8 common interview questions and how to answer them (with examples)
Preparing for a job interview? Job interviews can be one of the most nerve-wracking parts of the job-seeking process. However, one of the best ways to calm your nerves - and impress your potential employer - is to prepare standout answers to the most common interview questions.
There are a few popular questions you’re likely to face, such as:
- Interview question: Tell me about yourself
- Interview question: What are your strengths?
- Interview question: What are your weaknesses?
- Interview question: What motivates you?
- Interview question: Describe a time you faced a challenge at work
- Interview question: Why do you want to work here?
- Interview question: How do you prioritise your work?
- Interview question: How do you handle stressful situations?
Why do interviewers ask these questions? How should you answer them, and what should you avoid saying? We’ve consulted career and interview coaches to provide their expert advice, along with example answers to help guide your responses. Additionally, you’ll find key takeaways at the end of each question to help you quickly grasp what to remember.
Interview question: Tell me about yourself
It’s usually the first question an interviewer will ask – and it’s one of the trickiest to answer because it seems so broad. What do they really want to know about you?
Leah Lambart, career and interview coach at Relaunch Me, says interviewers usually ask this question to break the ice and to gauge your communication skills.
“It’s an opportunity to do your elevator pitch or your two-minute spiel on what you can bring to the role, so I recommend preparing a little script and practising it before an interview, so that it sounds natural and authentic.”
How to answer “Tell me about yourself”
Julie Knox, career coach and owner of Blue Sky Career Consulting, recommends dividing your response into four parts.
“The first includes a brief overview of your career that is relevant to the role you’re applying for, including the job titles and responsibilities,” she says. “This is in your résumé, but the interviewer really wants to hear it in your own words.”
The second part should focus on recent achievements, while the third part should highlight your key skills that align with the job you’re applying for.
“Lastly, talk about why you are interested in the role and why you would be a great fit,” says Knox.
Example answer:
“I’ve worked in customer service at X agency for the past five years and was recently promoted to manager. I was responsible for maintaining high levels of customer service and led a team of three people. I really enjoy helping them to achieve their goals. This is a skill I’ve really honed in my current role and I’d love to build a successful team within your organisation because I can see that your culture aligns with my own values.”
Key takeaways:
- Focus on relevant career experiences.
- Mention recent achievements.
- Tie your skills and interests to the role.
Read more about: How to answer 'Tell me about yourself' in an interview
How not to answer:
"I graduated from university 15 years ago and I got a job at Y agency, but I didn’t really like my boss, so I moved to Z agency and stayed there for a couple of years before I took time off to go backpacking around Europe. I had a few part-time jobs while I was over there and I really love travelling, but I came back about six years ago and have been working at X agency. But, to be honest, I’m a bit over it.”
Interview question: What are your strengths?
Interviewers want to know what you can bring to this role and why you’d be a great fit. But Knox says this question also allows interviewers to gauge if you’ve done your homework about the job.
“They want to check that you've read the position description, that you know what the employer is actually looking for, so you can tailor your answer towards what they need.”
How to answer “What are your strengths?”
When describing your strengths, be specific and show how these skills complement the role. Lambart recommends highlighting three key strengths and how you've developed them.
“Also, describe how you've been able to use each strength and how you believe it will help you be successful in the role you're interviewing for,” she says.
Lambart also recommends including a variety of strengths in your response.
“People can go wrong by listing three strengths that are quite similar,” she says. “For example, they might nominate ‘customer service’, ‘relationship management’, and ‘rapport building’ as their three strengths, but they’re all very similar. I suggest choosing strengths that show different aspects of what you can bring to the role.”
Example answer:
“I have strong communication skills, which has helped me to build trust and confidence within my current team. It’s also helped me to quickly build rapport with clients and to explain their needs to my team in a clear way. I think this has helped to maximise client outcomes and satisfaction.”
Key takeaways:
- Be specific and relevant.
- Provide examples to back up your strengths.
- Show a diverse set of strengths.
Read more about: How to answer "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" in a job interview
How not to answer:
“To be honest, I excel in all aspects of my job. I’m a people person and that’s why I’ve always been popular in every job I’ve ever had. People know that I’m the fun one to have around.”
Interview question: What are your weaknesses?
Nobody’s perfect, but owning up to your weaknesses in a job interview can be daunting.
Lambart says interviewers ask about your weaknesses to measure your level of self-awareness and your willingness to develop and improve.
“No one wants to hire someone who thinks they're perfect and thinks there’s nothing that they need to work on,” she says.
How to answer “What are your weaknesses?”
“I don’t think I have any weaknesses, but if I had to try and find one, I guess it’s that I’m a workaholic.”
Whether your weakness relates to a specific skill or a personality trait, tailor a response that shows you are aware and open to improvement.
“If there’s a gap in your knowledge of a specific software, for example, explain how you can work to overcome it and highlight that you have strong technical skills and you can learn software quickly,” says Lambart.
Example answer:
“I’m good at explaining things clearly, but I’m a bit scared of public speaking. I knew this was something I needed to work on, so I joined Toastmasters last year and I’m actually starting to enjoy speaking in front of a group.”
Key takeaways:
- Be honest about your weaknesses.
- Show how you are working to improve.
- Don’t use clichés like “I’m a perfectionist.”
Read more about How to turn weaknesses into strengths: Strategic tips for job interviews
Interview question: What motivates you?
Understanding what motivates you can help interviewers determine whether you’ll be a good fit for the role and company culture.
How to answer “What motivates you?”
Your answer should demonstrate that your motivators align with the job you’re applying for. Be honest about what drives you and give specific examples.
Example answer:
“I’m motivated by solving problems and improving processes. For example, in my last role, I implemented a new workflow that reduced delivery times by 15%. Knowing that I can make a tangible difference and contribute to the team’s success is what drives me to do my best work.”
Key takeaways:
- Tie your motivation to the role.
- Provide examples of past achievements.
Interview question: Describe a time you faced a challenge at work
This is a typical behavioural interview question that allows the employer to assess your problem-solving skills and how you handle adversity.
How to answer “Describe a time you faced a challenge at work”
Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answer. Explain the situation, what you were tasked with, the actions you took, and the results of your efforts.
Example answer:
“I was once tasked with managing a project that had a tight deadline. The team was understaffed, and we had to work overtime to meet the target. I organised daily check-ins and reassigned resources to prioritise tasks. As a result, we delivered the project on time and exceeded the client’s expectations.”
Key takeaways:
- Use the STAR method.
- Focus on how you solved the problem.
- Highlight the results of your actions.
Read more about: Common workplace challenges and how to overcome them
Interview question: Why do you want to work here?
This question is designed to test your knowledge of the company and your genuine interest in the role.
How to answer “Why do you want to work here?”
Do your research about the company’s culture, values, and recent achievements. Align your answer with their goals and explain why you are excited about the opportunity.
Example answer:
“I’ve been following your company’s growth and am really impressed with the recent product launch. I admire your commitment to sustainability, which aligns with my personal values, and I’d love to contribute to your continued success.”
Key takeaways:
- Do research on the company.
- Align your answer with their values.
- Show enthusiasm for the role.
Read more about: How to answer ‘Why do you want to work for us?’ (with examples)
Interview question: How do you prioritise your work?
This question is aimed at understanding how you manage your time and tasks in a professional setting.
How to answer “How do you prioritise your work?”
Explain your approach to prioritisation and provide an example of how you’ve successfully managed competing deadlines.
Example answer:
“I use a task management system to keep track of deadlines and priorities. I assess the urgency and importance of each task and break them down into smaller, manageable steps. For example, during a busy period last year, I successfully completed three major projects on time by focusing on the most critical tasks first.”
Key takeaways:
- Show that you can manage time effectively.
- Give examples of how you prioritise tasks.
Read more about: How to prioritise tasks
Interview question: How do you handle stressful situations?
Employers want to know how you perform under pressure and if you can stay calm in high-pressure environments.
How to answer “How do you handle stressful situations?”
Share a specific example of a stressful situation and how you kept calm and found a solution.
Example answer:
“I stay calm under pressure by breaking down tasks into manageable steps and staying organised. I also make sure to communicate with my team if I need help. For instance, during a product launch, I coordinated with cross-functional teams to keep everything on track and ensure we met the deadline.”
Key takeaways:
- Emphasise your problem-solving skills.
- Demonstrate how you stay calm under pressure.
By preparing for these common interview questions, you can enter your next interview feeling confident and ready to impress your potential employer. The more you practice, the more likely you are to land your dream job.
FAQs
How should I prepare for a job interview?
To prepare for a job interview, start by researching the company and understanding the role you are applying for. Review the job description carefully and practise answering common interview questions. It is also helpful to prepare a few thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer. Plan what you will wear, ensure you know the location and timing of the interview, and aim to arrive early.
What are some key tips for interview success?
To succeed in an interview, it is important to be confident, professional, and engaged throughout the conversation. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly and concisely. Maintain good body language, such as making eye contact and sitting up straight, to convey confidence. After the interview, follow up with a thank-you email to express your appreciation and reinforce your interest in the role.
How can I calm my nerves before an interview?
If you feel nervous before an interview, take deep breaths and remind yourself that the interviewer wants to get to know you, not test you. Practising your answers in advance can help you feel more prepared and confident. Arriving early allows you to settle in and gather your thoughts. Focusing on positive body language, such as smiling and maintaining eye contact, can also help you feel more at ease.
What should I do after an interview?
After an interview, it is a good idea to send a thank-you email within 24 hours. In your email, express your appreciation for the opportunity and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. If you have not received a response within the expected timeframe, you can follow up politely to check on the progress of your application.
What should I do if I don’t get the job?
If you do not get the job, try to view the experience as a learning opportunity. If possible, ask the interviewer for feedback to understand areas for improvement. Reflect on your performance and identify ways to strengthen your skills for future interviews. Stay positive, keep applying for other opportunities, and continue refining your interview techniques.
