Most Common Job Interview Questions
- Tell me something about yourself.
Your answer to this seemingly simple question should be strategic. Recruiters are looking for a
pitch. Your answer should be relevant to the position you are applying for and
present you as the perfect candidate for the job. A good rule of thumb is to
structure your answer as follows:
- Briefly introduce yourself.
-
What you are currently doing and why you love it.
-
2-3 of your top achievements and how they are relevant to the position you are applying for.
- How did you hear about this position?
This is your chance to show interest in the company. Even if you haven't been continuously
refreshing the company's website for job listings, you want them to think that you have (in a
professional way). Show curiosity and excitement. And if
someone from inside the company told you about the position, definitely mention that as well. You
are much more likely to get a job if someone credible can vouch for your skills and talents.
- Why do you want to work here?
A great way to think of the question “Why do you want to work here?” is to think of the question
flipped around: “Why would this company want to hire me?” Use these talking points to
help you phrase your answer:
- How can you help the company succeed?
- What past successes could you potentially repeat at this company?
- How will you complement the current company culture?
- Why did you decide to apply for this position?
With this question, the interviewer is looking to see how passionate you are
about the job or the company. It will be evident in the way you answer. When someone is
passionate about a topic, they almost give off a sort of glow—which, if you're an interviewer
who’s already interviewed a dozen people today, will really stand out.
- What is your greatest strength?
For this question, you want to narrow your answer to at most three strengths. Pick one or two
skills that would help you excel at the job, and one or two personal (more or less unrelated)
skills.
After picking your strengths, back them up with a situation or
story that shows how you have used them effectively on the job.
- What is your biggest weakness?
The trick here is realizing that the interviewer doesn't expect you to be perfect—nobody is.
They're actually trying to find out whether you have the right skill set for the job and if
you're self-aware. Use a real weakness, but not one that impedes the job, and mention how you're
working to overcome it.
- What do you know about this company/organization?
The more you know about the company you’re applying to, the better. Some good things to research
are:
- Their product or service
- What impact the product or service has
- Company culture
- How the company is currently performing
- Any other relevant info you can find
- Why should we hire you?
This is your chance to brag a little (without going overboard). Three points you can mention:
- Your passion for working at the company
- How your skills fit the job requirements
- How your skills will help the company overall
- What is your greatest accomplishment?
Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to explain an
accomplishment in a way that relates to the job:
- S (Situation) – Set the scene and context.
- T (Task) – Describe your challenge or responsibility.
-
A (Action) – Explain the actions you took to address the challenge or
responsibility.
-
R (Result) – Describe the outcomes and how they fit the overall goal of the
project or company.
- Do you have any questions for us?
This is where you want to show your interest in the company. If you had already been hired and
this was your first day, what would you like to know about them right now? Don’t make these
questions too simple. Not only does your answer show how enthusiastic you are,
this is your opportunity to learn more about what goes on in the company.
Here are some potential questions to ask:
- What does a regular day in this company look like?
- What’s the best thing about working for the company?
- What’s the worst thing about working for the company?
- What would you say are the biggest challenges a person in this position might face?
- What are the most important skills and qualities to succeed in this position?
- What do you like best about working in this company?
- What are the most pressing issues and projects that need to be addressed?
- Do you have training programs available to employees?
- What sort of budget is there for my department?
- What kind of opportunities do you have for future development?
- What are the performance expectations for someone in this position?
- Do departments usually collaborate with one another?
- Do you celebrate birthdays or retirements in the office?
- Do employees usually hang out with each other outside of work?
- Is there anything else I can help you with at this stage?
- What is the next step in the hiring process?
- What is the professional achievement you’re most proud of?
Again, use the STAR method to explain an accomplishment in a way that relates to
the job you’re interviewing for.
- S (Situation) – Set the scene and context.
- T (Task) – Describe your challenge or responsibility.
-
A (Action) – Explain the actions you took to address the challenge or
responsibility.
-
R (Result) – Describe the outcomes and how they fit the overall goal of the
project or company.
- What kind of working environment do you work best in?
Before your interview, it’s a good idea to check the company’s social media or website to assess
the overall vibe and environment. Answer in a way that suggests you’re a good
fit—but also be honest, so you don’t end up in the wrong environment.
- Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Generally, the interviewer wants to know if you’re ambitious and have
realistic expectations for your career. Think realistically about your next step
and whether it’s something achievable within this company.
Situational Job Interview Questions
- Why have you switched jobs so many times?
- Why did you change your career path?
-
Why did you decide to leave your previous/current job?
- Why is there a gap in your work experience?
- Why were you fired?
- How do you feel about working weekends or late hours?
- How would your boss describe you?
- Do you have any serious medical conditions?
- What would your first 30, 60, or 90 days look like in this role?
- Are you a team player?
- Are you a risk-taker?
- How do you deal with pressure or stressful situations?
- Do you think there is a difference between hard work and smart work?
- How quickly do you adapt to new technology?
- Do you have any interests outside of work?
- What do you think our company/organization could do better?