How to prepare for a job interview.

The following are the most popular job interview questions and
answers that will help you stand out.
Some thoughtful questions to ask in an interview that demonstrate
your curiosity and attentiveness.
Key takeaways to help you feel interview-ready.
When it comes to acing a job interview, preparation is key. You can’t predict every question
you’ll be asked, but one of the best things you can do to get started is rehearse some of your best
talking points. Entering the interview with a solid idea of some of the most common interview
questions and how to answer them to sound professional will help take a bit of the guesswork out
of the interview process.

We’ll go over specific questions in a moment, but first, start by reviewing your resume and cover
letter to determine:

What points from your resume do you want to highlight in the interview?
What are some of your most impressive strengths that your resume demonstrates?
What are some things that aren’t present on your resume or cover letter that you would like to
discuss?
Take notes on all of these items. Then, research the position some more. Reread the listing and
learn about the history of the company. Jot down some questions you have about the company
and be prepared to discuss them when you get to the interview.

Even if you study all of the most popular job interview questions and come prepared with the
perfect answers, there’s always a chance you’ll be thrown a curveball. Fortunately, all you need
to do to be prepared to answer an unexpected interview question is to ensure that you’ve studied
the position and are prepared to discuss your career story. Take a breath and answer honestly and
even those unexpected questions aren’t so bad!

Most common job interview questions and answers

Learning how to answer interview questions isn’t an exact science. There’s no “right answer” to
any interview, but the more thought you’ve put into the role and your career, the better equipped
you’ll be to tackle them. To help get you ready for whatever the interview throws your way, here
are some of the top interview questions and some sample answers that you can use to ace the
interview.
Tell me about yourself.
The best answer to this common open-ended interview question should touch on who you are as
a professional. Think about your career and the skills you use every day. These skills are what
the interviewer wants to learn about.

It helps if you’ve noted some of the key skills from the job listing. Those are often the skills that
you want to draw the most attention to. Avoid going into too much detail on any one point and
instead, provide a brief conversational overview of your professional journey.

Sample answer: “I’m a civil engineer with nine years of experience in commercial construction
projects. I have a strong background in architecture and my previous role at Vista Property
Development provided me with lots of opportunities to manage sites and oversee design teams.
Outside of work, I enjoy the outdoors and am an avid hiker.”

What are your strengths?

For this interview question, we once again recommend looking at the job listing. Pay extra
attention to the way the listing describes the ideal candidate. If the listing repeatedly mentions
that they’re searching for a candidate with strong organizational skills and attention to detail,
make sure you include these in your answer.

Sample answer: “As a graphic designer, I think my creativity is one of my greatest strengths. It’s
what allows me to adapt to changes on the fly and fine-tune my ideas to align with my client’s
vision.”

What are your weaknesses?

This intimidating but very popular interview question is often the most feared in the entire
interview process. Nobody wants to put themselves down in front of someone they’re trying to
impress. The key is to be honest but still try to highlight the ways that you are working to
overcome your weaknesses. Being able to recognize your weaknesses and identify ways that you
can address them is a strength in and of itself. You don’t want to panic and give a hasty answer
to this question, so we recommend coming to the interview prepared with some weaknesses to
discuss. If you do draw a blank when asked about your weaknesses, don’t rush it! Take a breath
and give the best answer you can, even if you need to think for a moment.

Sample answer: “I sometimes struggle with asking for help when I need it. I like to think of
myself as an independent worker, but moving forward without proper guidance or context
sometimes leads to mistakes. I am working on improving this by establishing open
communication about my thought process and the areas in which I feel uncertain.”

Why do you want to work for our company?

There are a lot of reasons why you might be considering this particular role. Whether or not you
have a genuine interest in the organization itself, you should come prepared to discuss it.
Research the company and the role and identify the things that excite you most about it. Even if
you are really in it for the salary or benefits, it helps to have something to say about the
organization and the role.
Often, interview questions are designed to give you space to talk about yourself. This question
allows you to provide an interview question answer that outlines all the ways that your interests
and skills match the role. It might seem like an intimidating interview question, but this one is
also a great opportunity to expound on your strengths as a candidate.

Sample answer: “I’m really passionate about personal finance and financial literacy, so when I
heard about Generation Bank’s community education programs, I was intrigued. When I looked
deeper into the role, I found that a lot of the responsibilities align with the strengths that I’ve
been recognized for in previous roles.”

Why should we hire you?

Ah, the dreaded open-ended sales pitch. When a company asks you this interview question,
they’re really giving you a chance to say anything that you think will help you land the role. It’s
intimidating, but it’s another great opportunity to discuss any accomplishments or qualifications
that haven’t come up yet. If you’re really passionate about some aspect of the company or the
role, your answer to this common interview question is a great place to describe that passion. If
you’ve been acknowledged with awards or honors in the past and haven’t found a good opening
to discuss them yet, this is your chance!

Sample answer: “You should hire me because I am a passionate and dedicated teacher with a
deep love for early childhood education. I am certain that my interest in supportive education
will contribute to a stronger community here at Kennedy Elementary School. At my current
school, I have been recognized as ‘Teacher of the Year’ on two separate occasions thanks to an
annual student body vote. I can achieve equal or better results as a teacher here.”

Can you describe a challenging situation at work and how you handled it?
This is a common behavioral interview question. Every role has hard days, so it’s no wonder that
interviewers want to hear about your strategies for handling them. Try to keep the focus of this
conversation on the solution rather than the problem. To do this well, we recommend the STAR
method; Situation, Task, Action and Result. STAR interview questions encourage you to guide
the interviewer through your thought processes and methodologies for tackling challenges. Tell
the story of your workplace challenge in your answer while emphasizing your active role in
problem-solving.

Sample answer: “At my previous organization, we faced a labor shortage that eventually led to
reduced store hours. This damaged our sales numbers, so I was tasked with organizing a
recruitment campaign. I placed ads in the local papers and set up a booth at a nearby college
employment fair. The ads got some responses, but the booth was a big success that attracted a lot
of candidates. Within three months, we had hired and trained five new associates and our store
was able to return to normal operation hours.”

Where do you see yourself in five years?

This question might feel a little philosophical for a job interview setting. Just remember to keep
the focus of your answer on your career aspirations. It’s okay to touch on your personal life, but
“rocking a really cool hairdo in a brand new Corvette” is probably not the answer the hiring
department is looking for. Try to keep the purpose of job interview questions in mind when
formulating your answers. This question is intended to help the interviewer learn about your
ambitions and career trajectory.

Sample answer: “In five years, I see myself in a more senior role. My professional growth is
really important to me, so I’d like to learn from my colleagues and hone my leadership skills so
that I may eventually enter into a management position.”

How do you handle pressure and tight deadlines?

Despite how often people say this in interviews, most people don’t “thrive under pressure.” This
interview question aims to understand how you handle demanding work assignments. Even if
you find tight deadlines upsetting, you shouldn’t answer this question by explaining all the ways
that too much pressure makes you sick. Instead, give a calm rundown of the coping methods you
use to deliver work under less-than-ideal conditions.

Sample answer: “Tight deadlines can be tough, but I find that breaking down big tasks into
smaller, more manageable chunks is a great way to get started. I like to follow a rule where any
task that can be done in less than 30 minutes comes first. This helps me stay on top of the small
things so that I can devote my energy to bigger problems when that time crunch starts to close
in.”

What’s your preferred working style?

With this question, an employer may be trying to determine whether or not you’re a good culture
fit for the role. Try to be honest with your answer, even if you aren’t certain it’s what they want
to hear. A working style mismatch can be difficult to overcome once you’ve settled into your
new job. Remember that your interview question answers should help the interviewer decide if
you’ll fit into the role well. This means that dishonest answers can make your life harder in the
long run.

Sample answer: “I would describe my working style as collaborative. I perform best when I’m
able to exchange ideas with co-workers. I truly enjoy the camaraderie of tackling complex issues
with a team.”

How do you handle constructive criticism?

Nobody loves to be criticized, but it’s an inevitable aspect of most jobs. Use this interview
question as an opportunity to explain how you listen to feedback and allow suggestions to shape
your work.

Sample answer: “I see criticism as a vital aspect of open communication. It is inevitable that
creative roles will sometimes involve misunderstandings or fine-tuning to reach the outcome that
we’re all working toward. I try not to take criticism personally, and instead see it as a step in a
creative process that allows me to produce the best work I can.”

Do you have any questions for us?

You’ve probably heard the advice before that you should always come into a job interview with
a few questions of your own. This is a good idea, not just because it makes you look prepared but
also because it will help you understand more about the role and the organization. Building a list
of interview questions to ask will give new insights to you and to the interviewer. Even though
you’re the one being interviewed, this process gives you the opportunity to “interview” the role
and decide if you’re sure it’s the right place for you.

Sample answer: “Yes, I’ve prepared a few questions regarding the organization and the
responsibilities of this role.”
If you can’t think of anything to ask, we’ll help you out in the next section with some questions
to ask the interviewer.

Questions to ask in an interview

Interviewing can feel like a total whirlwind. It’s hard to pinpoint specific questions to ask in an
interview with so many unknowns flying around. That’s why we suggest arriving at your
interview with a few thoughtful questions locked and loaded for this portion of the interview. Of
course, if you do think of additional specific questions during the interview process, you should
ask them. But with some sample interview questions ready to go, you won’t be grasping for
something to ask.

Can you describe the day-to-day responsibilities of this role?

This is one of the best questions you can ask in an interview because it gives you additional
insight into what your day-to-day experience would look like if you accepted the position. It also
opens up opportunities for you to confirm with the interviewer that your skills and experience
will come in handy for tackling the responsibilities of the job.

What does success look like in this role, and how is it measured?
This question demonstrates your ambition and eagerness to deliver. Even though you haven’t
started yet, this question tells employers that you’re already hungry to deliver exceptional results.

What opportunities for professional development and growth does the

company offer?
This question also demonstrates your commitment to success, but it is especially helpful because
it can give you insight into the career progression that you can expect at the organization. If the
interviewer doesn’t have an answer, it’s likely that the role isn’t very upwardly mobile. This is
important to know if you’re aiming to advance your career.

What are the main challenges that this organization/department/team is

currently facing?
This interview question demonstrates your interest in problem-solving while also giving you
some insights into the challenges that you will likely face if you accept the role.

What is the company culture like here?

Even if all of your skills and experience are a good fit, if the company culture doesn’t work for
you, the role may not be the right one. This is a great question to ask in an interview to try and
understand the values and priorities of the organization that you’d be joining. A dynamic and
ambitious startup environment might be perfect for a recent graduate looking for quick career
advancement, but it’s a bad choice for a candidate who is looking for a company that emphasizes
work-life balance. Discovering whether the company is a good fit for you can save everyone lots
of time and effort.

Key takeaways to prepare for your interview

Be honest:
It may be tempting to answer every interview question with what you think the interviewer wants
to hear, but don’t forget that the interview is supposed to help both you and the interviewer
determine if the role is a match. Claiming to be an expert at something you don’t know how to
do is only going to lead you to a big headache once you’ve accepted the role.

Give straightforward answers:

Everyone is familiar with that old cliche answer to the “What are your greatest weaknesses”
question where the interviewee lists things like “perfectionism” and “caring too much.” These
aren’t weaknesses and won’t earn you any points with most interviewers. Generally, hiring
departments want to know that you’re able to assess yourself honestly and provide
straightforward thoughtful answers to their questions. Your interview question answers shouldn’t
beat around the bush too much.

Do your research:
Somewhere in the course of the interview process, you will probably be asked about your
thoughts on the organization or the role. Do your homework and come prepared to answer these
questions.

Prepare some answers:

If you’re the type of person who struggles with answering on the spot, it’s a good idea to
rehearse some boilerplate answers to common questions. It’s better to be natural, and you won’t
be able to read off of a script at all unless you’re dealing with phone interview questions, but a
bit of rehearsal can still help you feel confident when answering some of the common questions
that you can predict.

Act natural:
Rehearsing a bit is a great way to come prepared to your interview, but make sure that you still
take on an appropriately conversational tone. Be prepared to improvise and try to let the
conversation flow naturally.

Ask questions of your own:

Interviewers will almost always ask you if you have any questions for them. It’s hard to think of
questions under pressure, so we recommend coming prepared with a few simple questions to ask
before the interview. Try to keep in mind that learning about the organization is just as important
— if not more so — than giving impressive answers to interview questions.

Interview questions with sample answers

To help you prepare for your next job interview, we’ve compiled a list of common questions
you’ll likely be asked. Please scroll down for sample answers and tips to help you craft your own
responses.
1. What makes you unique?
2. Tell me about yourself and your qualifications.
3. Why do you want to work at this company?
4. What interests you about this role?
5. What motivates you?
6. What are your greatest strengths?
7. What are your greatest weaknesses?
8. What are your goals for the future?
9. Where do you think you'll be in five years?
10. What did you like most about your last position?
11. What did you like least about your last position?
12. Can you tell me about a difficult work situation and how you overcame it?
13. How do you respond to stress or change?
14. How do you handle conflict at work?
15. What is your greatest accomplishment?
16. How do you define success?
17. How do your skills align with this role?
18. Why should we hire you?
19. Why are you leaving your current job?
20. What is your salary range expectation?
21. Do you have any questions?
22. What are you passionate about?
23. What is your teaching philosophy?
24. What does customer service mean to you?
25. Tell me about your work experience.
26. How do you work under pressure?
27. What is your dream job?
28. What can you bring to the company?

1. What makes you unique?

Employers often ask this question to identify why you might be more qualified than other
candidates they’re interviewing. To help you prepare an answer to this question, we asked
Indeed’s resident career coach Jennifer Herrity to offer some guidance.
“There are times when helping to prepare someone for an interview that I find they overlook
their unique skill sets," Jennifer told us. "For example, it can be easy to not recognize traits or
skills that are natural strengths like the ability to speak another language or motivate a team.”
Jennifer further advises, “Start by reflecting on what advice or support people seek you out for
— this is an indicator of what you uniquely have to offer."
You can structure your answer by following these three bullet points:
Review the job description for qualities that the employer finds valuable.
Incorporate ways you've been successful in your previous roles.
Highlight the traits or skills you've been praised for by former managers and colleagues.
Example answer: "I think what makes me unique is my ability to meet and exceed deadlines
without sacrificing accuracy in my work. In my previous role, my manager consistently praised
me for completing the quarterly status reports early and with a high level of quality. This allowed
me to take on additional responsibilities and eventually led to my promotion."

2. Tell me about yourself and your qualifications

The employer asks this question to better understand your skills and accomplishments and why
you think you'd be a good fit. Your answer should be concise and direct. Include information
about your background, your key achievements and why you think you’re suited for the open
role.
Example answer: “I’ve been a bookkeeper for the past three years where I track accounts payable
and receivable, as well as oversee payroll. I’ve been able to find and resolve discrepancies
between amounts owed and received, which has ended up saving our company thousands of
dollars in underpaid bills. I recently earned my CPA degree and think my experience with
bookkeeping and attention to detail would make me a great fit for your open public accountant
role.”

3. Why do you want to work at this company?

Interviewers ask this question to see if you took the time to research the company and consider
how you would fit within the company culture. The best way to prepare for this question is to do
your homework and learn about the products, services, values, history and culture of the
prospective employer. In your answer, mention specific aspects of the company that align with
your values and career goals.
Example answer: “This company is always ahead of tech trends and is constantly looking for
ways to improve their products, and that sort of innovative thinking really inspires me. I also
appreciate how much this company has given back to the community, especially in efforts to
produce more eco-friendly products. I’m always looking for ways to lower my own carbon
footprint.”

4. What interests you about this role?

Hiring managers often ask this question to make sure you understand the role and also to allow
you an opportunity to highlight your relevant skills. Study the job description carefully and
compare its requirements to your skills and experience. In your answer, focus on a few job
responsibilities that you would particularly enjoy and that you have experience in handling.
Example answer: “The job description mentioned that this role would be responsible for
onboarding new employees, as well as compiling and distributing an updated employee
handbook. In my current role, I enjoy working with new employees to help them feel welcome
and confident in their roles. And I’ve found that an updated employee handbook can be an
excellent resource to help them adapt to company policies, such as rules for hybrid roles, and
often helps employees adjust more quickly.”

5. What motivates you?

Employers ask this question to gauge your level of self-awareness and to ensure that your
motivations align with the role and the company overall. To answer, be as specific as possible,
provide real-life examples and tie your answer back to the job role and/or the company’s
mission.
Consider asking yourself these three questions to prepare your answer:
What did a great day at work look like in your previous role and why?
What made you choose your profession or field?
What prompted you to apply for the role when you read the job description?
Example answer: “Making a true 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
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.”

6. What are your greatest strengths?

In your answer to this question, share your most relevant technical and soft skills. While it may
feel uncomfortable to speak highly of yourself, remember that this is your opportunity to tell the
hiring manager what makes you a great candidate. To answer, follow the formula below:

 Share one or two positive qualities and personal attributes: "I’ve always been a natural
leader and worked well in a fast-paced environment...”

 Back them up with examples: "...I’ve exceeded my KPIs every quarter and have been
promoted twice in the past five years. I look back at those successes and know that I
wouldn’t have reached them if I hadn’t built and led teams composed of highly skilled
and diverse individuals. I’m proud of my ability to get cross-functional groups on the
same page...”

 Relate them back to the role for which you’re interviewing: "...I’ve also regularly honed
my management skills through 360 reviews and candid sessions with my team, and I
know continuing to build my leadership skills is something I want from my next role.”

7. 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
shows that you’re self-aware and have an interest in continued growth and learning—traits that
are attractive to many employers. Consider using this formula for your response:
  Select an actual weakness (not a strength) that's honest but professionally relevant: "I’m
naturally an introvert...”

 Add context: "...From my first job out of college, I tend to do well with little supervision
and a high degree of independence...”

 Provide a specific example:" ...After being assigned to a team that needed to give
monthly progress updates, I knew I owed it to my teammates and myself to learn how to
collaborate better with others..”

Explain how you overcame or are working to overcome it: "...I took an online course on
improving communication skills and learned how to reach out to my teammates with more
confidence, and also how to brush up on presentation skills so that I felt more relaxed when it
was my turn to deliver a monthly presentation. I’m never going to be the most vocal person in a
meeting but I can definitely contribute to any conversation and be an effective team player.”

8. What are your goals for the future?

Hiring managers often ask about your future goals to determine whether you’re likely to stay
with the company long-term. Additionally, this question is used to gauge your ambition,
expectations for your career and ability to plan ahead. The best way to handle this question is to
examine your current career trajectory and how this role could help you reach your long-term
goals.
Example answer: “I’d like to continue developing my marketing expertise 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 a variety of departments. I believe
this experience will serve me well in achieving my ultimate goal of someday leading a marketing
department.”

9. Where do you think you'll be 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
this question you can provide specific career goals including any dream roles or projects:
Example answer: "Some of my future goals for the next few years include leading a design team
in a formal capacity. I’m also excited about the prospect of working with product and event
teams on developing streamlined processes since this is a natural fit with my project management
background. I’d also like to further develop my skills in user experience to aid in creating more
user-focused designs.”

10. What did you like most about your last position?
Knowing what you enjoyed about your last position can offer employers insight into your
motivations and personality, and whether you’ll enjoy the open role.
Jennifer advises, “When answering a question about what you enjoyed most in a previous role, it
can help to mention a skill, trait or responsibility that is required of the role that you are applying
for. This can demonstrate that you understand what you are applying for and that you already
know there are aspects of the role that you would enjoy.”
Example answer: “My last position was a great entry-level role at a start-up agency. Not only
was I learning more about marketing, but management was also very transparent, teaching us a
great deal about owning a business. It was a collaborative atmosphere, and the team and I
worked together on almost every project.”

11. What did you like least about your last position?
This question can tell employers about the kind of work you enjoy, your experience level and
whether you’d be a good fit with the company culture. But avoid saying anything negative about
your former employer, managers or colleagues.
“Keeping a positive tone and outlook is key when discussing reasons for leaving a job,” Jennifer
advises. “For example, if you share that your previous role didn’t provide you with an
opportunity to grow, this can still be a positive reason for leaving because it shows that you are
interested in advancing in your career.”
Instead, make your answer more about your career growth and enthusiasm for joining the
company. Jennifer emphasizes, ”The desire to take the next step in your professional journey
should always be seen as a good thing when you express gratitude for the opportunity your
previous role offered you and excitement for how you can contribute and expand your skillset in
this new position.”
Example answer: “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.”

12. Can you tell me about a difficult work situation and how you overcame it?
This question is often used to assess your problem-solving skills and how well you perform
under pressure. Consider using the STAR method to illustrate a work challenge and how you
overcame the situation. Specifically, you would structure your answer by stating the context of
the Situation or challenge, your role or assigned Task, the Action you took to overcome the
challenge, and the Result or outcome.
Example answer: “My boss had a family emergency and needed to be out of the office for two
weeks without advance notice. Our biggest client had already made plans to visit our office
during that time to hear an ad campaign pitch and was concerned that no one else in the office
would be up to speed on the project before the deadline. I scheduled an immediate video call
with the client to assure them I could represent my boss’ pitch in the meeting. I even made a
point of mentioning the client’s specific parameters for the campaign. The pitch went ahead as
planned and we won the account.”

13. How do you respond to stress or change?

How you handle stressful situations and adapt to change is an indicator of your ability to solve
unexpected problems and learn new processes. Employers want to hire candidates who react to
stress constructively and are willing to try new solutions, so it’s important that your answer to
this question demonstrates personal growth. Provide an answer that demonstrates your ability to
stay calm under pressure and adapt to new processes.
Example answer: “I’m able to stay calm by focusing on the bigger picture first and then breaking
down my projects into smaller tasks. I always start by identifying the ultimate goal I’m trying to
achieve. From there, I make a list of short and long-term action items that will get me to my final
goal.”

14. How do you handle conflict at work?

Employers ask this question to gauge your communication skills, problem-solving skills and how
well you deal with stress. A good answer will illustrate a time when you confronted an obstacle,
remained calm and worked toward a productive solution.
Example answer: “I was working as an IT project manager and one employee was constantly late
finishing tasks. When I approached him about it, he got defensive, so I kept calm and
acknowledged that the deadlines were challenging and asked how I could help him meet
expectations. He told me that he had been pulled into another project so I met with the other
project manager and we came to a resolution that lightened the technician’s workload. For the
remainder of the project, the technician delivered great work. I learned that you don’t always
know what others are experiencing and by keeping that in mind, you can better navigate conflict
and be a more helpful and supportive colleague.”

15. What is your greatest accomplishment?

It can be overwhelming to pinpoint your single most impressive accomplishment. Instead, think
of a few achievements that showcase your work ethic and values. If you can, choose examples
that also tie back to the main responsibilities of the open role.
Example answer: “In my last role, I managed all of the company's 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 our website within a week of seeing the video.”

16. How do you define success?

Employers ask this question to see how your definition of success might influence your goals
and how you measure them. A good answer will show that you know how to define and measure
goals and you’re willing to challenge yourself and work hard to meet them.
Consider your proudest achievements, your long- and short-term successes and how the
company you’re interviewing with views success. Give specific examples of how you’ve
succeeded in the past.
Example answer: “I define success as fulfilling the goals and expectations of my role as well as
helping my colleagues achieve their own benchmarks so the company can be successful. In my
previous role, success meant exceeding weekly quotas and, implementing new processes that
increased productivity and decreased the amount of time it took us to complete our tasks.”

17. How do your skills align with this role?

While this is similar to questions like “Why should we hire you?” or “What can you bring to the
company?” it allows you to be more specific about your work ethic, style and unique abilities as
it relates to the role. An impactful answer will discuss your hard and soft skills, and how those
skills benefitted your employer.
Example answer: “I can make anyone feel comfortable in a new environment, which makes me a
good fit as a human resources representative. In my previous position, a new employee came to
me and told me that she didn’t think she was right for the company culture. I took the time to talk
with her and it turned out she had misunderstood a list of volunteer opportunities her manager
had emailed as being a very long list of mandatory work she was expected to complete during
weekends. I was able to assure her that we did not have any such demands, and she eventually
signed up for one of the volunteer positions and loved the experience.”

18. Why should we hire you?

While this question may seem intimidating interviewers are generally just giving you an
opportunity to pitch your best qualifications for the job. Use this time to reinforce your best
qualities and skills and mention anything else that didn’t come up during the interview.
Practicing your answer in advance will help you sound confident and reinforce your
communication skills.
Example answer: “I think I’m a great fit for this job because I’m highly deadline-oriented and I
thrive in a fast-paced work environment. You mentioned that you prefer weekly status updates
over monthly updates and that’s something I’m already doing in my current job. So this job feels
like a realistic workload and something that would be an exciting challenge.”

19. Why are you leaving your current job?

There are many acceptable 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 answer: “While I value the experience I’ve gained from my current role, there aren’t
any opportunities for advancement and I’d like to continue challenging myself by taking on more
responsibilities.”

20. 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. Here are three
ways to approach this response:
Provide a range
Research the typical compensation range for the role on Indeed Salaries and set your range
accordingly based on your experience and skill level. Be sure to let the hiring manager know if
you’re flexible.
“My salary expectation is between $00,000 and $00,000, which is the average salary for a
candidate with my level of experience in this city. However, I have some flexibility.”
Include negotiation options
There may be other benefits, perks or forms of compensation you find just as valuable as your
salary.
“I’m currently earning $00,000 and I’d like an increase in compensation but I’m willing to
consider other forms of compensation, including paid time off and bonuses, to increase that
number.”
Deflect the question
If you’re early in the hiring process and still learning the specifics of the job duties and
expectations, you may want to deflect the question for later in the conversation.
“Before I answer, I’d like to ask a few more questions to get a better idea of what the position
entails. That way, I can provide a more accurate expectation.”
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.

21. 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 topics that haven’t been addressed and shows the interviewer you’re
serious about the role. Remember that you’re interviewing the company too. Take time to ask the
interviewer about their own experiences with the company and address any lingering questions
you may have.

Example answers:
What do you love most 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?”
How important is it that you hire someone with XYZ qualities?
Do you have any hesitations about hiring me?

22. What are you passionate about?

Employers might ask this question to better understand what drives you and what you care most
deeply about. Your answer can help them understand whether you’re a good fit for the role and
whether the position will meet your long-term goals. To answer, consider this structure:

 Select something you are genuinely passionate about and explain why you’re passionate
about it: “As a software developer, I’m passionate about creating efficient products to
help people perform better at their jobs…”

 Provide examples of how you’ve pursued this passion: "...One of the things I loved about
my last job was being able to track the results of my team’s code update and watch as our
months of work yielded positive user feedback...”

 Relate it back to the job: "...Having the opportunity to lead projects from ideation through
launch was one of the reasons I was so excited to apply for this role.”

23. What is your teaching philosophy?

This isn’t a question solely for those applying for teaching positions. Employers may ask this of
anyone who might be leading or teaching others. Your response will allow employers to gauge
your personal skills and if you would be a good culture add. A good answer will concisely
identify what you think teaching should achieve and include concrete examples to illustrate your
ideas.
Example answer: “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 micromanaged. 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.”

24. What does customer service mean to you?

If you’re applying for a public-facing role, an employer may ask this question to determine what
aspects of customer service are most important to you. 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 answer: “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 a bonus
that made me feel valued as a customer and choose the same airline for my next flight.”

25. Tell me about your work experience

This question gives you the opportunity to elaborate on your most relevant work experiences.
Employers will want to know about the skills and accomplishments that will be most useful in
the open role.
According to Jennifer, “You want to be concise, curated and current when discussing your work
experience in an interview. To do this, keep your work summary brief and focus on recent
experience that is relevant to the role you are interviewing for. When possible, include an
accomplishment that you are proud to share.”

Example answer:
 Quantify your experience: “I have 10 years of experience in personal finance
management, and I have assisted 45 repeat clients in increasing their capital by an
average of 15% every year.”

 Illustrate connections to the role: ”As a financial analyst, I’ve used visual growth charts
to show my clients how each saving plan option can impact their goals. When I became a
senior financial analyst, I supervised other analysts and trained them in providing the
most helpful experience to our customers.”

 End with a goal statement: "As your senior financial consultant, I aim to integrate my
individualized approach to helping clients build the retirement fund they will depend on.”
26. How do you work under pressure?
Many jobs involve moments when there are unexpected situations that require swift action. The
ability to stay calm and think logically in such a scenario is a major asset. This question offers
another opportunity to use the STAR method to talk about a specific time you faced a stressful
and calmly found a solution.
Example answer: “Throughout my career, I’ve discovered how to embrace working under
pressure. I find that routine can make us complacent, so I try to look for challenges that push me
to grow. One time, I was supposed to deliver a project to a client in five days. A colleague who
was working with another client had the same deadline, but he had to take a leave of absence due
to personal reasons. I was asked to take up both projects at the same time. While I felt an initial
sense of panic, I came up with a very detailed time management plan and found new ways to
boost my efficiency that enabled me to deliver both projects on time.”

27. What is your dream job?

Employers typically ask this question because they want to ensure that your interests and goals
are compatible with the career path of the open position.
However, Jennifer cautions, “While it can be tempting to say, ‘This is my dream job!’ it isn’t
always a good answer on its own, even if it is true. Interviewers want to know that you have a
good understanding of what you’re looking for in a role and that you’re not just applying for
random positions.”
The best answer, Jennifer explains, focuses on your specific qualifications. “Describe the skills,
tasks and even work environment that you enjoy and make the connection to the role that you are
interviewing for by highlighting how this role would allow you to focus on that kind of work.”

Example answer:
 Mention the skills you want to use: “I enjoy guiding other team members on projects and
making sure everything goes smoothly..."

 Describe a job in general: "...My dream job would be a leadership position where the
other team members are active participants and communication happens daily...”

 Discuss your values: "...I love seeing a project through to the end and celebrating
everyone’s hard work...”

 Tailor to the job for which you are interviewing: "...For instance, if you’re applying for a
leadership position, you might discuss how your dream job would include supervisory
responsibilities."

28. What can you bring to the company?

This question is similar to “Why should we hire you?” A strong answer will demonstrate how
your skills and experience will make you successful in the new role.
As Jennifer explains, “Like with answers to many questions asked in an interview, this is your
opportunity to show you have done your research, you understand the role, and you are aligned
with the company’s goals and values.” She goes on to point out, “This is an opportunity for you
to share an example from your past using the STAR method that demonstrates success in an area
relevant to the role or company.
Example answer: “My problem-solving abilities allow me to work well under pressure. In a
previous position, I was responsible for organizing our company's annual conference. This
involved renting a meeting space and hiring caterers, scheduling speakers and arranging for
technical equipment, as well as coordinating travel arrangements for out-of-town attendees from
our other office branches. There were often cancellations and equipment mishaps and it was my
job to find replacements and make sure the conference ran smoothly so no one was aware of any
behind-the-scenes challenges. I will bring the same attention to detail and problem-solving skills
to the position here at ABC Company.”

Additional job interview questions

Basic Questions
 Can you explain these gaps in your resume?
 Are you willing to travel?
 Are you overqualified for this role?
 Would you be willing to work nights and weekends?
 What qualities make a good leader?
 What is the name of our CEO?
 What questions haven’t I asked you?
 What do you know about our company?
 Why are you changing careers?
 Can you walk us through your resume?
 Why is our company interesting to you?
 Who was your favorite manager and why?
 Who are our competitors?
 Why are you the right person for this job?
 What is your greatest personal achievement?
 Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
 What do you know about our industry?
 Why did you leave your last job (when you were laid off)?

Behavioral interview questions

 Describe a time when your boss was wrong. How did you handle the situation?
 How would you feel about reporting to a person younger than you?
 Describe a time you went above and beyond at work.
 Tell me about the last mistake you made.
 What do you want to accomplish in the first 30 days of this job?
 Describe a time you got angry at work.
 Describe a time when you had to give a person difficult feedback.
 Describe a time when you disagreed with your boss.
 Would you ever lie for a company?
  Tell me about how you dealt with a difficult challenge in the workplace.
 What do you really think about your previous boss?
 What has been the most rewarding experience of your career thus far?
 How would you deal with an angry or irate customer?
 Describe a time you chose to not help a teammate.
 Describe a time you went out of your way to help somebody.
 Describe a time when your work was criticized.
 What do you want to accomplish in the first 90 days of this job?
 Do you think you could have done better in your last job?
 How would you fire someone?
 How do you delegate?
 How do you interact with management?
 If you were hiring, what would you look for?
 What challenges are you looking for?

Questions about you

 What makes you uncomfortable?
 What is your ideal working environment?
 What commonly accepted view do you disagree with and why?
 What are some positive things your last boss would say about you?
 What differentiates you from our other candidates?
 Are you a morning person?
 How would a good friend describe you?
 Are you more of a leader or a follower?
 Do you have a personal mission statement?
 What do you like most about yourself?
 How long do you expect to work for this company?
 How do you keep yourself organized?
 What character traits would your friends use to describe you?
 What is your favorite movie of all time and why?
 What are three skills or traits you wish you had?
 Describe your perfect company.
 Do you prefer to work alone or on a team?
 What is your proudest achievement?
 How do you want to improve yourself in the upcoming year?
 Who are your heroes?
 What is your favorite memory from childhood?
 What is your favorite website?
 When were you most satisfied in a previous job?
 What’s the last book you read?
 What is the best job you ever had?
 What is your greatest fear?
 What was your greatest failure, and what did you learn from it?
 What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned from a mistake you’ve made?
 If you won a $10 million lottery, would you still work?
 What was the last project you led and what was the outcome?
 How many hours per week do you normally work?
 Do you ever take your work home with you?
 What three things are most important to you in your job?
 What is one negative thing your last boss might say about you?
 What will you miss about your previous job?
 Describe your work style.
 What is your management style?
 Who has impacted you most in your career?
 What is your least favorite thing about yourself?
 What is your biggest regret and why?
 What are your coworker pet peeves?
 Why did you choose your major?
 What is your ideal company size?
 What is a book that everyone needs to read and why?
 Do you prefer working alone or in a team environment?
 Do you find it difficult to adapt to new situations?
 Do you have a mentor?
 Explain why you’ve had so many jobs.
 What do you do in your spare time?
 Describe your top three technical skills.
 What causes are you passionate about?
 How ambitious are you?
 How competitive are you?
 How did you hear about the position?
 How do you drive results?
 How do you handle confidential information?
 How do you prioritize your work?
 How do you motivate others?
 How would your boss describe you?
 How would your coworkers describe you?
 How would you describe yourself?
 What's one thing you learned recently?
 What is the best job you've ever had?
 What management style do you prefer?