Top 30 Common Job Interview Questions and how to answer them

Job interviews can be nerve-wracking experiences, but they are also an opportunity for you to showcase your skills. One way that employers try to get a sense of your fit for the role and your work style is by asking common interview questions. These questions are often based on the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the job. By asking questions, the interviewer can get a better understanding of your background and how you might approach challenges on the job. Additionally, these common questions allow the interviewer to compare your responses to those of other candidates and get a sense of your fit for the company.

Female interviewer with their back turned facing two female interviewees — Interview in Progress

Here is a list of 30 common interview questions:

Tell me about yourself.

An interviewer is usually looking for a brief overview of your professional background and experience. This is your chance to highlight your accomplishments, skills, and qualifications that are most relevant to the job.

Start with a brief summary of your professional background. This can include your current job, previous positions, and any relevant education or training.
Focus on the experiences and accomplishments that are most relevant to the job you are applying for.
Share any personal details that make you unique or that might be relevant to the job. For example, if you have a particular hobby or passion that relates to the role, you can mention it.
Keep it concise. This is not the time to share your entire life story. Instead, focus on the key points that make you an ideal candidate for the job.

Why do you want to work for this company?

When asked why you want to work for their company, interviewers are not looking for a generic answer. They want to know that you have a genuine interest in their company and that you have done your research.

Research the company beforehand. Make sure you have a good understanding of their mission, values, and business goals. This will help you tailor your answer to the specific company.
Be specific about what you like about the company. This could include their products or services, company culture, or the opportunities for growth and development.
Share any personal or professional reasons that make you a good fit for the company. For example, you might mention that the company’s values align with your own personal values. You could also mention you are excited about the opportunity to work with a particular team or on a specific project.
Avoid using generic phrases like “I want to work for a company that is successful” or “I want to work for a company that is growing.” This shows that you have not done your research or that you are not truly interested.

What are your strengths?

When an interviewer asks you to discuss your strengths, they are looking for specific examples of your skills and abilities that are relevant to the job.

Choose a few of your strengths that are relevant to the job. If you are applying for a sales role, you might mention your ability to build relationships with clients or customers.
Use specific examples to illustrate your strengths, rather than simply saying: “I am a hard worker,”. “I was able to meet all of my deadlines and exceed my sales targets by working overtime” would be better.
Keep your answer focused on the employer’s needs. While it is important to highlight your own strengths, make sure you do so in the context of the role.
Be honest, but avoid listing weaknesses as strengths, for example, saying “I am a perfectionist”. It might suggest that you are difficult to work with or that you have trouble letting go of tasks.

open book with written text saying strengths and weaknesses — Strengths vs Weaknesses

What are your weaknesses?

Answering the question “What are your weaknesses?” in a job interview can be challenging, as you don’t want to highlight too many negative aspects of yourself. However, it is important to be honest and sincere in your response.

Choose a weakness that is not critical to the job. For example, if you are applying for to be a graphic designer, it wouldn’t be a good idea to say your design skills. Instead, you might mention a weakness that is not directly related to the job, like time management or public speaking.
Emphasize the steps you are taking to improve on your weakness. You might say “I used to struggle with public speaking, but I have been taking a course and practicing my presentation skills to become more confident and effective in front of an audience.”
Turn your weakness into a positive. For example, if you say that you struggle with time management, you could follow up by saying “I have learned to prioritize tasks and create more organized systems to ensure that I am able to meet deadlines and stay on track.”
Keep your answer brief and to the point. This is not the time to list every single weakness you have. Choose one or two that you are comfortable discussing, and focus on how you are working to improve.

Why should we hire you?

When asked why they should hire you, companies are looking for a specific and confident answer that highlights your qualifications and suitability.

Review the job description and requirements. Make sure you have a good understanding of the skills and qualifications that are necessary for the role.
Tailor your answer to the specific job and company. Highlight the skills and experiences that make you a good fit for the role and the company’s needs.
Use specific examples to illustrate your qualifications. Rather than simply saying “I am a hard worker,” you might say “I was able to meet all of my deadlines and exceed my sales targets last quarter by putting in extra hours and working closely with my team.”
Share any unique qualities or experiences that make you stand out from other candidates. This could include your education, personal interests, or professional achievements.
Emphasize your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Show that you are genuinely interested in the job and that you are excited about the opportunity.

What are your long-term career goals?

When an interviewer asks you about your long-term career goals, they are looking for a sense of your professional ambitions. Further assessing how they align with the company’s needs and goals.

Think about your long-term professional aspirations. What type of work do you see yourself doing in the future? What level of responsibility or leadership do you hope to attain?
Consider how the job you are applying for fits into your long-term goals. Explain how the role will help you progress towards your larger aspirations, and how your skills and experience make you a good fit for the role.
If you are not sure about your long-term goals, that is okay. It is okay to be open about the fact that you are still exploring your options and figuring out your path. You might say “I am still early in my career and am open to learning and exploring different opportunities. I am excited about the opportunity to work for your company and hope to gain valuable experience to help me grow and develop professionally.”
Avoid giving vague or unrealistic answers. For example, saying “I want to be CEO of a Fortune 500 company” without a clear pathway is not a realistic goal.

How do you handle stress and pressure?

When asked you how you handle stress, interviewers are looking for examples of how you cope with challenges and deadlines.

Share specific examples of how you have handled stress or pressure in the past. For example, you might say “I had to meet a tight deadline for a project at my last job. I prioritized my tasks, communicated effectively with my team. Taking breaks to stay focused and avoid burnout.”
Emphasize your problem-solving skills. Explain how you identify and address the root cause of stress or pressure, rather than just reacting to the symptoms.
Share any techniques or strategies you use to manage stress or pressure. This could include things like taking breaks, exercising, or seeking support from colleagues or a mentor.
Avoid saying that you do not experience stress or pressure. Everyone experiences stress and pressure to some degree, and it is important to have healthy ways of managing it.

Describe a difficult work situation and how you overcame it.

Interviewers are likely to ask you to describe a difficult work situation and how you overcame it. They are looking for specific examples of your problem-solving skills and resilience.

Choose a specific example of a challenging work situation that you faced. This could be a difficult project, a conflict with a colleague, or a change in company policy.
Explain the steps you took to address the situation. This could include seeking support or guidance from a supervisor or mentor. Also, working with a team to find a solution, or coming up with a plan to resolve the issue.
Emphasize your problem-solving skills and resourcefulness. Explain how you used your knowledge, skills, and resources to find a solution to the challenge.
Share any lessons you learned from the experience. This could include things like the importance of effective communication, the value of seeking support from others, or the need for flexibility in the face of change.

What do you know about our company?

An interviewer may ask you what you know about the company. They are looking for evidence that you have done your research and have a genuine interest in the company and role.

Research the company beforehand. Make sure you have a good understanding of their mission, values, products or services, and business goals.
Be specific about what you know about the company. Mention any notable achievements or news stories that you are aware of. Explain how they relate to the company’s overall goals or mission.
Share any personal or professional reasons that make you interested in the company. You might mention that you are a fan of the company’s products, or that you are excited about the opportunity to work on a certain project.
Avoid using generic phrases that show you may not be truly invested in the company’s work.

Have you ever had a conflict with a boss or coworker? How did you handle it?

Disagreements with colleagues are a normal in the workplace. It’s important to have the skills to handle them effectively. When an interviewer asks you about conflicts, they want to understand how you handle difficult situations and find resolutions.

Choose a specific example of a conflict that you were able to resolve effectively. This could be a disagreement with a colleague, a difference of opinion with a supervisor, or a misunderstanding with a client.
Explain the steps you took to address the conflict. This could include seeking support or guidance from a supervisor, having a direct and honest conversation with the person you were in conflict with, or finding a compromise that met everyone’s needs.
Emphasize your problem-solving skills and ability to communicate effectively. Explain how you were able to listen to the other person’s perspective, express your own needs and concerns, and find a resolution that worked for everyone.
Share any lessons you learned from the experience. This could include things like the importance of effective communication, the value of seeking support from others, or the need to be flexible and open to different viewpoints.

What have you done to improve your knowledge in the last year?

When an interviewer asks you about your efforts to improve your knowledge, they are looking for specific examples of how you have taken initiative to learn and grow in your career.

Share any formal education or training you have received. This could include things like workshops, conferences, or online courses.
Mention any professional development activities you have participated in. This could include things like mentorship programs, networking events, or industry-specific certifications.
Describe any self-directed learning you have done. This could include things like reading industry publications, following thought leaders in your field, or working on personal projects to learn new skills.
Emphasize your dedication to ongoing learning and professional development. Explain how you seek out opportunities to learn and grow in your career, and how you apply what you have learned on the job.

What have you done to improve your skills in the last year?

The information for question 11 can also be applied to answer this question, if you’re in a practical industry this question can be tailored to more hands-on training and learning.

mindmap in a red fram about professional development

Tell me about a time when you made a mistake.

Making mistakes is a normal part of learning and growing in your career. When an interviewer asks you about a time when you made a mistake, they are looking for specific examples of how you handle challenges and learn from your mistakes.

Choose a specific example of a mistake that you made. It is important to be honest and sincere in your answer, but avoid choosing a mistake that is too significant or could be seen as a major flaw.
Explain the circumstances that led to the mistake. Be honest about what happened and what you could have done differently.
Share the steps you took to address the mistake. This could include apologizing to any affected parties, working to correct the error, or implementing a plan to prevent similar mistakes in the future.
Emphasize the lessons you learned from the experience. For instance, explain how you were able to learn from the mistake and how you have applied that learning to your work since then.
Avoid dwelling on the mistake or making excuses for your behavior. For instance focus on the steps you took to address the issue and the lessons you learned from the experience.

How do you handle constructive criticism?

Constructive criticism is an important part of learning and growing in your career, and it is important to have the skills to handle it effectively. When an interviewer asks you how you handle constructive criticism, they are looking for specific examples of how you receive and incorporate feedback.

Share an example of a time when you received constructive criticism. This could be a specific instance of feedback from a supervisor, a colleague, or a client.
Explain how you responded to the criticism. This could include things like thanking the person for their feedback, asking for clarification or further explanation, or discussing how you plan to address the issue.
Emphasize your open-mindedness and willingness to learn. Explain how you are receptive to feedback and how you use it as an opportunity to improve and grow.
Avoid becoming defensive or dismissive of the criticism. This can show that you are not open to feedback and are unwilling to learn and grow.

What is your greatest professional achievement?

When an interviewer asks you about your greatest professional achievement, they are looking for specific examples of your skills and successes in the workplace.

Choose a specific achievement that you are proud of and that is relevant to the role you are applying for. This could be a project you completed, a goal you exceeded, or a challenge you overcame.
Explain the circumstances surrounding the achievement. Describe the task or challenge you were facing, and how you were able to overcome it.
Emphasize your skills and contributions that led to the achievement. Explain how your knowledge, abilities, and efforts made a difference and contributed to the success.
Share any impact or results of the achievement. For example, you might mention how your work helped the company save money, improve efficiency, or achieve a new level of success.

What is your greatest personal achievement?

When an Interviewer asks you about your greatest personal achievement, they are looking for specific examples of your personal growth and accomplishments outside of the workplace. The same advice can be applied from the previous question, however, tailor this answer to something outside of the workplace.

What are your salary expectations?

When an interviewer asks you about your salary expectations, they are trying to determine if your expectations align with the budget they have set for the role.:

Research the market rate for the role you are applying for. Look at salary data for similar positions in your industry and geographic location to get a sense of what is typical.
Consider your own qualifications and experience. If you have a lot of relevant experience or specialized skills, you may be able to justify a higher salary.
Think about your long-term career goals. If the job you are applying for is a stepping stone to a larger goal, you may be willing to accept a lower salary in exchange for the opportunity to gain valuable experience.
Be open to negotiation. It is okay to have a range in mind rather than a specific number, so you can say something like “I am open to discussing salary and would be happy to consider any reasonable offer.”
Avoid giving a number that is too high, because you may price yourself out of the role. Alternatively, if you give a number that is too low, you may undervalue your own worth.

How do you handle a heavy workload?

When an interviewer asks you about how you handle a heavy workload, they are looking for specific examples of how you prioritize tasks, manage your time, and stay organized under pressure.

Share specific examples of how you have managed a heavy workload in the past. For example, you might say “I had to juggle multiple projects at my last job, so I made a list of priorities, communicated effectively with my team, and made sure to take breaks to avoid burnout.”
Emphasize your time management and organizational skills. So explain how you use techniques like scheduling, prioritization, and delegation to stay on top of your work.
Share any techniques or strategies you use to manage stress or pressure. This could include things like taking breaks, exercising, or seeking support from colleagues or a mentor.
Avoid saying that you do not experience stress or pressure. Everyone experiences stress and pressure to some degree, and it is important to have healthy ways of managing it.

What do you do when your schedule is interrupted? How do you handle unexpected tasks?

Interruptions and unexpected tasks are a normal part of work, and it is important to have the skills to handle them effectively. When an interviewer asks you about how you handle interruptions and unexpected tasks, they are looking for specific examples of how you adapt to changes and handle unexpected challenges.

Share an example of a time when your schedule was interrupted or you had to handle an unexpected task. This could be a specific instance where you had to adjust your priorities or change your plans at the last minute.
Explain the steps you took to handle the interruption or unexpected task. This could include things like reassessing your priorities, communicating with your team or supervisor, or finding a solution to the problem.
Emphasize your flexibility and adaptability. Explain how you are able to adjust to changes and handle unexpected challenges effectively.
Share any positive outcomes or results of your actions. For example, you might mention how you were able to meet a tight deadline or resolve an issue thanks to your ability to adapt and handle unexpected tasks.

What are your hobbies outside of work?

When an interviewer asks you about your hobbies outside of work, they are trying to get to know you on a personal level and understand your interests and passions.

Choose hobbies that are relevant and interesting. Don’t just list off things you do because you think they will impress the interviewer. Instead, choose hobbies that are genuinely meaningful to you and that showcase your unique personality and interests.
Explain why you enjoy the hobby and what you get out of it. This can help the interviewer understand your motivations and passions, and see how your hobbies align with your values and goals.
Avoid listing hobbies that are controversial or inappropriate. It is best to avoid mentioning hobbies that might raise red flags or be seen as offensive.

Need to help to know what to pick, this video might help!

How do you handle working with a team?

five people's hands in a circle holding puzzle pieces, showing teamworking — Working in a team

Working effectively with a team is a critical skill in many jobs, and it is important to be able to demonstrate your ability to collaborate and contribute to a team environment. When asked this question, interviewers are looking to see how you contribute to team success and handle challenges.

Share specific examples of how you have contributed to team success in the past. This could be a collaborative project, a goal you collectively achieved, or a challenge you overcame together.
Explain the role you played in the team and how you contributed to the outcome. Emphasize your skills and abilities that helped the team succeed, such as your communication skills, problem-solving abilities, or leadership.
Share any challenges you faced while working with the team and how you addressed them. This could include things like conflicts with team members, a tight deadline, or unexpected changes.
Emphasize your ability to work well with others and your commitment to team success. Explain how you value teamwork and how you are able to contribute to a positive team environment.

What do you do when you disagree with a team member?

It is natural to have differences of opinion when working with a team, and it is important to have the skills to handle conflicts and differing viewpoints effectively. When an interviewer asks you about how you handle disagreement with a team member, they are looking for specific examples of how you address conflicts and maintain a positive working relationship.

Share an example of a time when you disagreed with a team member. This could be a specific instance where you had a different perspective or approach to a task or issue.
Explain how you addressed the disagreement. This could include things like discussing the issue with the team member, seeking the input of others, or compromising to find a solution that works for everyone.
Emphasize your ability to communicate effectively and respectfully. Explain how you are able to listen to others, express your own perspective, and work together to find a solution.
Share the outcome of the situation. For example, you might mention how the team was able to find a solution that satisfied everyone, or how the disagreement helped the team grow and learn.

What is your approach to problem-solving?

Problem-solving skills are important in many jobs, and it is important to be able to demonstrate your approach to solving problems effectively. When an interviewer asks you about your approach to problem-solving, they are looking for specific examples of how you identify and address challenges.

Share an example of a problem you solved in the past. This could be a specific challenge you faced at work or a personal problem you were able to overcome.
Explain the steps you took to solve the problem. This could include things like gathering information, brainstorming solutions, or seeking the input of others.
Emphasize your skills and abilities that helped you solve the problem. This could include things like your analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, or creativity.
Share the outcome of the situation. Explain how you were able to solve the problem and the impact it had.

What is your approach to customer service?

Customer service skills are important in many jobs, and it is important to be able to demonstrate your approach to providing excellent service to customers. When an interviewer asks you about your approach to customer service, they are looking for specific examples of how you interact with and serve customers.

Share an example of a time when you provided excellent customer service. This could be a specific instance where you went above and beyond to meet a customer’s needs or resolve a problem.
Explain the steps you took to provide excellent service. This could include things like listening to the customer’s needs, finding a solution to their problem, or going the extra mile to ensure their satisfaction.
Emphasize your customer-focused mindset and your ability to build relationships. Explain how you value the customer experience and how you are able to build trust and rapport with customers.
Share the outcome of the situation. Explain how your approach to customer service helped the customer and how it benefited the company.

How do you prioritize tasks?

Effective time management and task prioritization are important skills in many jobs, and it is important to be able to demonstrate your ability to prioritize tasks effectively. When an interviewer asks you about how you prioritize tasks, they are looking for specific examples of how you manage your time and identify what is most important.

Share an example of a time when you had to prioritize tasks. This could be a specific instance where you had a lot of competing demands or a tight deadline.
Explain the steps you took to prioritize tasks. This could include things like making a list, assessing the importance and urgency of each task, and delegating tasks when appropriate.
Emphasize your ability to make good judgments and decisions. Explain how you are able to determine what is most important and how you use your time effectively.
Share the outcome of the situation. Explain how your task prioritization helped you meet your goals and deadlines, and how it benefited the company or organization.

What are your communication styles?

Effective communication is an important skill in many jobs, and it is important to be able to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively. When an interviewer asks you about your communication styles, they are looking for specific examples of how you interact with others and convey information.

Share examples of how you have effectively communicated with others in the past. This could be a specific instance where you had to deliver a presentation, write a report, or communicate with a team.
Explain the steps you took to ensure effective communication. This could include things like preparing in advance, listening actively, and using clear and concise language.
Emphasize your ability to adapt your communication style to different audiences and situations. Explain how you are able to adjust your approach to match the needs and preferences of your listeners.
Share any feedback you have received about your communication skills. This could be positive feedback from a manager or colleague, or examples of how your effective communication has helped you achieve your goals.

How do you handle a customer/client who is upset?

Dealing with upset customers/clients is a common challenge in many roles, and it is important to have the skills to handle these situations effectively. When an interviewer asks you about how you handle a customer/client who is upset, they are looking for specific examples of how you address complaints and concerns.

Share an example of a time when you had to handle an upset customer/client. This could be a specific instance where you received a complaint or had to resolve a problem.
Explain the steps you took to handle the situation. This could include things like listening to concerns, apologizing for any inconvenience, and finding a solution to the problem.
Emphasize your ability to stay calm and professional under pressure. Explain how you are able to maintain a positive attitude and keep the situation from escalating.
Share the outcome of the situation. Explain how you were able to resolve the issue and turn the customer’s experience around.

What motivates you?

When an interviewer asks you about what motivates you, they are trying to understand what drives you and what inspires you to do your best work.

Think about what truly motivates you and what inspires you to work hard. This could be things like a sense of accomplishment, personal growth, or making a positive impact.
Share specific examples of what motivates you. For example, you might say “I am motivated by the opportunity to learn and grow, so I always look for ways to challenge myself and take on new responsibilities.”
Emphasize how your motivations align with the role you are applying for. Explain how the opportunity to work for this company or pursue this career aligns with your goals and values.
Avoid listing off things that might be seen as superficial or selfish motivations. For example, saying that you are motivated by money or status might not be seen as a positive answer.

What qualities are you looking for in your next workplace?

When an interviewer asks you about what qualities you are looking for in your next workplace, they are trying to understand what is important to you in a job and what type of work environment you thrive in.

Think about what is important to you in a job and what qualities you value in a workplace. This could be things like work-life balance, opportunities for growth and development, or a positive culture.
Share specific examples of the qualities you are looking for. For example, you might say “I am looking for a workplace that values collaboration and teamwork, and that provides opportunities for professional development and growth.”
Emphasize how these qualities align with the company or organization you are applying to. Explain how the opportunity to work for this company aligns with your goals and values.
Avoid listing off qualities that might be seen as unrealistic or unrelated to the role. For example, saying that you are looking for a workplace with a tropical climate might not be seen as a positive answer.

Do you have any questions for me?

Asking thoughtful and relevant questions during an interview is a great way to demonstrate your interest in the role and the company, and to gather more information that can help you decide if the job is a good fit for you. When an interviewer asks you if you have any questions for them, it is important to have a few questions prepared in advance.

Prepare a list of questions in advance. This could include things like asking about the company culture, the challenges and opportunities of the role, or the expectations for the position.
Make sure your questions are relevant and focused. Avoid asking questions that could be easily found on the company’s website or that are unrelated to the role.
Show your enthusiasm and curiosity. Asking questions is a great way to demonstrate your interest in the company and the role, and to learn more about what it would be like to work there.
Keep your questions open-ended. Avoid asking yes or no questions, and try to ask questions that will provide more detailed and informative answers.
Be prepared for the possibility that the interviewer may not have an answer to your question. If this happens, it is okay to follow up with a more general question or to thank the interviewer for their time.

scrabble pieces spelling out success, with thumbs up in the background — Ready for Success in your next interview

Finally…

It is natural to feel some stress and anxiety when preparing for an interview, but it is important to try to stay calm and focused. To manage your stress and stay prepared, it is helpful to plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time to prepare. Research the company and the role, practice your answers to common interview questions, take care of yourself by getting plenty of rest, eating well, and exercising. Remember that it is okay to make mistakes! By following these tips, you can feel more confident and in control as you prepare for your interview.

Got an interview booked in? Here’s how you can prepare before hand…

Top 30 Common Job Interview Questions and How To Answer Them