Top 10 Interview Questions and Best Answers

Review the top 10 interview questions you'll most likely be asked at a job interview, plus examples of
the best answers. Also, review the other questions you may be asked, so you're prepared to ace the
interview.

1. What is your greatest strength? - Best Answers

This is one of the questions that employers almost always ask. When you are asked about your greatest
strengths, it's important to discuss the attributes that will qualify you for the specific job and set you
apart from the other candidates. Take the time, before the job interview, to make matches between
your qualifications and the requirements as stated on the job announcement. This way, you will have
examples ready to hand that will demonstrate your suitability for the job.

2. What is your greatest weakness? - Best Answers

Another typical question interviewers will ask is about your weaknesses.

Do your best to frame your answers around positive aspects of your skills and abilities as an employee,
turning seeming “weaknesses” into strengths. For example, you might say something like, “I’ve always
struggled with perfectionism – I truly want to do the job correctly the first time, but this sometimes
mean that I devote more time to a project than is necessary.

I’ve learned, though, to balance this drive with the equally important responsibility of meeting
deadlines.”

You can also share examples of skills you have improved, providing specific instances of how you have
recognized and worked to strengthen a weakness.

3. Tell me about yourself. - Best Answers

Here’s how to answer questions about yourself without giving out too much – or too little – personal
information. Start by sharing some of your personal interests and experiences which don't relate directly
to work, such as a favorite hobby or a brief account of where you grew up, your education, and what
motivates you. Remember to be politic, however – avoid potentially contentious subjects such as
political or religious leanings, unless you are absolutely positive that your opinions would be well-
received by your interviewer. You should also avoid talking too much about family responsibilities or
hobbies that might make your interviewer wonder whether you could commit yourself 100% to the job.
4. Why should we hire you? - Best Answers

Are you the best candidate for the job? Be prepared to say why you're the applicant who should be
hired. This is not the time to be modest (although neither should you be conceited).

Make your response a confident, concise, focused sales pitch that explains what you have to offer the
employer, and why you should get the job.

5. What are your salary expectations? - Best Answers

What are you looking for in terms of salary? It seems like a simple question, but your answer can knock
you out of the contest for the job if you overprice yourself. Here's the best way to answer questions
about salary.

6. Why are you leaving or have left your job? - Best Answers

When asked about why you are moving on from your current position, stick with the facts, be direct, and
focus your interview answer on the future, especially if your leaving wasn't under the best of
circumstances. Always try to put a positive slant on your response; it’s better to give the impression that
you’re more motivated by the possibility of new opportunities than by trying to escape a bad situation.

7. Why do you want this job? - Best Answers

This question gives you an opportunity to show the interviewer what you know about the job and the
company, so take the time before the interview to thoroughly research the company, its products or
services, its climate, and its mission. Be specific about what makes you a good fit for this role, and
mention aspects of the company and position that appeal to you.

8. How do you handle stress and pressure? - Best Answers

What do you do when things don’t go smoothly at work? The best way to respond to this question is to
give an example of how you have successfully handled stress in a previous job.

9. Describe a difficult work situation / project and how you overcame it. - Best Answers

The interviewer wants to know what you do when you face a difficult decision. As with the question
about stress, be prepared to share an example of what you did in a tough situation.
10. What are your goals for the future? - Best Answers

This question is designed to find out if you’re going to stick around or move on as soon as you find a
better opportunity. Keep your answer focused on the job and the company you’re interviewing with.

Tell me about yourself.

What is your greatest strength?

What is your greatest weakness?

Tell me about something that's not on your resume.

How will your greatest strength help you perform?

How do you handle failure?

How do you handle success?

Do you consider yourself successful? Why?

How do you handle stress and pressure?

How would you describe yourself?

Describe a typical work week.

Are you lucky?

Are you nice?

Are you willing to fail?

Describe your work style.

Do you work well with other people?

Do you take work home with you?

How are you different from the competition?

How do you view yourself? Whom do you compare yourself to?

How does this job fit in with your career plan?

How many hours a week do you normally work?

How would you adjust to working for a new company?

How would you describe the pace at which you work?

Is there anything else we should know about you?

What motivates you?

Are you a self motivator?

What do you find are the most difficult decisions to make?

What has been the greatest disappointment in your life?

What are you passionate about?

What are your hobbies?

What are your pet peeves?

What is your dream job?

What will you miss most about your last job?

What won’t you miss about your last job?

Would you rather be liked or respected?

Why should I take a risk on you?

If you could relive the last 10 years of your life, what would you do differently?

Tips for Answering Interview Questions

Research the Job and the Company. Take the time to research the company and the position you are
interviewing for in advance. The more you know, the better equipped you'll be to respond to interview
questions.

Practice Makes Perfect. The more practice you have at interviewing, the more comfortable you'll be
during a job interview. Practice (ask a friend of family member to help) answering common interview
questions to get an idea of how to respond.

Know the Facts. It sounds like a no-brainer, but I've interviewed candidates who couldn't remember
when they worked where. Be sure you know your work history, and bring an extra copy of your resume
to refer to if you're nervous and need a reminder.

Try to Stay Calm. Interviewing can be nerve-wracking whether it's your first interview or you have
interviewed many times in the past. Give yourself plenty of time to get to the interview, take a deep
breath before you go into the interview, and do your best to stay calm.
Take Your Time. Don't rush to get out a response to an interview question. Briefly, think about your
response before you answer. Taking the time to compose your thoughts so you can respond effectively
is better than jumping the gun and saying something you wish you hadn't after the fact.

Use the Right Words. The words you use during job interviews will convey an impression of you to the
hiring manager. Using power words in your responses will help make that impression a good one.

Give Examples. When you respond to interview questions give examples of how you handled related
situations. The more specific you are, the more the hiring manager will see that you have the skills to do
the job. Here's more on behavioral interviews and how to respond to behavioral interview questions.

Share Your Accomplishments. Don't be shy about what you have accomplished in your career. Share
examples of your accomplishments that are related to the job you are interviewing for to reinforce the
fact that you're capable and qualified.

Make a Match. As you answer interview questions, try to stay focused on the job and how you are a fit
for it. Do your best to match your abilities to the job description when responding.

Don't Ramble. Your response to interview questions should be direct and to the point. Don't ramble and
get off topic.

Ask for Clarification. Not sure what the interviewer is asking? It's fine to ask for clarification if you're not
sure what is being asked.

Be Direct. When you're asked about why you left (or are leaving your job) try to keep it positive. Be
direct and focus your interview answer focused on the future, especially if your leaving wasn't under the
best of circumstances.

Keep it Professional. Your responses should be focused on your professional skills and abilities. There is
no need to tell the interviewer all about your personal life, your interests, your family, or your hobbies.
Most importantly, don't bring up any work-related issues you might have like having to arrange child
care or transportation if you get the job.

Have Questions Ready to Ask. The last question you'll probably be is asked during a job interview is
whether you have questions. Be prepared and have a list of questions ready to ask the interviewer.

Take Advantage of One More Chance to Answer. Don't forget to thank the interviewer and to take the
time to follow up with a personal thank you note. If there are any questions you wish you had answered
differently or more thoroughly, use your thank you letter to explain.