Nailing the job interview for your dream opportunity demands you prepare common interview questions in advance. This will help you overcome pre-interview jitters. When you have an outline of what you want to say, you can confidently mention every detail to answer the question clearly.
Ask yourself why the interviewer is asking their questions so you can tailor your response and highlight your most impressive resume skills and accomplishments.
In this guide, we’ll review some of the most common interview questions. For each question, you’ll see why the interviewer is asking and how you should answer. You’ll also find templates and examples so you can copy the outline and see the answer in context.
How to answer interview questions
When scripting your responses, answer questions using the STAR method—situation, task, action, and result. It helps tell a story, showing off your skills, experiences, and accomplishments in a compelling formula. Using this method helps ensure you’re answering the question without the fluff.
Below is an example of the STAR method in action.
Situation: Describe the context within which you performed a task or faced a challenge at work. This is where you set the scene and give the necessary details of your example. Be specific about the situation but keep it brief.
Task: Explain the actual task or challenge that was involved. What were you responsible for in that situation?
Action: Describe the specific actions you took to address the task. Focus on your individual contributions and explain what you did, why you did it, and how you did it.
Result: Share the outcomes or results of your actions. Quantify the impact if possible and explain what you learned or how the organization benefited from your actions.
Below is an example of the STAR method in action.
Question: Can you tell me about a time when you had to manage a challenging project with tight deadlines?
Situation: In my previous role as a Digital Marketing Manager, we had a major product launch with a fixed date, giving us only four weeks to prepare a comprehensive marketing campaign.
Task: My task was to coordinate the entire campaign, including social media, email marketing, content creation, and paid advertising.
Action: I organized a kick-off meeting, used project management software to track progress, set up daily check-ins, and prioritized tasks. When content approval was delayed, I expedited the review process by coordinating closely with the team and stakeholders.
Result: We launched the campaign on time, achieving a 30% higher engagement rate and a 20% increase in website traffic compared to previous campaigns, resulting in a significant boost in sales during the first week.
Autobiographical interview questions
Autobiographical job interview questions are designed to help interviewers understand your background, experiences, values, and motivations. These questions typically focus on your personal and professional history, providing insight into how you have developed your skills and handled various situations.
1. Tell me about yourself.
Why are they asking: Ana Lokotkova, a career advisor and interview coach, put it this way: “What ‘tell me about yourself’ really means is ‘sell yourself’. This interview question is the ultimate chance to convince the recruiter that you are the right person for the job. They want to know if your experience, knowledge, skills, and even personality will help them achieve their business goals.
How to answer: You have to put the needs of the interviewer first and build your pitch around it. So keep your story relevant to the interviewer. Mention experience and skills that will directly help you be successful in this exact role. Do research before the interview on the company’s values and showcase your personality traits that will make you a good cultural fit.
“I’ve worked in full-cycle accounting for over six years now. I believe that quality financial reporting is the key to improving the financial health of the company, so that’s what I’ve been focusing on for the past three years. I’m really proud of a project I recently led where we completed a company-wide implementation of a new interdepartmental reporting and communication system. I really enjoy and am good at breaking down a big, complex task into smaller, manageable steps. It is what has consistently helped me improve the quality of financial reports, increase accounting efficiency, and significantly reduce administrative costs.”
“I’ve been a [job title/career] for [# of years]. I enjoy it because it gives me a chance to use my skills in [skill] and [skill] to [business goal your job serves]. I started as a [first job] and learned how to [skills you developed over your career]. That helped me to [accomplishment you’re proud of]. I believe that [personal belief that aligns with company values]. That’s why I’ve always been successful because [expertise you have] and [personal belief].”
Read the full guide: How to Answer the “Tell Me About Yourself” Interview Question
2. What are your hobbies?
Why are they asking: Culture is important when hiring, so the recruiter or hiring manager wants to know if you fit in with the team. What are you like as a person? Are you an easy person to chat with? What soft skills do you have? Talking about something unrelated to work gives them an opportunity to see you as a person. They might also be able to pick up on soft skills demonstrated in your hobbies.
How to answer: Feel free to speak passionately about things you enjoy. The point is not to impress them with your hobbies or extracurricular activities. The point is to be likable and approachable. If you can, show how your hobby demonstrates a skill that you also use in your job.
“I’m really into fitness. I enjoy going to the gym and playing basketball with my friends. I usually play every weekend. I know fitness isn’t enjoyable for everyone. Don’t get me wrong, there are days when I don’t want to go work out. But I’ve learned to enjoy the process. And it has taught me self-discipline.”
3. What motivated you to pursue your current career path?
Why are they asking: While this sounds like an existential question, the goal for the hiring manager is to uncover how engaged and dedicated you’ll be in your role. Happy, healthy, and fulfilled employees make for a more productive organization and a positive work environment.
How to answer:
Your research about the company will help you answer this question successfully. Align your response to match the values and mission of the organization with examples. The tailored response will paint a picture of your fit for the role.
Find the company’s mission statement and values on their website. Typically, they’re listed on their “About Us” or “Careers” pages.
My dedication to digital marketing comes from a passion for connecting brands with their audiences. After earning my Marketing degree, I joined a leading digital marketing agency where I immersed myself in mastering SEO, content strategy, and social media over the past 8 years. I’ve kept up with industry trends through workshops and certifications, leading successful campaigns that significantly boosted brand visibility and engagement for my clients. What drives me is the opportunity to innovate and achieve results for the companies I work with, ensuring their success and growth online. I bring this dedication to every role, always striving to exceed expectations and drive company success.
My dedication to [your field] comes from a passion for [related interest]. After earning my degree in [your degree], I joined [your company or a leading company in the field] where I immersed myself in mastering [relevant skills or areas] over the past [number] years. I’ve stayed current with industry trends through workshops and certifications, successfully [achievements or projects] for the companies I work with. What drives me is the opportunity to innovate and achieve results for the companies, ensuring their success and growth. I bring this dedication to every role, always striving to [solve the company’s problem].
4. How would your coworkers describe you?
Why are they asking: There are two reasons they’ll ask this. According to Kyle Law, Lead Recruiter here at Jobscan, they’re probably asking because the job will require teamwork and collaboration. “They’re going to try to evaluate how you perform with that and how you enjoy working with a team.” If you have a lot to say about your relationships with your co-workers, then you likely spend a lot of time working with them and collaborating.
How to answer: The first step to having a good answer is to be a collaborative teammate. Even if you’re an introvert, try to think of times your teammates relied on you for a task or project and how you came through for them. Perhaps discuss the good relationships you have with your team and how much you’ve enjoyed working with them.
“I work hard to carry my load and help out on the team when I can. I also try to maintain a positive attitude and contribute to group projects. So I think my coworkers would say they appreciate my willingness to collaborate and how I’m easy to work with.”
“I try to be a good teammate by being [quality like collaborative, supportive, positive, etc.]. I think my teammates would say that I always [describe positive habits like contributing to team projects, stepping up when someone needs help, making people laugh, etc.] because [positive impact on culture or business].”
5. Can you explain your employment gap?
Why are they asking: First things first, there’s no reason to panic if you’re asked this question in a job interview. According to Kyle, “People assume that they’re being admonished because they do have a gap, but normally people just want a reason. It could literally be anything.”
The point here is not to give a great reason or try to spin it into something amazing. You really just have to explain that you had a logical reason for not working and not that you suddenly quit your job and didn’t work at all or do anything else for a significant period of time. That would be a red flag.
How to answer: Give your honest reason! Did you take off work to go back to school, be a stay-at-home parent, care for aging parents, or even travel the world? All of those are fine. Kyle Law says many employers don’t even ask this question anymore because there are so many completely valid reasons for a resume gap.
“I wanted to make a career change, so I took some time off to figure out what new direction I wanted to go in. That’s what led me to this job opportunity.”
“I took [length of time off work] to pursue [activity/goal/or responsibility]. The time off proved to be helpful because [1 or 2 benefits]. Now I’m ready to start a new job, which is how I ended up here!”
6. Why are you leaving your current job?
Why are they asking: “A big thing is going to be ‘What is going to motivate that person to leave their job for yours?’”, says Kyle Law. “If there’s a really good compelling reason that they want to leave their role, then it obviously makes more sense to continue the process and target the candidate. You can also verify that what you’re planning to offer in the role is what they’re looking for.” The recruiter might even use that information when making an offer.
How to answer: It’s best to be honest. If you want another role, a higher salary, or a different work environment, don’t be shy about expressing that. Remember, you can’t be all things to all people, nor can the company that’s interviewing you. This question is a good chance to see if they have what you want.
Refrain from bad-mouthing previous employers, bosses, or colleagues. Be honest about why you’re leaving without talking badly about colleagues.
“I’ve been a Specialist at my current company for a couple of years and I would like to grow into a leadership role. There aren’t any roles like that available at that company, so I’m looking for another opportunity.”
“My current role isn’t working for me because [1 or 2 valid reasons]. I’m looking for a job that [1 or 2 features you want that your current job doesn’t have]. Based on the job description and what I know about this company, it sounds like this opportunity is a good fit for what I’m looking for.”
7. What are you looking for in a new position?
Why are they asking: “This goes along with ‘Why are you leaving your current position?’”, says Kyle Law. “Is what we’re about to give you going to interest you, going to keep you engaged, going to keep you in the role long-term?”
How to answer: Be specific, honest, and realistic. Describe the kind of role you want, what you would like your day-to-day duties to include, what sort of career growth opportunities you would like, the sort of culture you want to be a part of, and even your desired salary (if you feel comfortable sharing that at this point). All of these will help the hiring manager make an attractive offer.
“I’m looking for a leadership position that will allow me to have a hands-on role in shaping the strategy. I enjoy collaborating, so I want to be part of a team. My work-life balance is important to me, so my ideal job would have a culture that promotes hard work and supports the idea of stepping away when I need to.”
“I would like a role that includes [duty #1, duty #2, duty #3]. I know I can excel in that kind of role because [skills that support responsibilities]. I want to be part of a team that [describe desired culture]. I fit in with that kind of culture because [soft skills you possess]. I prefer working [remote or in-person].”
Other points not listed in this template but that could be included:
- Hours/schedule
- Career goals
- Pay
8. What’s an interesting fact about you that isn’t on your resume?
Why are they asking: Hiring teams can only learn so much by reading your resume or browsing your LinkedIn. Your answer can give the interviewer insight into your personality, your motivations, and how well you might fit on the team.
How to answer: Keep your answer professional and tie your interesting fact back to the role you’re applying for. Choose an interest, achievement, or hobby that gives you the skills you need to do the job well. It’s a bonus if the skills you highlight are key to solving the company’s pain points.
“An interesting fact about me is that I run a personal blog where I write about the latest trends and innovations in digital marketing. This blog has a modest but engaged readership, and it has allowed me to explore new ideas and strategies in a practical way. Keeping the blog updated requires me to stay current with industry trends, continuously learn new tools and techniques, and think creatively about how to engage my audience. This passion project has honed my ability to create compelling content and engage with an audience, which I believe are crucial skills for driving successful marketing campaigns at your company.”
“An interesting fact about me that isn’t on my resume is that I [describe your activity]. This activity has allowed me to [explain what you do and how it relates to your field]. Keeping it up requires me to [describe how it has benefited you or enhanced your skills]. I believe these skills will be invaluable in [explain how it relates to the job you are applying for].”
Behavioral interview questions
9. How do you stay organized? How do you prioritize tasks?
Why are they asking: Every employee is expected to be able to stay organized. It’s an essential part of getting your work done on time. The reason a hiring manager will ask you how you stay organized is because they want proof that you actually have this ability and a process. Anyone can say that they can manage their time well or prioritize tasks, but what’s their process for doing that? If they can’t explain it, they might not be as good at it as the job demands.
How to answer: Be specific about your process for organizing and prioritizing. Mention any software or tools you use like Trello or even a notepad or sticky notes. Give examples of what you did in the past. All of these details will show that you have experience balancing priorities in a busy job.
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Situation: “There was a time when I had to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, including preparing a presentation for a major client, managing a team project, and responding to urgent client inquiries.”
Task: “My responsibility was to ensure that all these tasks were completed efficiently and on time.”
Action: “To prioritize the tasks, I made a list of all the tasks and assessed their deadlines and importance. I created a detailed schedule, allocating specific time blocks for each task. I used a project management tool to keep track of my progress and stay organized. Additionally, I communicated with team members to delegate some of the project tasks and set up regular check-ins to ensure everything was on track.”
Result: “As a result, I was able to complete all tasks on time. The presentation was well-received by the client, the project progressed smoothly with my team’s support, and client inquiries were addressed promptly. This experience taught me the importance of effective prioritization and time management skills, as well as the value of clear communication and delegation.”
Situation: “In my previous role at [Company Name], there was a time when I had to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, including [briefly describe the tasks, e.g., preparing a presentation, managing a team project, and responding to client inquiries].”
Task: “My responsibility was to ensure that all these tasks were completed efficiently and on time.”
Action: “To prioritize the tasks, I [describe the action you took, e.g., made a list of all the tasks, assessed their deadlines and importance, and created a detailed schedule]. I used [mention any tools or methods, e.g., a project management tool, time-blocking technique] to keep track of my progress and stay organized. Additionally, I [any other actions, e.g., communicated with team members to delegate tasks, set up regular check-ins to ensure everything was on track].”
Result: “As a result, [describe the positive outcome, e.g., I was able to complete all tasks on time, the presentation was well-received, the project progressed smoothly, and client inquiries were addressed promptly]. This experience taught me [what you learned, e.g., the importance of effective prioritization and time management skills, the value of clear communication and delegation].”
10. What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Why are they asking: Are you driven by success? How do you measure your success? These are the questions the hiring manager is really asking. Companies want employees who take pride in accomplishment. When they ask this question, they want to see signs that you are driven in your role and have worked to achieve goals.
How to answer: Choose an accomplishment that you can relate to the role. Describe a project you worked on, a sales target you met, a degree you worked to receive, or a life goal you achieved. All of these things show your ability to set goals and work to achieve them.
Use numbers and measurable outcomes to support your answer and deliver your response with confidence. The STAR method can help transform your answer into a concise story for the interviewer.
Situation: As an Operations Manager at ABC Healthcare, our hospital faced long patient wait times and inefficiencies.
Task: I was tasked with reducing wait times and improving operational efficiency.
Action: I analyzed our processes, introduced a new scheduling system, reorganized staff for better peak hour coverage, and implemented a triage system. I also led training sessions for smooth adoption.
Result: Within six months, wait times decreased by 40% and patient satisfaction increased by 25%. These improvements also reduced operational costs and earned me the Employee of the Year award for outstanding performance.
This experience enhanced my skills in healthcare operations and team leadership, preparing me to drive similar improvements at your hospital.
Situation: As [your previous job title] at [your previous company], [describe the challenge or situation].
Task: I was tasked with [specific responsibility or goal related to the challenge].
Action: I [describe the steps you took and strategies you implemented].
Result: Within [time frame], [quantifiable outcomes and achievements], earning me [award or recognition].
How it prepared you for this role: This experience enhanced my skills in [relevant skills or abilities], preparing me to [explain how it relates to the job you are applying for].
11. Describe a situation where you had to work with a difficult team member. How did you manage the relationship?
Why are they asking: Recruiters need to assess vital teamwork skills like conflict resolution, communication skills, problem solving, and collaboration skills. You won’t always agree with every team member’s ideas, but recruiters want to know that you can handle tough interactions with professionalism and emotional intelligence.
How to answer: Emphasize the solution to the problem, how you carried it out, and what the outcome was. Don’t spend time dwelling on the tension and avoid talking negatively about the other team member. Keep the tone positive, focus on the solution, and outline which soft skills you used to resolve problems.
Situation: “In my previous role, I was part of a project team where one member consistently missed deadlines and delivered subpar work.”
Task: “As the team lead, it was my responsibility to ensure the project stayed on track and that all team members were contributing effectively.”
Action: “I decided to have a private conversation with the team member to understand the root cause of the issues. I approached the conversation with empathy and an open mind, asking if there were any challenges they were facing. I learned that they were overwhelmed with personal issues. I offered to reassign some of their tasks temporarily and connected them with resources to help manage their workload better. We also set up regular check-ins to monitor progress and provide support.”
Result: “As a result, the team member was able to improve their performance, and we completed the project on time and to a high standard. The team member expressed gratitude for the support, and our working relationship improved significantly.”
Task: “As the [your role, e.g., team lead, project manager], it was my responsibility to ensure [the task, e.g., the project stayed on track, all team members contributed effectively].”
Action: “I decided to [describe the action, e.g., have a private conversation with the team member] to understand the root cause of the issues. I approached the conversation with [your approach, e.g., empathy and an open mind], asking if there were any challenges they were facing. I learned that [describe the root cause, e.g., they were overwhelmed with personal issues]. I offered to [describe your solution, e.g., reassign some of their tasks temporarily, connected them with resources]. We also [describe any follow-up actions, e.g., set up regular check-ins to monitor progress and provide support].”
Result: “As a result, [describe the positive outcome, e.g., the team member improved their performance, we completed the project on time and to a high standard]. The team member [describe any additional positive outcomes, e.g., expressed gratitude for the support, our working relationship improved significantly].”
12. Tell me about a time you made a mistake.
Why are they asking: Don’t worry, they’re not trying to trap you into revealing a major defect or missing skill. Interviewers are looking for a few key competencies with this question, including self-awareness, accountability, and resilience. Everyone makes mistakes, but hiring teams want to know how you react to mistakes, bounce back from errors, and the lessons you learn.
How to answer: Your response should be solution-oriented. Highlight the changes you made to ensure you don’t repeat these errors. Whether you improved your communication with colleagues or put new processes in place, you can spin your human errors at work into something that had a positive result. Focus on what you learned from it.
Situation: “During my tenure at a healthcare administration role, I was in charge of overseeing a new patient management system implementation across multiple departments.”
Task: “My primary task was to ensure a smooth transition from the old system to the new one, minimizing any disruption to patient care and administrative operations.”
Action: “In the initial stages, I overlooked the importance of conducting thorough training sessions for all staff members. I assumed that the new system’s interface was intuitive enough for everyone to adapt quickly. However, this led to confusion and delays in patient management processes, impacting our efficiency.”
Result: “Once I realized the mistake, I immediately organized comprehensive training sessions tailored to different departments’ needs. I also set up a support system to address any issues promptly. As a result, within a month, the staff adapted well to the new system, and our operational efficiency improved significantly. Additionally, the experience taught me the importance of thorough preparation and training in system implementations.”
“In my previous role at [Company Name], I made a mistake when [describe the mistake].”
Task: “My responsibility was to [describe your responsibility].”
Action: “When I realized my mistake, I [describe the action you took to address the mistake]. I also [additional actions to prevent future mistakes].”
Result: “As a result, [describe the positive outcome or what you learned]. This experience taught me [what you learned].”
13. Tell me about a challenge you’ve faced and how you handled it.
Why are they asking: The specific challenge you faced isn’t the priority here. The interviewer is interested in how you handle adversity or stress and how sharp your problem-solving skills are. This is a behavioral interview question.
How to answer: Now that you know why they’re asking, make sure you think of an example that allows you to demonstrate the skills they’re looking for. There might have been a challenge that you “handled”, but not very well. Give an example of a challenging situation and the soft skills you demonstrated in working through it – problem-solving, critical thinking, leadership, resiliency, and others.
Situation: “In my role as a Project Manager at a software development company, we were tasked with developing a custom CRM solution for a major client. Midway through the project, our lead developer unexpectedly resigned, leaving a critical gap in our team.”
Task: “My task was to quickly find a solution to keep the project on track and ensure that we met the client’s deadline without compromising the quality of the software.”
Action: “I immediately conducted a skills assessment within the team to identify who could temporarily take on the lead developer’s responsibilities. I also worked with HR to expedite the hiring process for a new lead developer. To maintain project momentum, I restructured the team’s workflow to optimize efficiency and redistributed tasks to balance the workload.”
Result: “Despite the setback, we successfully delivered the CRM solution on time. The temporary team restructuring not only kept the project on track but also fostered greater collaboration and skill development within the team. The client was satisfied with the outcome.”
Situation: [Describe the context and background of the situation. Provide enough detail for the interviewer to understand the setting and importance of the challenge.]
Task: [Explain the specific challenge or problem you were tasked with addressing. Highlight the significance of the challenge and what was at stake.]
Action: [Detail the actions you took to address the challenge. Focus on what you did, how you did it, and why you made those choices. Be specific about your role and the steps you took to overcome the obstacle.]
Result: [Describe the outcome of your actions. Include both the immediate and long-term results. Quantify the results if possible and explain what you learned from the experience.]
14. Tell me about a time when you received constructive criticism. How did you respond?
Why are they asking: It’s never a good feeling to hear about shortcomings or mistakes, but interviewers are interested in knowing how you respond to negative feedback. They want to uncover if you respond with self-awareness, are receptive to feedback, and can problem-solve and adapt to critiques.
How to answer: Display a growth mindset in your answer. Explain to the interviewer how negative feedback helped you grow and develop as a professional. No one knows everything, so hiring teams are looking for candidates who are coachable and don’t take critiques personally.
Situation: “In my previous role at XYZ Corp, I received constructive criticism from my supervisor regarding the accuracy of my financial reports.”
Task: “My responsibility was to ensure the accuracy of my financial reports.”
Action: “When I received the feedback, I listened carefully and asked for specific examples of the inaccuracies. I thanked my supervisor for the feedback and took the following steps to address the criticism: I reviewed my report preparation process, implemented a checklist system to ensure all data was double-checked, and attended a workshop on advanced Excel skills. Additionally, I asked for regular feedback from my supervisor to monitor my progress.”
Result: “As a result, the accuracy of my financial reports increased, and I received positive feedback in subsequent reviews. This experience taught me the importance of being open to feedback and the value of continuous improvement.”
Situation: “In my previous role at [Company Name], I received constructive criticism from [who gave the feedback] regarding [describe the feedback].”
Task: “My responsibility was to [describe your role or tasks].”
Action: “When I received the feedback, I [describe your initial reaction]. I took the following steps to address the criticism: [describe the actions you took].”
Result: “As a result, [describe the positive outcome]. This experience taught me [what you learned].”
15. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Why are they asking: There are two reasons a recruiter or hiring manager will ask this. First, they want to make sure you’re able to do the job, plain and simple. Beyond that, they also want to get an idea of what kind of person you are. Are you honest? Do you have a measure of self-awareness? Do you work on your weaknesses? Your answer reveals more than what’s on your resume.
How to answer: As hard as it is, be honest. It would be terrible to accept a job that you aren’t qualified for. Talk about your strengths confidently and relate them to the role. Give real-life examples of when you demonstrated the strength. Share one weakness, but try to find one that’s not a required skill in the role. Discuss what you’re doing to work on that weakness.
It’s natural to want to downplay your weaknesses—don’t! Instead, talk about what you did to improve and what results you gained from overcoming that weakness.
“The strengths that I think will help me the most in this role are communication, leadership, and customer service. As a Shift Supervisor, I’ve led diverse teams and worked to maintain a positive culture. Retention has increased during my time there. My 5 years of experience in customer service are always useful and help me to empathize with and train my staff to be effective. I sometimes have a hard time with our reporting software, so I need to make sure I take the time to learn all of our tools.”
“My most important strengths are [list 1-3 relevant skills]. This helps me in my job by [benefits of listed skills]. Because of those skills, I’ve been able to [give an example of results or achievement the skills helped you gain]. I sometimes struggle with [list one weakness]. In order to overcome that weakness, I decided to [explain what you’re doing to improve in that area].”
Company culture fit interview questions
Company culture fit interview questions are designed to assess whether your values, beliefs, and behaviors align with the company’s culture and work environment.
16. What type of work environment do you prefer?
Why are they asking: This question might be asked more often now since more companies are offering remote work. The hiring manager will want to know if you’ve worked remotely before and how you performed in that environment. The opposite could also be true. If the position requires you to come into the office, they’ll want to know if you really prefer working remotely.
How to answer: This is another question where it’s crucial that you’re honest. This is best for you in the long run. If you prefer a certain environment but force yourself into the opposite environment, you might not be happy and do your best work. So be honest with your preferences and let the hiring manager decide if they can offer you what you want. If you’re flexible and have no preference, that’s even better.
“I’ve done both remote and in-office work in my career. Remote work was an adjustment at first, but I set up my office and developed a good routine. I was able to maintain good results on my performance reviews. I’ve found that both environments require their own adjustments and I’ve learned to work well in both.”
“I’ve worked remotely for [X number of years]. But I’ve also had in-office jobs. They’re both very different, but I’ve been able to perform well in both because [describe your approach to work that is conducive to both environments].”
17. Why should we hire you?
Why are they asking: What they really want to know is how interested you are in the job. If you can make an argument for why they should hire you, that’s a good sign that you are very interested in the job, which will translate into high engagement, productivity, and, hopefully, retention.
How to answer: Don’t put too much pressure on yourself and think that you have to sell yourself. The recruiter will make that decision based on a lot of information, not one question in the job interview. It’s good to list three compelling reasons – enough to show that you’ve thought about the role and are taking the opportunity seriously.
It’s best to avoid using cliches or buzzwords during your interview. Instead, mention skills, experience, and knowledge that make you a great candidate.
“I can think of three good reasons: 1) I have 7 years of experience in this role and have gotten tangible results, as you can see on my resume; 2) my skills are a perfect fit for what you’re looking for in this role; and 3) I share the same values as the company, specifically your commitment to customer satisfaction and improving the customer experience.”
“I’m a better fit than other candidates because of my experience with [area of valuable or unique experience] and the results I’ve gotten like [demonstrated results]. I see myself achieving [specific goals the hiree is expected to achieve] by [overview of process] and that’s exactly what you’re looking for in this role.”
18. What do you know about this company?
Why are they asking: A common thread in many of these job interview questions is the recruiter’s goal of seeing how interested you are in the job. They need to know if it is worth their time to continue the process and make an offer and if you’ll be an engaged employee. This question tests how much you care about this opportunity and how much time you’ve put into preparing for the interview.
How to answer: This one is simple. Tell them what you know about the company – the products or services, the vision or mission, the company values, and any other information you’ve picked up from researching the company. The key is to actually have that knowledge in the first place. If you really want this job, you’ll need to put forth effort to show that you’re interested.
“I read the company About page on the website and learned about its history. I appreciate the company’s vision and I think the product solves a real problem. I also looked up the company’s social media profiles and got an idea of who the audience is and what we offer them.”
“I read about the company from [resource] and learned [key information]. I also looked up the company on [resource] and found [key information]. Some things that stood out to me were [parts of the business, product or service, or culture that you like].”
Read the full guide: How to Research a Company for an Interview
19. Why did you apply for this job?
Why are they asking: “It always goes back to engagement level,” says Kyle. “If they’re just like, ‘Oh I just saw it and I clicked Easy Apply’, and then they also didn’t do any research and they also don’t have any questions, then you’re just like, ‘This is someone who’s totally not engaged at all.’” The recruiter wants to make sure you have a compelling reason for applying and therefore a compelling reason for taking their potential offer.
How to answer: This one should be easy, as long as you’re being thoughtful in your job search. List the top three things you like about the job and what skills you have that make you a good fit for the role.
“I was looking for a job that would allow me to grow and open up opportunities to advance my career. From what I’ve read and learned about the company and the position, it has everything I want in a job.”
“I’m looking for a position that includes [day-to-day responsibilities] and it sounds like that’s exactly what this job is. I also need a job that [cite other needs like schedule, work environment, pay, etc.]. Based on what I’ve learned about the company and the role, it’s a perfect fit for what I want in a job and my skills.”
20. Why do you want to work here?
Why are they asking: While this question is similar to Why did you apply for this job?, the recruiter might be trying to get a deeper insight about you as a person. The job might be a good fit, but what do you like about the company – the culture, vision, product, or team? This tells them whether or not you’re really interested in the job and if your values line up with the company’s values.
How to answer: You’ll have to do your research. Read about the company and ask insightful questions. Go beyond the job description in your answer. Discuss what you think of the product or service, what you admire about the company’s history and future, and what kind of team you want to be a part of.
“I believe I can have a real impact here. It looks like there’s a need for the skills I have and, based on my past experience, I’m confident that my performance will help the company grow. That matters to me because it’s important that I feel a sense of accomplishment from my job.”
“It’s important to me that the company I work for does/has [value, quality, feature, or opportunity]. I’ve talked to other companies, but this one stands out because [unique feature].”
21. What are your salary requirements?
Why are they asking: Susan P. Joyce, a job search coach, said that there are actually a few reasons why an interviewer will ask what your salary requirements are: 1) to make sure your that your expectations are within a range they can actually meet; 2) to identify whether you’re the type of candidate who does their research and can share specifically the value that they would bring to the role; and 3) to signal to the hiring manager whether you are overqualified or underqualified for the position. Salaries tend to align with years of experience, so it can help them gauge whether you’re in their target experience range.
How to answer: Susan gives a few options for answering the salary requirements question. You can deflect the question and say you’d rather know more about the job before deciding what your requirements for pay. If you want to give a number without restricting yourself, you could give a salary range, two numbers within $5-10k of each other. If the current job you have already is the same as the job you’re applying for, you can simply tell them what your current salary is and that since the responsibilities sound the same, you’d like to make at least that amount. Remember negotiating your salary is always an option.
“I currently make $60,000 for a similar role, so I’d like that to be the baseline. Once I know more about the responsibilities and expectations, I can give you my desired salary range.”
“My current role as a [job title] is similar, so I’d like to at least maintain my salary of [your current salary]. I also know that the average salary for this role is [salary based on market research].”
Read the full guide: How to Answer: What Are Your Salary Expectations?
23. Do you have any questions for me?
Why are they asking: The point is not necessarily which questions you ask, but rather that you have questions at all. Kyle Law, our recruiter here at Jobscan, said, “I absolutely want them to have questions. I want them to be thinking about what they would be doing at a company. The more questions you have, it shows you’re thinking about how you’re going to contribute.” A person who is engaged during the interview will also be an engaged employee, and that’s what a hiring manager wants.
How to answer: “People who are good at their jobs know how to ask interesting questions and know how to flex their knowledge with their questions,” said Kyle. Come to the interview with a list of several questions, including back-ups in case some are answered in the interview. Ask about your team, your role, the culture, and the business. Ultimately, that will help you in deciding if you want to accept a potential job offer.
- Can you tell me about the day-to-day responsibilities of the role?
- Are there opportunities for training and career growth within the role?
- What is the culture like here?
- How is the team structured and where do I fit in?
- What will be the biggest challenges of this job?
- Who does this position report to?
- What type of person do you feel would be best suited for this position in terms of skills, experience, and personality?
- How will you measure the success of the person in this position?
Read the full guide: 4 Important Questions to Ask in an Interview (and Why)
Future-focused interview questions
24. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Why are they asking: According to Jobscan recruiter, Kyle Law, this actually isn’t a very common interview question and might in itself be a red flag for you. “It’s such a silly question to ask. The person you’re interviewing might not even be there in five years.” They might be looking for someone who expects to stay in a role or job for a long period of time. However, in today’s job market, that’s rare.
How to answer: It’s important to be honest. If your career plan is to take advantage of every opportunity to grow—whether that’s at one company or several – then make that clear. If the company wants someone to stay with them for several years, there’s no point in wasting your time or their time if that’s not your goal.
“I see myself being successful in my field. I’m a fast learner and I believe I have a natural talent for what I do. In five years, I’d like to say that I’ve been able to gain new skills and experience, visit some places that I’ve never been before, and build a solid reputation in my industry.”
“My goal is to [career goal]. In order to achieve that goal, I need to [steps to achieving the goal]. I think this position is the perfect opportunity for me to
25. Describe your dream job.
Why are they asking: There are two main things that hiring managers want to know by asking this question: 1) They want to understand your career goals and determine whether the job you’re applying for matches them, and 2) they want to see how well you fit their work culture.
How to answer: They don’t necessarily want to hear a specific job title. They simply want you to describe what you believe would be the perfect job for you. Because this question has a two-fold intent, you can answer by describing a job where you can apply the values that you uphold and that align with your goals, as well as describe the things that motivate you.
“My dream job is one where I can collaborate with a team and regularly exchange insights to get the best possible results. I’ve mostly worked as a freelance graphic artist, and I haven’t been able to collaborate with a team as much as I want to. That’s also why I’m applying as an in-house artist in your company. I believe that here I’ll be able to do what I love alongside other great artists from whom I can learn so much.”
“My dream job is one where I could put my skills in [top skills relevant to the job] to use while [mention career values, like collaborating with others]. I’m extremely passionate about these and would love to be in a company that values them as much as I do.”
Track your job search with Job Tracker
Jobscan’s Job Tracker tool can organize your job search all in one place. Optimize your resume, apply for jobs, and manage your interviews from your Jobscan dashboard. Each job card is neatly categorized by each stage of the job search, like on the dashboard below.
When you open an opportunity card, you’ll find your tailored resume, your cover letter, and the job description.
By going to the “Interview” tab, like in the example below, you can input the details of your interview. The date, time, contact name and number, and type of interview are all recorded in one place.
Additionally, you can go to the “Notes” tab to jot down your pre- and post-interview thoughts, details you want to mention, and more. See the example below for the Job Tracker in action.
Interview questions do’s and don’ts
- Think of answers in advance to common interview questions like the ones on this page. Come up with a few stories from your career that illustrate things like challenges overcome, innovation and creativity, conflict resolution, etc.
- Practice out loud. If you feel weird talking to yourself, find a friend who will role play with you and pepper you with questions.
- Study the job description to create talking points and relevant questions.
- If you’re doing a video interview, get rid of distractions, use a clean background, and test your tech (lighting, video, and audio) beforehand.
- Before your interview, decide how you want to present yourself (confident, thoughtful, friendly, etc) and take a few minutes to release tension.
- Promptly follow up after the interview with a gracious message.
- Don’t be desperate, even if you really need the job or money.
- If you’re preparing for a phone interview, don’t be too casual – dress as you would for an in-person interview. You might be tempted to “show up” in jammies, since the interviewer won’t see you. But suitable clothing gets you in the right mindset and helps you feel more confident.
- Don’t talk too fast. Pause before answering questions. You will sound better if you take a second to breathe and think. Come up with a few phrases you can use to acknowledge the question before you pause and breathe.
- Don’t wing it! Research the company ahead of time to prove that you are more excited and more prepared to take on the role than any of the other candidates.
FAQs
Some examples of the weirdest interview questions are:
• What would you do if you won the lottery?
• What superpower would you like to have, and why?
• How would you rate me as an interviewer?
These are no doubt unusual questions, and they get asked pretty rarely. But when interviewers ask ridiculous questions like these, it’s usually to better gauge your personality, critical thinking skills, or culture fit.
The best way to answer this question is to “sell” yourself. Talk about your key skills, qualifications, and experience that make you a great candidate. You can also make your answer more impactful by keeping it relevant to the company’s business needs and requirements for the role.
Some of the most difficult interview questions are:
• Tell me about yourself.
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• Tell me about a time when you failed or made a mistake.
• Tell me about a challenge you faced and how you handled it.
• Why should we hire you?
If you’re having difficulties answering a question, you can:
• Ask your interviewer to repeat or clarify the question. This will give you more time to think as well as a better sense of what’s being asked.
• Take your time. Rushing to say something just to say anything may only make things worse.
• Admit that you don’t know the answer. If the question does fall outside of your knowledge or expertise, be honest about it.
• Redirect to a subject that you’re familiar with. You can also redirect the conversation to a topic that you’re more knowledgeable about.
For example, you can say, “Unfortunately, that goes beyond my expertise. However, I’m quite knowledgeable on [a subject you’re good at that’s related to the question].” You can then elaborate on it if the interviewer gives you the go-ahead.
To keep you focused during your interview, prepare using a tool like Jobscan’s Job Tracker, which has a Notes section where you can jot down common interview questions and sample answers for each.
Before the interview, refer to this section and go over what you’ve written. This will help you feel more confident and prepared.
