8 Tips for Answering the Most

Common Interview Questions

1. Tell me about yourself.

This is probably the most common of all interview questions, and typically the first thing a
job candidate will hear. Now is the time to introduce yourself to the interviewer. “Take this as
an opportunity to identify the most important information about you,” says Shannon
Merchant, a career consultant at Texas Christian University. “It’s like a commercial allowing
you to introduce the qualifications you most want an employer to know.” Make sure your
answer to this question notes “your qualifications and ties your interest in the position into
what the employer needs,” says Sarah Trzeciak, career center director at the University of
Colorado Denver.

Tailoring your answer to the position will also help you avoid sharing too much about
yourself, says Patty Bishop, director of career development at St. Mary’s College of
California. Too many personal details “can be dangerous, so be concise and authentic.
Remember, interviewing is not just a question of whether you have the skills to do the job,”
says Bishop, “it’s oftentimes a question of personality fit.”

2. What experience do you have that makes you a

good fit for this position?
“If you haven’t already outlined your qualifications, now is the time to describe how your past
experiences—paid and unpaid—tie into the job description,” Trzeciak says. “Highlight
experience that showcases your transferable skills and make a direct link to how those skills
would benefit the employer.”

Think about and carefully choose (preferably before the interview) the
experiences you use to answer this question. And, Merchant advises,
“don’t be afraid to be explicit in explaining why you believe this
experience or skill is relevant based on what you know about the position.”
 
3. What are your weaknesses?
Interviewers want to hear about your real weaknesses; this is a chance for them to gauge your
honesty. “Claiming your biggest weakness is perfectionism and you work too hard is
disingenuous and hiring managers know it,” Bishop warns.

Still, it is important to discuss your weaknesses “in a way that will not damage your chances,”
says Roberta Cross, career services director at Washington & Jefferson College. Phrase your
answer to end on a positive note, she says, to show what measures you are taking to improve
yourself. For example, instead of saying your weakness is that you don’t do well speaking in
front of large groups, Cross advises saying, “I know I need to allow extra time to prepare
when talking [or] presenting to large groups, so I have reviewed resources to gain tips for
improving my public speaking.”

4. Why are you interested in this opportunity at this

company?
The interviewer wants to hear exactly why the company caught your attention in the first
place. It is the perfect time to “show off your research and tell the employer why you are
interested in this opportunity as opposed to any other,” Merchant says. “It’s also a good
opportunity to tell an employer what you are hoping to learn through this experience.”

Merchant adds that “candidates should be familiar with the company website and all aspects
of the organization and department that can be gleaned ahead of time.” Think about this
question during your research to help you identify the main reasons you want the job. “The
more you can focus in and provide personal examples that emphasize what skills they need,”
says Rachel Gibson, a career counselor at Creighton University, “the more they will be able to
see you working for their organization.”

5. Where do you see yourself in five years?

Employers want to hire ambitious individuals who can help take the company to the next level
while achieving their own personal goals. You don’t need to have your future mapped out, but
it is important to have a sense of your long-term career and education goals, Trzeciak says.
“This is used to determine longevity with the company, but also potential. It’s okay to be
vague, but demonstrate a commitment to the position and the company.”

6. What superhero power would you want and why?

There are many oddball questions employers like to ask during interviews, but, according to
our experts, this is one of the most common. Questions like these have several functions.
“Some employers or on-campus organizations like to see how students react under pressure,”
Merchant says. How you react will also demonstrate your critical-thinking skills, says
Trzeciak. “The answer isn’t important, it’s your reasoning behind it.” She says it’s “also okay
to ask for a moment to think about [your answer].” Doing so will help calm your nerves under
pressure.

Bishop also advises students to be creative and have fun when answering
oddball questions. “If you can treat an interview more like a first date, you
will be perceived as someone who is genuine” and easy to work with. How
you answer might also determine your cultural fit within the company.

7. Why should we hire you?

“The easy answer is that you are the best person for the job,” says Bishop. “Don’t be afraid to
say so,” but avoid being perceived as arrogant. She adds that “the key is to back up [your
statement] with what specifically differentiates you. Illustrate this by your passionate
examples.” Always remember to frame your answers in terms of what value you can add to
the company, she says.

Gibson says interviewers typically save this question for the end of the meeting. Finishing
with a strong answer is crucial to getting the job offer and, she says, “re-emphasizing exactly
what you have that they want at the end” of the interview will help you accomplish this.

8. Do you have any questions for me?

Usually asked at the end of the interview, your answer to this question is not so much about
your past experiences or knowledge of the company, but is still important. This is your chance
to interview the interviewer and display your interest in the position, Trzeciak says. She
advises candidates avoid asking questions about salary, benefits and hours, and instead “focus
on questions that will help you determine if you want to work there.” The interviewer’s
answers can also bring up opportunities to add extra examples of why you are qualified.