Common interview questions and how to answer effectively

Are you preparing for an upcoming job interview and wondering which questions to expect? While no two job interviews are exactly the same, there are some questions that are very popular among employers when screening potential candidates.

By preparing confident answers to some of the more common interview questions, you can increase your confidence and give yourself the edge over other potential candidates. 

Common interview questions and how to answer them

1. Where do you see yourself in five years time?

This interview question aims to gauge your ambition and long-term vision. Employers are looking for candidates who have considered their short-term and long-term goals. Talk about the kind of job you'd eventually like to do, the various steps you will take to get there, and how the role you’re interviewing for fits into that journey.

Show that you have the ambition and determination to make the most of every job you have held to get where you want to be and always relate this back to the position you're interviewing for. Avoid telling the interviewer that you want their job. Instead, focus on your passion for growth and commitment to the role at hand.

Example answer:

"In five years, I see myself in a managerial role within this industry. I aim to build on my project management skills and deepen my understanding of data analytics, eventually leading a team. This position is a perfect step in that direction, allowing me to leverage my experience while learning from industry leaders like yourselves."

2. What are your strengths/weaknesses?

Interviewers ask this question to understand both your self-awareness and how well you align with the job requirements. This question is often seen as challenging, even by candidates with significant experience. However, if approached correctly, you can avoid 'bragging' when discussing your strengths or seeming excessively negative when talking about your perceived weaknesses.

How to answer about your strengths 

Choose three traits from the job description that the employer values and provide examples of how you have demonstrated these strengths in previous roles. Include a mixture of tangible skills, such as technical or linguistic abilities, and intangible skills, such as management experience. 

Example answer for “what are your strengths:”

"My strengths are my attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and communication skills. For instance, in my previous role, I led a project that required me to analyse data meticulously, identify potential risks, and communicate these findings effectively to the team, resulting in a 20% reduction in project delays."

How to answer about your weaknesses

Pick a genuine weakness that you have actively worked to improve. For instance, if your tech skills were lacking, mention the training courses or self-study you undertook to address this gap. The key is to show that you’re proactive about self-improvement. 

Example answer for weaknesses:

"I've recognised that I sometimes struggle with public speaking. To overcome this, I've taken a public speaking course and actively sought opportunities to present in meetings. I've noticed a significant improvement in my confidence and delivery."

Check out more example weaknesses that you can share in an interview.

3. Why should I hire you?

This is your chance to stand out and make a memorable impression. Focus on your assets - what makes you different and where do your major strengths lie? Outline what you can offer in terms of skills, experience, personality and enthusiasm. You can go beyond your qualifications, sharing how your background, approach to work, or interests align well with the position or company’s goals and values. 

Example answer:

"You should hire me because I bring a unique blend of technical expertise and creative problem-solving skills. My experience in digital marketing has allowed me to develop innovative campaigns that have increased brand engagement by 30%. I believe my proactive approach and passion for data-driven strategies align well with your company’s goals."

4. Tell me about yourself/your work experience

“Tell me about yourself” is often the opening question for most interviews and can be one of the most important. First impressions are key, so this interview question provides a critical opportunity to set the tone. Keep your answer concise and well-structured. Know your CV inside out and focus on delivering a one-to-two-minute advertisement for yourself, highlighting the key achievements in your employment history and skills relevant to the job you are applying for.

Begin your answer with an overview of your highest qualification then run through the jobs you've held so far in your career. You can follow the same structure as your CV, giving examples of achievements and the skills you've picked up along the way. Don't go into too much detail - your interviewer will ask you to expand on any areas where they'd like more information.

Example answer:

"I have a degree in Marketing and over five years of experience in digital advertising, specialising in social media campaigns. At my last job, I led a team of five to increase online engagement by 50% within a year. My expertise in data analysis and creative content development has been a key factor in achieving these results, and I'm excited to bring this experience to your company."

5. Why do you want this job?

This interview question gives you the chance to discuss all you know about the job and the company, and why you are a good match for them. Do your research - the interviewer is listening for an answer that indicates you've given this some thought. Show that you've researched the organisation and understand how your skills and values align with theirs. This demonstrates both enthusiasm and preparation.

Example answer:

"I’m excited about this job because your company values innovation and sustainability, which are areas I’m passionate about. I’ve been following your recent projects and admire how you’re pushing the boundaries in the tech space. I believe my experience in managing complex projects would make me an asset to your team."

6. What are your salary expectations?

While it’s wise not to mention salary unless asked or prompted, it's important to understand the value of someone with your skills. Interviewers will ask this question to assess whether they can afford to hire you and if you're within the salary range they’ve set for the role. All too often, problems arise from pricing yourself out of the position or stating a figure less than the company is willing to pay. 

If asked, indicate flexibility and willingness to negotiate for the right opportunity, while also mentioning any provided salary guidelines that align with your expectations. This shows that you're reasonable and open to finding common ground.

Example answer:

"Based on my research and the market rate for someone with my experience, I believe a salary in the range of $70,000 to $80,000 would be fair. However, I'm open to discussing this further based on the overall benefits and opportunities for growth within the company."

7. Why are you the right fit to succeed in this role?

You should use this interview question as an opportunity to say something interesting about your skills and experiences that relates back to the role at hand. Remember that interviewers will be looking for you to demonstrate key skills that match the job, and behaviours that align with the organisation's culture. Think about the key attributes they are looking for—like project management, problem-solving, or stakeholder engagement—and be ready with stories that illustrate your competencies in these areas.

Example answer:

"I believe I'm the right fit for this role because of my strong background in project management and my ability to drive team success. In my previous job, I managed multiple high-stakes projects simultaneously, consistently meeting deadlines and exceeding performance targets. I’m confident that my proactive approach and leadership skills would enable me to excel in this role."

Examples of the key attributes employers look for include:

• Project management skills 
• Problem solving 
• Managing stakeholders 
• Demonstrating sound technical knowledge, backed up by good business understanding 
• Delivering on targets or goals

Do your research

Make sure you have a look at the company website and understand as much as you can about their business and how they operate, as well as the products or services they provide. It is also important to go prepared with questions to ask them – after all, the interview is a two-way process. Don’t be afraid to write questions down ahead and take them with you.

Ready to ace your next interview?

Preparing for an interview doesn't have to be daunting. By anticipating common interview questions and crafting well-thought-out answers, you’ll feel more confident and perform better. For more advice to ace your next interview, access the complete interview guide.

Find your next opportunity on the Robert Walters job board.