Common Interview Questions and How to Answer Them

'Tell me about yourself' is usually the first question, and it sets the tone. Keep your answer to around one to two minutes. A simple structure works well: what you do now, what relevant experience or study you have, and why you are interested in this role.

'What are your strengths?' is best answered with two or three strengths that match the job, each backed by a short example. 'What is your greatest weakness?' is about self-awareness. Choose a real but manageable weakness, then explain what you are doing to improve it. Avoid disguised boasts such as 'I work too hard'.

• Tell me about yourself.
• What are your main strengths?
• What is a weakness you are working on?
• How would your colleagues or classmates describe you?

'Why do you want this job?' and 'Why do you want to work here?' test whether you have done your research. Connect something specific about the company, such as its products, customers or approach, to your own skills and goals. Generic praise like 'You are a great company' rarely convinces anyone.

'Where do you see yourself in five years?' is not a request for a detailed plan. Interviewers mainly want to know that your direction makes sense for the role and that you intend to grow. It is fine to say you hope to deepen certain skills or take on more responsibility.

Questions beginning with 'Tell me about a time when...' ask for real past examples, on the basis that past behaviour often hints at future behaviour. Answer with the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result. Spend most of your time on the action and keep the situation short.

Be specific. 'I usually stay calm under pressure' is weaker than a brief story about a deadline you met and how you did it. If the result was not perfect, say what you learned; honesty tends to come across better than a polished story that sounds rehearsed.

• Tell me about a time you solved a difficult problem.
• Describe a disagreement with a colleague and how you handled it.
• Give an example of working under a tight deadline.
• Tell me about a mistake you made and what you did next.

Situational questions ask what you would do in a hypothetical case, for example 'What would you do if a customer asked for something outside company policy?'. Talk through your reasoning step by step: what you would check, who you would involve and how you would communicate.

Technical roles often include skills questions or a practical task, such as working with a spreadsheet, writing a short email or reviewing some data. Practising with a free skills test can help you get used to answering under time pressure, and the problem solving skills guide explains what employers usually look for in that area.

'Why are you leaving your current job?' should be answered positively. Focus on what you are moving towards, such as new challenges or growth, rather than criticising a past employer. 'Can you explain this gap in your CV?' deserves a short, honest answer about what you did during that time, such as studying, caring for family or looking for work, followed by a move back to your skills.

Questions about pay expectations vary by country and company. Research typical ranges for the role in your market beforehand, and if you are unsure it is reasonable to ask about the full package before giving a number. In some countries, certain personal questions are restricted, so you may politely steer back to your qualifications if a question feels inappropriate.