Top 16 Common Interview Questions and

Answers
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 16 most common interview questions:

1. Tell me about yourself.

2. How would you describe yourself?
3. What makes you unique?
4. Why do you want to work here?
5. What interests you about this role?
6. What motivates you?
7. What are you passionate about?
8. Why are you leaving your current job?
9. What are your greatest strengths?
10. What are your greatest weaknesses?
11. What are your goals for the future?
12. Where do you see yourself in five years?
13. Can you tell me about a difficult work situation and how you
overcame it?
14. What is your salary range expectation?
15. Why should we hire you?
16. Do you have any questions?

Every interviewer is different and their questions may vary. By preparing

answers for these common interview questions, you can develop compelling
talking points to make a great impression during your next job interview.

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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 about
your current position or activities, then provide the most important and
relevant highlights from your background that make you most qualified for the
role. If you’d like, it is generally acceptable to include some light personal
details about things like your pets, hobbies or family. Doing so can help you
be more memorable and personable to the interviewer.

Example: “Currently, I serve as the assistant to three of the company’s five

executive team members, including the CEO. During my time at the
organization, I have been recognized for my time management skills, writing
abilities and commitment to excellence.

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 a sharp 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.”

For more on answering this question, visit Interview Question: “Tell Me About
Yourself.”

2. How would you describe yourself?

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 am a vigilant and proactive Security Officer working to ensure

safe, secure, and orderly environments. I’m also a lifelong learner, always
seeking out the latest security equipment and techniques to patrol buildings.
Lastly, I am thorough, documenting all incidents and actively making
suggestions to management about security improvements and changes.”

For more on answering this question, visit Interview Question: “How Would
You Describe Yourself?”

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 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 through marketing.”

For more on answering this question, visit Interview Question: “What Makes
You Unique?”

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 appeal 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.”

For more on answering this question, visit Interview Question: “Why Do You
Want to Work Here?”

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 to give you the 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: “I’ve been passionate about user experience design for most of my
professional career. I was excited to see this company uses Adobe products
because I’m well-versed in the entire suite. Also, I’m a huge advocate for
applying agile workflows to design. I think it’s the most effective way to tackle
large projects. I was able to successfully build and launch an agile process in
my previous role as UX manager, and we saw considerable improvements in
project speed.”

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.”

Fore more on answering this question, visit Interview Question: “What

Motivates You?” (With Examples).
Good answers to the question ‘what motivates you?’
A good answer to any interview question is succinct and makes use of telling detail.
Whatever you say about your motivation, you need to back it up with examples from
your studies, work experience and/or extracurricular activities, and it should relate to the
skills and aptitudes required for the job you’re going for.

You can practise answering this question by completing an interview using the
resources available from our partners Shortlist.Me.
Here's an overview of types of experience that you might find motivating (though you
should always make sure your answer is personal and relates to your own background,
and give a concrete example):

 meeting deadlines, targets or goals

 mentoring and coaching others
 learning new things
 coming up with creative ideas to improve something, or make something new
 analysing complex data in order to draw clear and simple conclusions
 working well as part of a team
 leading a team to success
 completing a difficult project, and seeing it through to the end
 spotting flaws and errors so as to make sure the end result of a project is as good as
possible
 finding a way to solve a problem, or overcome a challenge
When one of our trainee editors was asked about her motivation at interview, she
answered: ‘I am motivated by meeting set targets within deadlines, as it gives me a
sense of accomplishment and it's something that I can look back on and say "I achieved
that". I'm also motivated by visible results – for example, when I wrote an article for my
student newspaper, I got a sense of accomplishment from knowing that up to 16,000
students would read it.’

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, along with my interpersonal skills,
has helped me become adept at developing long-term, trusted relationships
that help to build a loyal client base. These relationships are the reason I’m
excited to go to work every day.”

Fore more on answering this question, visit Interview Question: “What are you
passionate about?”

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.”

For more on answering this question, visit Interview Question: “Why Are You
Looking for a Job?”

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.”

For more on answering this question, visit Interview Question: “What Are Your
Strengths and Weaknesses?”

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: “I sometimes have trouble saying ‘no’ and end up overwhelmed by

my workload. Earlier in my career, I would take on so many projects that I’d
work evenings and weekends. It was stressful. I realized this was
counterproductive, so I started using workload management tools and setting
better expectations for myself and my teammates.”

For more on answering this question, visit Interview Question: “What Are Your
Greatest Weaknesses?”

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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 skillsover 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.”

For more on answering this question, visit Interview Question: “What Are Your
Future Goals?”

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.”

For more on answering this question, visit Interview Question: “Where do you
see yourself in five years?”

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.”

For more on answering this question, visit the following resources:

 Interview Question: “How Do You Handle Stress?”

 Behavioral Interview Questions (and How to Answer Them)
 How to Use the STAR Interview Response Technique

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.”

For more on answering this question, visit the following resources:

 How to Talk About Salary in a Job Interview

 Interview Question: “What Are Your Salary Expectations?”

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 five-year 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.”

For more on answering this question, visit Interview Question: “Why Should
We Hire You?”

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?”

For more on answering this question, visit Interview Question: “Do You Have
Any Questions?”

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.

Keep learning:

 Guide: How to Succeed at a Hiring Event or Open Interview

 How to Introduce Yourself in an Interview
 Everything You Need to Know About Job Interview Etiquette