Most Common Job Interview Questions and Answers

Question 1

"Tell me a little about yourself."

Accepted Answer

If you're the interviewer, there's a lot you should already know: The candidate's resume and cover letter should tell you plenty, and LinkedIn and Twitter and Facebook and Google can tell you more.

The goal of an interview is to determine whether the candidate will be outstanding in the job, and that means evaluating the skills and attitude required for that job. Does she need to be an empathetic leader? Ask about that. Does she need to take your company public? Ask about that. If you're the candidate, talk about why you took certain jobs. Explain why you left. Explain why you chose a certain school. Share why you decided to go to grad school. Discuss why you took a year off to backpack through Europe, and what you got out of the experience.

When you answer this question, connect the dots on your resume so the interviewer understands not just what you've done, but also why.

Answer

When asked 'Tell me about yourself,' candidates should connect the various experiences on their resume, explaining the 'why' behind their choices. This approach helps the interviewer understand motivations and how past decisions align with future goals, providing a cohesive narrative beyond just listing facts.

Question 2

"What are your biggest weaknesses?"

Accepted Answer

Every candidate knows how to answer this question: Just pick a theoretical weakness and magically transform that flaw into a strength in disguise!

For example: "My biggest weakness is getting so absorbed in my work that I lose all track of time. Every day I look up and realize everyone has gone home! I know I should be more aware of the clock, but when I love what I'm doing I just can't think of anything else."

So your "biggest weakness" is that you'll put in more hours than everyone else? Great...

A better approach is to choose an actual weakness, but one you're working to improve. Share what you're doing to overcome that weakness. No one is perfect, but showing you're willing to honestly self-assess and then seek ways to improve comes pretty darned close.

Answer

Instead of disguising a weakness as a strength, a better approach is to identify a genuine weakness you are actively working to improve. Sharing the steps you're taking to overcome it demonstrates self-awareness, honesty, and a commitment to personal development, which are highly valued qualities.

Question 3

"What are your biggest strengths?"

Accepted Answer

I'm not sure why interviewers ask this question; your resume and experience should make your strengths readily apparent.

Even so, if you're asked, provide a sharp, on-point answer. Be clear and precise. If you're a great problem solver, don't just say that: Provide a few examples, pertinent to the opening, that prove you're a great problem solver. If you're an emotionally intelligent leader, don't just say that: Provide a few examples that prove you know how to answer the unasked question.

In short, don't just claim to have certain attributes -- prove you have those attributes.

Answer

When discussing strengths, it's crucial to move beyond mere claims and provide concrete examples that prove your abilities. Connect these examples directly to the job requirements, demonstrating how your strengths would be beneficial in the specific role you're applying for.

Question 4

"Where do you see yourself in five years?"

Accepted Answer

Answers to this question go one of two basic ways. Candidates try to show their incredible ambition (because that's what they think you want) by providing an extremely optimistic answer: "I want your job!" Or they try to show their humility (because that's what they think you want) by providing a meek, self-deprecating answer: "There are so many talented people here. I just want to do a great job and see where my talents take me."

In either case you learn nothing, other than possibly how well candidates can sell themselves.

For interviewers, here's a better question: "What business would you love to start?"

That question applies to any organization, because every employee at every company should have an entrepreneurial mind-set.

The business a candidate would love to start tells you about her hopes and dreams, her interests and passions, the work she likes to do, the people she likes to work with ... so just sit back and listen.

Answer

Rather than giving a generic answer about ambition or humility, a more insightful response involves discussing a business you'd love to start. This reveals your true interests, passions, and entrepreneurial mindset, offering deeper insight into your motivations and the kind of work you genuinely enjoy.

Question 5

"Out of all the other candidates, why should we hire you?"

Accepted Answer

Since a candidate cannot compare himself with people he doesn't know, all he can do is describe his incredible passion and desire and commitment and ... well, basically beg for the job. (Way too many interviewers ask the question and then sit back, arms folded, as if to say, "Go ahead. I'm listening. Try to convince me.")

And you learn nothing of substance.

Here's a better question: "What do you feel I need to know that we haven't discussed?" Or even "If you could get a do-over on one of my questions, how would you answer it now?"

Rarely do candidates come to the end of an interview feeling they've done their best. Maybe the conversation went in an unexpected direction. Maybe the interviewer focused on one aspect of their skills and totally ignored other key attributes. Or maybe candidates started the interview nervous and hesitant, and now wish they could go back and better describe their qualifications and experience.

Plus, think of it this way: Your goal as an interviewer is to learn as much as you possibly can about every candidate, so don't you want to give them the chance to ensure you do?

Just make sure to turn this part of the interview into a conversation, not a soliloquy. Don't just passively listen and then say, "Thanks. We'll be in touch." Ask follow-up questions. Ask for examples.

And of course if you're asked this question ... use it as a chance to highlight things you haven't been able to touch on.

Answer

Since a candidate cannot compare themselves to others, this question is an opportunity to highlight any relevant skills or experiences not yet fully discussed. It allows you to ensure the interviewer has a comprehensive understanding of your qualifications and why you are a strong fit for the role.

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Uncategorized Practice Test

Most Common Job Interview Questions and Answers