1. Tell me a little about yourself.

Example answer: “I am a [positive adjectives] [x]

professional with [x] years of experience. I’m
excited to find a role where I can [accomplish this
goal] and expand on my current skillset while also
learning, growing and contributing to a great
organization that aligns with my values.”

2. What are your biggest strengths?

Example answer: “I’m very proud of my strengths

in [learning new concepts and tools
quickly / communicating clearly with
others / focusing on goals and outcomes] and even
though these are strengths I’m always trying to
build on them.“

3. What are your biggest weaknesses?

Example answer: “I’m very self-aware of the things

that I can improve on, which some would call
“weaknesses” and those would be [proficiency
with X tool or program / giving feedback to
colleagues or manager(s) / multi-tasking
under pressure]. I’m actively working on this,
though, and am always getting better.”

4. Why should we hire you?

Example answer: “Because I have all of the skills

you’re looking for in this role and the enthusiasm
about the company that will help me thrive here. I
also believe I can contribute positively to the
company culture by [X]….”
*The key is to be specific to THIS role and THIS
company, and what you can offer them rather
than just what you can get out of the role.

5. Why do you want this job? (similar

question also asked: “Why are you
interested in this company?”)

Example answer: “I want this job because the role

matches what I am looking for the next step in my
career growth and also because I am very drawn
to the mission and values that this company
stands for [such as X, Y, Z]. I feel like I can provide
a lot of value to the company but also grow with
it.”

6. What motivates you?

Example answer: “What motivates me is [making

customers happy / creating campaigns from
scratch, from strategy to execution / tackling
different problems and coming up with meaningful
solutions to them]. I believe that I’d be able to do
that here.”

7. How do you think you will fit in this role?

Example answer: “I think I would fit really great

into this role. From what I’ve learned so far about
the role and the company, I think there is a natural
fit when it comes to needs on both sides and it
makes me excited to think about getting to know
the team and all the things I can learn and can
contribute.”
8. What do you know about our company?
(similar question also asked: “How did you
learn about us / the opening?”)

Example answer: “I know that this company is

known for [X] and is in the [X] industry. The
company is based in [X] and has about [X] total
employees. I also know that it’s an attractive place
to work for people like me who want [X].”
*You have to have actually done research on the
company to answer this well!

Additional questions related to the ones above:

9. Describe your ideal role.
10. What type of environment are you
looking to step into?
11. What are you looking for now?
12. What about this role / company attracts
you?

13. Why do you want to leave your current

job? (similar question also asked: “Why are
you looking?”)

Example answer: “There are a couple of main

reasons I’m looking to move on from my current
job and that includes [wanting to gain X new skill
or grow current skill in X / more career growth in
the direction I’m interested in].
*The key is to focus on positives and be future-
focused, rather than focusing on negative things
about the present or past at your current role.
14. Where do you see yourself in five years?

Example answer: “In five years I’d like to be an

established team member of a company like this
where I [will have mastered skills that I’m just
learning now / will take on new responsibilities and
learn the next level of skills I’d need to continue
my career path / will have taken on a leadership
role where I am helping manage and grow others]”

15. How do you deal with pressure or

stressful situations?

Example answer: “I deal with pressure or stressful

situations by [reminding myself that things are
temporary / making sure I stay grounded and
understand what I can and cannot
change / knowing when and how to ask for help
from my team members or manager] and taking
things one step at a time.”
*This is a chance to demonstrate your ability to
stay calm and work through any tough situation,
and also your emotional intelligence.

Additional questions related to the ones above:

16. Tell me about a challenge or conflict
you’ve faced at work and how you dealt with
it.
17. Tell me about a time you disagreed with
a decision. What did you do?
18. What would your last boss / colleagues
say about you?0
 Even more common interview questions:

19. What would your previous boss or

colleagues say you excelled most at / needed
most improvement in?
20. Describe a time you exercised
leadership?
21. Can you give an example of how you
worked on a team?
22. How familiar are you with working with X
(tool, language, etc.)?
23. What other companies are you
interviewing with?
24. What do you like to do outside of work?
25. Why was there a gap in your employment
between these dates?
26. Can you explain why you’ve bounced
around to many different types of roles (in
unrelated areas)?

1) Tell me a little about yourself.

This is a popular interview question
Following are 4 sample answers
Sample Answer #1

I am Andrew Bell, a computer graduate from MIT. I like to apply my analytical skills to
develop world-class products in the XYZ domain. When I am not working, I volunteer to
NGO’s as it allows me to serve needy people. I also travel a lot and an active member of
XXX travel group or club through which I could explore my hobby more.

Sample Answer #2

As a technical project manager, I have more than six years of experience at top Wall Street
Companies. In a recent company, I led the development of an award-winning new trading
platform. I am a person that survives in a fast-paced environment. At the moment, I am
looking for a chance to apply my technical expertise and my creative problem-solving skills
at an innovative software company like this one.

Sample Answer #3

Since the last 4-5 years, I am deeply involved with my administrative work. I have always
been interested and enjoyed working in the computer industry, but I consider myself lucky
that I got an opportunity to work at different levels like business analyst, programmer, and
assistant manager. My main strength is the ability to maintain a great rapport with the
customer and my attention to their details.

Sample Answer #4

I am one of the top graduates of my batch in College. I am known in school as an organizer,

having held several committees and organizations since my first year. I am a dedicated
person who never stops working on something until it is perfect. It would be a pleasure for
me to discuss how I can be such an asset to your company.

 Try to cover your accomplishment in your answer

 Talk about the work or project that resembles the requirement of the position
 Mention what led you to this point in your career and why the job is the perfect match
for you
 Don’t narrate anything that is personal
 End your answer by telling them you want the positionand why
 Use selective terminology in your answer like problem-solving, innovative, fast-
paced, creative and so on
What not to say
 Don’t speak the same thing that is already mentioned in your resume
 Don’t counter question your interviewer by saying – “What do you want to know?”
(Sounds Rude)
2) Why do you want to work for this company?
This is a popular interview question

Following are 4 sample answers

Sample Answer 1:
I would be proud to work for a company like yours with such a long history of leadership in
the industry. I have carried out web research and believe that the company’s XYZ products
and its future projections are very impressive and promising. The XXX team is the team I
would take pride to work with. A place where my skills or background fits perfectly and can
be utilized, respectively.

Sample Answer 2:

Your company made its fortune in making great products that help people do X. But on top
of that, it is the kind of place where I can fit in and excel, so I was thrilled to see you have
this opening. Your company believes in providing superior service, and I share the same
value. It enables me to not only fit into your organization but complement the team as well.

Sample Answer 3:

I was delighted to see on your website that your featured employees are talking about how
great it is to work for your company. These days so many people seem to despise where
they work for one reason or another. It’s wonderful to see that your employees are proud to
talk about how much they love their jobs.

Sample Answer 4:

This company is on the list of most admired companies every year. I want to play a role in
ensuring this company stays on that list. I want to be part of a company that offers no less
than quality in terms of products and after-sales services.

Tips:
 Conduct thorough research of the company and company’s top executive before
facing interview
 Learn about the company’s vision and how you can contribute to it
 As a professional, you should able to demonstrate your eagerness to work for the
company
 Demonstrate evidence that you understand the employer’s business
 Mention why you rely on XYZ company for your growth and why it is the best place
to utilize your skill and experience for the benefit of the company
 Demonstrate your belief in the company’s product or service
3) Do you consider yourself successful?
This is a popular interview question

Following are 5 sample answers

Sample answer #1

I feel successful with continuous progress. I find it exciting when I am allowed to implement
new ideas and see its fruition. I would define my success as I have learned through years
and use them when circumstances arise or demand.

Sample answer #2

I feel successful when I meet my short term as well as the long-term goals. I try to achieve
the set goals and work hard as much as I can. I try to reach those goals and achieve the
desired outcome. I want to recognize myself as someone with a progressive attitude who
does his best and gives 100% to attain goals. To me, success is not just my personal
achievements but also by the efforts of the people around me.

Sample answer #3

Success to me is knowing that I am excelling in my performance and feeling fulfilled. My

work should add value to the company and its customers. Knowing that each day, I am
making the world a better place, is a success to me. I would define success at work as what
I have learned from key job assignments experiences.

Sample answer #4

Success to me is spending the majority of the time focused on work that is fulfilling and
increasing my efficiency to become helpful for the organization growth. While I also believe
that greater success can be achieved while working as a team towards a common goal.

Sample answer #5

Yes. During my ___ year career, I have learned to set goals and to make sure I meet each
of it. I make sure obstacles do not hinder me from reaching my goals, but instead should
inspire me to exert more. I believe the new position I am applying for will enable me to
reach up higher and be more successful

Tips:
 Summarize your career goals
 Don’t say something that sounds self-centric
4) Are you willing to travel?
Yes. I love traveling. Adjusting to new places and meeting new people would be a delightful
experience for me.

5) What are your salary expectations?

As of now, I haven’t thought much about it. I’m more focused on learning the requirements
for this position that I am applying for.

6) What would you consider your greatest strengths & weakness?

This is a popular interview question

Following are 4 sample answers

Sample answer #1

My strength is my ability to convert negative work environment into positive. At the same
time, developing a supportive team. I am also capable of keeping many projects on track
and ensuring deadlines are met. As far as my weakness is concerned, I get impatient
sometimes in order to get everything done very quickly. To tackle the problem, I am trying to
re-consider the to-do list and prioritize the tasks.

Sample answer #2
I am very comfortable working with different groups of people. My strength is my analytical
and planning skills, developed over the years. It helps me to complete my work before the
deadline. I am a little bit nervous while speaking in a group, but I have given many
presentations to overcome this.

Sample answer #3

I am efficient in many programming languages, including HTML, C++, Java, and

AppleScript. I have generated over 100% excess revenue for two separate companies
through cost-cutting programming efficiency, and I have leadership experience with a team
of five IT professionals working on some of the popular iPhone apps online. As far as
weakness is concerned, I have a tendency to remain quiet in meetings, but I am working on
speaking up when I feel I have ideas to share.

Sample answer #4

I’m a highly motivated person. I don’t stop until I get things done. I value other people’s time
and the company’s resources. I work to become an asset, not a liability.

People say I sometimes act too much as a perfectionist. To counter this, I attended
seminars that teach me how to manage myself well.

Tips
 Focus mostly on strengths
 Show the interviewer how you are putting effort to overcome the weakness
 Mention about your real weakness but do mention about how you are going to fix it
 Make sure your strength and weakness don’t contradict each other
 Research well about the position you are applying for and identify the area where
you can apply your strength
 Choose a weakness that is acceptable for the job in hand
 Don’t confuse interests with strength or dislikes with weakness
7) What motivates you?
This is a popular interview question

Following are 4 sample answers

Sample Answer #1

I am a very result-oriented person. My primary motivation is to achieve the desired result.

While I enjoy working on the project on my own, I am particularly motivated by the buzz of
working in a team. It’s very exciting working closely with others, who share the same
common goal. I also like to take on the challenge and rise to that challenge as part of a
concerted team effort.

Sample Answer #2

Primarily, my ability to work hard and delivering result motivates me. But subsequent
recognition of my efforts gives me the encouragement for my next efforts.

Sample Answer #3
Responsibility towards work motivates me the most, and my aim within any company is to
move up to greater levels of responsibility to achieve each goal with better responsibilities.

Sample Answer #4

Many things motivate me. My goal is to be the best of what I can be, often motivates me to
go beyond my own expectations. When I see myself being productive every day, it
motivates me to continue.

Tips:
 Sometimes, the best solution is, to be honest- you can say money is your
motivational factor, but it should be your last option
 Mention things like Job satisfaction, working towards a goal, contributing to a team
effort, or developing your skills. Provide a specific example that supports your response
 Excitement for new challenges
 Quest for personal development
What not to say:
 Do not mention that you are motivated by bragging rights, material things or fear of
being disciplined
8) Tell me about your dream job.
The only dream job I’ve always had was a job that keeps me busy, a job wherein I get to
contribute to the company’s success.

9) Why did you leave your last job?

I left my previous job because I feel I want to do more, to get hold of a greater opportunity to
serve.
10) What experience do you have in this field?
I have created several systems that are still in use to this day. Some of the systems I’m
proud which include [mention those remarkable ones]
11) What do co-workers say about you?
My co-worker [name] at [company] never gets tired of telling other people how brilliant I am
when it comes to [specific task].
12) Why should we hire you?
Following are 5 sample answers
Sample Answer 1:

In my XXX years of experience as a manager, I have built-up solid motivational and team-
working skills. I was awarded twice as the manager-of-the-year for my excellent
methodologies for motivating employees to encounter challenges and meeting deadlines. If
hired, I will carry forward this ability of leadership and strategies to achieve profit gains for
this company.

Sample Answer 2:

The subjects I chose while working for my degree in XXX subject has prepared me for this
particular post. Also, my two-year experience working with company X has given me
the platform to master the skills that I needed to deliver for this position. It seems as if I was
prepared all my life to land this job.
Sample Answer 3:

For this particular job, I have the perfect combination of skills and experience that is
required. I also bring rich experience of strong analytical and problem-solving skills that I
have gained while working with other companies. My dedication to excellent work standards
will add value to the team and the company.

Sample Answer 4:

I am quite aware of the company’s mission of acquiring the largest consumer base in the
area to become the front-runner in the supplier’s or provider’s community. My domain
knowledge and hold over the customer base can make a big contribution towards this. I
would really enjoy this challenge of growing this business bigger.

Sample Answer 5:

As I have said earlier, my years of experience in this field is something that can truly
contribute to this company’s success. My sense of dedication in every task that I handle is
definitely a big plus. I believe my skills and work attitude measures up to your company
standards.

Tips
 Emphasize on your uniqueness but keep it concise
 Highlight your strength, skills, and accomplishments
 Give an example that describes you as a quick learner
 State or provide some evidence that shows how you contributed to the growth of the
previous company in terms of revenue, goodwill, and brand
 Include the research you made on the company. For a smaller company (2 to 50
employees), you can say- “your company is open to new innovative ideas.”
What not to say
 Try to avoid saying- I need a job, money, or this place is close to where I live
 Focus on what can you do for the company rather than what they can do for you
 NEVER DO THIS- comparing your skills to others. The natural instinct to this
question is we usually start comparing our skills to others when this question is put
through.
13) Are you a team player?
Yes, definitely. While I will deny the fact that I can work independently with minimal
supervision, I’m also one companion every leader would ever want to be in his team.
Whatever task is assigned to me, I make sure it meets and exceeds what is expected of
me. I also make it a point to reach out to teammates whenever needed.

15) What is your philosophy towards work?

I have only one philosophy when it comes to work: every piece of work, regardless of size,
has to be done on time and in the right manner.

16) What have you learned from mistakes on the job?

I learned that without proper coordination, even the simplest task could cause problems in a
project. I had this problem during my first job. From that time on, I made sure every I think
follows every detail and coordination.

17) Describe your management style.

Basically, my management style comes with promptness and flexibility. To make sure goals
are achieved, I religiously study and make plans down to the smallest detail. While I do
implement a strict sense of being time bounded, I also add reasonable allowances and
make room for contingencies.

18) How would you know you were successful on this job?
Being successful means goals that are set are being met. Being successful also means
standards are not only reached but also exceeded wherever possible.

19) Are you willing to work overtime? Prepare for night shift and work
on Weekends?
I understand that being asked to work for an extended number of hours comes with a good
reason in the first place, so I’m ok with it. It an extra effort means something for the
company. I’ll be happy to do it.

20) What will you do if you don’t get this position?

I have high hopes that I will be hired. In case it turns the other way around, I would have to
move on and search for another job.

21) What have you done to improve your knowledge in the last year?
I have attended several self-improvements, time management, and personality
development seminars. I have also participated in training workshops related to [industry].

22) How would you be an asset to this company?

My skills in [key skill for the position] are outstanding. I have earned a lot of awards and
certifications from my past employers. As an employee, I handle pressure with ease and
can work with minimal supervision.

23) How long would you expect to work for us in case you are hired?
I would like to be in this company for a long time. For as long as management sees me as
an asset, I am willing to stay.

24) Describe your ability to work under pressure.

I understand the nature of this position that I am applying for quite well, along with the
pressure that comes with it. Being under pressure doesn’t discourage me but motivates me
more.

25) Tell me about a problem you had with a supervisor.

I’m sorry, but I can’t recall any instance when I had such a problem with a supervisor.

26) Why do you think you would do well at this job?

Because I love this job, I feel very confident of myself and my ability to deliver nothing short
of quality output. My years of experience helped me develop these skills.

27) What irritates you about co-workers?

I always get along fine with my co-workers. I tend to be open-minded and very considerate.

28) Do your skills match this job or another job more closely?
I feel my skills are best fit for this job.

29) What has disappointed you about work?

I once felt that I was not being given enough challenges to work on. I was a bit disappointed
because I was so eager to go for more.

30) If you were hiring a manager for this job, what would you look for?
I would look into two essential things: the ability to do the job right and the proper attitude to
do it. Skills without the right attitude will not contribute to productive output.

31) What role do you tend to play in a team?

I tend to be versatile when it comes to being a team player. I can act as a leader, an
assistant, a communicator, a secretary, whatever role that will ensure the success of the
team. That’s because understanding the different roles will allow each player to take on the
role of others, in times of need.

32) What was the most difficult decision for you made?
It was a time when I had to choose between joining a group of employees protesting some
issues in the company and staying away from the issue. I ended up being a mediator
between the employees and our immediate supervisor, and I was glad I made that decision
because it all ended well and without further conflicts in the workplace.

33) Are you willing to make sacrifices for this company?

I would be willing to do that to the best of my ability. I can manage personal matters on my
own without causing conflicts when management needs me most. However, I will not
comprise on my values.

34) What are the qualities do you look for in a boss?

I look at my boss as a person who can easily relate with me, can make firm decisions, and
is transparent. A boss with a sense of humor would also be a delightful idea.

35) Are you applying to other companies as well?

Yes. I have submitted my applications in some of the best companies like [….]. Above all,
my priority and hope are that I will be able to land a job in your company.

36) Do you know anyone who works in our company?

No. I found your ads in a popular job posting website.

37) How do you propose to compensate for your lack of experience?

I am a quick learner. Every time there is something new thrown at me, I take time to study it
at the soonest time.

38) Have you ever worked in a job that you hated?

Not exactly hated. I once had a job that does not exactly match my qualification.
Nevertheless, I was glad I took the job because it was an opportunity to learn something
new and added to my list of experience.

39) What would your previous supervisor say your best point is?
Some of my strongest points at work are being hardworking, patient, and a quick learner.

40) What is the most challenging thing about working with you?
My co-workers often say I’m too serious about my work. However, I have attended some
personality enhancing seminars to blend better with colleagues.

41) What suggestion/s have you made in your previous employment

that was implemented?
I once suggested that management and staff should have more regular meetings instead of
quarterly meetings. I was happy that the administration took note of this and even
commended me for taking a good initiative.

42) Would you rather be liked or feared?

I would like to be liked, but more importantly, I would prefer to be respected. Being feared
does not necessarily command respect.

43) How do you cope with stress?

I pause for a few minutes, look out into the window. Brief pauses in enough to get me
charged again. I can manage stress well enough and does not decrease my productivity
level.

44) Would you rather work for money or job satisfaction?

Job satisfaction is more important to me. Working just for the money may not be fulfilling if I
don’t like the job in the first place. Job satisfaction makes me stay productive; money would
naturally come along as well.

45) Describe your work policy ethics.

Always give your best in every job, if not, don’t do it at all.

46) What was your biggest challenge with your previous boss?
My previous boss was very strict when it came to deadlines and output. It was a challenge
for me to meet every expectation he made. It was also a good learning experience for me
because it only made me better at what I do.

47) Do you enjoy working as part of a team?

Yes, I enjoy it very much. Being part of a team means you get to contribute for the good of
all, while at the same time there’s are members who can support you and share more
knowledge with you.

48) Why do you think you deserve this job?

Because I believe my talents and skills will definitely be a big contribution to your company’s
continuing pursuit of excellence. I’m a fast worker and hardworking person who can be a
very reliable asset to this company.

49) Has anything ever irritated you about people you’ve worked with?
I go along fine with co-workers. When I feel the other guy’s, attitude is a negative one; I try
my best to approach him and talk things over. I always make it a point to stay positive and
transparent with people around me.

50) Do you have any questions for me?

I would like to know what the next step for me are. I would also be interested to know more
details of this position I am applying for.