:

The 10 most
common
interview
questions and how
to answer them
Presented by:
Maryam Benaida & Nada Mourhrib
Tell me
Or
about What is your story ?

yourself . Who are you ?

Present yourself .
Use the P.E.S Tailor to the role
framework Research the company and the job
description to align your response with
➔ Professional — This should comprise
around 80% of your total response. Here, the skills and qualities they seek.
you can highlight your past experiences,

➔
projects, metrics & accomplishments.
Educational — 10–15% of your response Keep it Concise and
should be about your academic
background (university, academic Relevant
achievements, certifications).
➔ Self — Remaining 5–10% should be any
Stick to 1–2 minutes. Avoid personal
pointers about you as an individual (why details unrelated to your career
you made the decision you did, what did unless they enhance your story.
you learn from each
achievement/project).
Sample answer :
“"During my time at ENSAM, I specialized in industrial engineering, with a focus on
optimization and automation. I’ve had the opportunity to work on several impactful projects,
including a capstone project where I designed a supply chain model that reduced delivery time
by 15%. My internship at [Company Name] allowed me to apply these concepts practically by
automating quality control processes using Python, resulting in a 20% efficiency boost.
Aside from my technical skills, I’m highly motivated to tackle challenges and work
collaboratively, as demonstrated in my leadership role during our robotics competition team,
where we secured second place nationally. I’m eager to bring my analytical mindset and
technical expertise to contribute meaningfully to your team."

”
What
Or
makes you What is your USP

unique ?
(unique selling point ) ?
Why you ?
 This happens to be one of the most common interview
questions asked. Employers ask you this job interview question
for two reasons: to find out how you are different from the
crowd & to assess the level of self-reflection you might have
engaged in that has helped you know yourself better.
Sample answer :
“What makes me unique is my ability to quickly adapt to new challenges while
maintaining a focus on collaboration and problem-solving. During my
previous experience, I was tasked with [specific challenge]. By combining my
skills in [specific skill] and working closely with my team, we were able to
[specific outcome]. This ability to adapt and deliver results is something I take
pride in and would bring to your organization”
Why did you
specifically Or
choose our Why do you want to
organization work here ?
Why do you want this
? job ?
This question assesses your knowledge of the company and how well your career goals
align with its mission. To answer effectively:

● Research the Company: Highlight its projects, values, or achievements that

resonate with you.
● Align with Your Goals: Explain how the role or company fits into your
professional growth.
● Focus on Contribution: Mention how your skills and experiences can help the
organization succeed.
● Be Specific: Avoid generic answers—show that you’ve done your homework.
Sample answer :
"One of the main reasons I’m excited about joining your organization is its focus on sustainable
energy solutions. I’ve closely followed your recent projects in renewable technologies, such as
[specific project or initiative], which aligns with my passion for creating efficient and
environmentally friendly systems.

As an engineering student specializing in energy optimization, I’m eager to apply my skills in

modeling and simulation to contribute to these cutting-edge projects. I also admire your
commitment to fostering innovation through collaborative teams, which matches my values and
work style."
Describe a
challenging
situation you faced How do you
at work and how handle
you handled it pressure or
stressful
situations?
1. Focus on One Example
2. Follow the STAR Framework Briefly:
○ Situation
○ Task
○ Action
○ Result
3. Align with the Job:
4. Be Positive:
5. Practice Brevity:
Sample answer :
"In a challenging project with tight deadlines, I stayed calm, broke tasks into
manageable steps, and prioritized effectively. By focusing on solutions and
collaborating with my team, I successfully delivered results, strengthening my
ability to handle pressure and solve problems efficiently."
What is your
greatest weakness
?
This question allows the interviewer to assess your self-awareness, honesty, and
commitment to personal growth. A strong answer demonstrates that you can identify
areas for improvement and have a plan to address them.

How to Answer:

1. Be Honest: Choose a real weakness, but avoid mentioning anything critical to the
role.
2. Turn It into a Strength: Highlight how you are addressing or have overcome this
weakness.
3. Show Growth: Focus on your willingness to learn and improve.
4. Be Specific: Provide an example or action plan to show your progress.
Sample answer :
"One area I’ve been working on is my tendency to dive deeply into the
technical details of a project. While this ensures high accuracy, it sometimes
slows me down when managing multiple deadlines. I’ve started using project
management tools and time-blocking techniques to stay on track while
maintaining quality. This approach has significantly improved my efficiency,
and I’m continually refining my ability to balance detail-oriented work with
timely delivery."
What are
your
strengths ?
When answering "What are your strengths?", focus on strengths that
align with the job requirements and demonstrate your ability to excel in
the role.

1. Choose Relevant Strengths

2. Provide Evidence

3. Be Honest and Confident

Sample answer :
"My key strengths include problem-solving, adaptability, and strong technical
expertise. I have a proven ability to analyze complex issues, as demonstrated in
my projects involving [specific topic]. I'm also highly adaptable, able to learn
and apply new technologies quickly, which has been essential in staying ahead
in the fast-evolving [specific field]. Lastly, my collaborative nature allows me to
work effectively with teams to achieve project goals."
Where do you see
yourself heading in
the next five to ten
years?
This question allows interviewers to evaluate your long-term vision and how well your
goals align with the company’s objectives. A thoughtful answer demonstrates ambition, a
commitment to growth, and an understanding of how the role fits into your career
trajectory.

How to Answer:

1. Show Alignment: Explain how your goals align with the company’s mission and
values.
2. Demonstrate Ambition: Highlight your plans for professional development and
progression.
3. Include a Timeline: Discuss where you see yourself in five years and in ten years.
4. Focus on Contribution: Emphasize how you aim to add value to the company while
growing personally.
Sample answer :
"In the next five to ten years, I see myself advancing into a leadership role within the
field of [specific field, e.g., energy systems or data analytics]. My immediate focus is to
build a strong foundation by contributing to innovative projects at your organization.

Over time, I aim to deepen my expertise in [specific skill/technology] through

hands-on experience and continuous learning. My ultimate goal is to lead
multidisciplinary teams, driving impactful projects that align with the company’s
strategic goals while making a meaningful contribution to the industry."
How do you
prioritize tasks and
manage your time
effectively?
When answering this question, focus on your organizational skills and your ability to
handle multiple tasks efficiently.
Focus on a Structured Approach :
● Mention how you organize and assess tasks

Use Tools :

● Highlight any tools or methods you use

Show Flexibility :

● Demonstrate that you can adjust when priorities shift or new tasks arise.

Emphasize Efficiency and Quality :

● Make sure to show that you balance meeting deadlines with maintaining high-quality work.
Sample answer :
"I prioritize tasks by first assessing their urgency and impact. I break down
larger projects into smaller, manageable tasks, and set clear deadlines for each. I
use tools like task lists and project management software to keep track of
progress and ensure I stay on schedule. Additionally, I regularly review my
priorities to adjust for any changes or unexpected challenges. This approach
helps me stay focused and ensures that I meet deadlines without compromising
quality."
Describe your
dream job .
Description
This question helps the interviewer gauge your career aspirations, values, and how well
your goals align with the company’s mission. It’s an opportunity to demonstrate enthusiasm
for the role and show your understanding of the field.

How to Answer

● Focus on elements of the job that are realistic and align with your career path.
● Relate your answer to the skills and experiences relevant to the position.
● Avoid overly specific answers that might limit your options or seem unrelated to the
role.
● Highlight aspects like innovation, teamwork, learning opportunities, or industry
impact.
Sample answer :
"My dream job is one where I can apply my engineering skills to develop
innovative solutions that have a real-world impact. Ideally, it involves working
on cutting-edge projects in [specific field, e.g., automation, renewable energy,
AI]. I enjoy collaborating with teams to solve complex problems and value
opportunities for continuous learning and professional growth. This role aligns
with my aspirations as it offers the chance to contribute to exciting projects
while advancing my expertise."
What do you feel we
need to know that we
haven’t discussed ?
 Use this opportunity to emphasize a key strength, unique quality, or relevant
experience that hasn’t yet come up in the conversation.
Add Value :
● Think about a strength or skill that hasn't been addressed yet, and show how it relates to the role.

Stay Positive :

● Avoid mentioning anything negative or unrelated to the role.

Tie It to the Role :

● Ensure that whatever you mention adds value to the company or team you're applying to.
Sample answer :
"One thing I’d like to add is my strong ability to adapt to new environments and
challenges quickly. I thrive in dynamic settings and enjoy learning new skills to
tackle evolving problems. This flexibility has helped me succeed in fast-paced
projects, and I’m confident it will allow me to contribute effectively to your team
from day one."
 TIPS TO END YOUR INTERVIEW
Express Gratitude : Thank the interviewer for their time Inquire About Next Steps : Ask about the next
and the opportunity to discuss the role. stages of the hiring process to show your
● Example: "Thank you for your time today; I interest in moving forward.
appreciate the opportunity to learn more about the
● Example: "Can you share what the next
role."
steps in the process are?"
Reiterate Your Interest : Emphasize your enthusiasm
Offer to Provide Additional Information :
for the position and how your skills align with the
company's needs.
Let them know you’re available for any further
questions or details.
● Example: "I’m really excited about this
opportunity and how my skills in [specific area] ● Example: "If you need any additional
can contribute to your team." information, feel free to reach out."
 Don’t waste this opportunity. Ask smart
What questions, not just as a way to show you’re a great
candidate but also to see if the company is a good

questions fit for you -- after all, you’re being interviewed,

but you’re also interviewing the company.
For example:
do you have ● What do you expect me to accomplish in the
first 90 days?
for us ? ● What are the three traits your top
performers have in common?
● What really drives results in this job?
 OFF-the wall or extreme questions
While these types of questions may seem odd or even
humorous, they are actually a clever way for interviewers to
assess your cognitive abilities and personality. They’re less
about finding the “right” answer and more about how you
respond under pressure, think creatively, and stay calm when
faced with the unexpected. In this slide, we’ll explore why
these questions are asked, how to approach them, and how
you can turn them into an opportunity to showcase your skills
and mindset.
Why Are These Questions How to Approach These
Asked ? Questions
Strange or tough questions are designed to: 1. Stay Calm – Avoid showing frustration or
confusion.
● Assess your problem-solving and 2. Think Aloud – Explain your reasoning
critical-thinking skills. process clearly.
● Observe how you handle unexpected 3. Be Creative – There's often no "right" answer,
challenges. so focus on showcasing your approach.
● Gauge your creativity, adaptability, and 4. Be Positive – Stay upbeat, even if the question
ability to think on your feet. feels absurd.
● Understand your personality and fit for the 5. Relate to the Job – If possible, connect your
team. answer to skills or traits relevant to the role.
Sample Question and Answer

Q: If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be and why?
A: "I’d be a resilient oak tree—strong, adaptable, and dependable. Oaks symbolize growth and stability, qualities I strive
to embody in my professional life."

Q: What Question Are You Glad I Didn’t Ask?

A: "I’m glad you didn’t ask me about my experience with public speaking. Though it’s not my strongest skill, I’ve been
actively working on it by taking on more presentations and leadership roles in group projects. I’m committed to
improving my communication skills, and I see public speaking as an area for continuous growth."

Q: If You Had Six Months with No Obligations or Financial Constraints, What Would You Do with the Time?
A: "If I had six months with no obligations, I would focus on further developing my skills and knowledge in areas that
align with my career goals. I’d likely take advanced courses in artificial intelligence or data science, and dedicate time to
working on personal projects that could make a positive impact, like building solutions for sustainability. Additionally,
I’d travel to gain new perspectives and collaborate with professionals around the world to learn from their experiences
and expand my network."
Thank you for your
attention !