20 Common Interview Questions and Best Answers
After a long and diligent job search process, with your impressive resume in hand, now it’s time to excel in the interview — the last step to your dream job.
Let our guide help you get prepared for an interview and prove you are a right fit for the job.
Picture this: You’re walking into your next job interview, heart pounding, palms slightly sweaty. But instead of fear, you feel confident and prepared for questions that are likely to be asked.
We invite you to read our compact guide with the 20 most frequently asked interview questions and how to answer them.
Remember, the aim isn’t to learn responses by heart—that would sound unnatural. The goal is to help you comprehend what employers are really after with each question, and give you a sample answer. With this knowledge, you’ll be able to prepare yourself, transforming your unique experiences and skills into impactful responses.
In this guide, you’ll also find a list of common interview questions for different job types.
Let’s get started!
Most Common Interview Questions and Best Answers
1. Tell me about yourself
This is one of the top interview questions. HR Managers often ask this to check your self-awareness and see how you can communicate and summarize complex information. It’s also a way for them to see if your career progression aligns with the role you’re applying for.
The best answer is a brief, compelling summary of who you are professionally. It should be closely aligned with the job ad you’re applying for.
This answer can be similar to your resume summary, but tailored to the specific job description. Keep your answer concise and avoid going too much into personal details, unless they are relevant to the role.
You can follow a simple formula:
– past (where you’ve been),
– present (where you are now), and
– future (where you want to go and why this job will help you get there).
Example way to answer this question:
I’m Alex, an SEO specialist with over 6 years of experience. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working in diverse industries including e-commerce, digital marketing agencies, content publishing, and technology, honing my skills in optimizing websites, conducting keyword research, and driving organic growth.
For the past four years, I’ve been working with XYZ Company, handling everything from content creation to SEO strategies. We’ve got a great team and recently we implemented a new strategy, that led to a 30% boost in client engagement, which was a proud moment for us all.
Now I’m on the lookout for new challenges and opportunities to further enhance my SEO skills.
2. Why do you want to work for this company?
One of the most common interview question that helps to assess your level of interest, enthusiasm, cultural fit, and alignment with the company’s values and mission. They want to ensure that you’re genuinely interested in their organization and not just seeking a temporary job before your dream opportunity.
Companies often seek to hire individuals who share a similar energy level and values, as it ensures a harmonious and productive work environment.
To answer effectively, show your enthusiasm for the company’s products or services, highlight specific aspects that resonate with you, and explain why you are a great fit for a company.
Example answer:
To be honest, this company has been on my radar for a while now, and I’m really drawn to what you’re all about. The positive interactions I’ve had with some of your team members at industry events only reinforced my belief that this is the kind of company that prioritizes a supportive and inclusive work environment.
What truly excites me is the potential for both professional and personal growth within this organization. It’s clear to me that you value employee development and provide opportunities for advancement.
What matters is your ability to identify and highlight the results you’ve achieved, no matter the size.
3. What is your greatest professional achievement?
This job interview question helps the interviewer understand how you’ve made a real impact in your previous roles. Action and specific achievements speak louder than skills and responsibilities you mentioned in your resume. They provide clear evidence of your value to the company.
Remember that achievements don’t have to be monumental feats. They can also include small victories or quick wins, especially if you were part of a team, where you weren’t solely responsible for the outcome.
The key is to highlight moments where you made a positive impact, contributed to the success of a project, or overcame a challenge. Choose achievements that relate to the job you are applying for.
Answers you could use:
In my last job, one of my greatest achievements was resolving a difficult customer issue, that had been ongoing for months. My actively listening, empathy, and a proactive approach, I identified the root cause, proposed a solution, and ensured the customer’s satisfaction. This achievement not only retained a valuable customer but also improved our team’s reputation for exceptional service
Example answer 2:
I’m proud of launching a viral social media marketing campaign. It boosted brand visibility, generated a 40% increase in lead generation, and grew our social media following by around 25%
4. What are your greatest strengths?
When answering this question, be natural to sound convincing with your response. Don’t list all your strengths. Instead focus on two or three that are most relevant to the job you’re applying for. Provide context or examples to support what you are saying.
Example way to answer this question:
One of my greatest strengths is my effective communication and problem-solving skills. In my last job as a customer service representative, I consistently received positive feedback from customers for provididing effective solutions. I was able to resolve complex issues and ensure customer satisfaction.
I’m also skilled at convincing people and motivating them. When I was a sales team leader, I guided my team to surpass their monthly goals. I used my persuasion skills to win over potential clients and close deals. I was also inspiring my team through coaching and recognition. This resulted in a big boost in sales performance and team spirit.
5. What do you consider to be your weaknesses?
This question can be challenging because you want to be honest about without giving a drawback, that would rule you out from the recruitment process. However, a great approach is to discuss a weakness and then demonstrate how you’ve taken proactive steps to overcome or mitigate it, turning it into a strength.
Remember to choose a weakness that is not critical to the role you’re applying. Such strategy helps you show your self-awareness, a willingness to learn and grow and your problem-solving skills.
Let’s have a look at real answer example:
One area where I have room for improvement is being overly focused on details. While attention to detail is important, I’ve learned that it can sometimes slow me down and make it challenging to meet tight deadlines. To overcome this, I’ve developed strategies like setting clear priorities, breaking tasks into smaller steps, and using tools to help manage my projects. These changes have helped me become more efficient while still maintaining the quality of my work. It’s taught me the importance of finding a balance between being thorough and meeting deadlines effectively.
6. Why are you leaving your current job?
The interviewer wants to understand your motivations for seeking new opportunities and gain insights into your career goals. What is more, they want to check if you think more seriously and are looking for a long-term cooperation.
When answering this question, be positive and avoid speaking negatively about your current or previous employer. Underline your willingness to grow and to find new areas where you can apply your skills and potential. You want to show your motivation for seeking new opportunities.
Look at a good answer example:
I’m leaving my current job to pursue new opportunities that align with my long-term career goals. I want to take on new challenges and explore different areas where I can use my skills and experience. While I’ve learned a lot and achieved success in my current role, I believe that moving to a new environment will allow me to make a meaningful impact and and achieve greater job satisfaction.
7. Why should we hire you?
This question is your moment to make a strong impression. Use impactful and straightforward language to highlight your specific qualifications, skills, and achievements. Avoid generic statements and instead showcase real-life examples of how you’ve excelled in previous roles and delivered measurable results.
Best answer example:
You should hire me because I’m highly skilled in web development, especially in front-end technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. I have a proven track record of improving website performance and creating smooth user experiences. I know how to make websites faster, and I’ve achieved significant speed improvements of up to 30% for multiple websites. With my expertise and accomplishments in this area, I’m confident that I can enhance the performance of your projects and deliver exceptional results.
8. When can you start?
Your answer should show that you understand their needs, while considering your own situation.
If you’re not currently working or can start right away, you can say that you’re available to begin within a week. This shows your enthusiasm and commitment. But if you have a job, say that you need to give notice to your current employer. This shows that you’re respectful.
If you have some pre-planned commitments, explain that you need a short delay in your start date. However, it’s important to be flexible, if you see the company needs someone to start sooner.
I would need to provide a two-week notice to my current employer. This will allow me to wrap up my responsibilities. Additionally, I have a few personal matters to settle during this time. However, I will quickly settle everything and I could start shortly after my notice period ends.
10. Why do you have gaps in your resume?
Whatever the reason for the gaps in your resume, think it over and approach the question honestly. Instead of revealing all the details, focus on how you can turn the gap into a strength by highlighting the valuable experiences or skills you gained during that time.
I intentionally took a gap in my resume to prioritize personal growth and explore new avenues. During that time, I engaged in various activities such as volunteering abroad. I developed strong cross-cultural communication skills and gained a global perspective on teamwork. Additionally, I dedicated time to learning new technologies and completed online courses in digital marketing. These experiences have equipped me with a broader skill set, adaptability, and a fresh perspective that I can bring to this new role.
11. Where do you see yourself in five years?
When they ask you about your future career goals, it’s a chance to share your ambitions and aspirations. Show your passion for learning and growing, while also staying grounded and considering the relevance of your goals to the position and company.
In five years, I imagine myself as a skilled sales specialist, driving impressive sales results for the company. I am determined to continuously enhance my sales abilities, stay informed about market trends, and expand my professional network to seize every sales opportunity.
12. How do you deal with pressure or stressful situations?
This question is all about how you handle tough situations at work. When answering, you want to show that you’re resilient, adaptable, and know how to cope effectively. It’s about demonstrating your ability to navigate challenges with grace and find solutions.
Example way to answer this question:
When I face pressure or stress at work, I try to stay calm. The first thing I do is assess the situation and figure out what’s causing it. For example, if there’s a tight deadline for an important project, I break down the tasks into smaller steps to stay organized and focused.
I also understand the importance of talking openly with my team and asking for help when needed. In a recent high-pressure sales campaign, we regularly discussed the challenges we were facing. This helped us meet our sales targets despite the stressful situation.
Additionally, I believe in taking care of myself to manage stress effectively. During busy periods, I make sure to take short breaks to recharge. Whether it’s doing deep breathing exercises or going for a walk, these activities help me refocus and stay positive.
13. How do you plan to achieve your career goals?
Interviewer is interested in your strategic approach and commitment to professional growth. Show that you are proactive and always strive to improve.
Here’s an example of how you can respond:
When it comes to achieving my career goals, I’ve got a solid plan in mind.
My focus is on developing both my hard and soft skill. I want to stay on top of industry trends, and push myself out of my comfort zone to keep leveling up.
Applying for this sales manager position is a key part of my plan. It’s not a random coincidence, but a strategic move. I see this role as an incredible opportunity to not only showcase my sales expertise, but also to learn and grow even further.
14. What is your dream job?
Employers want to know if the job you’re applying for matches your career goals. This question is an opportunity to show your enthusiasm and alignment with the role.
Here’s an example what you might answer:
Right now, I have a clear idea of the career path I want to pursue, and this job aligns perfectly with my goals. My dream job is one that allows me to achieve a good work-life balance. I value the opportunity to occasionally work remotely and be part of a supportive team. Additionally, I’m excited about the job’s potential for both personal and professional growth, as it will help me develop my skills and acquire new ones.
15. What should we know that’s not on your resume?
Recruiters often want to see how you handle unexpected questions and learn more about your personality. While it’s important to be authentic and genuine in your response, you can mention relevant personal interests or hobbies that showcase positive qualities or skills.
One thing that might surprise you is my passion for photography. Outside of work, I enjoy capturing moments and exploring different perspectives through my camera lens. This creative outlet has taught me to pay attention to details and think outside the box.
16. How would your boss and coworkers describe you?
With this question a HR Manager wants to gain insight into your working style, interpersonal skills, and how you are perceived by others in a professional setting. Provide a real image of yourself. Your future employer may reach out to your previous company for references. If the responses are not consistent, this is a red flag for a hiring manager. What is more, highlight qualities that you can support with real achievements or examples.
My boss and coworkers would describe me as a motivated person with a ‘sky is the limit’ attitude. I approach challenges with a positive mindset and believe that anything is achievable with determination. For example, in a recent project, our team faced tight deadlines and complex requirements. Despite the obstacles, I remained resilient and rallied the team, fostering a can-do spirit that led to successful project completion ahead of schedule. They would also describe me as someone who is always willing to learn and adapt, as I actively seek new opportunities to expand my skills and knowledge. Overall, I believe my colleagues would describe me as someone who is committed, collaborative, and focused on delivering quality results.
17. Are you willing to relocate?
When asked if you are willing to relocate, be honest and transparent. Making false promises or providing conflicting information can create issues down the line. While it’s important to express your preferences, it’s best to maintain flexibility and avoid giving definitive “yes” or “no” answers.
Advice on how to answer:
Well, I want to be honest with you. For now, I prefer to stay in this area due to my personal circumstances. However, if I see that your company provides me an opportunity to reach my career goals, I would be open to reconsidering relocation.
18. What other companies are you interviewing with?
I am currently exploring opportunities with a few different companies, but I would prefer to keep the specific company names private for now. However, I can assure you that this position and your company have captured my interest and I treat your offer seriously.
19. What are your salary expectations?
To answer this question confidently, start by researching salaries in the industry. Find out how much companies typically pay for similar roles. Based on your skills and experience, determine a salary range that aligns with these standards. This will allow you to respond showcasing your understanding of your worth in the job market.
After quick market research and based on my experience and skills, I believe that a salary between $60,000 to $65,000 per year would be reasonable.
However, I am open to discussing the overall compensation package, taking into consideration the benefits, professional development opportunities, and any other additional perks offered by the company.
20. Do you have any questions for us?
The worst answer you could give to this question is that you have no questions. That could give the impression that you have no real interest in the job.
Think of a few good questions that reflect your curiosity about the company and how you can be a valuable part of it.
It’s completely fine to bring a sheet of paper with your questions written down. It shows that you are organized and have prepared for the interview.
Yes, I have prepared a few questions.
Firstly, I would like to know more about the company’s culture and values. How would you describe the work environment here?
Secondly, I’m interested in the team dynamics. Can you tell me more about the collaborative nature of the teams and how they work together to achieve goals?
Lastly, I would like to inquire about opportunities for professional growth and development within the company. Are there any specific training programs or mentorship opportunities available to employees?
Most Common Behavioral Interview Questions and Sample Answers
Behavioral interview questions are commonly asked during job interviews to understand how candidates handle challenging situations.
Here are some examples of these questions and potential ways to respond:
- “Tell me about a situation when you faced a challenge at work and how you solved it.”
Example answer: “In my previous role, our team was given a tight deadline to deliver a project. However, we faced unexpected technical difficulties that threatened to delay the completion. To address this challenge, I collaborated closely with the team members, breaking down the problem into smaller tasks and assigning specific responsibilities. Through effective communication and problem-solving, we managed to overcome the obstacles and successfully meet the deadline.”
- “Describe a time when you disagreed with a superior or colleague and how you handled it.”
Sample answer: “In my current company, I had a different perspective on a project’s approach compared to my team lead. Instead of letting the disagreement escalate, I initiated a constructive conversation to express my concerns and alternative ideas. By actively listening to each other’s viewpoints and seeking a common ground, we were able to find a solution that combined the strengths of both approaches. This experience taught me the importance of open communication and teamwork.”
- “Tell me about a challenging situation you faced with a co-worker and how you resolved it.”
Example answer: “At my previous job, I encountered a situation where a co-worker’s lack of punctuality was affecting our team’s productivity. I approached them in a respectful and understanding manner, expressing the impact their behavior had on the team and our shared goals. We discussed potential solutions and agreed on setting clear expectations and implementing a more efficient task management system. As a result, their punctuality improved, and our collaboration became more effective.”
- “Tell me about a situation, when you failed”
Possible answer: “When I first took on a leadership role, I was eager to implement a new process to increase our team’s efficiency. However, I did not fully consider the team’s opinions and comfort levels with the change, which led to confusion and a temporary drop in productivity. This was a failure in my initial approach to leadership. From that experience, I learned the importance of communication, inclusivity, and buy-in when implementing changes. I took steps to improve the situation. First of all, I admited my mistake, asked for feedback from the team, and finally I customized the process. As a result, we were able to develop a more effective process, that everyone was comfortable with, leading to an increase in productivity in the long term.”
IMPORTANT: Show that you can learn and grow from failure. The aim is to demonstrate resilience, humility, and the ability to learn from your mistakes.
These examples demonstrate how to frame your answers to highlight your problem-solving skills, teamwork abilities, adaptability to different work environments, and effective communication. Remember to tailor your responses to reflect the specific job requirements and emphasize qualities that make you a strong fit for the position. By using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method, you can provide detailed and impactful answers that showcase your experiences and make a positive impression on the interviewer.
Common Interview Questions and Answers for Different Job Types
Each job type brings unique queries, an interviewer may ask. You’ll want to make sure your responses capture your skills and your fit for the type of position. Here you can go through the most common interview questions for different positions:
- Common Interview Questions and Answers for Freshers
- Interview Questions for Experienced
- Common Interview Questions for Teachers
- Interview Questions and Answers for Call Center
- Interview Questions and Answers for Administrative Assistants
- Common Interview Questions and Answers for Nurses
- Common Interview Questions and Answers for Accountants
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are the 5 hardest interview questions and answers?
Many candidates find the following questions to be the hardest during interviews:
– Tell me about yourself.
– What is your greatest weakness?
– Describe a difficult work situation and how you handled it.
– Why should we hire you?
– Where do you see yourself in five years?”
These questions seem tough because they need self-knowing, honesty, good speaking, clear future plans, and matching your skills to the job.
Key Takeaways
Alright, if you’ve come this far, let’s recap what is the mst important while answering the interview questions:
- There are no right or wrong answers. Interview answers vary depending on your individual situation and the expectations of the company.
- Take the time to prepare for common interview questions so that you’re not caught off guard during the actual interview. Anticipate what questions you may be asked and think about how you would answer them.
- Get familiar with the details on your resume, as your answers should align with the information presented.
- Practice your answers before the interview. However, don’t learn answer to every interview question by heart. Instead, focus on understanding the key points you want to convey and be natural.
- Remember that it’s not just about what you say, but how you say it. Maintain a calm and confident demeanor during the interview. Your non-verbal communication and overall composure can leave a lasting impression on recruiters.
Follow these key takeaways and you’ll be well-prepared and equipped to confidently tackle common job interview questions.