Interview Questions and How to Answer Them

Have a job interview coming up? Interview preparation is key. Before going, review the most common interview questions, plan your responses, and research the company so you can walk into that room prepared.

  • 1. Tell Me About Yourself.

    Ans. This warm-up question is your chance to make an impactful first impression. Be prepared to describe yourself in a few sentences. You can mention: Your past experiences and how they relate to the current job How your most recent job is tied to this new opportunity Two of your strengths One personal attribute, like a hobby or an interest The majority of this response leans on your past work experience, with a small dash of your personal life added at the end of the response. Keep your answer to two to four minutes.

  • 2. Why do you want to work for this company?

    Ans. The answer to this interview question should include specifics about the company, so you’ll need to do some pre-interview research. If, for example, the company is known for its collaborative culture, you could point out successes you’ve had while collaborating with a team. Look for company-specific information on their website and social channels. Pay attention to the company’s mission statement, values, and the ‘About us’ section. Explore employee-specific posts on social media to learn about the company’s culture or outreach programs. Combine this information with relatable skills to show your preparedness and enthusiasm for the company.

  • 3. Why are you leaving your current role?

    Ans. When asked about leaving a previous job, be honest but positive. Even if you left a job under trying circumstances, keep your response short and upbeat. Here are some suggestions: I’m looking for a company that better aligns with my values. I’m excited to find a company where I can grow my career. I’ve decided to go down a different career path. My position was downsized, but I’m looking forward to a new opportunity. I’m excited to explore a culture in line with my personality. I’m ready to take on a new challenge with an innovative company. I’ve aspired to work for this company and seized the chance to apply.

  • 4. What is your biggest weakness?

    Ans. When it comes to identifying weaknesses, think about some conflicts you’ve had to overcome. Maybe it’s difficult for you to take criticism, collaborate, or make public presentations. Take these challenges and frame them with a solution. For instance, you learned to take feedback to better a project, collaborate to elevate a product’s offerings, or use presentations as a way to build your confidence.

  • 5. What do you consider your greatest achievement?

    Ans. Your greatest achievement should be something specific, like bringing a new video game to a saturated market despite a lack of resources. Discuss a work-related triumph as a way to humbly mention your achievements as opposed to listing awards or accolades. This achievement should also fall in line with the company’s mission, goals, or the position’s objectives.

  • 6. Tell me about a difficult situation you’ve faced and how you handled it.

    Ans. This question is really asking about your character during moments of stress. Think of a time when you faced an impossible deadline, had to choose sides, or navigated interoffice turmoil. Explain the problem, how you stayed calm, and focus on the solution that produced a resolution.

  • 7. Give an example of how you’ve gone above and beyond your role requirements.

    Ans. While you might be tempted to mention the extra hours you put in or the additional tasks you take on, it’s best to showcase your skills with a story. Talk about the innovative methods you deployed to revive a stalled project or roles you filled when your team was downsized.

  • 8. Where do you see yourself five years from now?

    Ans. Another common interview question looks at your five-year plan. You should promote your commitment to the company while looking toward growth opportunities. More specifically, you can craft a response that explores your: Position-related goals Potential experiences within the company over the next five years Possible certifications, skills, or achievements you might obtain Aspirations for growth within the role

  • 9. Do you have any questions for us?

    Ans. Typically, this is the last question of the interview, and it might be tempting to say, “No. I’m all set.” However, this question allows you to show your interest in the position. Some questions you could ask include: What are the day-to-day tasks involved in this role? How do you evaluate the progress of this role? What ongoing educational or training opportunities could I pursue in this role? Where do you see the company in five years? How would you describe the company culture?