How to Answer the Most Common Job Interview Questions

A job interview is undoubtedly the most nerve-wracking component of the job hiring process, but it doesn’t have to be! When you are prepared with common job interview questions and answers, you can approach the interview with confidence and poise. You can learn how to answer these job interview questions like a pro and take on your next job interview without any hesitation.

Interview Question 1: Will you tell me a little about yourself?

While this is probably the most commonly asked interview question, many people either need help preparing for it or have no idea how to approach it. What most people end up doing is giving a summary of their resume and/or personal history, which is exactly what you should NOT do. Interview Answer: Instead, this is your opportunity to give a pitch demonstrating exactly why you’re suitable for the job. Before the interview, think of two or three examples of your accomplishments and/or experiences you would like your interviewer to know about. Then, wrap up the answer by discussing how your prior work experience has prepared you to take on the specific role for which you are interviewing.

Interview Question 2: How did you hear about this position?

This is a pretty straightforward question. Wrong. You may have heard about the job through an online job board or a friend, but this answer needs to showcase more than just where or how you heard about the job. Interview Answer: Depending on how you heard about the position, it is important to utilize your connection and interest in the company. You want to show that you specifically wanted a position at that company. Utilize connections. If you hear from a friend who worked at that company, feel free to use their name. Do your due diligence and learn about the company before the interview so that you can reference the company specifically and indicate that you were searching for positions that included [reference whatever caught your eye about the posting].

Interview Question 3: Why should I hire you?

This is an intimidating question to be asked. However, it’s a great question because it puts you in the perfect position to define your skill set. Interview Answer: The perfect answer to this question will convey several items. The first is that you possess the skill set to do the work, preferably with examples to back it up. The second is that you can and will deliver results (with examples from previous experience to support this claim). The third is knowing you will fit in with the company’s culture and team. Ensure you reference what the company culture is to show you have awareness. For help with this, check out their mission, values, and social media presence. Finally, show that you feel you’d be the best fit among the candidates. Demonstrate that you’re not only qualified but also passionate about working for the company and its mission.

Interview Question 4: Why do you want this position?

If you only want the job because you need a job, the interviewer will see right through that. Companies feel the right candidate for the job will demonstrate enthusiasm and dedication so that the best answers will express both qualities. Interview Answer: Start by talking about why the position is a great fit for you. For example, “I love working with animals, and I know working at an animal rescue organization would be a great fit because I get satisfaction from helping animals. Working with them daily and making a difference is a cause I’m passionate about.” Then, discuss why the company is a great fit for you. Why do you love the company and its culture? You could say: “I’m passionate about helping animals and their well-being. I admire what your organization does and would love to be a part of a team that does such wonderful work to make a difference in the lives of so many animals.”

Interview Question 5: Can you tell me about your experience at your last job?

Translation: How does your previous job experience relate to the job I’m looking to fill? In answering this question, you want to show the interviewer that you’ll be able to achieve success based on your past work experience. Interview Answer: When answering, focus on the tasks required for your last job that apply to the position you’re interviewing for now. Share how your skills apply to both positions (past and present) and how you’ll be able to hit the ground running if given the position you’re interviewing for.

Interview Question 6: How would your boss and coworkers describe you?

The point of this question is to determine how well you work with coworkers in a team environment. This is yet another opportunity to discuss strengths you haven’t mentioned yet – your people skills! Interview Answer: Talk about traits that involve working with others, pitching in to help with projects, having a strong work ethic, and anything else you think your coworkers or boss might mention. However, ensure that these aren’t traits you’ve already stated. You don’t want to keep repeating yourself over and over again!

Interview Question 7: What’s your biggest professional accomplishment to date?

Remember the skills required section in the job posting? That’s what you should be recalling when this question is asked. This question aims to show that you not only have those skills but have already accomplished some of them. Interview Answer: When answering, think of concrete examples of accomplishments. Numbers and data are your friends here. For example, “My biggest professional accomplishments to date have been the new and innovative methods I came up with that resulted in traffic boosts to our company site. As our company’s social media coordinator, I utilized fresh posts, user engagement, and content, which increased our site’s page views by 40% year over year in 2023.”

Interview Question 8: In your opinion, what are your greatest strengths, professionally speaking?

Most people often feel uncomfortable in answering this question. However, the job interview is all about YOU. Speak up and with confidence about your positive traits. Interview Answer: Be accurate and focus on sharing your strengths rather than what the interviewer wants to hear. Try as best you can to choose relevant strengths that apply to the position you’re interviewing for. Also, be as specific and professional as possible. Instead of saying you’re a “people person,” try saying you have experience in “team relationship building.”

Interview Question 9: In your opinion, what are your greatest weaknesses, professionally speaking?

This is likely one of the most dreaded questions out there. The point of this question – other than to weed out candidates lacking a primary skill – is to see if you are honest and self-aware. Many people answer this question positively, such as, “I work too hard.” Most interviewers will see through this immediately. Interview Answer: It’s best to be honest and straightforward by choosing something that you may struggle with but are working to improve. For example, “I’ve never been especially strong at building webpages, but I signed up to take a night course at a community college this summer to help improve my skills.” Also, naming a skill that may not be integral to the role you’re applying for will most likely not impact your chances of getting the job.

Interview Question 10: How do you handle pressure or stressful situations at work?

Undoubtedly, regardless of where you end up working, there will be times when stress or pressure is unavoidable. This question aims to determine how you will handle those times. Interview Answer: Your answer should demonstrate that you can – and will – be able to meet any given stressful situation by tackling it head-on with positivity and productivity. It’s also smart to discuss what you do for stress reduction. You could say: “If I’m feeling overwhelmed, I create a to-do list, which helps me feel like I have things under control.” Alternatively, “When I’m stressed, I stop, count to ten, and take deep breaths. It’s simple, but it always calms me down.” Follow up by sharing an example of a work situation where you found yourself stressed. Use one of your example techniques, handle it successfully, and come out on top.

Interview Question 11: What are your salary requirements?

This is a question in which you should always refrain from entering mindlessly. Do pre-interview salary research on sites like Monster, Glassdoor and Payscale to find out what others in similar positions are being paid. Once you do this, you will have a salary range in your back pocket, so you’re prepared to name a salary that’s acceptable for the position, coupled with your skills, experience, and education. Interview Answer: Based on your research and the salary range you’ve researched, it’s recommended that you name the high end of the salary range you came up with. However, make sure the interviewer knows you are flexible with your number. This communicates that you feel your skills are valuable, but you want the position and are open to negotiations.

Interview Question 12: What other companies are you interviewing with?

Companies ask this question for various reasons. Some want to sniff out the competition. Others want to find out if you are serious about working in their particular industry. Interview Answer: The best way to approach this question is to give a simple answer with few specifics. For example, “I've applied for a job at a local retail company, and I’m exploring several similar options within the communications industry.”

Interview Question 13: Why are you leaving your current job?

Hiring managers are naturally going to be curious about why you’re leaving a current role. While there are many good reasons to leave a job, some should be stated in an interview, and most should not. Interview Answer: You should never say that you’re leaving because your current position is a bad opportunity. Rather, say that the position you’re interviewing for is too tempting to refuse. Don’t focus on how you dislike your current job or your current boss. Instead, focus on the positive attributes you like about the position you’re seeking. There are times when you will need to be honest about something negative, like if your department was eliminated from your company. Be candid and then refocus on the new company's positive attributes.