Do you have a job interview coming up? Are you prepared?

The best way to get ready for an interview is to

take the time to review the most common interview questions you will most likely be asked, along with
examples of the best answers. Knowing what you're going to say can eliminate a lot of interview stress.

Prepare for the Interview

You don't need to memorize an answer, but do take the time to consider how you'll respond. The more you
prepare, the more confident you'll feel during a job interview. When you're not sure what to expect during
an interview, also take time to review this refresher on how job interviews work, and these tips on how to
prepare to ace your job interview.

Review examples of the best responses to the most frequently asked interview questions in several
different categories, and advice on how to answer.

Job Interview Questions and Answers

Here's a list of common job interview questions, with examples of the best answers about you, your work
history and experience, the job, your goals, the new job, salary, and what you have to offer the employer.

The Most Frequently Asked Interview Questions

These are the top ten most commonly asked interview questions, with examples of the best answers. Also
review job-specific interview questions for many different positions to get ideas for framing your own
interview responses.

Top 10 Interview Questions and Best Answers

Review the most common interview questions and examples of the best answers. Also, be sure to review
the bonus questions at the end of the article so you’re prepared for some of the more challenging
questions that might come up.

1. Tell me about yourself.

What They Want to Know: The interviewer wants to know why you're an excellent fit for the job. Try to
answer questions about yourself without giving too much, or too little, personal information. You can start
by sharing some of your personal interests and experiences that don't relate directly to work, such as a
favorite hobby or a brief account of where you grew up, your education and what motivates you. You can
even share some fun facts and showcase your personality to make the interview a little more interesting.

As an ER nurse, I find that the best way for me to de-stress when I’m not working is to relax outdoors, rain
or shine. I’ve always been an avid hiker, nature photographer and trout fisher, and one of my favorite things
to do is to volunteer with the U.S. Forest Service and with local salmon habitat restoration groups. I also
lead group hikes on some of Mt. Baker’s more challenging trails. This is where the skills I developed during
my initial training as a military nurse sometimes come in handy. My current personal goal is to climb Mt.
Rainier next summer. Being outdoors never fails to renew my spirit so that I’m able to be the best ER nurse
I can be.

2. Why should we hire you?

What They Want to Know: Are you the best candidate for the job? The hiring manager wants to know
whether you have all the required qualifications. Be prepared to explain why you're the applicant who
should be hired. Make your response a confident, concise, focused sales pitch that explains what you have
to offer and why you should get the job.
You should hire me because my experience is almost perfectly aligned with the requirements you asked for
in your job listing. I have seven years’ progressive experience in the hospitality industry, advancing from my
initial role as a front desk associate with Excalibur Resort and Spa to my current position there as a
concierge. I’m well-versed in providing world-class customer service to an upscale clientele, and I pride
myself on my ability to quickly resolve problems so that our guests enjoy their time with us.

3. What is your greatest strength?

What They Want to Know: This is one of the questions that employers almost always ask to determine
how well you are qualified for the position. When you are asked about your greatest strengths, it's important
to discuss the attributes that qualify you for that specific job, and that will set you apart from other
candidates.

As a cyber security specialist, my greatest strength is my intellectual curiosity. I

enjoy researching the latest technology trends so that our critical information technology systems remain
uncompromised. Not only do I do this by reading the latest issues of cyber security journals, I also
convinced my employer to fund my participation in quarterly information technology conferences. This has
allowed me to build a network of peer resources—many of whom are leaders in the field—that I can call
upon for strategies when new threats arise to our systems.

4. What is your greatest weakness?

What They Want to Know: Another typical question interviewers will ask is about your weaknesses. Do
your best to frame your answers around positive aspects of your skills and abilities as an employee, turning
seeming “weaknesses” into strengths. You can also share examples of skills you have improved, providing
specific instances of how you have recognized a weakness and taken steps to correct it.

My greatest weakness used to be procrastination. Friends who knew my work style would tease me,
saying, “Panic precipitates performance.” In college, I was the person who pulled all-nighters to finish their
essay right before deadline. This isn’t as irresponsible as it sounds—from the moment I’m assigned a
project, I’m thinking about it. Most of my first and second drafts get composed mentally, so it’s only a matter
of writing down the final draft. And, since I have an excellent command of grammar, I don’t have to spend
much time proofreading or revising.

However, after I landed my first job as a content writer, it became clear that while this process worked for
me (I’ve never missed a deadline), it made my editor extremely nervous. And so I’ve learned to set “early”
deadlines for myself, at least 24 hours before the actual deadline, so that my projects now always arrive
with plenty of time to spare.

5. Why do you want to leave (or have left) your current job?

What They Want to Know: The interviewer wants to know why you want to work for their company. When
asked about why you are moving on from your current position, stick with the facts, be direct and focus
your answer on the future, especially if your departure wasn't under the best circumstances.

I was very fortunate to be hired by ABC Company right out of college. They taught me a lot about digital
marketing, and it’s been stimulating to work as a contributor to their creative teams. However, I’m ready for
the next step. I’ve always been a leader—I was captain of the crew team in college, student body vice
president, and I’ve served as team lead for most of our projects in FY 2019. I think I’m ready to move into
management, but ABC Company already has very talented managers in place, and they won’t be leaving
such a great employer anytime soon. I’ve completed supplemental management training courses during my
time there, and I know I can hit the ground running as your next digital marketing manager.

6. What are your salary expectations?

What They Want to Know: The hiring manager wants to know what you expect to earn. It seems like a
simple question, but your answer can knock you out of competition for the job if you overprice yourself. If
you underprice yourself, you may get shortchanged with a lower offer.
Reliable salary calculators, like the one used by Glassdoor.com, say that experienced sous chefs here in
Portland average around $50,964 a year, 5 percent below the national average. I brought home around
$49,700 last year. While I would definitely welcome a salary over $50K, particularly given the cost of living
here, I’m open to negotiation if a lower salary was accompanied by greater flexibility in scheduling and
additional vacation time.

7. Why do you want this job?

What They Want to Know: This question gives you an opportunity to show the interviewer what you know
about the job and the company, so take time beforehand to thoroughly research the company, its products,
services, culture and mission. Be specific about what makes you a good fit for this role, and mention
aspects of the company and position that appeal to you most.

Construction design is in my blood—both my dad and my grandad were home builders who owned their
own construction firm. From the time I entered college, I knew that I wanted my architecture career to be
focused on sustainable, green design practices, so I earned my certification as a LEED Accredited
Professional. Greenways Construction is the most respected sustainable design firm in Texas. I’ve been
following reports of your LEED Certified projects in Journal of Green Engineering, and I wrote my capstone
project on the energy modeling you pioneered for the ACME Business Park and the ABC Tech campus.
Working here really would be my dream job, since your mission aligns perfectly with my goals as a
sustainability specialist.

8. How do you handle stress and pressure?

What They Want to Know: What do you do when things don’t go smoothly at work? How do you deal with
difficult situations? The employer wants to know how you handle workplace stress. Avoid claiming that you
never, or rarely, experience stress. Rather, formulate your answer in a way that acknowledges workplace
stress and explains how you’ve overcome it, or even used it to your advantage.

I’m not someone who is energized by or thrives in stressful environments. My first step in managing stress
is to try to circumvent it by keeping my work processes very organized, and my attitude professional. When
customers or associates come to me with issues, I try to look at things from their perspective, and initiate a
collaborative problem-solving approach to keep the situation from escalating. I find that maintaining an
efficient, congenial office with open lines of communication automatically reduces a lot of workplace stress.
Of course, sometimes unanticipated stressors will arise. When this happens, I just take a deep breath,
remembering that the person I’m dealing with is frustrated with a situation, not with me. I then actively listen
to their concerns and make a plan to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.

9. Describe a difficult work situation or project and how you overcame it.

What They Want to Know: The interviewer wants to know how you respond when faced with a difficult
decision. As with the question about stress, be prepared to share an example of what you did in a tough
situation. It’s important to share details to make the story believable and engaging.

I think the most difficult situation I face as a production manager is when I have to lay off staff, either
because they aren’t doing their job properly or, even worse, because sales are down. When I can, I try to
work with underperforming personnel to see if we can’t improve their efficiency. If not, then I hand them
their pink slip and give them straightforward reasons for why they are being laid off. No one wants to be
fired without an explanation. When this happens, I keep my tone polite and avoid using too many “you”
statements; I absolutely do not want to cast shame on them.

10. What are your goals for the future?

What They Want to Know: This question is designed to find out if you’re going to stick around or move on
as soon as you find a better opportunity. Keep your answer focused on the job and the company, and
reiterate to the interviewer that the position aligns with your long-term goals.

I’m someone who likes stability. My goal is to find a job that I can hold long term with a local company,
becoming a valued employee as I gradually advance to positions of increasing authority and responsibility.
I’m extremely interested in the teller job here at First Financial Credit Union because of your internal
training program. My long-term goal is to eventually become a branch manager after I’ve proven my
competencies in customer service and team leadership.

Possible Follow-Up Questions

Here are some related questions you might be asked during a job interview that will require some thought
to answer.

 How do you handle success?

 How do you handle failure?
 Do you work well with other people?
 What can you do better for us than the other applicants?
 Why are you the best person for the job?

What Else the Interview Wants to Know

Review more of the most frequently asked interview questions, tips for responding, and sample answers
you can use to practice for a job interview. You can also expect to be asked about how you would respond
to a specific work-related situation. Here's a list of examples of these behavioral interview questions you
may be asked.

What Shouldn't the Interviewer Ask

There are some questions that hiring managers should not ask during a job interview for legal reasons.
Here are questions that shouldn't be asked, with advice on how to respond diplomatically.

Questions to Ask the Interviewer

At the close of the interview, most interviewers ask whether you have any questions about the job or
company. If you don’t have any questions, this can make it seem like you are apathetic about the
opportunity. It's always a good idea to have a list of questions ready, and to be prepared to discuss them.

How to Prepare for a Job Interview

The more time you spend preparing for a job interview, the better your chances will be of acing it. You’ll feel
more comfortable speaking with the hiring manager if you’re familiar with the company’s products and
services.

Research the company. Before your interview, take the time to learn as much as possible about the job
and your prospective employer. There are many different resources you can use to find information and
news about the organization, its mission and its plans.

Tap your connections for insider information. Who you know at a company can help you get hired.
Check LinkedIn to see if you have connections who work at the company. Ask them if they can give you
any advice that will help with the interview process. If you’re a college graduate, check with your career
office for alumni who may be able to help.

Make a match. Take the time before the interview to make matches between your qualifications and the
requirements as stated in the job announcement. This way, you will have examples at hand to demonstrate
your suitability for the job.
Practice your responses. Write out your answer in advance for each question and then read it aloud to
ensure it sounds natural. Try to keep it short and sweet. You don’t want to come across as the type of
person who endlessly drones on about themselves.

Be prepared to show and tell. It can be helpful to remember the tip “show, don't tell.” For example, rather
than stating that you are an excellent problem solver, instead give an example that demonstrates this,
ideally drawing on an anecdote from your professional experience.

How to Make the Best Impression

The first impression you make at a job interview, is going to be the most important one. Hiring managers
can decide whether you’re a good candidate, or not, within a few minutes of meeting you. These tips will
help you make a terrific first impression.

Dress for success. What you wear to the interview is important because you don’t want to be
underdressed or overdressed. A three-piece suit can be as out of place as shorts and a t-shirt. Carefully
choose appropriate attire, and don’t be afraid to ask the person who scheduled the interview if you’re not
sure what to wear.

Be on time or a little early. You definitely don’t want to keep your interviewer waiting, so be on time or a
few minutes early for your appointment. If you’re not sure where you’re going, do a trial run ahead of time
so you know how long it will take you to get there.

Keep it positive. Always try to put a positive slant on your responses to questions. It’s better to give the
impression that you’re more motivated by the possibility of new opportunities than by trying to escape a bad
situation. In addition, it’s important to avoid bashing your current organization, colleagues or supervisor. An
employer is not likely to want to bring on someone who talks negatively about a company.

Follow up after the interview. After every job interview, take the time to send a thank you note or email
message sharing your appreciation for the time the interviewer spent with you, and reiterating your interest
in the job. If there was something you wish you had said during the interview, but didn’t get a chance to,
this is a good opportunity to mention it

Questions About You

Interviewers will ask questions about you to gain insight into your personality and to determine whether
you're a fit for both the job and the company. These are open-ended questions which will give you the
opportunity to show the employer that you're well-qualified for the position.

1. Tell me about yourself.

2. What is your greatest strength?
3. What is your greatest weakness?
4. What makes you unique?
5. Tell me about something that's not on your resume.
6. How will your greatest strength help you perform?
7. How do you handle failure?
8. How do you handle success?
9. Do you consider yourself successful? Why?
10. How do you handle stress and pressure?
11. How would you describe yourself?
12. Describe a typical work week.
13. Are you lucky?
14. Are you nice?
15. Are you willing to fail?
16. Describe your work ethic.
17. Describe your work style.
18. Do you work well with other people?
 19. Do you take work home with you?
20. How are you different from the competition?
21. How do you view yourself? Whom do you compare yourself to?
22. How does this job fit in with your career aspirations?
23. How many hours a week do you normally work?
24. How well do you assimilate into a new environment?
25. How would you adjust to working for a new company?
26. How would you describe the pace at which you work?
27. How would your co-workers describe your personality?
28. How would a professor describe you?
29. Is there anything else we should know about you?
30. What motivates you?
31. Are you a self-motivator?
32. What do you find are the most difficult decisions to make?
33. What has been the greatest disappointment in your life?
34. What are you passionate about?
35. What are your hobbies?
36. What are your pet peeves?
37. What is your dream job?
38. What is the worst thing you've gotten away with?
39. What will you miss most about your last job?
40. What won’t you miss about your last job?
41. Would you rather be liked or respected?
42. Why should I take a risk on you?
43. If you could relive the last ten years of your life, what would you do differently?

Questions About Leaving Your Job

Employers almost always ask about why you left, or are leaving, your job. Be prepared with an explanation
for why you're moving on. Do make sure the reasons you give match what past employers will say about
you if they are contacted for a reference.

1. Why are you leaving your job?

2. Why do you want to change jobs?
3. Why were you fired?
4. Why were you laid-off?
5. Why did you quit your job?
6. Why did you resign?
7. What have you been doing since your last job?
8. Why have you been out of work so long?

Questions About Salary

Some of the hardest questions to answer during a job interview are about compensation. Here's what you
will be asked and examples of the best answers. Questions about salary can be tricky to answer, and, in
some locations, employers aren't allowed to ask about your salary history.

1. What were your starting and final levels of compensation?

2. What are your salary expectations?
3. What are your salary requirements?
4. Why would you take a job for less money?

Qualifications Questions
The most important thing for interviewers to determine is whether you're qualified for the job. Here's what
they will ask to find out. When responding, be specific.

1. What applicable experience do you have?

 2. Are you overqualified for this job?
3. How did you impact the bottom line?
4. Interview questions about your abilities.
5. Sell me this pen.
6. Tell me about your educational background.
7. What can you do better for us than the other candidates for the job?
8. What part of the job will be the least challenging for you?
9. Which parts of this job are the most challenging for you?
10. What philosophy guides your work?
11. What strength will help you the most to succeed?
12. Why are you interested in taking a lower level job?
13. Why are you interested in a non-management job?

Job Performance Questions

How you performed in previous roles can indicate how you will perform in the job for which you're applying.
Be prepared to answer questions about what you did well - and what you didn't.

Be careful about how you to respond to negative questions. You can frame your responses in a positive
manner, even when discussing a challenging situation.

As with questions about qualifications, be sure to relate your performance to the employer's requirements.

1. What do people most often criticize about you?

2. What is the biggest criticism you received from your boss?
3. What is the worst thing that you have ever gotten away with?
4. What makes you angry?
5. What problems have you encountered at work?
6. What strategies would you use to motivate your team?
7. What would you be looking for in an applicant?
8. When was the last time you were angry? What happened?
9. Why weren't you promoted at your last job?
10. Tell me about something you would have done differently at work.
11. If the people who know you were asked why you should be hired, what would they say?
12. What type of work environment do you prefer?
13. How do you evaluate success?
14. Describe a difficult work situation or project and how you overcame it.
15. Describe a time when your workload was heavy and how you handled it.

Questions About Your Work History

Is your work history stable, has it prepared you for the job you're interviewing for, and do you have any
gaps in your employment history that the company should be concerned about? If not, prepare to answer
questions about what you were doing when you weren't in the workforce.

1. Questions about your work history.

2. Questions about your resume.
3. What were your expectations for the job and to what extent were they met?
4. What were your responsibilities?
5. What major challenges and problems did you face? How did you handle them?
6. What have you learned from your mistakes?
7. What did you like or dislike about your previous job?
8. Which was most / least rewarding?
9. What was the biggest accomplishment/failure in this position?
10. Questions about job demotions.
11. How have you impacted worker safety?
12. Describe the gap in your employment history.
Management and Teamwork Questions
Are you a team player? Do you work well with others? Do you prefer to work in a solitary environment or as
part of a team? Your work style, and how you get along with others, including co-workers, managers, and
customers or clients is important to all employers. Here are some of the questions employers ask about
getting along at work.

1. Who was your best boss and who was the worst?
2. Describe your ideal boss.
3. If you know your boss is 100% wrong about something how would you handle it?
4. What do you expect from a supervisor?
5. Have you ever had difficulty working with a manager?
6. How did you fit in with the company culture?
7. Describe how you managed a problem employee.
8. Do you like working in a fast-paced team environment?
9. Do you prefer to work independently or on a team?
10. Give some examples of teamwork.
11. More teamwork interview questions.

Why You Should Be Hired

Why should you be hired over the other applicants? What makes you the best candidate for the job? Here's
when you'll have the opportunity to make a case for getting a job offer, and the chance to sell yourself to
the interviewer.

1. Why should we hire you?

2. Why shouldn't we hire you?
3. What can you contribute to this company?

The New Job and the Company

What do you know about the company, why do you want the job, and what would you do if you were to be
hired, are just some of the questions you'll be asked about the position and employer. Take the time
to research the employer prior to the interview, so that you can ask informed questions about the job and
company.

1. How is our company better than your current employer?

2. What interests you about this job?
3. What do you know about this company?
4. What do you know about this company? (for sales jobs)
5. Why do you want this job?
6. Why do you want to work here?
7. What challenges are you looking for in a position?
8. What do you see yourself doing within the first 30 days on the job?
9. What can we expect from you in the first 60 days on the job?
10. Are you willing to travel?
11. What is good customer service?
12. What would be your ideal company culture?
13. When could you start work?
14. Is there anything I haven't told you about the job or company that you would like to know?

Questions About The Future

Are you going to stick around if you're hired is something most employers want to know. All these questions
will gauge your interest in making a commitment.

1. Tell me about the trends in your profession and industry.

 2. What are you looking for in your next job? What is important to you?
3. What is your professional development plan?
4. Where do you see yourself five years from now?
5. How do you plan to achieve your goals?
6. What will you do if you don't get this position?
7. Where else are you interviewing?

The Final Question

The last question you'll most likely be asked is whether you have any questions. Here's how to respond.

 Do you have any questions for me?