Common interview questions (with example

answers)
 
1. Tell me about yourself.

Your interviewers will likely start out with a question about yourself and your
background to get to know you. Start out by giving them an overview about your
current position or activities, then provide the most important and relevant highlights
from your background that make you most qualified for the role. If you’d like, it is
generally acceptable to include some light personal details about things like your pets,
hobbies or family. Doing so can help you be more memorable and personable to the
interviewer.

Example: “Currently, I serve as the assistant to three of the company’s five executive

team members, including the CEO. During my time at the organization, I have been
recognized for my time management skills, writing abilities and commitment to
excellence.

From my 12 years of experience as an executive assistant, I’ve developed the ability

to anticipate roadblocks and create effective alternative plans. My greatest value to
any executive is my ability to work independently, freeing up their time to focus on the
needs of the business.

It’s clear that you’re looking for someone who understands the nuances of managing
a CEO’s busy day and can proactively tackle issues. As someone with a sharp eye for
detail and a drive to organize, I thrive on making sure every day has a clear plan and
every plan is clearly communicated.”

For more on answering this question, visit Interview Question: “Tell Me About

Yourself.”

 
2. How would you describe yourself?

When an interviewer asks you to talk about yourself, they’re looking for information
about how your qualities and characteristics align with the skills they believe are
required to succeed in the role. If possible, include quantifiable results to demonstrate
how you use your best attributes to drive success.
Example: “I am a vigilant and proactive Security Officer working to ensure safe,
secure, and orderly environments. I’m also a lifelong learner, always seeking out the
latest security equipment and techniques to patrol buildings. Lastly, I am thorough,
documenting all incidents and actively making suggestions to management about
security improvements and changes.”

For more on answering this question, visit Interview Question: “How Would You
Describe Yourself?”

 
3. What makes you unique?

Employers often ask this question to identify why you might be more qualified than
other candidates they’re interviewing. To answer, focus on why hiring you would
benefit the employer. Since you don’t know the other applicants, it can be challenging
to think about your answer in relation to them. Addressing why your background
makes you a good fit will let employers know why your traits and qualifications make
you well prepared.

Example: “What makes me unique is my experience of four years in retail. Because

I’ve had first-hand experience fielding shoppers’ questions, feedback and complaints,
I know what customers want. I know what it takes to create a positive consumer
experience through marketing.”

For more on answering this question, visit Interview Question: “What Makes You
Unique?”

 
4. Why do you want to work here?

Interviewers often ask this question as a way to determine whether or not you took
time to research the company and to learn why you see yourself as a good fit. The best
way to prepare for this question is to do your homework and learn about the products,
services, mission, history and culture of this workplace. In your answer, mention the
aspects of the company that appeal to you and align with your career goals. Explain
why you’re looking for these things in an employer.

Example: “The company’s mission to help college grads pay off their student loan
debt speaks to me. I’ve been in that situation, and I’d love the opportunity to work
with a company that’s making a difference. Finding a company with a positive work
environment and values that align with my own has remained a priority throughout
my job search, and this company ranks at the top of the list.”

For more on answering this question, visit Interview Question: “Why Do You Want to
Work Here?”

 
5. What interests you about this role?

Like the previous question, hiring managers often include this question to make sure
you understand the role, and to give you the opportunity to highlight your relevant
skills. In addition to thoroughly reading the job description, it can be helpful to
compare the role requirements against your skills and experience. Choose a few things
you particularly enjoy or excel at, and focus on those in your answer.

Example: “I’ve been passionate about user experience design for most of my

professional career. I was excited to see this company uses Adobe products because
I’m well-versed in the entire suite. Also, I’m a huge advocate for applying agile
workflows to design. I think it’s the most effective way to tackle large projects. I was
able to successfully build and launch an agile process in my previous role as UX
manager, and we saw considerable improvements in project speed.”

 
6. What motivates you?

Employers ask this question to gauge your level of self-awareness and ensure your
sources of motivation align with the role. To answer, be as specific as possible,
provide real-life examples and tie your answer back to the job role.

Example: “Making a true a difference in the lives of my patients and their families

motivates me to strive for excellence in everything I do. I look forward to seeing my
patient’s reaction when we get a positive outcome that will change their lives forever.
That’s why I became a nurse, and why I’m pursuing a position in pediatrics.”

Fore more on answering this question, visit Interview Question: “What Motivates

You?” (With Examples).

 
7. What are you passionate about?
Much like the previous question about motivation, employers might ask what you are
passionate about to better understand what drives you and what you care most deeply
about. This can both help them understand whether you are a good fit for the role and
if it fits into your larger goals. To answer, select something you are genuinely
passionate about, explain why you’re passionate about it, give examples of how
you’ve pursued this passion and relate it back to the job.

Example: “As an experienced, service-oriented professional with more than a

decade of experience working in boutique salons, I thrive on creating a welcoming
environment for all clients and providing the highest quality skincare services. My
specialized training, along with my interpersonal skills, has helped me become adept
at developing long-term, trusted relationships that help to build a loyal client base.
These relationships are the reason I’m excited to go to work every day.”

Fore more on answering this question, visit Interview Question: “What are you
passionate about?”

 
8. Why are you leaving your current job?

There are many reasons for leaving a job. Prepare a thoughtful answer that will give
your interviewer confidence that you’re being deliberate about this job change.
Instead of focusing on the negative aspects of your current or previous role, focus on
the future and what you hope to gain in your next position.

Example: “I’m looking for an opportunity that gives me the ability to build closer,
long-term relationships with clients. In my current role, the sales cycle is so short that
I don’t spend as much time building a rapport with my customers as I’d like.
Relationship-building is one of the reasons I chose a career in sales, and I look
forward to working with a company where that’s a top priority.”

For more on answering this question, visit Interview Question: “Why Are You
Looking for a Job?”

 
9. What are your greatest strengths?

This question gives you an opportunity to talk about both your technical and soft
skills. To answer, share qualities and personal attributes and then relate them back to
the role for which you’re interviewing.
Example: “I’m a natural problem-solver. I find it rewarding to dig deep and uncover
solutions to challenges—it’s like solving a puzzle. It’s something I’ve always excelled
at, and something I enjoy. Much of product development is about finding innovative
solutions to challenging issues, which is what drew me to this career path in the first
place.”

For more on answering this question, visit Interview Question: “What Are Your
Strengths and Weaknesses?”

 
10. What are your greatest weaknesses?

It can feel awkward to discuss your weaknesses in an environment where you’re

expected to focus on your accomplishments. However, when answered correctly,
sharing your weaknesses can show that you are self-aware and want to continuously
get better at your job—traits that are extremely attractive to many employers.
Remember to start with the weakness and then discuss the measures you’ve taken to
improve. This way, you’re finishing your answer on a positive note.

Example: “I sometimes have trouble saying ‘no’ and end up overwhelmed by my

workload. Earlier in my career, I would take on so many projects that I’d work
evenings and weekends. It was stressful. I realized this was counterproductive, so I
started using workload management tools and setting better expectations for myself
and my teammates.”

For more on answering this question, visit Interview Question: “What Are Your
Greatest Weaknesses?”

 
11. What are your goals for the future?

Often hiring managers ask about your future goals to determine whether or not you’re
looking to stay with the company long-term. Additionally, this question is used to
gauge your ambition, expectations for your career and your ability to plan ahead. The
best way to handle this question is to determine your current career trajectory and how
this role plays into helping you reach your ultimate goals.

Example: “I would like to continue developing my marketing expertise as well as

my leadership skillsover the next several years. One of the reasons I’m interested in
working for a fast-growing startup company is that I’ll have the ability to wear many
hats and collaborate with many different departments. I believe this experience will
serve me well in achieving my ultimate goal of someday leading a marketing
department.”

For more on answering this question, visit Interview Question: “What Are Your
Future Goals?”

 
12. Where do you see yourself in five years?

Understanding how you imagine your life in the future can help employers understand
whether the trajectory of the role and company fits in with your personal development
goals. To answer, provide general ideas about the skills you want to develop, the types
of roles you would like to be in and things you would like to have accomplished.

Example: “In five years, I’d like to be an industry expert in my field, able to train
and mentor students and entry-level designers alike. I would also like to gain
specialized experience in user experience to be a well-rounded contributor working
with design and marketing teams on large-scale projects that make a difference both
in the company and the global community.”

For more on answering this question, visit Interview Question: “Where do you see
yourself in five years?”

 
13. Can you tell me about a difficult work situation and how you overcame it?

This question is often used to assess how well you perform under pressure as well as
your problem-solving abilities. Keep in mind stories are more memorable than facts
and figures, so strive to “show” instead of “tell.” This is also an excellent opportunity
to show your human side and how you’re willing to go the extra mile without being
asked.

Example: “It was the first day of my boss’s two-week vacation and our agency’s
highest-paying client threatened to leave because he didn’t feel he was getting the
personalized service he was promised. I spent my lunch hour on the phone with him,
talking through his concerns. We even brainstormed ideas for his next campaign. He
was so grateful for the personal attention that he signed another six-month contract
before my boss even returned from her trip.”

For more on answering this question, visit the following resources:

  Interview Question: “How Do You Handle Stress?”
 Behavioral Interview Questions (and How to Answer Them)
 How to Use the STAR Interview Response Technique

 
14. What is your salary range expectation?

Interviewers ask this question to make sure your expectations are in line with the
amount they’ve budgeted for the role. If you give a salary range exceedingly lower or
higher than the market value of the position, it gives the impression that you don’t
know your worth. Research the typical compensation range for the role on Indeed
Salaries, and tend toward the higher side of your range. Be sure to let the hiring
manager know if you’re flexible with your rate.

Example: “My salary expectation is between $XX,XXX and $XX,XXX, which is the

average salary for a candidate with my level of experience in this city. However, I am
flexible.”

For more on answering this question, visit the following resources:

 How to Talk About Salary in a Job Interview

 Interview Question: “What Are Your Salary Expectations?”

 
15. Why should we hire you?

While this question may seem like an intimidation tactic, interviewers generally bring
this up to offer you another opportunity to explain why you’re the best candidate.
Your answer should address the skills and experience you offer and why you’re a
good culture fit.

Example: “I have a passion for application development that’s grown stronger over
the course of my five-year career. The company’s mission aligns with my personal
values and, from my limited time in the office, I can already tell this is the sort of
positive culture in which I would thrive. I want to work for a company that has the
potential to reshape the industry, and I believe you’re doing just that.”

For more on answering this question, visit Interview Question: “Why Should We Hire
You?”

 
16. Do you have any questions?

This might be one of the most important questions asked during the interview process
because it allows you to explore any subject that hasn’t been addressed and shows the
interviewer you’re excited about the role. By this point, you’ll likely have already
covered most of the basics about the position and the company, so take time to ask the
interviewer questions about their own experiences with the company and gain tips on
how you can succeed if hired.

Example: “What do you love about working for this company?” “What would
success look like in this role?” “What are some of the challenges people typically
face in this position?”

For more on answering this question, visit Interview Question: “Do You Have Any
Questions?”

Much like preparing for a test in school, the best way to succeed in your interview is
to study and practice. Do research on the company and the job, and practice your
talking points until you feel confident about your answers. The more you prepare, the
more likely you are to leave a lasting impression and outperform fellow candidates.