Top 20+ Common Interview Questions
Are you ready to take the next step in your career? Well, make it through the interview first! Since none of us are mind readers, it’s essential to know about questions that interviewers may ask.
You can’t wing an interview if you don’t know how to answer certain questions, so you need to do your homework beforehand. Preparing answers to typical interview questions and strategizing how to answer them is an essential first step before any interview.
Below are some tips and questions and their answers so that you can feel comfortable and prepared for your next interview
Here are some of the most common job interview questions you will likely be asked.
1) Why Do You Want This Job?
During their job hunt, every candidate will be asked a question that seems simple at first glances, like some pointless query with no real purpose. Interviewers often ask why you want to work for their company.
They want to know whether you’d be an excellent cultural fit for the organization and if you could contribute to the team already there. An employee who is invested in and shares the company’s vision and values is more likely to work hard and remain put. The HR representative wants to know whether you are that person.
Possibly, you’re freaking out because you do not know what to say when asked why you want to work for this company. Here, you should never respond hastily and unthinkingly to this question.
Instead, demonstrate that you are well-versed in the organization, that your values align with their goals, and that you would like to work there. The hiring manager will not consider an applicant simply interested in the salary.
Sample answer 1:
“As a recent graduate, this company provides me the greatest opportunity to use what I’ve learned and turn that into practical skills. I want to work with and learn from professionals to contribute to the company long term.”
Sample answer 2:
“After reading your mission statement, it’s clear that this job is a close fit for my values. I want this job because I want to work for a company that lets me grow professionally.”
2) How Did You Hear About This Position?
By asking this question interviewer wants to know whether you’re a passive or active job seeker. Suppose you look excited when answering this question. In that case, interviewers will presume you will work hard to execute the job’s responsibilities, so be strategic in responding to this, as it is one of the most important behavioral interview questions.
Sample answer 1:
“I heard about this job opportunity through a current employee, [Name]. They were a previous co-worker of mine at [Company], where we both worked in the same department. After learning more about the opportunity and researching the company, I felt qualified to apply for this position, and I’m thrilled about the potential of joining such a well-known company.”
Sample answer 2:
“I’ve known about your company for a long time. It’s clear that the company’s passion is XYZ, and I would love to be a part of this team.
So, when I saw your job listing at [Job Website], I knew this job would be perfect for me, and I couldn’t help but apply immediately.”
3) Why Should We Hire You?
Most applicants who reach this step are qualified, so your credentials won’t set you apart. The interviewer is to see whether you’re the one. So, interviewers ask this question in several ways.
First, don’t be overwhelmed. We’ll start by connecting your credentials to the job criteria, discussing how they play out in real life, and examining what makes you stand out. Then, match your strengths to the job requirements.
Sample answer 1:
“I have the particular skills and work experience required for this position. I’ve been working in this field for X years.”
Sample answer 2:
“I have the right skill set to excel at this position. My previous job was a different role, so I’m willing to work hard and learn from the experts.”
4) What Is Your Greatest Strength?
Here, you can showcase your job-required talents and explain how you’ll get or enhance others. The strengths you list should be talents you’ve gained via experience. For example, if you mention communication as a strength, explain how you used it to achieve a goal or address an issue.
Your deficiencies might include a challenging skill from the job description, as long as you want to learn it. However, if you lack a soft talent, provide a strategy to develop or enhance it. You must be honest about your flaws, but there are some you shouldn’t discuss in a job interview, like tardiness, sufficient detail, and missed deadlines.
Sample answer 1:
“My greatest strength is that I’m a problem solver. I enjoy thinking outside the box and communicating with others to develop creative solutions.”
Sample answer 2:
“My greatest strength is time management. During college, I worked hard to maintain a stellar GPA throughout my four years while working part-time for additional money. With time management being a strength, I’ve also worked on being more disciplined and organized to complete college.”
5) What Is Your Biggest Weakness?
Here, you can showcase your job-required talents and explain how you’ll get or enhance others. The strengths you list should be talents you’ve gained via experience. For example, if you mention communication as a strength, explain how you used it to achieve a goal or address an issue.
Your deficiencies might include a challenging skill from the job description, as long as you want to learn it. However, if you lack a soft talent, provide a strategy to develop or enhance it. You must be honest about your flaws, but some you shouldn’t discuss in a job interview, like tardiness, sufficient detail, and missed deadlines.
Sample answer 1:
“As a recent graduate, my biggest weakness is the lack of work experience. However, I’ve worked on projects throughout college and did internships to prepare myself.
Even though I don’t have the experience of working in an environment like this one, I’m willing to utilize my work ethic to catch up to the professionals.”
Sample answer 2:
“I pride myself on having strengths that include independence and solving problems. However, that pride makes me unwilling to ask for help when I’m in a difficult situation.
I’ve been learning to trust the knowledge of the people I work with, and I’ve found that it’s beneficial for the entire company to reach out and ask for help.”
6) Are You Applying for Other Jobs?
An interviewer may inquire if you are applying for other jobs. Companies use this to determine whether you’re applying to rivals in your job search and your industry interest. Your response might work for or against you if it reveals you’re researching comparable companies or professions.
You may be honest and positive even if you haven’t applied elsewhere. If you’ve applied to other jobs, explain why this one intrigues you the most.
However, don’t overshare with the recruiting manager. No additional interviews may make a supervisor think you’re not a suitable candidate. A candidate who has already interviewed with rivals may appear unreachable.
Sample answer 1:
“I’m searching through job postings that align with my degree. However, your company and this job position is the one I’m most looking forward to.”
Sample answer 2:
“I am applying for other jobs to secure employment. However, I’d like you to know that I’m not accepting all interviews. After researching your company, I’m happy with the opportunity to be here today.”
7) Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?
For many reasons, an interviewer asks about your five-year career path goals and objectives.
They want to know the following things about you:
If You Stay for Five Years:
Depending on the work, an employee’s tenure varies. The longer people remain, the fewer turnover-related costs the organization faces. An employer will want to know if you don’t see yourself working in that role or with that firm in the next five years.
Whether Your Professional Objectives Match the Employer’s Needs:
You may have objectives for how you want to progress in the job you’re looking. You might be looking for an entry-level job but looking to become a manager in five years. Or, you could want to try out different departments within the company. Either way, the interviewer can tell you what is possible at their organization.
Both variables help businesses assess whether a worker is a good long-term match. The employer’s response to these questions will help you evaluate whether the job fits your professional ambitions.
Sample answer 1:
“My goal for the next five years is to search for a company that allows me to grow and take on more responsibilities over time. Ultimately, I want to work for a company where I can build a career.”
Sample answer 2:
“In five years, I see myself reaching the position of [Job Title]. Throughout these five years, I would like to accomplish the following [first goal], [second goal], and [third goal].”
8) What Motivates You?
Before answering this question, you should think about who asked you this question and why. While resumes are great for highlighting your experience and education, interviewers will ask you this to get an insight into who you are and why you chose your career path.
You should reread the job requirements before you plan a response. Focus on both the hard and soft skills necessary for the position.
Honesty is appreciated, but a solid response shows that you read the job posting carefully and understand its requirements. Think about everything you’ve accomplished in the past. Formulating a response helps you recall your finest professional moments. Don’t only think of the times you were complimented by your superiors or awarded a plaque or bonus.
Instead, consider times when you accomplished something you were very proud of or when your job gave you a feeling of fulfillment.
Additionally, think about your past experiences in the industry. A few sentences outlining how you became interested in and entered the area may reveal your goals and interests.
Sample answer 1:
“My primary motivation is meeting deadlines. There’s no greater sense of job satisfaction when I know I worked my hardest to complete tasks and submitted them before a deadline.”
Sample answer 2:
“I know from previous work experience that I’m motivated by working as part of this team. Communicating with a team and helping my team members do their best motivates me immensely.”
9) Why Are You Leaving Your Current Job?
If you aren’t prepared, you might have trouble with this open-ended interview question because it can be hard to navigate. People’s defenses go up when confronted with “why” questions in interviews.
You may be surprised to be asked why you want to leave your current or last job position. However, employers only try to learn more about you and your motivations.
What interests you about leaving one job is directly related to how well you do in your next position and how invested you are in your work.
Consequently, a hiring manager or recruiter will ask this question to get an insight into your motivations, interests, and aspirations and determine whether your personality would mesh well with the company culture.
They will listen to and observe your every word and gesture to determine whether you can handle a potentially difficult question like this during a job interview with poise and confidence.
So, answering this question in an interview and explaining why you want to quit your work will likely set off or calm down alarm bells in your interviewer’s head, so doing this correctly is crucial. Here are some examples of acceptable explanations for quitting one’s employment.
The best way to answer interview questions regarding why you want to leave your present work is to not dwell on the things you hate. Your response to this question should instead direct the interviewer’s attention to the benefits you’d bring to the job you’re seeking. You want the interviewer to see you as a candidate who wants to make a good career move and is not bitter about your prior position.
Sample answer 1:
“I’m leaving my current job because I’m ready for the next challenge in my career. My previous job was enjoyable, but I felt I could handle more challenges than they were willing to give me. So rather than remain steady, I decided it was time to look for a position where I could grow.”
Sample answer 2:
“To be honest, I was fired. The fault was a miscommunication between my supervisor and me.
I worked hard on improving my communication skills to ensure I don’t make a mistake like this in the future.”
10) How Do You Handle Stress?
How you react to high-pressure circumstances on the job is a crucial question for the interviewer. If you’re applying for a stressful job, this is crucial for employers to consider. For the simple reason, that stress in the office may impair productivity.
It’s possible the recruiting manager is also concerned about whether you’ll be able to handle the stress of the office job. Employers want people who can handle emotional and professional stress. Potential employers value applicants who have shown resilience in the face of adversity. This question requires you to provide concrete instances of dealing with stress effectively.
Here, you may explain how some pressure helps keep you motivated. Provide an instance where the pressure of a demanding assignment pushed you to use your critical thinking skills to solve an issue innovatively.
Sample answer 1:
“I don’t enjoy stress, but I am very good at working under pressure. So rather than panic, I backtrack and prioritize what I can accomplish first. Prioritizing helps my performance.”
Sample answer 2:
“I handle stress by thinking about the result. I’ve found that while dealing with a stressful situation, to remind myself of my goals and stay positive to ensure I work efficiently.”
11) How Do You Handle Conflict at Work?
Humans engage in conflict in every aspect of life, work included. As a human being, you will encounter it in your daily interactions with others, whether they be friends, family, or coworkers, and especially in your professional life.
Anger is only one of several emotions that might be triggered by professional conflict. It’s obvious things that happen sometimes. Today’s globalized economy needs a workforce that reflects a wide range of global perspectives and experiences.
Disagreements are inevitable in a workplace when individuals have different perspectives on the same issues. You need to show that you’re capable of handling disagreements respectfully.
Sample answer 1:
“I handle conflict at work by taking the initiative and working hard to fix any problems.”
Sample answer 2:
“At my previous job, an employee handed in incorrect assignments. I assured my co-worker that sometimes miscommunication is at fault for mistakes, and assured them that I could be of assistance at any time.”
12) Why Was There a Gap in Your Employment?
An employment gap may refer to any time you were unemployed, but it is often believed to be a significant amount of time, say six months or more, that exceeds the norm for a job hunt in your field.
Voluntary Employment Gaps:
When you take time off from work, that’s considered a voluntary employment gap.
Here are some possible causes of this:
- Going on an extended vacation to see the world or help others.
- You put your life on hold to further your education or acquire new abilities.
- Leaving the labor field to focus on raising your kids.
- If you don’t have a break in work that you voluntarily choose, it’s called an “involuntary” one.
- No longer having a job due to a slow economy, layoffs, or a company move.
- Needing to take time off for health reasons (personal or familial).
- Your quest for a job is taking more time than you anticipated.
Sample answer 1:
“I took time off to pursue further education and get a master’s degree.”
Sample answer 2:
“I focused on my mental health and personal growth after working in high-stressful job positions. I’m ready to return to work and focus on my new role.”
13) How Would You Describe Your Work Style?
This question will gauge how well you would fit in with the company culture. The hiring manager will use your answer to understand better whether you have the skills required to succeed in the job you’re looking. Potential employers may use your response to predict how well you will work with others on the team.
How you answer this question in an interview significantly affects whether or not you get a job. The job description and business website will tell you a lot about the corporate culture. Still, think about how you do your best work and what kind of atmosphere motivates you.
Sample answer 1:
“As a recent graduate, it’s hard for me to describe my work style. However, based on my college experience, I’m hard-working and goal-oriented.”
Sample answer 2:
“I’d describe my work style as adaptive. With so much diversity in the workplace, I can adapt my work style to the changing environment.”
14) Are You Willing to Relocate?
During job interviews, prospective employers often inquire about applicants’ availability to move. In your answer, the company wants to know if you will relocate for the position and see if you are interested in working for them. It’s great to show how dedicated you are to the role and gives interviewers a glimpse into your work ethic.
Sample answer 1:
“I can’t commit to relocating now. However, I’m passionate about this position and willing to work remotely for the foreseeable future, if possible.”
Sample answer 2:
“I’m happy to consider relocating soon, but I’d need time to take into consideration [Reason] and [Reason] before giving a definitive answer.”
15) Do You Consider Yourself Successful?
The answer to this question lets employers know how you define success tells an employer a lot about who you are and what you’re looking for in a job. The answer to this question might be seen as a reflection of your dedication to the job. The extent to which you will put out effort depends on how you judge your accomplishments.
For example, if you define success as pushing yourself to be better today than yesterday, it might show potential employers that you are dedicated to doing good work. Remember, defining success may require introspection and practice in putting one’s ideas into words.
Sample answer 1:
“As a recent graduate, earning my degree and pursuing a career in my field as successful.”
Sample answer 2:
“Yes, I do consider myself successful. To me, success is completing my assignments while meeting my personal goals and the goals of the company.”
16) What Are Your Salary Expectations?
Employers inquire about compensation requirements for several different reasons. Ensuring they can pay you what you’re asking for is a big one. Most businesses have a certain amount of money available to fill each open job, and they need to keep within that budget to avoid making further unavoidable cutbacks.
Companies like to stick to their budgets whenever possible. Still, they may make exceptions if the candidate has an extraordinary skill or if several applicants seek to pay that is on par with or more than the initial budget.
Interviewers may also ask this question because:
- You may be overqualified for the job if your salary requirements are much more than the firm can afford or what other applicants want, which isn’t necessarily negative.
- However, if your desired salary range is much lower than the competition’s, it may be seen as a sign that you are not as qualified or do not have as much experience.
The best candidates understand their worth and the contributions they can make; thus, this question tests whether they have this awareness. If you know your value and aren’t scared to ask for what you’re worth, you’ll impress hiring managers by requesting a wage within the acceptable range that reflects your skill and experience level. Knowing your value can help you throughout the job hunt since self-assurance is a quality that many companies seek.
Sample answer 1:
“My salary expectations are between [Number] and [Number] annually.”
Sample answer 2:
“That’s a great question. Could you tell me the range for this role within your budget?”
17) Are You a Risk-Taker?
No matter the kind of job you are applying for, there are specific interview questions for which there is a right and a wrong response. This one doesn’t fit in with the other candidates. Depending on the job you’re looking for and the circumstances of the interviews, your propensity for taking risks might be seen as a strength or a weakness. First, consider the job and the role that taking risks plays. Then answer based on that evaluation.
Sample answer 1:
“I’m not a risk taker. However, I’ve gained the confidence to take risks regarding professional decisions.”
Sample answer 2:
“I don’t like taking unnecessary risks, but I’m not a person who plays it safe. So instead of rushing into a risk, I consider the pros and cons before making a decision.”
18) Do You Prefer Working Independently or on a Team?
It’s never an easy question to answer because there usually isn’t a clear-cut right answer. You don’t want to look like you can’t think for yourself, but you also don’t want to seem like someone who is always alone without any friends.
However, If you’re looking for a remote position, this is probably one of the most difficult questions you’ll be asked.
There are a lot of different pros and cons for each answer you provide, but the trick is to frame yours such that the interviewer only sees the pros.
You can say that it depends on the situation. Answering this question in such a way shows that you’re capable of working independently but are also a team player.
Sample answer 1:
“I prefer working on a team as I enjoy getting different options and receiving feedback from others. However, I’m best at working in a quiet space with minimal distractions.”
Sample answer 2:
“I prefer working on a team when working on a tight deadline. When co-workers put their heads together, a certain level of creativity is introduced.”
19) What Skills or Experience Will Help You Succeed in This Role?
You should answer this question with certainty by connecting the company’s aims and your own.
Before answering this question, do some background reading on the firm before your interview. You should visit the website and take notes on anything that catches your eye to use as conversation starters in the event of an interview.
You may also understand the company’s culture by checking out its social media profiles. This will prepare you for the interview and give you a complete idea of what to expect from your prospective teammates.
Sample answer 1:
“My experience in this field will help me succeed in this role. Also, my verbal skills will help me learn more from my co-workers.”
Sample answer 2:
“I can bring the compassion and the ability to treat clients in a way that ensures they become long-term clients of this business.”
20) Why Have You Switched Jobs So Many Times?
Your answers to questions concerning your previous job history are a standard indicator of whether an employer will provide you with a job offer. However, If you have a resume that shows you constantly switching positions, the hiring manager may wonder if this position would help you reach your long-term objectives.
The interviewer wants to know how you feel about your previous job and how any of the reasons you provide could influence your chances of getting the position.
You may win over your interviewer’s trust by expressing your thoughts and opinions clearly and convincingly. You can use this chance to introduce yourself and show why you would be an asset to the organization over the long haul. You should explain interviewer all about your talents, interests, and abilities. Give the interviewer confidence that you will integrate into the team and communicate well with others at all levels of the organization.
Review your motivations for applying to this role. Get out your updated resume and go through the revisions. Think about the jobs you’ve had in the past and why you left them. Include an explanation for the gaps between your several employment titles on your resume.
Justify your decision to make neither you nor your previous company bad. Reasons for quitting a job include the end of a project, company-wide layoffs, or a need for a new position’s skill set. You may also provide extrinsic motivation, such as moving to a new place for a career, working closer to home, establishing a company, or going back to school.
Sample answer 1:
“Recently, I’ve been caring for a family member with health issues. As a result, I needed to search for new employment that would cover expenses.”
Sample answer 2:
“I recently moved from [Location] to [Location]. Since relocating, I have been working to find the right company that aligns with my career path.”
21) How Quickly Do You Adapt to New Technology?
In this question, the hiring manager is trying to gauge the candidate’s ability to quickly learn the ropes of the job, grasp their role, and complete tasks within the allotted time without sacrificing quality.
This technological adaptation question is a spin on the age-old trick of asking how well a candidate deals with change. It’s true that new forms of electronic equipment, such as smartphones and key fobs, are constantly appearing in the marketplace. Companies aren’t interested in hiring individuals who can’t get the fundamentals down.
The inquiry will assess whether you have gained any new abilities or knowledge lately. Employers want to hire consistently evolving people, so you should answer in a way that shows you’re constantly growing in your professional life.
Sample answer 1:
“With the new technology on the market, companies are updating their networks to use the best kind. So, I’ve trained myself to have little to no difficulty learning how to use new technology.”
Sample answer 2:
“I’ve worked with companies who use different forms of technology, so I can adapt to new technology. I use technology to solve business problems and increase efficiency.”
22) Do You Have Any Questions for Me?
Your interviewer will most likely ask if you have questions for them as time winds down.
You might suddenly groan when you hear this question since it seems you’ve already answered every question.
Though it may be challenging to formulate an appropriate query, asking a follow-up question is always preferable to decline gracefully. You want to avoid giving the appearance that you aren’t interested in the job or the discussion, so you must make the most of your time with the interviewer.
The best interview questions show that you paid attention throughout the conversation and have a firm grasp of the company’s mission and objectives. You may expand on recent developments at the company or in the market or return to previous parts of the conversation. In addition, inquire about the company’s mission and the specifics of the position you’re interviewing.
However, don’t ask anything that a Google search could have already answered for you. Questions like that might make you seem like you didn’t prepare for the interview properly.
Sample answer 1:
“What performance expectations do you want to see someone accomplish during the first 12 months?”
Sample answer 2:
“What is your favorite part about working for this company?”
Final Thoughts
Compiling the most common interview questions can aid your interview preparation process. Participating in a job interview doesn’t have to be overwhelming or complicated.
Understanding the most common questions and having well-thought-out answers can significantly improve the entire experience. Entering your interview well-prepared helps leave a positive impression on the interviewer and vastly improves your chances of ultimately landing the job and having a smooth hiring process.
