Job interviews are stressful. You need to be on the ball and answer questions appropriately, but you’re nervous and anxious.
One of the best things you can do for yourself is prepare well. No one likes to enter a new situation blind. Fortunately, there is a list of standard interview question that you will most likely be asked. There are variations, so you will need to pay attention, but you’re doing that anyway, right?
Here is a list of the 50 most common interview questions. I’ll address why they are asked in the first place, and at times offer suggestions on how to answer them.
With the answers already in mind, you can present yourself as confident, and put yourself in a better position to get that much needed new job.
1. What are your strengths?
To answer this question, think of several of your top strengths. And then link those strengths to the requirements of the job you are applying for.
2. What are your weaknesses?
Be careful answering this question. Be sure not to pick a weakness that’s a quality necessary for the job you’re applying for.
3. Why are you interested in working for us?
First, do some research about the company. Find out what about the role interests you and align your answer with that.
4. Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years?
Don’t worry, you’re not expected to have a crystal ball. This is just a question that’s used to weed out weak candidates, since employers are looking for motivated people.
5. Why do you want to leave your current job?
The answer to this question will reveal the type of work ethic you have. It also reveals what’s important to you in a role.
6. Why was there a gap in your employment?
Be truthful. But there is no need to go into extensive detail. But do convey that during this period re-entering the workforce was a priority.
7. What can you offer us that someone else can not?
Answer this by providing examples of what you already accomplished elsewhere. Give examples of what you’ve contributed to other companies.
8. What are three things your former manager would like you to improve on?
Don’t specify anything that would be vital to the job you’re applying for. Be honest, but selective with your answer.
9. Are you willing to relocate?
If relocation is going to be necessary, it will typically be mentioned in the job description. However, you can answer with something to the effect that he would be willing to consider it. If you are.
10. Post Covid-19, are you willing to travel?
Again, travel was likely mentioned in the job description. Answer with a percentage. For example, I’d be willing to spend 25% of my time traveling.
11. Tell me about an accomplishment you are most proud of.
You can talk about practical skills that have helped you succeed. Or specific strategies you have implemented to achieve objectives.
12. Tell me about a time you made a mistake.
The purpose of this question is to learn how you handle challenges. Be honest, but provide a time you made a mistake and how you still managed to achieve a positive outcome.
13. What is your dream job?
The interviewer is trying to learn how motivated you will be to do the job. Tailor your answer so that the skill sets match.
14. How did you hear about this position?
They want to know you actively searched the position out, not just stumbled across it. If you did find the job description on a job board, indicate why and how this particular job stood out.
15. What would you look to accomplish in the first 30 days/60 days/90 days?
This period covers your first three months on the job and will typically cover your onboarding timeframe. Interviewers are looking to see what types of goals you may have and how you will complete the process.
16. Discuss your resume.
First, never assume that the interview has read your entire resume. If they do ask specific questions about your resume, make sure to follow their lead.
17. Discuss your educational background.
The answer to this can include both your formal education and any informal or continuing education you may have that would be applicable to the job you are interviewing for. The interviewer is trying to find out if your education has prepared you for the responsibilities of the job.
18. Describe yourself.
This question is asked to determine whether you might be a good fit for the company’s culture. It also provides an opportunity for them to gain insight into how you perceive yourself.
19. Tell me how you handled a difficult situation.
How you handle difficult situations says a lot about who you are as a person. How you have functioned under pressure in the past will tell the interviewer how you may deal with it in the future.
20. Why should we hire you?
The reason for this question is fairly obvious. Interviewers want to know what you think you’re the best person for the job. So give them the best pitch you can.
21. Why are you looking for a new job?
Focus on the positive not the negative. So your answers should be along the lines of a desire to learn, take on more responsibility, or for a career change.
22. Would you work holidays/weekends?
If you really want the job show a willingness to be flexible. If you cannot work on holidays or weekends, have a good reason why.
23. How would you deal with an angry or irate customer?
If you’ve ever been in the situation before were you had to handle an angry customer, you can talk about how you dealt with that situation. As long as it was handled positively.
24. What are your salary requirements?
There are a lot of Internet sites where you can find salary ranges. Find a range for your desired job and offer an answer within those guidelines.
25. Give a time when you went above and beyond the requirements for a project.
You are asked this question so that the interviewer can determine whether you are the type to overachieve, or the type that will just do as they’re told without ever trying to do better. Consider that when giving your answer.
26. Who are our competitors?
Show them that you’ve done your research. It also gives insight into whether you have any understanding of the industry.
27. What was your biggest failure?
Obviously, you want this to be something that really happened. Choose a situation that didn’t go well. Behavioral questions such as this are difficult but be as honest as possible.
28. What motivates you?
Good answers to this are things like the desire to learn more things or acquire new skills. Just tried to choose something that’s applicable to the job you are interviewing for.
29. What’s your availability?
This question is asked to ascertain how flexible you are willing to be. So you do want to show you can be, however you do have to be honest about your availability.
30. Who’s your mentor?
The answer to this does not have to be someone you currently work with. It could be a parent, an old teacher, an old boss. As long as it’s someone who has made a difference in your life, that’s the right answer.
31. Tell me about a time when you disagreed with your boss.
The answer to this will tell a lot about you. It will indicate the level of your emotional maturity, and how loyal you are.
32. How do you handle pressure?
You can answer this in a few ways. A few examples are you manage stress by going to the gym after work, or you do some of your best work when you’re under pressure.
33. What is the name of our CEO?
Hopefully you’ve researched that information, so provide the name. Also include some characteristics that you find admirable
34. What are your career goals?
Prospective employers want to hire someone who can prove their goal oriented or have long-term objectives. Consider that when giving your answer.
35. What gets you up in the morning?
This is another way of asking what motivates you. Ultimately, and interviewer is trying to find out what you value in life.
36. What would your direct reports say about you?
Obviously, you want to stick to the positive. Would they say you are a hard worker who always did your best? Share things like that.
37. What were your bosses’ strengths/weaknesses?
Don’t go off and list all of the negatives about your boss. Stay neutral while highlighting any weaknesses and be sure to mention some of their strengths.
38. If I called your boss right now and asked him/her what is an area that you could improve on, what would he/she say?
All of us need some improvement somewhere. So discuss one of these areas without questioning your bosses judgment on the matter.
39. Are you a leader or a follower?
Your answer needs to reflect that you have the ability to be both. Be sure to highlight that whatever the situation, you can assume either role.