Although job interviews can be nerve-wracking, many of the questions are predictable. To learn more about you, your abilities, and how well you would fit into their team, hiring managers frequently use the same fundamental questions. You’ll feel more confident the more prepared you are. The top ten most common interview questions and expert responses are listed here.
1. Tell Me About Yourself
Why They Ask: To get a sense of your professional persona.
How to Answer: Concentrate on your career path, relevant experience, and why you are applying for this position. Keep it brief and relevant to the job.
Example: “I’ve spent the last three years developing strong customer service skills in retail.” I’m now looking to transition into a tech support role where I can use my communication and problem-solving strengths.”
2. What are your Strengths?
Why They Ask: To see how well you know what your worth is.
How to Answer: Choose 2–3 strengths relevant to the job, and give examples of how you’ve used them.
Example: “I’m very organized and always meet deadlines. In my last role, I managed schedules for a 10-person team with no missed meetings.”
3. What are your shortcomings?
Why They Ask: To gauge honesty and self-awareness.
How to Answer: Select a real, non-crucial weakness and describe how you are working on it.
Example: “I used to get nervous speaking up in meetings, but I’ve been challenging myself to share at least one idea each time.”
4. Why do you Want to Work Here?
Why They Ask: To find out if you’ve done research on the company.
How to Respond: Explain why you are excited about a particular aspect of the company’s projects, values, or culture.
Example: “I admire your focus on sustainability. I’d love to work for a company that is actually changing the industry.
5. Describe a difficulty you encountered at work.
Why They Ask: To know how you deal with problems.
How to Answer: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to tell a short, clear story.
Example: “A customer was dissatisfied with a delayed order.” I apologized, expedited shipping, and followed up personally — they became a repeat customer.”
6. Where do you want to be in five years?
Why They Ask: To find out if you’re ambitious and realistic.
How to Respond: Show commitment and potential for growth by sharing goals that are compatible with the position or company.
Example: “I hope to take on more responsibility, perhaps as a team lead, while continuing to develop my project management skills.”
7. Why did you quit your previous job?
Why They Ask: To understand your past and future expectations.
How to Answer: Stay positive. Do not disparage previous employers.
Example: “I learned a lot in that role, but I’m now looking for a company where I can grow and take on new challenges.”
8. How Do You Handle Stress or Pressure?
Why They Ask: To evaluate your coping mechanisms.
How to Respond: Provide real-world examples and healthy, productive strategies.
Example: “I break down big tasks into smaller steps and prioritize. I managed to maintain my composure and keep everything on schedule last year during the holiday rush.
9. Describe a time when you worked in a Team.
Why They Ask: To see if you can work well with others.
How to Answer: Focus on communication, contribution, and the result.
Example: “I organized task assignments and helped resolve conflicts in a group project, which led to us finishing early and receiving excellent feedback.”
10. Do you Have any Questions for us?
Why They Ask: To see if you’re truly interested.
How to Respond: Always answer “yes.” Ask about growth opportunities, team dynamics, or company values.
Example: “What does success look like in this role in the first 6 months?”
Make sure your responses are relevant to the position you are applying for by practicing them aloud. Being genuine and well-prepared are just as important in an interview as having the “correct” response.