49 Common Interview Questions and How to Answer Them

INTERVIEW QUESTIONS | COMMON INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

In job-hunting, preparing for the first interview is vital to avoid being knocked out of the running early. Many job seekers fail to prepare. The most common interview questions likely to be asked are below. So practicing your answers to them is an effective way to prepare for facing a hiring manager or recruiter.



We've sorted through thousands of recent interview evaluations to determine the most popular basic interview questions that candidates were asked during the first interviews.

Do you have a job interview coming up soon? Record yourself answering these questions. Then listen to how you responded to each one.

What could you improve? Could you have emphasized your skills more? Do you think you hesitated too long before answering some questions?

Interview question practice will build confidence to face any interview questions the interviewer may fire at you.

49 Common Job Interview Questions (and how to answer them!)

Are you a leader or a follower?

How to answer this question:

Most employers want leaders, people who will show initiative. Saying you're a leader suggests you depend on yourself more than on others. This is a positive attribute that employers look for.

If you say you're a follower, it can be interpreted as being afraid of the future and therefore not willing/able to take risks that come with being a leader. Because things can end up badly sometimes. A recruiter or hiring manager might think you don't seem very excited about life either, as followers are often pessimistic.

Avoid saying, "I think I'm somewhere in between" because this indicates indecisiveness, another follower quality. And not a highly rated attribute by employers.

Are you willing to relocate?

How to answer this question:

This question is about your willingness to move. Employers are looking for people who are willing to relocate because it's not an easy or cheap process.

If you say, "I'm flexible about the prospect of relocating." - it indicates you might be willing to make a move if the situation provided sufficient incentives.

If you say, "I'd definitely consider relocating if the job and benefits were attractive enough." - it shows you may be open to moving depending on the circumstances.

If you say something like, "I would only relocate if I could bring my family." It suggests that you would need an irresistible offer to leave your current location. But at least there's some chance you would consider relocating.

How do you answer this job interview question: Are you willing to travel

Tip: mention that you are looking for a long-term position, not just any job. Because of that, you're open-minded about job locations.

Make them aware that you are willing to travel - within reason. You may even expand the definition of "within reason" by specifying goals in your field of work/interests, so if it means traveling now and then to maintain your career goals, it's worth it.

You could mention that if they have someone in their marketing team or sales team better qualified to travel, you'd be willing to cover for them at the office when needed - or travel yourself. You're more than capable of handling both!

Short answer: "If you're looking for a long-term fit for the position, I wouldn't mind some traveling as part of the job."

You could also give examples of when you traveled for work in the past.

Example:

  • "Yes. I worked in a national company and had to travel all over the states."
  • Tip: Try to answer based on how important travel is for doing the job. be sure to read the job description carefully! If travel is essential and frequent, you need to be ready to deal with it and show that you're keen. If you're not - be honest!



    How would you describe yourself?

    Answer:

    I would describe myself as hard-working, detail-oriented, and patient.

    I have a healthy interest in learning new things and taking on new challenges. I work well under pressure and can manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

    What does the interviewer want to hear in answer to "How would you describe yourself?"

    Here are a few traits that the interviewer is looking for you to communicate:

    • Professionalism: Try to portray yourself as a professional in this answer. Mention how your work ethic, organization skills, and perseverance have helped you excel in past positions.
    • Ability to multi-task: Apart from being an important plus in many roles, it shows that you are unafraid of a little pressure. You perform the job well, regardless of the circumstances.
    • Interest in new things: A strong interest in learning new skills can show that you are a valuable asset to any company willing to invest the time and money in training you on new tasks or processes.

    Can you tell me about a time when you went above and beyond the requirements for a project?

    Answer:

    I remember a project for my college business course. We were tasked with creating a business plan, and I decided to create a marketing campaign for our fictional company. I took it upon myself to design the entire campaign, including the logo, print ads, and website. I even created a short commercial that we ended up using to pitch our company to potential investors. It was a lot of work, but I'm really proud of what we accomplished. I believe it really showcased my skills as a graphic designer and marketing professional.

    How do you handle working under pressure?

    Answer:

    I thrive under pressure. It brings out the best in me. I'm able to stay calm and focused when things get tough. I know that it's important to stay positive and keep moving forward.

    There are a few things I do to handle working under pressure:

    1. Stay organized. I make sure that I have a plan and know the priorities. This helps me to keep focused and less stressed.
    2. Take breaks. If I start feeling overwhelmed, I take a few minutes to step away from work and relax. This helps me clear my head and allows me to refocus better when I return.
    3. Delegate tasks whenever possible. I enlist help from coworkers if there are tasks that I don't have time for. This helps lighten the load and make the pressure more manageable.
    4. Avoid procrastinating. Procrastination is a killer! So I avoid it. I prioritize tasks and then tackle the most challenging ones first.

    How would you deal with an angry/irate customer?

    Answer:

    The best solution for calming an angry customer is to first try and understand what has made them angry. Is it a problem with the product? The service? The way they were treated?

    Once I have identified the root of the anger, I try to fix the problem if possible. If fixing the problem was not possible, I would apologize and offer a refund or discount based on company policy. Sometimes simply acknowledging that you understand their frustration can be enough to calm them down.



    Interview question | Are you willing to relocate?

    The best way to answer this interview question is, to be honest, and let the employer know how you truly feel. It is important to remember that employers appreciate candidates who are flexible and willing to make sacrifices for their careers.

    If you are open to relocation, explain why it would be beneficial for your career growth. You can also mention any past experiences you have had with relocating that would make the transition smoother.

    Consider carefully the pros and cons of relocation and make sure that you are willing to make the move before accepting the job offer. Be prepared to discuss any concerns or hesitations you may have, as well as how you plan to address them.

    How would you fire someone?

    Employers ask this question to gauge your level of professionalism and to see if you are capable of handling difficult conversations. It's important to remember that firing someone is not a pleasant task and should be handled with compassion.

    Start by explaining that you understand how hard it can be to let someone go, but emphasize the importance of upholding company values and standards.

    Explain what steps you would take to ensure a smooth transition, such as providing an exit interview and any necessary benefits.

    Show that you recognize the importance of treating employees with respect and dignity, no matter the circumstance.

    Acknowledge that it is difficult to manage such a sensitive situation, but emphasize your professionalism and ability to handle difficult conversations.

    What would your boss say if I called them right now and asked them to tell me about an area/skill that you need to improve in?

    When preparing for this kind of question, it is important to think about how your boss would answer honestly. When answering this question, emphasize your willingness to learn and grow professionally.

    You could explain that you are actively seeking feedback from your employer and taking steps to improve in areas that they identify.

    Additionally, you could highlight specific courses or projects that you have undertaken to develop your skills.

    Finally, make sure to communicate your commitment to being a professional and handling difficult conversations. This could help demonstrate that you are open to learning and taking constructive criticism seriously.

    Tell me about a time when you disagreed with your boss.

    If you are asked to discuss a time when you disagreed with your boss in an interview, it's important to approach the question with tact and professionalism. Here are some tips on how to answer this question:

    Choose an example where the disagreement was minor or manageable: It's important to show that you can handle conflicts and differing opinions in a professional manner. Avoid choosing an example where the disagreement was major or resulted in a negative outcome.

    Explain the situation and your perspective: Describe the situation and your perspective on it clearly and concisely. Be sure to focus on the facts and avoid making negative comments about your boss.

    Discuss how you handled the disagreement: Emphasize your ability to handle the disagreement respectfully and productively. Talk about the steps you took to resolve the issue, such as seeking a compromise or finding a solution that worked for both parties.

    Emphasize your willingness to work as part of a team: Stress that you can work effectively as part of a team, even when you don't agree with everyone's perspective.



    Tell me about a time you made a mistake.

    When discussing a time when you made a mistake, focus on the lesson learned and how you applied it to your work.

    For example, you might explain that you had taken on more responsibility than you could handle in a project and how this impacted the timeline.

    Then, you could discuss the steps that were taken to rectify the situation, such as delegating tasks to other team members, and how it helped you become a better leader.

    Showing that you can learn from mistakes and use them as an opportunity for growth is key when answering this question.

    Doing this could help demonstrate your resilience, proactivity and problem-solving skills.

    Tell me about an accomplishment you are most proud of.

    How to answer this question:

    Take the opportunity to talk about an achievement that highlights your career progression.

    Explain how you overcame difficulty or challenge and the results you achieved.

    Be sure to also include any transferable skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork and leadership.

    For example, if you worked on a project that required strong communication skills, explain how you effectively collaborated with colleagues to get the job done. Lastly, don’t forget to mention any recognition or awards you received for your hard work.

    Tell me how you handled a difficult situation.

    How to answer this question:

    Start off by explaining the difficult situation and then provide an organized explanation of how you dealt with it.

    Be sure to explain what steps you took, such as gathering more information or consulting colleagues.

    Additionally, emphasize any skills and qualities that helped you work through the problem. Don’t forget to mention how you’ve grown from this experience and how it has made you a better professional.

    To conclude your answer, explain the result of your efforts and how it positively impacted the situation or organization.

    This will demonstrate not only your problem-solving ability but also your commitment to achieving results.

    Most importantly, keep your response positive! Focus on what you accomplished rather than what went wrong.

    What are some of your leadership experiences / What is your leadership style?

    How to answer this question:

    Start by giving a brief overview of your approach and philosophy to leadership.

    For example, you might emphasize communication, collaboration, and problem-solving.

    Then provide concrete examples of how you have implemented that approach in your professional experiences.

    Perhaps you managed a team or project and had to lead them through challenges by ensuring everyone was working together towards the same goals.

    Be sure to explain the challenges you faced, what strategies you used to overcome them, and the end result.

    If you have a particular leadership style that brings out the best in your team members or peers, this is also a great opportunity to mention it.

    Make sure to emphasize how these experiences have prepared you for future positions of management.

    Overall, show enthusiasm and confidence as an effective leader!

    What are three things your former manager would like you to improve on?

    How to answer this question:

    It’s important to answer this question honestly. Choose three areas of improvement that you have been working on since leaving your former position.

    For example, maybe you’ve been polishing your communication skills, working on improving your time management, or striving to be more organized. Explain the steps you have taken and the progress you have made in each area.

    It’s also helpful to provide an example of how these improvements have helped you succeed in a previous role. Doing this will demonstrate to the interviewer that you are self-aware, have taken action, and have had positive outcomes.

    You can also use this opportunity to show your growth mindset and dedication to learning. Describe any courses or seminars you’ve taken, books you’ve read or mentors you’ve consulted with that have helped you.

    Diving into specific examples of how you have improved in these areas is also a great way to give concrete evidence of your professional growth.

    Ensure that the improvements are work-related, so the employer can have a better understanding of how you can be an asset to their organization.

    What are your career goals?

    How to answer this question:

    Your answer should reflect your aspirations as they relate to the role you are applying for.

    This doesn’t mean that you need to be specific about your grand plan for the future, but rather focus on short-term and achievable goals.

    Be sure to discuss how this job is a stepping stone in the journey of achieving those goals. You may also want to talk about how the roles you’ve had in the past have prepared you for this opportunity and how your skillset is suitable for it.

    Show enthusiasm for the position, and explain what it offers that can help you develop further. For example, learning new skills or gaining more experience in an area you’re interested in.

    Be authentic in your answer, and make sure to back it up with examples from previous roles.

    Show the interviewer that you have considered your future plans and what you hope to achieve from this job. Doing this will demonstrate your commitment to taking on the role.

    Overall, your goal should be to demonstrate your passion and commitment to growing in this role, and how you can contribute to the organization in a positive way.

    What are your pet peeves about co-workers?

    I'm quite open-minded when it comes to other people's working styles, but I'm not a fan of colleagues who don't take ownership of their work. I believe we all should take responsibility for our actions, and when that isn't done it can lead to misunderstandings or even conflict. I'm also not a fan of people who gossip about others or engage in malicious behavior.

    What are your hobbies?

    I'm an active person and love spending time outdoors, so some of my favorite hobbies include running, hiking, going to the beach, and playing soccer. I'm also an avid reader and love exploring new genres and books, as well as doing puzzles in my spare time.

    What are your salary requirements?

    I'm looking for a competitive salary that reflects the scope of work and my experience. However, I believe that money isn't everything and I'm more interested in finding a role that I'm passionate about and will be able to contribute to the success of the organization.

    What are your strengths?

    I'm an organized, reliable, and creative problem solver who is driven to meet deadlines. I have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and I'm able to work well both independently and collaboratively. I'm also comfortable leading teams and managing projects.

    What are your weaknesses?

    I'm a perfectionist and can be overly critical of my own work, which can sometimes slow down the process. I'm aware of this, though, and I'm actively working on ways to be more efficient while still producing high-quality results.

    Why should we hire you?

    I'm confident that I can bring a unique skill set and perspective to this position. I have the experience, drive, and commitment to not only excel in this role but to also help the company reach its goals. I'm passionate about what I do and have a proven track record of success in leading teams and managing projects.

    What makes you the best candidate for this role?

    I believe that my combination of technical knowledge, leadership skills, and ability to work well with others makes me the ideal candidate for this role. I have strong communication and planning skills that enable me to bring teams together and work effectively. I also have a deep understanding of the industry and can quickly identify opportunities for improvement. On top of that, I am highly motivated and able to lead teams toward successful outcomes. My experience in managing projects on time and within budget demonstrates my understanding of the importance of efficiency and cost-effectiveness. I am confident that my skills and experience are the perfect match for this position.

    What can you offer us that someone else can not?

    I understand the unique needs of the industry and have a talent for quickly identifying opportunities for improvement, which gives me an edge over other candidates.

    What do you like the most and least about working in this industry?

    I enjoy the fast pace of this industry and the ever-changing environment. I also appreciate its collaborative nature, which allows me to work with a wide variety of people and teams. The only thing I don't like is the pressure to meet tight deadlines, which can be challenging at times. However, I'm well-equipped to handle such situations and have consistently delivered results on time.

    What gets you up in the morning?

    I'm motivated by my passion for learning and growing. Every day, I look forward to new challenges and opportunities that will push me to be better and to make a positive impact in my work. My ultimate goal is to contribute something meaningful and lasting to the organization, and that's what drives me to get up in the morning.

    What would you say is your biggest weakness?

    My biggest weakness is that I can be too detail-oriented at times. I tend to spend extra time making sure that every task is done to perfection and that I haven't missed anything. While this can be beneficial in some tasks, I'm aware that it can also lead to me taking on too much and not being able to finish everything promptly. I'm working on developing my time management skills and setting more realistic goals for myself.

    What is the name of our CEO?

    The CEO is Mark Smith, who joined the company in 2019 and brings a wealth of experience to the organization. He has been instrumental in leading the company to success and helping it continue to grow.

    What contribution did you make to your previous employer?

    During my time at my previous employer, I began several initiatives to increase efficiency and productivity in the workplace. I organized monthly team-building activities and conducted workshops to help employees hone their skills.

    I also regularly provided feedback and mentoring for my colleagues, which helped them to grow in their careers. And I developed new processes and procedures that streamline the company's operations and improved customer satisfaction.

    My goal was to create a positive and productive work environment that would enable all employees to thrive and continue to grow.

    What is your dream job?

    My dream job is to work in a role that allows me to combine my passion for helping people with the knowledge and skills I have acquired throughout my career. I want to continue developing my leadership and management capabilities, so I am looking for an opportunity to manage a team or take on a senior-level role. I would also like to have a chance to make an impact by creating innovative products or services that can help improve people's lives.

    What is your favorite website?

    My favorite website is LinkedIn. I use it to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in my industry and to connect with other professionals. LinkedIn also provides a range of helpful tools and resources that I can use to expand my professional network and stay informed about job openings.

    What makes you uncomfortable?

    I'm uncomfortable when I feel that I am not in control of a situation or if I lack the knowledge to make an informed decision. In these cases, I like to take the necessary steps to educate myself and look for resources that can help me make a well-informed decision. Also, I prefer to discuss my concerns with others so that I can understand their perspectives and work together toward a solution. Learning from these experiences helps me become more comfortable in similar situations in the future.

    What motivates you?

    My motivation comes from being able to work on meaningful projects that have an impact. I set personal and professional goals for myself and strive to achieve them. When I accomplish a goal, it feels like a reward that keeps me motivated to continue striving for success. And having the opportunity to work with great people and create positive change continuously drives me. It's an incredible feeling.

    What questions do you have for me?

    I'm curious about the process for this job and what your expectations are for the role. I'd also like to know more about the team I would be working with and the company's culture. And I'm eager to hear more about any goals or initiatives you are hoping to achieve in the near future. I want to make sure that this is the right fit for me professionally and I'm looking forward to hearing more about how I can contribute to this team.

    What was the last book you read for fun?

    The last book I read for fun was The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. It's a great book about personal growth and understanding yourself and others, with four key agreements that you can use as guiding principles. It helped me to become more aware of my thoughts and actions, and to focus on positive changes in my life. I highly recommend it!

    What was your biggest failure?

    I think my biggest failure was a project I worked on for several months. I had the best of intentions but due to some miscommunication, the project didn't turn out the way I had envisioned. It was a hard lesson in having clear expectations and communication, and how important those are to successful outcomes. I learned a lot from this experience and it has made me more conscious of how to set up projects for success going forward.

    What were your bosses’ strengths/weaknesses?

    I have had some great bosses throughout my career. A common strength many of them shared was the ability to get everyone on board with a project and create consensus. They had a passion for their work and always inspired the team to do our best.

    A common weakness they shared was that at times, there was a lack of clear direction or expectations. It could lead to confusion and frustration, requiring extra work and communication to get everyone on the same page.

    But overall, I had some great bosses who helped me learn and grow as an employee.

    What would you look to accomplish in the first 30/60/90 days on the job?

    In the first 30 days, I would focus on getting to know the team and understanding the company's goals and objectives. In the first 60 days, I would take the lead on addressing any urgent needs identified by management and begin to develop or implement a plan for longer-term success. By the end of the 90 days, I would have established a strong foundation for successful growth and development in my position. My major focus would be to build relationships and create meaningful, effective partnerships within the company.

    How do you handle workplace conflict?

    In any situation where there is conflict in the workplace, my goal is to respond professionally and respectfully. I believe that communication is key when addressing any type of conflict, so I would begin by listening to all parties involved and understanding the interests at stake. From there, I would take the initiative to develop a solution or plan of action that takes everyone's interests into account, while still achieving the desired outcome.

    I believe that collaboration and compromise are essential when it comes to resolving workplace conflict effectively, and I always strive to approach difficult conversations with an open mind.

    What would your direct reports say about you?

    I believe my direct reports would say that I am an approachable and effective leader who takes the time to listen to their perspectives, concerns, and ideas. I strive to create a work environment that is collaborative and supportive, where everyone feels respected and valued for their contributions.

    I'm also committed to helping my team achieve their goals and grow in their professional careers. I'm proud of the fact that they know they can come to me with any issue, knowing that I will do my best to provide them with the support and guidance they need. I strive to be an effective manager who leads by example and sets a consistent standard for excellence.

    What’s your availability?

    I'm very flexible and can work anytime that is necessary for the job. I understand how important deadlines are to any project, so I'll do my best to meet them. I'm also open to occasional overtime and weekends if required for the job.

    Where do you see yourself in five years? Ten years?

    In five years, I'm hoping to have had the opportunity to take on more responsibility and demonstrate my leadership ability in a managerial role. Ten years from now, I hope to have established myself as an expert in my field and be able to mentor and share my knowledge with others.

    Who are our competitors?

    As far as I've been able to find out, your main competitors are [company #1, company #2] offering similar products or services to yours. Their main focus is on providing a range of quality products at competitive prices. Are there others you would classify as serious competition?

    Who’s your mentor?

    My mentor is Professor Jane Doe, a highly respected professional in my field. I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to work with her for a year and she taught me valuable lessons about professional development, networking, and pursuing my career goals. She’s been a great source of support and knowledge throughout my journey in the industry. I’m grateful for her guidance and advice.

    Why are you interested in working here?

    I'm interested in working here because I believe it's a great opportunity to contribute my professional experience while continuing to grow and develop my skills. The company has a unique culture and an impressive track record of success, so I feel that this is the perfect place for me to add value and make a real difference. And I'm inspired by the company's mission and am excited to be part of a team that is dedicated to achieving excellence.

    Why are you looking for a new job?

    I'm looking for a new job because I feel that I've outgrown my current role. I'm eager to take on more responsibilities and expand my skill set, and I believe that this position at your company can provide the ideal opportunity for me to do just that. I'm passionate about the industry and have developed a strong understanding of its trends and challenges, so I'm confident that I would be able to make meaningful contributions in this new position.

    Why do you want to leave your current company?

    I have been with my current company for a few years and it has been an invaluable learning experience. I have grown professionally and acquired many new skills. However, I feel that the position is no longer challenging or stimulating enough for me to continue developing my skills further. I'm ready for a new challenge and I believe this opportunity could provide me with the perfect platform for growth.

    Why was there a gap in your employment between [date] and [date]?

    During that time, I was caring for an elderly relative and had to take a break from my professional duties. This gave me the chance to step away from my career and dedicate myself to taking care of someone I love. It was a meaningful experience and I'm grateful for the time I had with them. I also used that time to focus on personal development and hone my skills in areas that were related to the job role I was interested in. I'm now excited to apply these new skills in a professional setting.

    Would you work 40+ hours a week?

    Absolutely. I'm a hard worker and I'm willing to put in the extra effort and hours needed to get the job done right. Working long hours can be difficult, but I know it will pay off in the long run and help me achieve my goals. I'm also confident that I will be able to manage my time effectively, so I can find a balance between work and personal commitments. I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make sure the job is done right.

    Would you work holidays/weekends?

    I'm willing to work holidays or weekends if it is necessary to complete a project. I know that sometimes extra hours are required to meet a deadline, and as I said, I'm willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done. If there are regular hours that are required on Saturdays or Sundays, I'm happy to accommodate that as well. However, if it's possible for me to have some flexibility with my hours so I can still find time for myself and my family, that would be ideal. Regardless, I'm prepared to be flexible about extra working hours.