11 common job interview questions (and sample answers)

If you’re like most people, the thought of answering job interview questions conjures up all sorts of emotions: excitement, nerves, anxiety and maybe even a little bit of dread. But there’s no need to worry! With a little preparation, you can ace any job interview.

To help you out, we’ve put together a list of 11 common job interview questions (with sample answers). So take a deep breath and get ready to impress your future employer!

1. Why did you leave your last job?

One of the most common questions job interviewers ask is “Why did you leave your last job?” While this may seem like a simple question, it can be difficult to answer in a way that makes you look both positive and professional. However, there are a few key strategies you can use to craft an effective response. First, avoid giving negative reasons for why you left your previous job.

For example, instead of saying “I didn’t get along with my boss,” try to focus on the positive aspects of your new opportunity. Second, avoid sounding like you’re complaining about your previous job or employer. Instead, try to focus on the challenges and opportunities that led you to look for a new job in the first place. Finally, don’t be afraid to be honest about your career goals and how your current job will help you achieve them. By using these strategies, you can show that you’re motivated, positive, and ready to take on new challenges.

2. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

One of the most common job interview questions you’ll be asked in a job interview is “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” This can be a tough question to answer, but it’s important to give an honest and thoughtful response.

Your goal should be to focus on your strengths and how they can benefit the company. For example, if you’re a great communicator, you could highlight how that would help you build relationships with clients or customers. If you’re able to work well under pressure, mention how that would come in handy during busy times or when deadlines need to be met. Essentially, you want to show how your strengths can contribute to the company’s success.

When it comes to weaknesses, try to focus on areas that you’re actively working on improving. For instance, if you’re not the best at public speaking, mention how you’re taking steps to overcome that by joining Toastmasters or taking other speaking classes. By doing this, you’ll show that you’re proactive and willing to work on areas of improvement.

Remember, the key is to be honest and focus on highlighting your positive attributes. Answering this question in a job interview doesn’t have to be difficult – just stay positive and be yourself!

3. How do you handle stress or difficult situations?

Being able to confidentially answer job interview questions is key to nailing the job interviews you have. One question you may be asked is “How do you handle stress or difficult situations? “. The interviewer wants to know if you can stay calm under pressure and how you would react in a difficult work situation.

There are a few tips you can keep in mind when preparing for this question:

– First, think of a time when you were under a lot of pressure at work and how you coped with it. Be ready to share an example of a stressful situation and what steps you took to manage it.

– Second, avoid saying that you don’t get stressed or that you don’t handle difficult situations well. Everyone experiences stress and difficulty occasionally, so admitting that it happens to you shows that you’re honest and confident.

– Finally, remember to stay positive! Talk about how you see stress as normal and manageable, and how you’re always looking for ways to improve your coping mechanisms. Difficult situations are an opportunity for growth, so emphasize how excited you are to face challenges head-on.

By following these tips, job interviewers will see that you’re well-equipped to deal with whatever challenges come your way– making you a strong candidate for the job!

4. What can you bring to this position that other candidates cannot?”

In a job interview, you may be asked “What can you bring to this position that other candidates cannot?” It’s important to be prepared to answer this question, as it gives you an opportunity to sell yourself to the interviewer and set yourself apart from other candidates. When answering this question, focus on your unique skills, experience, and qualities that make you the best candidate for the job.

For example, if you are applying for a job in customer service, you might want to highlight your experience dealing with difficult customers or handling customer complaints. Alternatively, if you are applying for a job in sales, you might want to highlight your ability to close deals and exceed quotas. Whatever your strengths may be, make sure to emphasize how they can benefit the company if you are given the job. With a little preparation, you can ensure that you give a great answer to this common job interview question.

5. Why are you interested in this position/company?”

Job interviewers often ask candidates why they’re interested in the job or company. This question is designed to test your fit for the role and see if you’ve done your homework on the organization. The best way to answer this question is to demonstrate that you understand what the job entails and what the company’s culture is like.

There are a few different ways to approach this question. First, you can talk about how the job aligns with your career goals. For example, if you’re interested in pursuing a career in marketing, you might be drawn to a job that emphasizes marketing research and analysis. Alternatively, you could talk about how the company’s values align with your own personal values. For example, if you place a high value on environmental sustainability, you might be interested in working for a company that’s committed to green business practices.

Whatever your reasons for being interested in the job or the company, be sure to articulate them clearly and concisely in your interview response. By showing that you’ve done your research and thoughtfully considered why this job and this company are a good fit for you, you’ll demonstrate your motivation and commitment – two key qualities that any employer is looking for.

6. “Describe yourself in one word.”

This is one of the most common job interview questions. When you’re asked to describe yourself in one word, it can be tough to know where to start. But don’t worry – there are some simple tips you can follow to make sure you give the best answer possible.

First, take a deep breath and think about the qualities that make you unique. What are your best attributes? What sets you apart from other job candidates? Once you’ve brainstormed a few possibilities, try to narrow it down to one word that really sums up who you are.

Next, remember that this is your chance to sell yourself to the interviewer, so make sure your word choice is positive and upbeat. Avoid terms like “lazy” or “stressed,” and focus on words like “hardworking,” “friendly,” or “motivated.”

Finally, be confident in your answer. The interviewer is looking for someone who is self-assured and knows their own worth – so if you believe in yourself, they will too.

7. “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?”

The age-old job interview question “Where do you see yourself in five years?” can be tricky to answer. On the one hand, you want to be honest about your career aspirations. But on the other hand, you don’t want to come across as too ambitious or ungrateful for the job you’re being interviewed for. So how can you strike the right balance? Here are a few tips:

Start by expressing your interest in the company and your excitement about the job. This will show that you’re grateful for the opportunity and that you have realistic expectations.

Next, outline your long-term goals and how this job can help you achieve them. For example, if you’re hoping to eventually move into management, you could say that you see yourself leading a team within the company in five years. This shows that you’re committed to the company and that you have a clear plan for your future.

Finally, finish by stressing your willingness to work hard and take on additional responsibilities in order to reach your goals. This will show that you’re ambitious and motivated, but also that you understand that success takes time and hard work.

8. “What is your greatest accomplishment?”

When a job interviewer asks you about your greatest accomplishment, they are looking to get a sense of your work ethic, drive and determination. This is your opportunity to share a story about a time when you went above and beyond the call of duty, persevered through adversity or achieved something significant. Whatever you choose to share, make sure it is relevant to the job you are interviewing for and conveys how you would be an asset to the company.

For example, if you are applying for a job in customer service, you might talk about a time when you went above and beyond to help a difficult customer or diffused a tense situation. If you are applying for a job in sales, you might talk about a time when you closed a big deal or overcame a challenging sales goal. Whatever your story is, make sure it is concise, positive and highlights your key strengths.

9. “Tell me about a time when you failed.”

“Tell me about a time when you failed.” This is a common job interview question, and it can be tricky to answer. However, there are a few things you can keep in mind that will help you give a successful answer. First, remember that failure is not the same as making a mistake. Everybody makes mistakes; it’s part of being human. Failure occurs when you don’t learn from your mistakes and you continue to make the same ones over and over again. Second, talk about a specific instance of failure, rather than generalizing. This will show that you’re able to reflect on your own experiences and learn from them. Finally, end on a positive note by talking about what you learned from the experience and how it has helped you in your career. Answering the question in this way will show that you’re resilient and capable of overcoming challenges.

10. “What is your biggest challenge at work right now?”

While this question may seem like a simple one during a job interview, it can actually be quite difficult to answer. The key is to avoid sounding negative or complaining about your current situation. Instead, focus on discussing a challenge that you are actively working to overcome. For example, you could talk about how you are trying to improve your time management skills or learn a new software program. By framing your answer in this way, you’ll show the interviewer that you are a problem-solver who is always looking for ways to improve.

Additionally, be sure to end your answer on a positive note by discussing what you have learned or accomplished as a result of overcoming this challenge. This will leave the interviewer with a sense of your resilience and determination – two qualities that any employer would want in an employee.

11. What questions do you have for me?

This can be a tough question to answer during a job interview, but it’s important to take the time to prepare for it. This question provides an opportunity for job seekers to learn more about the company and the role they are interviewing for, and to demonstrate their interest in the position.

Some good questions to ask include:

– What are the biggest challenges in this role?

– What are the company’s values?

– What would a typical day look like in this job?

– What are the opportunities for advancement?

Asking questions shows that you’re engaged and interested in the job, and it can give you valuable insights into whether or not it’s the right fit for you. So next time you’re asked “What questions do you have for me?” in a job interview, take a deep breath and ask away!

While there are no perfect answers to any interview questions, these sample responses will give you an idea of what to include in your own answer. Remember, the key is to be honest, thoughtful and engaging. With a little preparation, you’ll be well on your way to nailing that job interview. For more help getting ready for your next steps, check out our How to Get the Job Master Course, or purchase your copy of the LADIES GET PAID book. They’re packed with expert tips and advice on how to ace every stage of the job search process, from writing killer resumes to acing tough interviews.