As you
prepare for your interview, you may be considering which questions the employer
is going to ask you. While there’s no way to know for sure what topics will be
covered, there are several popular interview questions you can expect to be
asked.
How to
answer the 18 most common interview questions:
Best interview questions and answers
1. Tell me about yourself.
Your
interviewers will likely start out with a question about yourself and your
background to get to know you. Start out by giving them an overview of your
current position or activities, then provide the most important and relevant
highlights from your background that make you most qualified for the role.
Example: “Currently, I serve as the
assistant to three of the company’s five executive team members, including the
CEO.
From my
12 years of experience as an executive assistant, I’ve developed the ability to
anticipate roadblocks and create effective alternative plans. My greatest value
to any executive is my ability to work independently, freeing up their time to
focus on the needs of the business.
It’s
clear that you’re looking for someone who understands the nuances of managing a
CEO’s busy day and can proactively tackle issues. As someone with an eye for
detail and a drive to organize, I thrive on making sure every day has a clear
plan and every plan is clearly communicated.”
When an
interviewer asks you to talk about yourself, they’re looking for information
about how your qualities and characteristics align with the skills they believe
are required to succeed in the role. If possible, include quantifiable results
to demonstrate how you use your best attributes to drive success.
Example: “I would say that as a
security officer, I’m vigilant, proactive and committed to ensuring safe,
secure, and orderly environments. In my last incident response rating, I
received a 99% against the team average, which has been at around 97% over the
past 3 years. I like to be thorough, documenting all incidents. I’m also a
lifelong learner, always seeking out the latest security equipment and
techniques to patrol buildings. I frequently make suggestions to management
about security improvements and changes as my motivation comes from making a
meaningful contribution.”
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3. What makes you unique?
3. What makes you unique?
Employers
often ask this question to identify why you might be more qualified than other
candidates they’re interviewing. To answer, focus on why hiring you would
benefit the employer. Since you don’t know the other applicants, it can be
challenging to think about your answer in relation to them. Addressing why your
background makes you a good fit will let employers know why your traits and
qualifications make you well prepared.
Example: “What makes me unique is my
experience of having spent four years in retail. Because I’ve had first-hand
experience fielding shoppers’ questions, feedback and complaints, I know what
customers want. I know what it takes to create a positive consumer experience
because I’ve had that direct interaction, working directly with consumers in
person.”
4. Why do you want to work here?
Interviewers
often ask this question as a way to determine whether or not you took time to
research the company and to learn why you see yourself as a good fit. The best
way to prepare for this question is to do your homework and learn about the
products, services, mission, history and culture of this workplace. In your
answer, mention the aspects of the company that appeals to you and align with
your career goals. Explain why you’re looking for these things in an employer.
Example: “The company’s mission to help
college grads pay off their student loan debt speaks to me. I’ve been in that
situation, and I’d love the opportunity to work with a company that’s making a
difference. Finding a company with a positive work environment and values that
align with my own has remained a priority throughout my job search, and this
company ranks at the top of the list.”
5. What interests you about this role?
Like the
previous question, hiring managers often include this question to make sure you
understand the role and give you an opportunity to highlight your relevant
skills. In addition to thoroughly reading the job description, it can be
helpful to compare the role requirements against your skills and experience.
Choose a few things you particularly enjoy or excel at, and focus on those in
your answer.
Example: “Making a meaningful
difference in the lives of my patients and their families motivates me to
strive for excellence in everything I do. I look forward to seeing their
reaction when we get a positive outcome that will change their lives forever.
Like the family of a young boy we treated last year. At eight years old, he had
experienced rapid weight gain and signs of depression. His parents described
him as a usually joyful child, but now he seemed disengaged and uninterested in
his typical schedule. In the end, we determined that it was hypothyroidism
which is, of course, controllable with medication. The boy is adjusting well to
the treatment and has returned to his joyful self. That’s why I became a nurse
and why I’m pursuing a position in pediatrics.”
6. What motivates you?
Employers
ask this question to gauge your level of self-awareness and ensure your sources
of motivation align with the role. To answer, be as specific as possible,
provide real-life examples and tie your answer back to the job role.
Example: “Making a true a difference
in the lives of my patients and their families motivates me to strive for
excellence in everything I do. I look forward to seeing my patient’s reaction
when we get a positive outcome that will change their lives forever. That’s why
I became a nurse, and why I’m pursuing a position in pediatrics.”
7. What are you passionate about?
Much like
the previous question about motivation, employers might ask what you are
passionate about to better understand what drives you and what you care most
deeply about. This can both help them understand whether you are a good fit for
the role and if it fits into your larger goals. To answer, select something you
are genuinely passionate about, explain why you’re passionate about it, give
examples of how you’ve pursued this passion and relate it back to the job.
Example: “As an experienced,
service-oriented professional with more than a decade of experience working in
boutique salons, I thrive on creating a welcoming environment for all clients
and providing the highest quality skincare services. My specialized training
and strong interpersonal skills have helped me become adept at developing
long-term, trusted relationships that help to build a loyal client base. Some
of my clients have been with me since the beginning—more than ten years now.
These relationships are the reason I’m excited to go to work every day.”
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8. Why are you leaving your current job?
8. Why are you leaving your current job?
There are
many reasons for leaving a job.
Prepare a thoughtful answer that will give your interviewer confidence that
you’re being deliberate about this job change. Instead of focusing on the
negative aspects of your current or previous role, focus on the future and what
you hope to gain in your next position.
Example: “I’m looking for an opportunity
that gives me the ability to build closer, long-term relationships with
clients. In my current role, the sales cycle is so short that I don’t spend as
much time building a rapport with my customers as I’d like.
Relationship-building is one of the reasons I chose a career in sales, and I
look forward to working with a company where that’s a top priority.”
9. What are your greatest strengths?
This
question gives you an opportunity to talk about both your technical and soft
skills. To answer, share qualities and personal attributes and then relate them
back to the role for which you’re interviewing.
Example: “I’m a natural
problem-solver. I find it rewarding to dig deep and uncover solutions to
challenges—it’s like solving a puzzle. It’s something I’ve always excelled at,
and something I enjoy. Much of product development is about finding innovative
solutions to challenging issues, which is what drew me to this career path in
the first place.”
10. What are your greatest weaknesses?
It can
feel awkward to discuss your weaknesses in an environment where you’re expected
to focus on your accomplishments. However, when answered correctly, sharing
your weaknesses can show that you are self-aware and want to continuously get
better at your job—traits that are extremely attractive to many employers.
Remember to start with the weakness and then discuss the measures you’ve taken
to improve. This way, you’re finishing your answer on a positive note.
Example: “Earlier in my career I
noticed that because I was so enthusiastic about my work, I had a tendency to
say ‘yes’ when I should have been saying ‘no.’ At one point I ended up so
overwhelmed by my workload, taking on so many projects, that I was working evenings
and weekends. It was stressful, and that stress affected my production quality.
I realized this was counterproductive, so I started using workload management
tools to set better expectations for myself and my teammates.”
11. What are your goals for the future?
Often
hiring managers ask about your future goals to determine whether or not you’re
looking to stay with the company long-term. Additionally, this question is used
to gauge your ambition, expectations for your career and your ability to plan
ahead. The best way to handle this question is to determine your current career
trajectory and how this role plays into helping you reach your ultimate goals.
Example: “I would like to continue
developing my marketing expertise as well as my leadership skills over the
next several years. One of the reasons I’m interested in working for a
fast-growing startup company is that I’ll have the ability to wear many hats
and collaborate with many different departments. I believe this experience will
serve me well in achieving my ultimate goal of someday leading a marketing
department.”
12. Where do you see yourself in five years?
Understanding
how you imagine your life in the future can help employers understand whether
the trajectory of the role and company fits in with your personal development
goals. To answer, provide general ideas about the skills you want to develop,
the types of roles you would like to be in and things you would like to have
accomplished.
Example: “In five years, I’d like to
be an industry expert in my field, able to train and mentor students and
entry-level designers alike. I would also like to gain specialized experience
in user experience to be a well-rounded contributor working with design and
marketing teams on large-scale projects that make a difference both in the
company and the global community.”
13. Can you tell me about a difficult work situation and how you overcame it?
This question
is often used to assess how well you perform under pressure as well as your
problem-solving abilities. Keep in mind stories are more memorable than facts
and figures, so strive to “show” instead of “tell.” This is also an excellent
opportunity to show your human side and how you’re willing to go the extra mile
without being asked.
Example: “It was the first day of my
boss’s two-week vacation and our agency’s highest-paying client threatened to
leave because he didn’t feel he was getting the personalized service he was
promised. I spent my lunch hour on the phone with him, talking through his
concerns. We even brainstormed ideas for his next campaign. He was so grateful
for the personal attention that he signed another six-month contract before my
boss even returned from her trip.”
14. What is your salary range expectation?
Interviewers
ask this question to make sure your expectations are in line with the amount
they’ve budgeted for the role. If you give a salary range exceedingly lower or
higher than the market value of the position, it gives the impression that you
don’t know your worth. Research the typical compensation range for the role on Indeed
Salaries, and tend toward the higher side of your range. Be sure to
let the hiring manager know if you’re flexible with your rate.
Example: “My salary expectation is
between $XX,XXX and $XX,XXX, which is the average salary for a candidate with
my level of experience in this city. However, I am flexible.”
15. Why should we hire you?
While
this question may seem like an intimidation tactic, interviewers generally
bring this up to offer you another opportunity to explain why you’re the best
candidate. Your answer should address the skills and experience you offer and
why you’re a good culture fit.
Example: “I have a passion for
application development that’s grown stronger over the course of my career. The
company’s mission aligns with my personal values and, from my limited time in
the office, I can already tell this is the sort of positive culture in which I
would thrive. I want to work for a company that has the potential to reshape
the industry, and I believe you’re doing just that.”
16. Do you have any questions?
This
might be one of the most important questions asked during the interview process
because it allows you to explore any subject that hasn’t been addressed and
shows the interviewer you’re excited about the role. By this point, you’ll
likely have already covered most of the basics about the position and the company,
so take time to ask the interviewer questions
about their own experiences with the company and gain tips on how you can
succeed if hired.
Example: “What do you love about working
for this company?” “What would success look like in this role?” “What are some
of the challenges people typically face in this position?”
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17. What did you like most about your last position?
17. What did you like most about your last position?
Tie your
answer to this question into the company’s needs and focus on explaining your
proven performance at your last job. Be specific and provide an example.
Example: “What I liked most about my last
position the ability contribute in a collaborative way with other teams. Each
team member was encouraged to bring new ideas to the project which were
respectfully considered by all. For example, we once worked with a client who
was relying on us to solve a critical issue. Our team met to discuss the
situation. After I recommended a plan to resolve the issue, we took time
considering the pros and the cons of the solution, building on how to make the
idea better and more comprehensive. When we implemented it, it worked better
and faster than everyone expected. The client was very pleased.”
18. What did you like least about your last position?
Avoid
saying anything negative about your former employer, managers or colleagues.
Make this answer about your career growth and your enthusiasm for joining their
organization.
Example: “While I enjoyed my time
learning and growing in my last job, there was a lack of opportunity in the way
I wanted to progress in my career. I deeply enjoy being challenged and getting
better at what I do, which I understand is a top priority for managers at your
organization. That’s why I’m excited to continue having conversations about
this opportunity.”
Much like
preparing for a test in school, the best way to succeed in your interview is to
study and practice. Do research on the company and the job, and practice your
talking points until you feel confident about your answers. The more you
prepare, the more likely you are to leave a lasting impression and outperform
fellow candidates.
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Very helpful article posting here. Thank your.
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