Preparing for common interview questions can boost your confidence and help you shine. You’ll feel more at ease and be able to show your best self to potential employers. This article will walk you through some typical questions and give you tips on how to respond.
Responding to Common Interview Questions
Talking About Yourself
The “tell me about yourself” question is often the first one you’ll face. It’s your chance to make a great first impression. Related: 10 Smart Answers: “Tell Me About Yourself”
Question:
“Tell me about yourself.”
Example answers:
- “I’m a recent marketing graduate with a passion for digital advertising. During my internship at (…) Agency, I helped boost client engagement by 30% through social media campaigns.”
- “I’ve been a teacher for 10 years, specializing in special education. My proudest achievement was developing a reading program that improved literacy rates by 40% in my district.”
Answer Template:
“I’m a [your profession] with [X years] of experience in [your field]. My biggest accomplishment was [specific achievement]. I’m looking to [your goal] in my next role.”
Related: 30 Smart Answers: ‘Tell Me About Your Work Experience’
Question:
“Where do you see yourself in 5 years?”
Example answers:
- “In 5 years, I hope to have grown into a project management role, leading teams to develop innovative products that make a real difference in people’s lives.”
- “My goal is to become a senior financial analyst, using my skills to help the company make data-driven decisions that boost profitability and growth.”
- “I aim to become a head chef, creating unique menus that blend local ingredients with international flavors, and mentoring the next generation of culinary talent.”
Answer Template:
“In [X years], I hope to have [specific role or responsibility], contributing to [company goal] by [your unique value proposition].”
Learn more: 20 Smart Answers: “Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?”
Question:
“What’s your biggest strength?”
Example answers:
- “My biggest strength is my ability to solve complex problems. In my last role, I reduced customer complaint resolution time by 50% by streamlining our process.”
- “I excel at building relationships. As a sales rep, I’ve consistently exceeded quotas by 20% through strong client connections and understanding their needs.”
- “My strength lies in attention to detail. As a graphic designer, I’ve caught crucial errors that saved my company thousands in reprinting costs.”
Answer Template 1:
“My biggest strength is [skill]. In my [previous role], I [specific example of using this skill], which resulted in [measurable outcome].”
Answer Template 2:
“My biggest strength is [skill]. I’ve used this to [specific example] in my previous roles.”
Related: 50+ Best Examples: ‘What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?’
Question:
“What’s your biggest weakness?”
- “I sometimes struggle with public speaking, but I’m taking a course to improve.”
- “I can be too detail-oriented at times, but I’m learning to see the bigger picture.”
- “I used to have trouble saying no, but now I’m better at managing my workload.”
Answer Template:
“I’ve found [weakness] challenging, but I’m [action you’re taking] to improve.”
Related: 30 Smart Answers to “What Is Your Greatest Weakness?”
Responding to Situational Questions
Situational questions test how you’d handle real work scenarios. Use the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result. Related: STAR Job Interview Questions with Sample Answers
Question:
“Tell me about a time you dealt with a difficult coworker.”
- “I had a teammate who often missed deadlines. I talked to them privately, offered help, and we created a shared schedule. Our project finished on time.”
- “A coworker kept interrupting me in meetings. I asked to speak with them one-on-one and we agreed on a signal for when I was done speaking.”
- “My cubicle neighbor played loud music. I politely asked if they could use headphones, and they agreed. Our work relationship improved after that.”
Answer Template:
“In [situation], I needed to [task]. I [action], which led to [positive result].”
Question:
“How would you handle an angry customer?”
- “I’d listen calmly, apologize for their frustration, and ask questions to understand the issue. Then I’d work on finding a solution.”
- “I’d speak in a calm voice, show empathy, and focus on solving their problem step by step.”
- “I’d thank them for bringing the issue to our attention, take notes, and assure them we’d resolve it quickly.”
Answer Template:
“I would [action] to [goal], then [next step] to ensure the customer feels heard and valued.”
Demonstrating Your Fit for the Role
Question:
“Why do you want this job?”
- “I’m excited about this role because it aligns perfectly with my skills in [specific skill]. I’m eager to contribute to [company’s] mission of [company goal].”
- “Your company’s innovative approach to [industry] really inspires me. I’d love to be part of a team that’s making such a big impact.”
- “I’ve always admired [company’s] commitment to [value]. This role would allow me to grow my skills while working towards a cause I believe in.”
Answer Template:
“I’m passionate about [aspect of the job] and I’m drawn to [company] because [specific reason]. This role would allow me to [what you hope to achieve].”
Related: 20 Best Example Answers to “Why Should We Hire You?”
Question:
“How do you work in a team?”
- “I’m a good listener and I value different perspectives. I make sure everyone feels heard and respected when working on group projects.”
- “I enjoy brainstorming with others. In my last job, we had weekly team meetings where we’d share ideas and solve problems together.”
- “I’m flexible and can take on different roles as needed. I’ve been both a team leader and a supportive member, depending on what the project requires.”
Answer Template:
“I’m [your positive quality] and I [your teamwork philosophy]. For example, [your example].”
Related: Smart Answers: “Tell Me About a Time You Went Above and Beyond”
Top Common Questions with Examples and Answer Templates
“Can you tell me a little about yourself?”
This question lets you highlight key parts of your background.
Example answer:
“I’m a marketing specialist with 5 years of experience in digital campaigns. I love finding creative ways to engage customers online.”
Answer Template:
“I’m a [your profession] with [X years] of experience in [key skills]. I’m passionate about [relevant interests].”
“How did you hear about this position?”
Example:
“I saw the job posted on LinkedIn and was excited to apply since I’ve admired your company’s work for years.”
Answer Template:
“I learned about this role through [source], and it caught my attention because [reason].”
“Why do you want to work at this company?”
This question tests if you’ve done research on the company: share specific things that appeal to you about working there.
Example:
“I’m impressed by your commitment to sustainability. I’d love to contribute to your green initiatives.”
Answer Template:
“Your company’s [specific aspect] aligns with my values. I’m excited about the chance to [potential contribution].”
“Why should we hire you?”
Focus on your unique skills and how they match the job requirements. (Try to give concrete examples of your accomplishments.)
Example:
“My track record of increasing sales by 20% in my last role shows I can deliver results for your team.”
Answer Template:
“My [specific skill] and experience in [relevant area] make me well-suited to help your company [achieve goal].”
“What are your greatest professional strengths?”
Pick strengths that relate to the job, and back them up with brief examples from your work history.
Example:
“I’m great at problem-solving. In my last job, I found a way to streamline our inventory process, saving hours each week.”
Answer Template:
“My top strength is [skill]. For instance, I [specific example demonstrating the strength].”
“Where do you see yourself in five years?”
Try to connect your goals to the potential for growth at the company.
Example:
“I hope to have grown into a leadership role, perhaps managing a team of designers and taking on larger projects.”
Answer Template:
“In five years, I aim to [career goal] while continuing to develop my skills in [relevant areas].”
Concluding the Interview
Asking Insightful Questions
These questions help you learn more about the job and company. They also make you stand out as a thoughtful candidate. Focus on the role and how you can contribute. Learn more: 30 Smart Questions for ‘Do You Have Any Questions?’ in a Job Interview
You might ask:
“What does success look like in this role?”
“How would you describe the company culture?”
“What challenges does the team face right now?”
“Can you tell me about opportunities for growth?”
“What do you enjoy most about working here?”
Discussing Follow-Up and Next Steps
Before you leave, make sure you know what happens next. You can ask:
“When can I expect to hear back about next steps?”
“Is there anything else you need from me?”
“Who should I contact if I have more questions?”
“What’s the timeline for making a decision?”
“How soon are you looking to fill this position?”
(Write down the answers so you don’t forget.) Thank the interviewer for their time, and ask for their business card if they haven’t given you one. Send a thank-you email within 24 hours. Learn more: How to Write a Perfect Thank You Email After an Interview
12 Detailed Examples: Follow-Up Email After an Interview
Interview Follow-up Email Examples (1-2-3 weeks)