20 common interview questions and how to answer them

Most interview questions circle around a few things: who you are, what you can do, how you work with others, and what you want from this job. Prepare answers to these 20 and the odd questions become much easier.

About you

1. Tell me about yourself. Three parts in one minute: what you do now, what you did before that relates to this job, and why this role interests you.
2. What are your strengths? Pick one that matters for the job and give one real example.
3. What is your weakness? Name a real one that is not central to the job, and say how you are working on it.
4. Why did you leave your last job? Talk about what you want next, not what was wrong with the old place.
5. Where do you see yourself in five years? Name the skills you want to grow and link them to this role.

About the job and your results

1. Why do you want to work here? Mention something specific you know about the company, not general praise.
2. Why should we hire you? Sum up two or three points that match the job ad.
3. Tell us about the work you are proudest of. Tell it in order: situation, task, what you did, result.
4. Tell us about a mistake and how you fixed it. Choose one that is resolved and say what you learned.
5. How do you handle several urgent tasks at once? Describe the way you actually prioritise.
6. What do you know about this role? Restate the main duties from the ad in your own words.

About working with others

1. Have you ever disagreed with your manager? Explain how you talked it through and how it ended.
2. Can you work in a team? Give an example where your part was clear.
3. What kind of manager do you like? Answer honestly but neutrally, for example one who sets clear goals.
4. How would co-workers describe you? Use words you have actually heard.

About terms

1. What salary do you expect? Give a range you have researched.
2. When can you start? Give a clear date that includes your notice period.
3. Can you work overtime or travel? Be honest; if you have limits, say so now.
4. Are you interviewing elsewhere? You can say yes without naming companies.
5. Do you have any questions for us? Always have two ready, such as what success looks like in the first three months, or how the team works together.

Before the day

Practise out loud. Do not memorise word for word; remember the points and the examples. If you want to pick a time slot and a seating direction that support you, try Interview Time. No birth details needed.

See the supporting time slots for your interview day at Interview Time, and turn on LINE job alerts from your account page.