Common Interview Questions and How To Answer Them

In this article, we look at 22 common interview questions, offering sample questions and answers, plus interview tips to showcase your skill set.

Understanding the basics of job interviews

Success in a job interview starts with preparation. Employers assess your work experience, problem-solving abilities, and fit as a team player within their work environment. By anticipating these common job interview questions, you can craft responses that highlight your previous role and career path.Let’s dive into the essentials, from “Tell me about yourself” to explaining what makes you stand out:

1. Tell me about yourself and your qualifications

This opener gives a snapshot of your background. Keep it concise, tying your work experience to the job description.

Example: “I’ve spent three years as a bookkeeper, managing accounts payable, receivable, and payroll. I once caught a red flag—discrepancies that saved thousands—and with my CPA certification, I’m ready to excel as your public accountant.”

2. What makes you unique?

Hiring managers want your skills and experience. Reflect on specific examples, like leadership skills or a new skill you’ve honed, to demonstrate that.

Example: “My ability to exceed deadlines without sacrificing accuracy stands out. In my previous job, I delivered early quarterly reports, earning a promotion.”

3. Why should we hire you?

This is your pitch to shine, but you don’t need to highlight your career goals here.

Example: “I thrive in fast-paced settings and deliver weekly updates—perfect for your work style,” you might say. “My deadline-driven skill set fits your job description, and I’m excited to join your team.”

Exploring your motivations and fit

Interviewers probe why you’re drawn to their company and role, testing your fit within their company culture and teamwork dynamic:

4. Why do you want to work here?

Show research.

Example: “Your eco-friendly tech inspires me. I’m passionate about sustainability and see myself growing in this work environment.”

5. What interests you about this role?

Link to the job description.

Example: “I love onboarding new hires and creating resources,” you might say. “In my current job, I’ve helped teammates adapt faster, and I’d bring that here.”

6. What motivates you?

Be specific.

Example: “Improving patients’ lives drives me. That’s why I’m eager to join your pediatrics team as a team player.”

Highlighting strengths and weaknesses

These reveal self-awareness and growth—key for hiring managers:

7. What are your greatest strengths?

Use specific examples.

Example: “I’m a natural leader who thrives under pressure. I’ve exceeded KPIs and led diverse teams—skills I’d bring to your operations.”

8. What is your greatest weakness?

Show improvement

Example: “As an introvert, I used to avoid team updates. I took a communication skills course and now contribute confidently.”

Planning your career path

Here are some questions like “Where do you see yourself in five years” to gauge ambition and fit:

9. Where do you see yourself?

Align with the company.

Example: “I aim to lead a design team and streamline processes. Your dynamic work environment would grow my project management skills.”

10. What are your goals for the future?

Tie to the roll

Example: “I want to deepen my marketing expertise,” you might say. “This role’s challenges would pave my career path to leadership."

Reflecting on past experiences

Your last job typically shows your work ethic and adaptability:

11. What did you like most about your last position?

Highlight relevance.

Example: “I loved the collaborative atmosphere at my last job. Working on marketing with coworkers honed skills I’d bring here.”

12. What did you like least about your last position?

Focus on growth.

Example: “My previous role had little advancement. I crave challenges, which your role offers.”

13. Why are you leaving your current job?

Look forward.

Example: “I’ve gained experience, but I’m ready for more responsibility. This role is my next step.”

Tackling tough situations

Behavioral questions test problem-solving and communication skills. Use the STAR method:

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

Highlight how you found a solution.

Example: “A key client needed a pitch when my boss was out,” you might say. “I reassured them via video, delivered it, and won the account—showing I can handle stressful situations.”

15. How do you handle stress and pressure during an interview?

Demonstrate how you can handle pressure

Example: “I break tasks into steps. Focusing on goals keeps me steady.”

16. How do you handle conflict in the workplace?

Show maturity.

Example: “A coworker lagged due to overlapping projects. I discussed it calmly, adjusted his load with a manager, and he thrived.”

Defining success and accomplishments

These may reveal your work ethic:

17. What is your greatest accomplishment?

Use a realistic example you can prove.

Example: “I doubled social media engagement with a low-budget video,” you could say. “It drove conversions, showcasing my creativity.”

18. How do you define success?

Be honest about your accomplishments.

Example: “Success is meeting goals while boosting my team,” you might say. “In my previous job, I hit quotas and sped up processes.”

Addressing practicalities

These questions are aimed at practical answers:

19. What are your salary expectations?

for a proper salary range.

Example: “Based on my work experience, I’d expect $60,000 to $70,000, but I’m flexible,” you might say.

20. Do you have any questions?

This is your chance to show the research you’ve already done.

Example: “What challenges might I face?” or “How does teamwork shape success here?” Showcasing your unique value

These questions are about getting to know you as a person:

21. What are you passionate about?

Don’t go into too much detail, but demonstrate something genuine.

Example: “I’m passionate about efficient software,” you could say. “Leading projects here would fuel that.”

22. What can you bring to the company?

Ensure you highlight relevant examples

Example: “My problem-solving and leadership skills shine under pressure,” you might say. “I’d ensure smooth operations, like I did managing a chaotic conference.”