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The Top 10 Questions Asked During Job Interviews (And How To Answer Them)
Many job interviews follow a similar pattern. Preparing for these typical interview questions and answers can give you a significant advantage.
Beth Sanders
October 01, 2024
The Top 10 Questions Asked During Job Interviews (And How To Answer Them)
Are you feeling nervous about your upcoming job interview?
It’s completely normal to feel that way, especially when you’re unsure about what to expect. Job interviews can be challenging, and often, the most significant source of anxiety is not knowing which questions will come up.
The good news is that many job interviews follow a similar pattern, with specific questions asked time and time again. Preparing for these typical interview questions and answers can give you a significant advantage.
In fact, a survey found that 47% of employers won’t offer a job to a candidate if they seem to lack knowledge about the company. This shows how important it is to be prepared for the interview itself as well.
With that said, let’s dive into the top 10 job interview questions and answers.
Our Research Methodology
To put together this list of the top job interview questions, we followed a detailed and thoughtful process. At first, we looked at many different job interviews across various fields and industries. Over the years, our team has worked with hiring managers and HR professionals and has even gone through many of them ourselves. Because of this, we know which questions the employers ask most often.
After that, we read through industry reports and studies to ensure the list we’re making is accurate and up-to-date. These reports were helpful in determining which questions are most important in today’s job market.
Throughout this process, we selected the most appropriate questions that could be asked of you. Our list only has the top 10, but you can also read this article for 81+ common interview questions and answers.
Top 10 Questions Asked During Job Interviews and Their Answers
While every interview is different, there are some questions that almost every employer asks. Here are the top 10 most common interview questions and tips on how to answer them.
1. Tell me about yourself.
This is often the first question you’ll be asked in an interview. It’s a broad question, so it’s easy to ramble if you’re not prepared. The best way to answer is to keep it concise and focused on your professional background. Briefly describe your current or most recent role, touch on a couple of key achievements, and explain why you’re excited about the opportunity to interview for this job.
Example Answer
"I’m currently a project manager at XYZ Corp, where I’ve been for the last three years. In my role, I’ve managed several high-profile projects from initiation to completion, leading teams of up to 15 people. I’m particularly proud of reducing project turnaround times by 20%. I’m now looking to take on a new challenge in a company like yours, where I can leverage my skills in a more dynamic environment."
2. Why do you want to work here?
This question is designed to gauge your interest in the company and whether you’ve done your homework. The best answers are those that align your career goals with the company’s mission or values. Do some research on the company before your interview and mention specific aspects that attract you.
Example Answer
"I’ve been following your company’s work in renewable energy for some time, and I’m impressed by your commitment to sustainability and innovation. My background in environmental engineering aligns perfectly with your focus, and I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to your projects and help advance the company’s mission."
3. What are your strengths?
This question is your opportunity to showcase your skills and qualities that make you a great fit for the job. Choose strengths that are relevant to the role and back them up with examples from your past experience.
Example Answer
"One of my key strengths is my attention to detail. In my current role as a financial analyst, I’ve consistently delivered error-free reports that have been crucial in decision-making processes. I’m also highly organized, which allows me to manage multiple projects simultaneously without compromising on quality."
4. What are your weaknesses?
This can be a tricky question because you want to be honest without jeopardizing your chances. The best approach is to mention a genuine area for improvement and immediately follow up with how you’re working on it.
Example Answer
"I tend to be a bit of a perfectionist, which sometimes leads me to spend more time on tasks than necessary. However, I’ve been working on setting more realistic deadlines for myself and focusing on prioritizing tasks to ensure efficiency."
5. Why are you leaving your current job?
Employers ask this to understand your motivations and to assess whether you’re leaving on good terms. Keep your answer positive and focus on what you’re looking for in your next role rather than criticizing your current or previous employers.
Example Answer
"I’ve enjoyed my time at my current company, but I’m looking for new challenges that align more closely with my career goals. I’m particularly interested in this role because it offers opportunities for growth in areas that I’m passionate about, such as digital marketing."
6. Where do you see yourself in five years?
This question tests your long-term vision and whether you’re looking to grow within the company. Your answer should demonstrate ambition but also be realistic and aligned with the company’s trajectory.
Example Answer
"In five years, I see myself in a leadership position within this company, helping to drive key projects that align with our strategic goals. I’m excited about the opportunity to grow and develop my skills further while contributing to the company’s success."
7. Can you describe a challenging situation and how you handled it?
Behavioral questions like this are common because they reveal how you handle stress and problem-solving. Use the STAR method to organize your answer. How? Describe the Situation and Task you faced, explain the Action you took, and highlight the Result you achieved.
Example Answer
"In my previous role, we faced a significant issue when a key supplier unexpectedly went out of business. My task was to find a replacement quickly without disrupting our production schedule. I immediately began researching alternative suppliers and, within two weeks, secured a new partner that not only met our needs but also offered better terms, saving the company 10% on costs."
8. Do you prefer working independently or on a team?
This question helps employers understand how you work best and whether your working style aligns with the job’s requirements. It’s a good idea to highlight your flexibility and provide examples of how you’ve successfully worked in both situations.
Example Answer
"I enjoy both working independently and as part of a team. For example, in my current role, I often work independently on data analysis projects, which require a high level of focus and attention to detail. However, I also collaborate closely with my team to develop strategies and present our findings to stakeholders. I find that having a balance between the two allows me to perform my best."
9. What are your salary expectations?
This question can be tricky because you don’t want to price yourself out of the job, but you also don’t want to undervalue your skills. It’s best to do some research on the industry standards for the role and location and provide a range rather than a specific number. Be sure to express flexibility.
Example Answer
"Based on my research and considering my experience and skills, I believe a salary range of $60,000 to $70,000 would be appropriate. However, I’m open to discussing this further depending on the total compensation package and other benefits offered."
10. From your resume, it seems you took a gap year. Would you like to tell us why that was?
This question aims to understand any career gaps and assess your reasoning behind them. It’s important to be honest and to frame the gap year positively, focusing on what you gained from the experience.
Example Answer
"Yes, I took a gap year to focus on further developing my skills and exploring new opportunities. During that time, I completed several online courses in areas that I’m passionate about, such as digital marketing and data analysis. I also took on freelance projects, which allowed me to apply what I learned in real-world scenarios. I’m now more motivated and better equipped to contribute meaningfully in a full-time role."
4 Not-So-Common Interview Questions
In addition to these common questions, some employers may throw in a few curveballs to see how you think on your feet. Here are a few examples:
1. If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?
This question tests your creativity and how quickly you can think under pressure. There’s no right or wrong answer, but it’s a chance to show a bit of your personality.
Example Answer
"I would be an eagle because they have a keen vision and a broad perspective. In my work, I strive to see the big picture while also paying attention to the details."
2. How would you describe yourself in one word?
This question challenges you to be concise and choose a word that reflects your key qualities or values. Think about the qualities that align with the job you’re applying for.
Example Answer
"Resilient. I’ve faced many challenges in my career, and I’ve always been able to bounce back stronger and more determined."
3. What’s the most innovative idea you’ve ever had?
This question is designed to assess your creativity and problem-solving skills. Share an idea that had a significant impact, whether it was in your personal or professional life.
Example Answer
"At my last job, I proposed a new workflow that automated several repetitive tasks. This not only saved the team a lot of time but also reduced errors by 30%."
4. If you were given an unlimited budget, what would you do with it for our company?
This question tests your understanding of the company’s needs and your ability to think strategically. Focus on ideas that align with the company’s mission and goals.
Example Answer
"I would invest in advanced analytics tools to better understand customer behavior and improve our product offerings. This way, we can stay ahead of the competition and meet the needs of our customers in a better way."
Summing Up
It’s important for you to be well-prepared for your job interview. The more confident you are, the higher your chances of being successful. You can handle whatever comes your way in a better way by familiarizing yourself with the common interview questions as well as the not-so-common ones.
Remember, the key is to practice your answers, stay calm, and be yourself. With the right preparation, you’re well on your way to landing your desired job.
Good luck!
References
Harvard Business Review (2021). 10 Common Job Interview Questions and How to Answer Them. https://hbr.org/2021/11/10-common-job-interview-questions-and-how-to-answer-them
HAYS. Top 10 Most Common Interview Questions And How To Answer Them
Indeed (2024). Common Interview Questions and How To Answer Them
The Balance (2024). Top 10 Job Interview Questions and Best Answers
MONSTER. What are the 10 Most Common Interview Questions with Answers?
LinkedIn (2022). 10 Most Common Interview Questions and How to Answer