Common interview questions and answers

1. Tell me about yourself.

Tip: Your interviewers will likely start out with a question about yourself and your background to get to
know you. Start out by giving them an overview of your current position or activities, then provide the
most important and relevant highlights from your background that make you most qualified for the role.

Example: “Currently, I serve as the assistant to three of the company’s five executive team members,
including the CEO. From my 12 years of experience as an executive assistant, I’ve developed the ability
to anticipate roadblocks and create effective alternative plans. My greatest value to any executive is my
ability to work independently, freeing up their time to focus on the needs of the business.

It’s clear that you’re looking for someone who understands the nuances of managing a CEO’s busy day
and can proactively tackle issues. As someone with an eye for detail and a drive to organize, I thrive on
making sure every day has a clear plan and every plan is clearly communicated.”

2. How would you describe yourself?

Tip: When an interviewer asks you to talk about yourself, they’re looking for information about how
your qualities and characteristics align with the skills they believe are required to succeed in the role. If
possible, include quantifiable results to demonstrate how you use your best attributes to drive success.

Example: “I would say that as a security officer, I’m vigilant, proactive and committed to ensuring safe,
secure, and orderly environments. In my last incident response rating, I received a 99% against the team
average, which has been at around 97% over the past three years. I like to be thorough, documenting all
incidents. I’m also a lifelong learner, always seeking out the latest security equipment and techniques to
patrol buildings. I frequently make suggestions to management about security improvements and
changes as my motivation comes from making a meaningful contribution.

3. What makes you unique?

Tip: Employers often ask this question to identify why you might be more qualified than other
candidates they’re interviewing. To answer, focus on why hiring you would benefit the employer. Since
you don’t know the other applicants, it can be challenging to think about your answer in relation to
them. Addressing why your background makes you a good fit will let employers know why your traits
and qualifications make you well prepared.
Example: “What makes me unique is my experience of having spent four years in retail. Because I’ve had
first-hand experience fielding shoppers’ questions, feedback and complaints, I know what customers
want. I know what it takes to create a positive consumer experience because I’ve had that direct
interaction, working with consumers in person.”

4. Why do you want to work here?

Tip: Interviewers often ask this question as a way to determine whether or not you took the time to
research the company and to learn why you see yourself as a good fit. The best way to prepare for this
question is to do your homework and learn about the products, services, mission, history and culture of
this workplace. In your answer, mention the aspects of the company that appeal to you and align with
your career goals. Explain why you’re looking for these things in an employer.

Example: “The company’s mission to help college grads pay off their student loan debt speaks to me.
I’ve been in that situation and I’d love the opportunity to work with a company that’s making a
difference. Finding a company with a positive work environment and values that align with my own has
remained a priority throughout my job search and this company ranks at the top of the list.”

5. What interests you about this role?

Tip: Like the previous question, hiring managers often include this question to make sure you
understand the role and give you an opportunity to highlight your relevant skills. In addition to
thoroughly reading the job description, it can be helpful to compare the role requirements against your
skills and experience. Choose a few things you particularly enjoy or excel at and focus on those in your
answer.

Example: “Making a meaningful difference in the lives of my patients and their families motivates me to
strive for excellence in everything I do. I look forward to seeing their reaction when we get a positive
outcome that will change their lives forever. Like the family of a young boy we treated last year—at
eight years old, he had experienced rapid weight gain and signs of depression. His parents described him
as a usually joyful child but now he seemed disengaged and uninterested in his typical schedule. In the
end, we determined that it was hypothyroidism, which is, of course, controllable with medication. The
boy is adjusting well to the treatment and has returned to his joyful self. That’s why I became a nurse
and why I’m pursuing a position in pediatrics.”

6. What motivates you?

Tip: Employers ask this question to gauge your level of self-awareness and ensure your sources of
motivation align with the role. To answer, be as specific as possible, provide real-life examples and tie
your answer back to the job role.
Example: “Making a true difference in the lives of my patients and their families motivates me to strive
for excellence in everything I do. I look forward to seeing my patient’s reactions when we get a positive
outcome that will change their lives forever. That’s why I became a nurse and why I’m pursuing a
position in pediatrics.”

7. What are you passionate about?

Tip: Much like the previous question about motivation, employers might ask what you are passionate
about to better understand what drives you and what you care most deeply about. This can both help
them understand whether you are a good fit for the role and if it fits into your larger goals. To answer,
select something you are genuinely passionate about, explain why you’re passionate about it, give
examples of how you’ve pursued this passion and relate it back to the job.

Example: “As an experienced, service-oriented professional with more than a decade of experience
working in boutique salons, I thrive on creating a welcoming environment for all clients and providing
the highest quality skincare services. My specialized training and strong interpersonal skills have helped
me become adept at developing long-term, trusted relationships that help to build a loyal client base.
Some of my clients have been with me since the beginning—more than ten years now. These
relationships are the reason I’m excited to go to work every day.”

8. Why are you leaving your current job?

Tip: There are many reasons for leaving a job. Prepare a thoughtful answer that will give your
interviewer confidence that you’re being deliberate about this job change. Instead of focusing on the
negative aspects of your current or previous role, focus on the future and what you hope to gain in your
next position.

Example: “I’m looking for an opportunity that gives me the ability to build closer, long-term relationships
with clients. In my current role, the sales cycle is so short that I don’t spend as much time building a
rapport with my customers as I’d like. Relationship-building is one of the reasons I chose a career in
sales and I look forward to working with a company where that’s a top priority.”

9. What are your greatest strengths?

Tip: This question gives you an opportunity to talk about both your technical and soft skills. To answer,
share qualities and personal attributes and then relate them back to the role for which you’re
interviewing.
Example: “I’m a natural problem-solver. I find it rewarding to dig deep and uncover solutions to
challenges—it’s like solving a puzzle. It’s something I’ve always excelled at and something I enjoy. Much
of product development is about finding innovative solutions to challenging issues, which is what drew
me to this career path in the first place.”

10. What are your greatest weaknesses?

Tip: It can feel awkward to discuss your weaknesses in an environment where you’re expected to focus
on your accomplishments. However, when answered correctly, sharing your weaknesses can show that
you are self-aware and want to continuously get better at your job—traits that are extremely attractive
to many employers. Remember to start with the weakness and then discuss the measures you’ve taken
to improve. This way, you’re finishing your answer on a positive note.

Example: “Earlier in my career I noticed that because I was so enthusiastic about my work, I had a
tendency to say ‘yes’ when I should have been saying ‘no.’ At one point I ended up so overwhelmed by
my workload and taking on so many projects that I was working evenings and weekends. It was stressful
and that stress affected my production quality. I realized this was counterproductive so I started using
workload management tools to set better expectations for myself and my teammates.”

11. What are your goals for the future?

Tip: Hiring managers often ask about your future goals to determine whether or not you’re looking to
stay with the company long-term. Additionally, this question is used to gauge your ambition,
expectations for your career and your ability to plan ahead. The best way to handle this question is to
determine your current career trajectory and how this role plays into helping you reach your ultimate
goals.

Example: “I would like to continue developing my marketing expertise over the next several years. One
of the reasons I’m interested in working for a fast-growing startup company is that I’ll have the ability to
wear many hats and collaborate with many different departments. I believe this experience will serve
me well in achieving my ultimate goal of someday leading a marketing department.”

12. Where do you see yourself in five years?

Tip: Understanding how you imagine your life in the future can help employers understand whether the
trajectory of the role and company fits in with your personal development goals. To answer, provide
general ideas about the skills you want to develop, the types of roles you would like to be in and things
you would like to have accomplished.
Example: “In five years, I’d like to be an industry expert in my field, able to train and mentor students
and entry-level designers alike. I would also like to gain specialized expertise in user experience to be a
well-rounded contributor working with design and marketing teams on large-scale projects that make a
difference both in the company and the global community.”