Job interviews are some of the most important steps a person will take in their career. Making a good impression and ensuring you align with the company while sticking out from other candidates is what can help you secure the position. A great way to prepare for an interview is by becoming familiar with how you would answer these common interview questions. There is an endless amount of questions that could potentially be asked during an interview, especially across various fields. For that reason, preparing solid answers for a handful of questions is most effective.
Here are some common interview questions as well as best approaches for answering them and example answers. Your response does not have to sound exactly like these examples given. It is actually better to memorize key points to highlight during the interview rather than memorizing your entire answer and sounding as though you are reading from a script.
18 Common Interview Questions
- Tell me about yourself.
- Why do you want to work here?
- What do you know about our company?
- Why are you leaving your current job?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- Describe a challenging situation you faced at work and how you handled it.
- Where do you see yourself in five years?
- Can you explain a time when you had to work under pressure?
- How do you handle conflict at work?
- What are your salary expectations?
- Tell me about a time you demonstrated leadership skills.
- Why should we hire you?
- Can you provide an example of a project where you worked as part of a team?
- How do you prioritize your work?
- Tell me about a time you failed and what you learned from it.
- Can you explain the gap in your employment?
- How do you handle feedback?
- Do you have any questions for us?
“Tell Me About Yourself.”
Approach:
- Start with a Brief Background: Give a concise summary of your professional history. Mention your education, relevant work experience and key skills without giving your entire employment history (unless asked to break down your resume).
- Highlight Key Achievements: Focus on accomplishments that are relevant to the job you’re applying for.
- Connect to the Role: Explain how your background and achievements make you a suitable candidate for the position.
Example Answer:
“I have a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and over five years of experience in digital marketing. In my previous role at XYZ Company, I led a team that increased online sales by 30% through targeted social media campaigns. I have a strong background in content creation, SEO and data analysis. I’m excited about this opportunity because I see it as a perfect fit for my skills and career goals, and I’m particularly drawn to your company’s innovative approach to marketing.”
“Why Do You Want To Work Here?”
Approach:
- Show Your Enthusiasm: Express genuine interest in the company and the role.
- Connect Your Goals with the Company’s Values: Align your career aspirations with the company’s mission, values and goals.
- Mention Specifics: Reference specific aspects of the company that attract you, such as its culture, products, services or recent achievements.
Example Answer:
“I’m very impressed by your company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation, which aligns with my personal values. I’ve been following your recent projects, especially the new eco-friendly product line, and I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to such meaningful work. Your collaborative and forward-thinking culture is something I’ve been looking for in my next role, and I believe my experience in project management and passion for sustainability would make me a valuable addition to your team.”
“What Do You Know About Our Company?”
Approach:
- Do Your Research: Before the interview, thoroughly research the company’s history, mission, values, products/services and recent news or achievements.
- Show Your Knowledge: Highlight specific information that shows you’ve done your homework.
- Relate to the Role: Connect what you know about the company to how you can contribute to its success.
Example Answer:
“I am fascinated that your company was founded in 2005 and has quickly grown to become a leader in the tech industry, particularly for your innovative software solutions. Your mission to enhance user experience through cutting-edge technology resonates with me. Recently, I read about your launch of the new AI-driven platform as well. I’m particularly excited about the opportunity to work for a company that values continuous improvement and innovation, and I believe my background in software development and my passion for AI could help further your mission.”
“Why Are You Leaving Your Current Job?”
Approach:
- Stay Positive: Focus on the future and what you’re looking to achieve rather than criticizing your current or previous employers.
- Align Your Answer with Your Career Goals: Explain how the new role aligns better with your professional goals.
- Be Honest but Diplomatic: If there are specific reasons for leaving, such as seeking new challenges or professional growth, state them diplomatically.
Example Answer:
“I’ve enjoyed my time at XYZ Company and have learned a lot, particularly about customer relationship management. However, I’m looking for new challenges that align more closely with my career aspirations. I’m particularly interested in this role because it could offer me greater opportunities for strategic planning and leadership, which are areas I’m eager to develop further.”
“What Are Your Strengths And Weaknesses?”
Approach:
- Identify Relevant Strengths: Choose strengths that are pertinent to the job and provide examples to illustrate them.
- Show Self-Awareness in Weaknesses: Choose a real weakness, explain how you’re addressing it and ensure it’s not a critical flaw for the role.
- Balance Honesty and Professionalism: Be honest but professional about your weaknesses.
Example Answer (Strengths):
“One of my key strengths is my ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. For instance, in my current role, I successfully coordinated three major product launches within six months. Another strength is my strong analytical skills, which have enabled me to be able to identify process inefficiencies and to implement solutions that increased our team’s productivity by 20%.”
Example Answer (Weaknesses):
“A weakness I’ve been working on is my tendency to over-commit to tasks. I sometimes take on too much because I’m eager to help my team. To address this, I’ve been prioritizing tasks more effectively and learning to delegate when appropriate. This has helped me maintain a more balanced workload and ensure I can deliver high-quality work.”
“Describe A Challenging Situation You Faced At Work And How You Handled It.”
Approach:
- Use the STAR Method: Structure your answer using Situation, Task, Action and Result. Using this method allows you to tell a complete story and helps you stay focused and provide relevant information without rambling. The star method can be applied to many other common interview questions.
- Focus on Your Actions: Highlight what you did to address the challenge.
- Emphasize the Positive Outcome: Explain the results of your actions and what you learned from the experience.
Example Answer:
Situation: “In my previous role as a project manager, we faced a significant challenge when a key supplier went out of business unexpectedly, jeopardizing a critical project deadline.”
Task: “My task was to find a new supplier quickly without compromising on quality or exceeding our budget, while also ensuring the project stayed on track.”
Action: “I immediately assembled a cross-functional team to identify potential new suppliers. We quickly vetted several options and negotiated terms with a new supplier who could meet our requirements. I also reworked the project timeline to accommodate the transition and communicated transparently with our clients about the changes and new timelines.”
Result: “As a result, we managed to secure a reliable new supplier within two weeks and adjusted the project plan to minimize delays. The project was completed on time and within budget, and our clients were very satisfied with the outcome. This experience definitely taught me the importance of swift problem-solving and effective communication in managing unexpected challenges.”
“Where Do You See Yourself In Five Years?”
Approach:
- Align with the Company’s Goals: Demonstrate how your long-term goals align with the company’s vision and opportunities.
- Show Ambition and Realism: Balance ambition with realistic expectations. Highlight a clear path of growth that is achievable.
- Express a Desire for Professional Development: Emphasize your interest in growing within the company and contributing to its success.
Example Answer:
“In five years, I see myself in a leadership role within the company, contributing to strategic decision-making and leading a team of professionals. I want to develop my skills in project management and deepen my expertise in this industry. I can picture myself growing within your company and believe that with my dedication and the mentorship available here, I can achieve these goals while helping the company reach its objectives.”
“Can You Explain A Time When You Had To Work Under Pressure?”
Approach:
- Use the STAR Method: This is another of these common interview questions where you should structure your answer using Situation, Task, Action, and Result.
- Focus on Your Actions: Describe the specific steps you took to manage the pressure.
- Highlight the Positive Outcome: Emphasize the successful outcome and what you learned from the experience.
Example Answer:
Situation: “In my previous job as an event coordinator, we had a major event scheduled, and our keynote speaker canceled at the last minute due to an emergency.”
Task: “My task was to quickly find a replacement speaker while ensuring the event proceeded smoothly.”
Action: “I immediately contacted our network of speakers and conducted several phone calls with these speakers and their respective teams that I would usually schedule over the course of a few days. After completing these calls in just a few hours, I managed to secure a highly respected industry expert to fill in. Simultaneously, I reorganized the event schedule to accommodate the changes and communicated the updates to all stakeholders involved.”
Result: “The event was a success, and the attendees were very pleased with the replacement speaker. The experience taught me the importance of remaining calm under pressure, thinking on my feet, and having a strong network to rely on in critical situations.”
“How Do You Handle Conflict At Work?”
Approach:
- Describe Your Conflict Resolution Style: Explain your general approach to handling conflicts.
- Provide a Specific Example: Use a real-life example to illustrate how you’ve successfully resolved a conflict in the past.
- Highlight the Positive Outcome: Emphasize the resolution and what you learned from the experience.
Example Answer:
General Approach: “I believe in addressing conflicts directly and constructively. My approach is to listen to all parties involved, understand their perspectives, and work collaboratively to find a solution that is beneficial for everyone.”
Specific Example: “In a previous role, two team members had a disagreement over the direction of a project, which was affecting the team’s morale and productivity.”
Action: “I organized a meeting with both individuals to discuss their concerns openly. I facilitated the conversation, ensuring each person had the opportunity to express their views without interruption. After understanding their perspectives, I helped them find common ground and agree on a compromise that satisfied both parties.”
Result: “The conflict was resolved, and we implemented a new approach that improved the project’s outcomes. The experience reinforced for me the importance of open communication and empathy in resolving workplace conflicts.”
“What Are Your Salary Expectations?”
Approach:
- Do Your Research: Before the interview, research the typical salary range for the position and industry in your geographic area.
- Provide a Range: Offer a salary range based on your research, reflecting your experience and qualifications.
- Be Flexible: Indicate that you are open to negotiation and willing to discuss the details further.
Career development expert Vicky Oliver for Harvard Business Journal’s Ascend advised, “It’s also better to err on the side of caution and quote a slightly higher number as it’s easier to negotiate downward than upward.”
Example Answer:
“Based on my research and considering my experience and skills, I believe a salary range of $70,000 to $80,000 is appropriate for this position. However, I am open to discussing the specifics further and am willing to be flexible depending on the overall compensation package and growth opportunities within the company.”
“Tell Me About A Time You Demonstrated Leadership Skills.”
Approach:
- Use the STAR Method: Structure your answer using Situation, Task, Action and Result.
- Choose a Relevant Example: Select a specific instance where your leadership made a significant impact.
- Highlight Your Actions: Focus on what you did to demonstrate leadership and the positive outcome that resulted.
Example Answer:
Situation: “In my previous role as a team lead on a software development project, we faced a critical deadline and were running behind schedule due to unforeseen technical issues.”
Task: “My task was to ensure that the project was completed on time without compromising on quality.”
Action: “I organized a series of daily stand-up meetings to track progress and identify any roadblocks quickly. I also redistributed tasks based on team members’ strengths and brought in additional resources where needed. I encouraged open communication and fostered a collaborative environment where everyone felt supported.”
Result: “As a result, we managed to meet the deadline with a high-quality product. The team felt more cohesive and motivated, and our client was very satisfied with the outcome. This experience reinforced my belief in the importance of clear communication and teamwork in effective leadership.”
Many of these common interview questions are similar to each other. For example, the example given to answer this question could also be given to answer “How do you handle conflict at work?” or “Describe a challenging situation you faced at work and how you handled it.” Keep this in mind and have several examples prepared. However, if a question you are anticipating to answer with a good example is not asked, see if you can work that example into an answer to a different question.
“Why Should We Hire You?”
Approach:
- Summarize Your Qualifications: Highlight your relevant skills, experiences and accomplishments that make you a strong fit for the role.
- Align with Company Needs: Show how your background and skills meet the specific needs of the company and the job.
- Emphasize Your Unique Value: Mention what sets you apart from other candidates, such as specific expertise, a unique perspective or a proven track record of success.
Example Answer:
“You should hire me because I bring a unique combination of technical expertise and a proven track record of successful project management. With over five years of experience in software development and a strong background in team leadership, I have consistently delivered high-quality projects on time and within budget. My ability to quickly adapt to new challenges and drive innovative solutions aligns well with your company’s focus on cutting-edge technology. I am confident that my skills and dedication will make a significant positive impact on your company.”
“Can You Provide An Example Of A Project Where You Worked As Part Of A Team?”
Approach:
- Use the STAR Method: Here is another one of these common interview questions when you should use Situation, Task, Action, and Result to structure your answer.
- Choose a Relevant Example: Select a team project that showcases your ability to collaborate and contribute effectively.
- Highlight Teamwork and Your Role: Emphasize the importance of teamwork, your specific role, and the positive outcome.
Example Answer:
Situation: “At my previous job, we were tasked with developing a new marketing campaign for a major product launch.”
Task: “As part of the marketing team, my role was to manage the social media strategy and coordinate with other team members to ensure a cohesive campaign.”
Action: “I worked closely with the content creators, graphic designers and analytics team to develop engaging social media content that aligned with our overall campaign goals. We held regular meetings to discuss progress, share feedback and adjust our strategy as needed. I also ensured clear communication between all parties to avoid misunderstandings and keep everyone on the same page.”
Result: “The campaign was a great success, resulting in a 25% increase in product sales within the first month. The collaborative effort not only strengthened our team’s dynamic but also cemented in me the importance of effective communication and teamwork.”
“How Do You Prioritize Your Work?”
Approach:
- Explain Your Method: Describe your approach to prioritizing tasks, such as using a specific method or tool.
- Give an Example: Provide a specific example that demonstrates your ability to manage and prioritize tasks effectively.
- Highlight Flexibility and Efficiency: Emphasize your ability to adapt to changing priorities and maintain efficiency.
Example Answer:
“I prioritize my work by using a combination of the Eisenhower Matrix and a digital task management tool like Trello. I categorize tasks based on their urgency and importance, focusing first on those that are both urgent and important. For example, during a major project at my previous job, I started each day by reviewing my task list and updating my priorities based on deadlines and project requirements. I allocated time blocks for high-priority tasks and set aside time for less urgent but important activities. This approach helped me stay organized and ensure that critical tasks were completed on time. Additionally, I regularly reassessed my priorities and remained flexible to accommodate any sudden changes or urgent requests.”
“Tell Me About A Time You Failed And What You Learned From It.”
Approach:
- Use the STAR Method: Structure your answer using Situation, Task, Action and Result for common interview questions like this.
- Be Honest and Reflective: Choose a genuine failure and reflect on it openly.
- Emphasize Learning and Growth: Highlight what you learned from the experience and how it has improved your approach.
Example Answer:
Situation: “Early in my career, I was assigned to lead a project to develop a new feature for our software product. I was eager to prove myself and took on more responsibilities than I could handle.”
Task: “My task was to oversee the project from start to finish, including coordinating with different teams and ensuring we met the deadlines.”
Action: “I underestimated the complexity of the project and didn’t delegate tasks effectively. As a result, we missed our initial deadline, and the quality of the work was not up to standard.”
Result: “Although we eventually completed the project, the delay and initial quality issues impacted our team’s reputation. This experience taught me the importance of effective time management and delegation. I learned to assess the scope of projects more realistically, to delegate tasks based on team members’ strengths and to communicate more effectively with my team and stakeholders. Since then, I’ve successfully managed several projects by applying these lessons.”
“Can You Explain The Gap In Your Employment?”
Approach:
- Be Honest: Provide a truthful explanation for the employment gap.
- Stay Positive: Frame the gap in a positive light, focusing on what you gained or learned during that time.
- Connect Back to Your Career: Explain how the experience or skills acquired during the gap make you a better candidate for the job.
Example Answer:
“During the two-year gap in my employment, I chose to travel internationally and volunteer with various non-profit organizations. This period allowed me to gain new perspectives, enhance my cultural awareness, and develop soft skills such as adaptability and problem-solving. Additionally, I took online courses in my field to stay updated with industry trends. This experience has made me more versatile and well-rounded, and I’m excited to bring these new skills and insights to your company.”
“How Do You Handle Feedback?”
Approach:
- Express Openness: Show that you are open to receiving feedback and see it as an opportunity for growth.
- Provide an Example: Give a specific example of a time you received feedback and how you responded constructively.
- Highlight Continuous Improvement: Emphasize your commitment to continuous improvement and professional development.
Example Answer:
“I handle feedback by viewing it as an opportunity to improve my skills and performance. For instance, in my previous role, my manager once pointed out that my presentations could be more concise. I did not take this feedback to heart and started practicing my presentations more thoroughly, focusing on delivering clear and concise messages. This helped my presentations become more effective and allowed me to really see where my manager was right. This experience reinforced my belief in the value of feedback for personal and professional growth.”
“Do You Have Any Questions For Us?”
Approach:
- Prepare Thoughtful Questions: Prepare questions that show your interest in the role, the company, and your potential team.
- Focus on Growth and Culture: Ask about opportunities for growth, company culture and team dynamics.
- Seek Clarification: Inquire about any aspects of the job or company that were not covered during the interview.
Example Questions:
Growth and Development:
- “Can you tell me more about the opportunities for career growth within the company?”
- “How does the company support employees in continuing education and skill development?”
Company Culture and Team Dynamics:
- “Can you describe the company culture and the type of work environment here?”
- “How does the team I would be working with collaborate and communicate?”
Role-Specific Inquiries:
- “What are the immediate priorities for the person in this role over the next three months?”
- “Can you provide more details about the day-to-day responsibilities of this position?”
Performance and Feedback:
- “How is performance typically measured and reviewed in this role?”
- “What are the key success factors for someone in this position?”
Company Vision and Future:
- “What are the company’s goals for the next few years, and how does this role contribute to achieving them?”
- “Can you share more about any upcoming projects or initiatives that the team will be working on?”
