to keep your knowledge sharp.
Example answer: “I stay updated by subscribing to industry newsletters, attending webinars, and participating in professional networks like [specific group]. For example, I recently attended a workshop on emerging digital marketing trends that helped me implement new strategies in my role.”
What is your preferred management style?
This question assesses your compatibility with the company’s leadership and culture. Be honest about your style while emphasizing flexibility to adapt to different team dynamics.
Example answer: “I prefer a collaborative management style that encourages open communication. For example, in my last role, I held regular check-ins to align on goals and provide support, which boosted productivity and team morale.”
Can you give an example of a time when you went above and beyond for a project?
This shows your willingness to exceed expectations. Share a specific situation where your extra effort had a meaningful impact.
Example answer: “During a critical product launch, I volunteered to handle additional marketing tasks when a team member fell ill. I worked late to meet deadlines, ensuring the launch was seamless and exceeded sales projections.”
How do you handle feedback or constructive criticism?
Employers value candidates who can learn and grow from feedback. Highlight your openness and share an example of how you used feedback to improve.
Example answer: “I value constructive feedback as an opportunity to grow. For example, a manager once suggested I improve my presentation skills. I enrolled in a public speaking workshop, and my confidence and delivery significantly improved.”
What steps do you take to ensure high-quality work?
This question explores your attention to detail and commitment to excellence. Share the processes you follow to deliver consistent, error-free results.
Example answer: “I double-check my work for accuracy and follow established workflows. For instance, I created a checklist system in my previous role to ensure all reports were thoroughly reviewed before submission, resulting in a 30% decrease in errors.”
How do you handle working with a difficult coworker or client?
Employers want to know you can resolve conflicts professionally. Share an example where you successfully navigated a challenging relationship through communication and understanding.
Example answer: “I focus on understanding their perspective and finding common ground. For example, I worked with a demanding client by scheduling regular check-ins to proactively address concerns, improving our relationship and project outcomes.”
What tools or software are you most proficient in relevant to this role?
Highlight technical skills that match the job requirements. Mention tools or platforms you’ve successfully used in previous roles.
Example answer: “I’m proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Analytics, and project management tools like Asana and Trello. In my last role, I used Salesforce to streamline customer tracking and boost sales efficiency.”
What do you hope to accomplish in your first 90 days here?
This shows your proactive approach and readiness to contribute. Mention how you plan to learn, integrate into the team, and make a positive impact.
Example answer: “In the first 90 days, I aim to learn the company’s processes, build strong relationships with the team, and contribute to ongoing projects. For instance, I’d focus on streamlining workflows to improve efficiency and deliver results.”
How to Answer Job Interview Questions
Answering job interview questions effectively is a skill that can make a lasting impression on potential employers. To help you shine in your next interview, follow these six simple steps:
-
Understand the question:
Listen carefully to what the interviewer is asking. If the question seems unclear, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification. Showing that you want to fully understand the question demonstrates attentiveness and professionalism.
-
Take a moment to think:
Don’t feel pressured to answer immediately. Take a brief moment to organize your thoughts. This ensures that your response is clear, structured, and directly addresses the question.
-
Use the STAR Method:
For questions about your past experiences, such as “Can you tell me about a time you solved a problem at work?”, use the STAR method. Structure your answer by explaining the Situation, your Task, the Action you took, and the Result of your efforts. This approach provides a clear and concise story that highlights your skills and achievements.
-
Keep it relevant:
Tailor your answers to the job you’re applying for. Focus on examples and skills that align with the company’s needs. For instance, if the job requires strong leadership, share a story that demonstrates your ability to lead and motivate others.
-
Be authentic and enthusiastic:
Employers want to hire people who are excited about the opportunity. Speak genuinely and enthusiastically about how your skills and experiences make you a great fit for the role. Avoid overly rehearsed answers that sound robotic.
-
Connect your answer to company’s goals:
End your response by linking your skills or experiences back to how you can contribute to the company’s success. For example, if you’re applying for a marketing role, emphasize how your expertise in data-driven campaigns can help the company reach its audience more effectively.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to craft thoughtful and impactful answers that showcase your qualifications, professionalism, and enthusiasm for the job. Practicing these techniques ahead of time will help you feel confident and prepared when it’s time to impress during the interview.
Tips for answering job interview questions
To further enhance your responses during an interview, keep these additional tips in mind:
- Be concise: Avoid long-winded responses. Aim to answer questions in about 1–2 minutes, unless the interviewer asks for more details.
- Stay positive: Even when discussing challenges or weaknesses, focus on what you learned and how you’ve improved. Employers value candidates who demonstrate resilience and a growth mindset.
- Maintain natural eye contact: Display confidence and engagement by maintaining consistent eye contact while answering questions. However, also be mindful not to stare or make the interviewer uncomfortable.
- Feel free to pause: If you’re unsure how to answer a question, take a brief pause to gather your thoughts. It’s better to take a moment than to give an unclear or off-topic response.
- Practice: Rehearse common interview questions to improve your delivery, but avoid memorizing answers word-for-word to keep them natural and authentic.
By incorporating these tips, you’ll not only provide strong answers but also leave a positive impression that sets you apart from other candidates.
Key Takeaways
-
Be honest:
The interview is supposed to help both you and the interviewer determine if the role is a match. Claiming to be an expert at something you don’t know how to do is only going to lead you to a big headache once you’ve accepted the role. -
Give straightforward answers:
Generally, hiring departments want to know that you’re able to assess yourself honestly and provide straightforward, thoughtful answers to their questions. Your interview question answers shouldn’t beat around the bush too much. -
Do your research:
Somewhere in the course of the interview process, you will probably be asked about your thoughts on the organization or the role. Do your homework and come prepared to answer these questions. -
Prepare some answers:
If you’re the type of person who struggles with answering on the spot, it’s a good idea to rehearse some answers to common questions to feel confident when answering the common questions that you can predict. -
Act natural:
Rehearsing a bit is a great way to come prepared to your interview, but make sure that you still take on an appropriately conversational tone. Be prepared to improvise and try to let the conversation flow naturally. -
Ask questions of your own:
Come prepared with a few simple questions to ask before the interview. Try to keep in mind that learning about the organization is just as important — if not more so — than giving impressive answers to interview questions.
Hailey Brophy is an experienced writer with a diverse career in digital publication. She is passionate about using her unique skills and experiences to help job seekers find the information that they need to succeed.
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