Wouldn't it be great if you knew exactly what questions the hiring manager would be asking you at the next job interview? Unfortunately, we can't read minds, but we'll give you the Interview Questions and Answers.
What is an interview?
A job interview is an interview consisting of a conversation between a job applicant and a representative of an employer which is conducted to assess whether the applicant should be hired.
Interviews are one of the most popularly used devices for employee selection.
In common parlance, the word "interview" refers to a one-on-one conversation between an interviewer and an interviewee. The interviewer asks questions to which the interviewee responds, usually providing information.
In some instances a "conversation" can happen between two persons who type their questions and answers.
Interviews can be unstructured, free-wheeling and open-ended conversations without predetermined plan or prearranged questions.
Here are a list of over 40 most frequently asked interview questions and answers, plus tips for answering them all with examples.
Interview Questions and Answers
While we don't recommend having a ready response to every interview question (in fact, please don't), we recommend taking some time to get comfortable with what you might be asked, what hiring managers are really looking for in your answers, and what it takes to prove that you are the right person for the job.
Here are all the job interview questions and answers with examples:
1. Why should we hire you?
To successfully close the recruitment and win a job offer, you must be prepared with a brief summary of the “Why should we hire you?”.
Example:
Because I think I am really qualified to be a cabin crew member, I will do my best to improve myself, I like to do everything clean, I like to meet deadlines, I like to have the same standard, In the first month as much as the second like next year, I will be an add beneficial to the company.
For more: Why should we hire you?
2. Why do you want to work here?
Why do you want to work here? It's a common interview question, but also one that can be challenging to answer, especially when trying to wing.
Don't prepare a strong response to this risky question because it may make all the difference in whether a potential employer extends an offer of employment to you - or not.
Example:
I firmly believe in a collaborative approach to every project so when I saw a job with your company to join the production team I knew I had to apply. I've seen your work in theatrical productions, and the teamwork at work has inspired me. I love working with a team to achieve a common goal, and I know my background in production prepared me for this role. I look forward to becoming a valuable contributor to this wonderful team.
For more: Why do you want to work here?
3. How did you hear about this position?
Employers like to ask interview questions like “How did you hear about the position?” and they look for some specific things in your answer!
If you're not ready to explain how you heard about the job, it can start your interview poorly and possibly cost you the job offer (first impressions of many, employers often ask this too early).
Example:
I was actively searching for jobs and found them on your jobs website, and this is how I first saw their job.
For more: How did you hear about this position?
4. Why do you want this job?
When you go to your job interview, you can expect to answer the question, “Why do you want this job?”
It may seem like an easy question, but even a common interview question can hook you if you're not ready, you'll be able to prepare your answer ahead of time.
Example:
I am looking for a company where I not only enjoy what I do but can also develop into new positions. I am very good at what I do, but in the computer field there are always new tools and techniques emerging. I want a company that will allow me to learn more and expand my capabilities in new areas. Most of the people I've met have been here for over five years and it shows me that we share the same values.
5. What are your professional achievements?
“What are your professional achievements?” is one of the toughest behavioral questions you can be asked during a job interview.
Of course, in many situations, including at work, humility is a useful trait. But the whole purpose of a job interview is to convince the interviewer that you are the best person for the job. So start embracing what makes you great.
Example:
In my last position, our technology development team lost a colleague due to relocation. He was the lead developer of the iOS version of the app. Unfortunately; No one else on the team worked with iOS to develop apps. Since I had experience developing an iOS app, I've volunteered to take the lead in app development and deployment. Worked with other team members to build and troubleshoot the new app. I was able to finish development 60 days ahead of schedule. It is currently available in the iTunes Store and already has more than 350 positive reviews and provided an additional revenue stream for the company.
For more: What are your professional achievements?
6. Tell me about a time you demonstrated leadership?
Is a very important question in the interview. When interviewing for a job, it is common to be asked about your leadership skills and experience.
Of course, if you are applying for a management position or a position with a management component, questions such as “Tell me about a time you demonstrated leadership?” are to be expected.
Example:
Clear communication is one of my main skills. During projects, I facilitate an open and accessible environment to ensure that there are clear expectations, and there is open communication. By demonstrating confidence in the team and their ability to complete the project, I try to get the best out of each team member and get them to perform to the best of their abilities.
7. Have you refused a work order, and why?
If your boss makes a bad financial decision and you don't agree with it, you have numbers and stats to help support your response.
You can say that you did not agree with this decision because your alternative plan would have saved the company money or made the company more money, etc.
This is objective, and shows the interviewer that you are attentive to detail and that you are a critical thinker who can be a valuable resource - rather than bringing up sensitive topics.
Example:
Once, I disagreed with my boss about how to handle the sales deal. I respectfully expressed my opinion on how the sale was conducted, and in the end we made the sale. It worked out really well, and we both kept open and honest communication with each other.
For more: Have you refused a work order, and why?
8. Why were you fired?
If you have ever terminated your employment, you should be able to explain the situation to potential future employers.
While this question “Why were you fired?” may be uncomfortable to answer, you can do so in a way that demonstrates your professionalism and integrity.
Example:
I work better in a team environment, and I'm used to being in an environment where everyone supports and encourages each other. “I realized very quickly after I started working with my last employer that there is a great deal of internal conflict within the organization and a high rate of turnover. I did the best I could in this situation and many employees praised my work ethic and skills, But in the end, it was very difficult to beat the environment.
For more: Why were you fired?
9. Why do you want to change your career?
The question “Why do you want to change your career?” is important to the interview and it is a question that can make or break your interview depending on your answer, so fasten your seat belt.
Whether you are simply switching organizations or careers or undertaking a comprehensive job revamping, you will encounter a copy of this question.
Whatever your story is, share it and make sure there are feelings and passion behind it.
Example:
There is no particular reason to change career path. I realized that my strengths and weaknesses are not in line with the requirements of the career path I am on now. It was a great organization and a great job but my expectations for the field were different. I decided it was better to leave sooner and started looking for more opportunities in my field. I am looking to work in a professional field that has a creative environment.
For more: Why do you want to change your career?
10. Tell me about a time when you made a mistake?
One of the questions an interviewer might ask about past mistakes is, “What did you learn from your mistakes?” and the other, “Tell me about a time when you made a mistake.”
While the topic may make you uncomfortable, it is important to know how Answer a job interview question about mistakes.
By preparing for this type of interview question, you can show employers that you can handle a variety of situations.
Example:
In my current organization, I have had a lot of experience and gained important skills such as resource management and customer service. I am now keen to manage a bigger team because I feel ready to take on more responsibility. Your career field seems to be the next logical step in my career. Working with your organization will enable me to successfully grow professionally.
11. Why are you leaving your current job?
If you're interviewing while in a position, the first job interview questions you'll hear is, "Why are you leaving your current job?"
There are some big mistakes that job offers can cost you when answering, so this question shouldn't be taken lightly.
Focus on what you have to look forward to, not what you leave behind.
Example:
I enjoy working as part of a team and am looking for an opportunity to work on an interesting project. This job is part of a team working on a great project, and I would like to join this business.
For more: Why are you leaving your current job?
12. Tell me about a conflict you’ve faced, and how you handle it?
Conflict is part of life, and unless you are very lucky and don't have to work, it is also part of your working life.
I mean, life is a whole series of conflicts, and how you solve them says a lot about who you are as a person and that's why interviewers like to ask you about it.
Example:
I was running the creation of our new corporate brochure and the deadline was very tight because we had to print the brochures in time for a big upcoming trade show. I was responsible for on-time delivery and had to manage team members from marketing, sales, graphic design and product management. The designer assigned to the project was very talented, but unfortunately missed the deadline I had set. When I approached him about it, he blew in my face.
13. What are you looking for in a new job?
One of the main questions an employer is likely to ask during an interview is “What are you looking for in a new job?” It is important that your answer is honest, factual and showcases the skills you possess that are important to the role in question.
To successfully answer the question consider your goals as they relate to the position.
Example:
I am looking for a job where I can use my written communication skills. As a marketing assistant at your company, I will be able to apply my years of experience as a successful grant writer and be able to write the types of material I enjoy working on the most.
14. Which work environment do you prefer?
When asked about work environments, your best bet is to try to stay relatively neutral, because at this point in the interview process, you don't know what it would be like to work at the company.
The key to answering questions about your work environment is simply making sure what you say is part of the company.
Example:
I enjoy working in an environment where team members have a strong sense of camaraderie and a good work ethic. I love working with competent, kind, and fun people who like to get things done. It's important to me to feel that I can trust my team members to always do their best because I do.
For more: Which work environment do you prefer?
15. What are your strengths?
In preparation for the interview, candidates should think about how best to answer this “What are your strengths?” question so that the information is useful to employers while not harming your chances of employment.
Example:
One of my strengths is my strong work ethic. When I meet a deadline, I do whatever it takes to deliver. For example, we had a report due last week and got back some numbers late from our team at the company. I stayed up all night to finish the spreadsheet because I knew the client had to receive the report on time I think this job is a perfect fit for my experience and interests.
16. Tell me about yourself
Open-ended questions such as “Tell me about yourself” are usually asked at the beginning of interviews or a video to get the conversation going.
These questions are more likely to emerge from the phone screen at every stage of the interview process than in the final rounds.
Talk a little bit about your current role (including scope and perhaps one major accomplishment), then give some background on how you got there and your experience with it.
Example:
Well, I am currently a Customer Relationship Specialist in the mall, dealing with our top performing client. Prior to that, she worked as a Catering Executive Assistant at Wafi. And while I really enjoyed the work you did, I would love the opportunity to dig deeper with one of the best companies, which is why I'm so excited about this opportunity with you.
17. What do you hate the most about your job?
The easiest way to approach this question with balance is to focus on the opportunity for the role you are interviewing to get offers that your current job does not offer.
You can keep the conversation positive and emphasize why you are so excited about the job.
Example:
I love the work that has been assigned to me and the trust my employer has given me with these tasks. Despite the lack of flexibility in my schedule, I still enjoy the experiences I had in this job. Given that you offer the opportunity to work remotely and additional working hours as needed, this fits in with the company culture I'm following at this time.
18. What is your current salary?
By asking the question, the employer makes it clear that they do not worry about “internal fairness” in compensating their employees, so consider whether you really want to work in such an organization.
Although it is illegal in many locations to ask these questions, this question is still asked by many employers. It is clear that a very cautious response is required.
Example:
I'm sorry, but I don't share this information unless the offer is extended. I'll tell you though I'm very excited to talk more about the position.
19. What are your weaknesses?
It can be difficult to answer the question, “What are your weaknesses?” especially when you expect to discuss the skills, talents, and abilities that make you the strongest candidate for the job.
Positively your weaknesses can be challenging, but when you combine self-awareness with a business plan, you can quickly walk away from other job applicants.
Example:
I tend to get caught up in the little details, which can distract me from the end goal.
20. What is your management style?
When an interviewer asks you this question, they want to know what you do to direct, motivate, and manage a team of employees.
Not every management style works for every company, and the interviewer is trying to figure out if you'd be a good fit for their team.
To give a good answer, you need to demonstrate your ability to handle situations and problems as a manager, while talking about real experiences.
The Example:
I think a good manager is motivating and encouraging. I always take myself out of my comfort level and enjoy doing the same with my employees. They are often able to achieve many challenging obstacles, so I use my Transformational Management technique to help guide them through this challenging task when needed. I accomplished this with a content writer I once supervised. I encouraged them to write long content pieces on topics they had little knowledge of. This has led them to become the most powerful research writer on the marketing team.
21. How would your boss and coworkers describe you?
This is one of the most common interview questions to ask and the person asking it is looking for more than just “good” or “nice.”
The reason this question is often asked is because the employer wants to know how well you fit into the group dynamic.
With a little preparation, you'll be able to answer these interview questions out of the park.
Example:
My boss will say that I'm better as an individual contributor than a leader, because I haven't formally led a team yet in my career, and done little to project leadership in my last role. It's something I'm starting to work on. In my last position, I had the opportunity to coach two new team members, both of whom had become senior producers by the end of the year in our division.
22. How do you prioritize your work?
Prioritizing work is one of the keys to a successful work environment.
An implemented action plan means that the daily process of managing time, meeting deadlines, and staying ahead of schedule results in positive, progressive workflow, effective productivity, and less stress.
Example:
I keep the lines of communication open with my boss and co-workers. If I am working on a task that will take a while to complete, I try to send an alert to my team as soon as possible. If my workload becomes unmanageable, I check with my boss for items that could drop to the bottom of the priority list, and then try to reset expectations on different deadlines.
23. What is your hobby?
When the interviewer asks, “What is your hobby?” they want to get a glimpse into your personality. They are curious about who you are and whether you will fit in well with the rest of the team.
This is a chance to shine your character. Our advice is to be honest. There is no need to go any further in vulnerability here.
Example:
During my spare time, I enjoy running. In the week I like to stay local, but during the weekend I usually complete a more beautiful and challenging route. Sometimes I run with my local running club, it's a great way to socialize and stay motivated by cheering each other on. In a couple of months, I planned to run the Manchester Half Marathon and raise money for a local charity.
24. Can you work under pressure?
When asked, “Can you work under pressure?” in the interview, remember that the employer is looking to reveal your skills in a variety of areas including problem-solving, decision-making, organizational skills, time management, and your ability to work under pressure.
Example:
I try to respond to situations rather than pressure. This way, I can handle the situation without feeling overly nervous. For example, when I deal with an unsatisfied client, instead of focusing on feeling nervous, I focus on the task at hand. I believe that my ability to communicate effectively with clients during these moments helps reduce my stress. I think it also reduces any stress the customer might feel.
25. What is your passion?
During the interview, the employer will likely start with a series of questions to learn more about your personality.
Although these questions seem lower risk than technical questions about the job such as “What is your passion?”, they help employers get to know you.
Finding effective answers to such questions can show employers that you are an exciting candidate and help you stand out from the rest.
Example:
Passionate about software, computers and technology. This has fascinated me since I was young, and this is one of the reasons why I am pursuing a career in software engineering, web design, or any number of related fields.
26. What motivates you?
During a job interview, employers are likely to ask direct, open-ended questions.
Open-ended questions are usually used to better understand your personality, work style, and qualifications, and to determine if you are a good fit for the role, team, and culture.
Example:
I'm excited about meeting the goals set by the deadlines, it gives me a sense of accomplishment and it's something I can go back to and say 'I made it'. I am also driven by visual results - for example, when I wrote an article for my student newspaper, I felt fulfilled knowing that up to 16,000 students would read it.
27. How do you want to be managed?
Regardless of your past experiences with managers, there is a valid angle from which to answer the interview question in a simple and easy way.
One of the hardest parts of a job search is getting an interview and pitching the interviewer with amazing answers.
So here's a harder question to prepare for "How do you want to be managed?" If you have had amazing job experiences with great managers, this question might seem easy.
Example:
I appreciate management that is transformative and transactional. This means that the manager provides me with basic knowledge and information about why I need to do the job. Or better yet, the importance of the job. Then provide a list of tasks our team needs to accomplish to get from point A to point B.
28. Tell me about something not on your CV?
After you finish learning the interview questions, you move on to practicing those tough behavioral questions; Your strengths, your weaknesses questions, and in fact you begin to explore every detail of everything you mentioned on your resume.
To prepare for the question, one of your positive traits must first be discussed.
Example:
For me, this is not just another administrative assistant job. I love that by working at an animal shelter, I will do my part to take care of animals that are in dire need of help. Since I was little, my family has adopted and looked after cats and dogs. I currently have two dogs, both of whom I adopted from local shelters.
29. What makes you different from others?
In a graduate job interview, employers will look for information to help them decide whether or not they should hire you.
It is the perfect way to help them differentiate you from other candidates.
Instead of trying to identify an advantage that sets you apart from all other applicants, focus instead on why the employer would benefit from hiring.
Example:
I really enjoy learning new things and I am constantly looking for new learning opportunities. My previous experience in customer service has provided me with unique technical skills that I can apply to this role.
For more: What makes you different from others?
30. What other companies are you interviewing with?
By asking this question, the interviewer is trying to determine how serious you are about the job and how committed you are to getting a job in the specific industry you are trying to enter.
Even though this is a less common interview question than some of the others you'll encounter, there's still a chance it will pop up, so it's great to have a solid answer ready.
Example:
I interview a few companies for a range of positions, but they all deliver an excellent customer experience. I wanted to stay open about how best to achieve this goal, but so far it seems like this role will really allow me to focus all my energy on customer experience and retention, which I find very attractive.
31. What is your dream job?
What hiring managers really want to discover is what you are passionate about and what you enjoy.
That's why they ask you to describe your ideal job with the question "What is your dream job?" They want to learn about your long-term career goals and what motivates you.
And they want to know if you'll be happy in this job, or if you'll bail after six months! This is the main reason for asking you to tell them about your dream job or dream job.
Example:
I believe my dream job will be a combination of creating products that make a difference in the world and having the opportunity to share them with as many people as possible. I was excited about this post because I read that millions of people use your company's products every day and the work you do seems to make a huge impact in the world.
32. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
It is a question about your future plans or goals that you may be asked in an interview.
Employers typically ask this type of question to gather insight into how well this job fits with your overall career aspirations.
Your best bet is to think realistically about where this situation could take you and answer along those lines.
The answer:
I am driven to be the best at what I do and want to work somewhere where I will have opportunities to develop my skills, take on interesting projects, and work with people I can really learn from. Some of the most creative thinkers in the industry work here and that's a big reason why I want to build a career here.
33. If you were an animal, what would you be?
This question is an unusual question but if you are lucky enough to secure an interview at the company of your dreams, mastering the interview technique is vital to help you stand out from the crowd and boost your chances of success.
The answer:
If I were an animal, I would be an eagle because of the strength, agility, and leadership qualities of an eagle. I pay close attention to everything around me, and I am patient when I wait for an opportunity.
34. Are you willing to relocate?
this question is one of the important questions in an interview, so let us see how you can handle it.
Take the answer to the question, "are you willing to relocate?" Sure, in theory, it basically requires a straightforward yes or no ("yes I'll move" or "no I won't move"), but of course it wasn't always this way.
The answer:
I was already looking to move to [location]/ I have family at [location]/ looking for a change of scenery, so this job would be a perfect opportunity to make a change and also do a job I'm excited about.
35. When can you start work?
If you really want the job but are struggling with commitment, many employers ask most if not all job candidates this question, just in case the candidate is the one selected for the job.
The answer:
After learning more about this role, I am confident that it will be a great fit for my experience and skill set. I can be available to start work as soon as the next work week begins.
36. What do you think we could do better?
During interviews, you may sometimes be asked what you would have done differently at work, often with "what do you think we could do better?"
Hiring managers want to know what you think of the company. If you have a position much higher or much lower than the position, you may not be suitable for the company.
You need to do some simple preparation before the actual interview to make sure that you are ready to give a solid answer to this annoying question.
Th answer:
I've been through a lot of your hiring process, and I have to say your company has the fastest call back time, and the most responsive overall. The only point I can mention is that the jobs portal was a bit tricky to navigate on my mobile phone. Regardless of this, I am happy with the candidate experience your company has created.
37. What is your expected salary?
Most professionals have asked about their salary expectations at some point in their careers.
This typically occurs during the interview process to allow the hiring manager to assess whether your expectations are equal, higher, or lower.
Answering the question “What are your salary expectations?” In a job interview, talking about salary is not an easy topic, and while there is no right answer, there is a way to prepare for the question and get what you want.
The answer:
My salary requirements are flexible, but I have significant experience in the field which I believe will add value to my candidacy. I look forward to discussing in more detail my responsibilities at this company. From there, we can determine a fair salary for the position.
38. What will your first 30 days in this role look like?
During a job interview, hiring managers often ask questions intended to provide insight into how you would adjust to a new job if you were hired.
By asking the question, the interviewer is more likely to try to understand your thought process for work than anything else.
Example:
Within 30 days, I plan to get to know the people I will work with the most and be comfortable with them. Within 60 days, I plan to have a solid understanding of the industry, company, and competitive landscape so that I can have my own conversation in any conversation about the company. Within 90 days, I plan to achieve the goals that have been set for me.
39. Sell me this pen
You're in a job interview for a sales job, and things are going well. Then the interviewer presents the question you were expecting, “Sell me this pen.”
It's hard to think quickly at first, and when combined with the fact that you're on your nerves, it's common to draw a blank and stare at this pen just as crumbling.
It's comforting to know that employers care more about your general behavior as opposed to just the content of your response.
Example:- Interviewer: Sell me this pencil.
- Candidate: Since when have you wanted to buy a pencil?
- Interviewer: I don't want that.
- Candidate: Have you ever bought pencils?
- Interviewer: My supervisor handles this.
- Candidate: That's great. Is cost more important to her, or quality?
- Interviewer: I am not sure.
- Candidate: Well, I'd like to talk to her. Traditionally, I save customers 10% to 30% on pencils of all quality ranges. Can we make a call?
40. Is there anything else you want us to know?
The question “Is there anything else you want us to know?” is usually asked at the end of an interview, and is not meant to be a hoax.
In fact, it is a question you should hope to be asked. This gives you an opportunity to reinforce two things: why you are the best person for the job and why you are motivated to work for the company.
Example:
Actually yes! I don't think we've talked about it, but I do have a few years of experience in customer service, which I feel would serve me well in this role as I plan some of our new products. I will be able to anticipate questions and concerns customers have, and implement better customer problem-solving processes through our support ticket system, FAQ and more. I feel like this is something that sets me apart from the other candidates, so I wanted to mention that.
41. Do you have any questions?
Answering the question “Do you have any questions?” is to answer with a question.
Your questions should make it clear that you were engaged during the interview and quickly gained a sense of the company's goals and priorities.
Example:
What do you think is the most important indicator of success in this role?
How would you describe the organization's management style?
What makes you happy to go to work every day?