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.
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.

List of common interview questions

Here is a list of the 125 most common job interview questions with example answers below:

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?
17.What did you like most about your last position?
18.What did you like least about your last position?
19.How do you handle stress?
20.What is your greatest accomplishment?
21.What is your teaching philosophy?
22.What does customer service mean to you?
23.What skills would you bring to the job?
24.Tell me about your work experience.
25.How do you define success?
26.How do you work under pressure?
27.What is your dream job?
28.What can you bring to the company?
29.How do you handle conflict at work?
30.Why are you interested in this position?
31.Describe a time when your boss was wrong. How did you handle the situation?
32.What makes you uncomfortable?
33.How would you feel about reporting to a person younger than you?
34.What is your ideal working environment?
35.What commonly accepted view do you disagree with and why?
36.What are some positive things your last boss would say about you?
37.What differentiates you from our other candidates?
38.Are you a morning person?
39.Describe a time you went above and beyond at work.
40.How would a good friend describe you?
41.Are you more of a leader or a follower?
42.Do you have a personal mission statement?
43.Tell me about the last mistake you made.
44.What do you like most about yourself?
45.Can you explain these gaps in your resume?
46.Are you willing to travel?
47.How long do you expect to work for this company?
48.How do you keep yourself organized?
49.What character traits would your friends use to describe you?
50.What is your favorite movie of all time and why?
51.What are three skills or traits you wish you had?
52.Are you overqualified for this role?
53.Would you be willing to work nights and weekends?
54.What qualities make a good leader?
55.Describe your perfect company.
56.What do you want to accomplish in the first thirty days of this job?
57.Describe a time you got angry at work.
58.Describe a time when you had to give a person difficult feedback.
59.Do you prefer to work alone or on a team?
60.What is your proudest achievement?
61.Describe a time when you disagreed with your boss.
62.How do you want to improve yourself in the upcoming year?
63.What is the name of our CEO?
64.Can you discuss your salary history?
65.Who are your heroes?
66.Would you ever lie for a company?
67.Tell me about how you dealt with a difficult challenge in the workplace.
68.What do you really think about your previous boss?
69.What is your favorite memory from childhood?
70.What is your favorite website?
71.If you suddenly gained the ability to time travel, what’s the first thing you’d do?
72.When were you most satisfied in a previous job?
73.What questions haven’t I asked you?
74.What’s the last book you read?
75.What is the best job you ever had?
76.What is your greatest fear?
77.What has been the most rewarding experience of your career thus far?
78.What do you know about our company?
79.What was your greatest failure, and what did you learn from it?
80.Why are you changing careers?
81.What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned from a mistake you’ve made?
82.Can you walk us through your resume?
83.If you could get rid of any one US state, which would you choose and why?
84.Why is our company interesting to you?
85.How much do you expect to be earning in five years?
86.What was the last project you led and what was the outcome?
87.How would you deal with an angry or irate customer?
88.If you won a $10 million lottery, would you still work?
89.How many hours per week do you normally work?
90.Which is more important, creativity or efficiency?
91.Do you ever take your work home with you?
92.Describe a time you chose to not help a teammate.
93.What three things are most important to you in your job?
94.What is one negative thing your last boss say about you?
95.What will you miss about your previous job?
96.Describe your work style.
97.Who was your favorite manager and why?
98.What is your management style?
99.Who has impacted you most in your career?
100.What is your least favorite thing about yourself?
101.Who are our competitors?
102.What is your biggest regret and why?
103.What are your co-worker pet peeves?
104.Describe a time you went out of your way to help somebody.
105.Why did you choose your major?
106.Why are you the right person for this job?
107.What is your greatest personal achievement?
108.What is your ideal company size?
109.What is a book that everyone needs to read and why?
110.Is it better to be good and on time or perfect and late with your work?
111.How many times per day do a clock’s hands overlap?
112.Describe a time when your work was criticized?
113.Do you prefer working alone or in a team environment?
114.Where do you see yourself in ten years?
115.Do you find it difficult to adapt to new situations?
116.Do you have a mentor?
117.What do you know about our industry?
118.Explain why you’ve had so many jobs?
119.What do you do in your spare time?
120.What do you want to accomplish in the first ninety days of this job?
121.Do you think you could have done better in your last job?
122.Describe your top three technical skills?
123.How would you fire someone?
124.What causes are you passionate about?
125.How many stacked pennies would equal the height of the Empire State
Building?

Example answers and tips for common job interview questions

1. Tell me about yourself.

Tip: 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.”

2. How would you describe yourself?

Tip: 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.”

3. What makes you unique?

Tip: 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?

Tip: 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?

Tip: 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
motivate 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?

Tip: 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

motivate me to strive for excellence in everything I do. I look forward to seeing my
patient’s reactions 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?

Tip: 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.”

8. Why are you leaving your current job?

Tip: 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?

Tip: 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?

Tip: 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?

Tip: 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 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?

Tip: 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?

Tip: 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?

Tip: 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.”
If you’re unsure about what salary is appropriate to ask for the position you’re applying
to, visit Indeed's Salary Calculator to get a free, personalized pay range based on your
location, industry and experience.

15. Why should we hire you?

Tip: 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?

Tip: 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?”

17. What did you like most about your last position?

Tip: 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 to 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?
Tip: 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.

19. How do you handle stress?

Tip: This isn’t a trick question to see if you get stressed at work or not. Rather, how you
handle a stressful moment is an indicator of your ability to solve problems. Employers
want to hire candidates who react to stress in a constructive manner, so it’s important
that your answer to this question demonstrates personal growth.

Example: “I’m able to stay calm when I focus on the bigger picture and break down my
projects into smaller tasks. What is the ultimate goal I’m trying to achieve? From there, I
make a list of action items with reasonable deadlines. Even if the big project is due
tomorrow, I ask myself, ‘What’s something I can tackle in the next 30 minutes?’
Before I know it, I’ve made significant progress and that impossible project doesn’t
seem so impossible.”

20. What is your greatest accomplishment?

Tip: It’s easy to get hung up on figuring out your single most impressive
accomplishment. Instead, think of a few achievements that showcase your work ethic and
values. If you can, pick examples that also tie back to the job you’re applying for. The
STAR method is a great tool to ensure you highlight not only your role but how you drove
business results.

Example: “In my last role, I managed all social media content. I noticed other brands
were experimenting with videos and seeing great engagement from their customers, so I
asked my boss if we could do a low-budget test. She agreed, so I produced a video
cheaply in-house that drove double the engagement we normally saw on our social
channels. It also drove conversions, with 30% of viewers visiting to our website within a
week of seeing the video.”

21. What is your teaching philosophy?

Tip: This isn’t a question solely for those applying to teaching positions. Employers may
ask this of anyone who might be leading or teaching others. A good answer will concisely
identify what you think teaching should achieve and include concrete examples to
illustrate your ideas.

Example:“When it comes to managing people, my teaching philosophy is to start by

asking questions that hopefully get the person to come to a new conclusion on their own.
This way, they feel ownership over the learning rather than feeling micro-managed. For
example, in my last role, I was editing an article written by a copywriter I managed. The
story didn’t have a clear focus or hook. In a one-on-one meeting, I asked her what she
thought was the main point of the article if she had to sum it up in a sentence. From there,
I asked if she thought the focus was clear in the article. She didn’t think it was clear and
instead thought she should rework her introduction and conclusion. As a result, the article
improved and my direct report learned a valuable writing lesson that she carried into her
future work.”

22. What does customer service mean to you?

Tip: If you’re applying for a public-facing role, an employer may ask this question to see
how you think customers should be treated. A good answer will align with the company’s
values, which you can glean through researching their customer service policy,
understanding their products and clientele, and reflecting on your own experiences as a
customer. Your answer can either come from the perspective of a customer or a customer
service provider.

Example: “In my experience, good customer service involves taking responsibility when
something goes wrong and doing what you can to make it right. For example, on a recent
flight, I had pre-ordered my meal only to discover they didn’t stock enough of my dish.
Instead of simply stating the facts, the flight attendant apologized sincerely and offered me
a free drink or premium snack. To me, this apology went a long way in smoothing things
over. The freebie was an added bonus that made me feel valued as a customer and
choose the same airline for my next flight.”