Top 10 Most Common Job Interview Questions And How To Answer Them

If you’re on a job search, the thought of an upcoming job interview can be overwhelming and downright nerve-wracking. After all, this could potentially be your chance to make a stellar first impression on potential employers!

We get it—the interview process is intimidating. But don’t fret—we’ve got you covered!

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Let’s take a look at the top 10 interview questions and how to answer them like a pro!

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RELATED:?How To Answer: “What Can You Contribute To The Company?”

The Top 10 Most Frequently Asked Interview Questions and Answers

1. Tell Me about Yourself

This is probably one of the most popular questions that might come up in your next interview. It’s also one of the easiest ones to answer if you prepare for it correctly.

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When answering this interview question, focus on your professional qualifications, experience, and key skills that are relevant for the job you’re applying for. But remember—talk briefly, as you don’t want to bore the hiring manager with too much detail.

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Here’s an example answer:

• “I’m an experienced marketing professional with a degree in communications. I have extensive experience developing and executing successful campaigns across multiple channels, including social media, email, and digital advertising. I’m passionate about utilizing data-driven analytics to boost ROI and help brands reach their goals.”

2. What Do You Know About Our Company?

Another question that’s often asked during most interviews is “What do you know about our company?” It’s important that you show the interviewer that you’ve done your research beforehand.

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This means looking into what the company’s mission statement is, what products and/or services they offer, and any recent news or developments related to the company. Doing so shows that you’re genuinely interested in working for them!

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Here’s a good answer:

• “I read about your company’s mission to create a better way for customers to connect with businesses online, and I’m really excited about the potential that lies within this effort. I also read about your recent partnership with XYZ Company, which could open up some interesting opportunities in the digital marketing space.”

3. What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?

When answering “what are your strengths”, it’s important to focus on qualities that make up a desirable employee.

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Read the job description carefully, pick a few qualities that match the description, and give examples of how you’ve demonstrated them in your previous job.

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Mention any soft skills, such as problem-solving or collaboration skills, as well as hard skills such as programming, content writing, or design.

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For example, if you’re applying for a project manager role, be sure to pick strengths relevant to the position, such as organization and leadership skills.

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However, avoid bragging or exaggerating; just talk honestly about how these qualities help make you successful in your role and make you stand out from other candidates competing for the job.

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On the other hand, while it may feel uncomfortable?talking about weaknesses during an interview , it can also be a great opportunity to show off some self-awareness and demonstrate how you’ve worked on improving them over time.

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For example, if someone were to say “I tend not to take criticism well at first, but I’ve been working on being more open-minded when receiving feedback from my colleagues”—this would show potential employers that you understand your weaknesses and are actively trying to improve upon them.

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Here are more sample answers:

• “My greatest strength is my problem-solving ability; I’m able to take a step back from any issue and quickly identify solutions using logic and data. I’m also an excellent communicator, able to work well with diverse individuals and foster productive relationships.”
• “I recognize that my organizational skills could be stronger, which is why I recently joined a professional organization devoted to project management. I’m currently learning best practices from its members and applying them in my day-to-day tasks.”

4. Define Success

Success can mean different things to different people, but in an interview setting, it’s important to have a clear understanding of what it means to you.

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When asked to define success, don’t be afraid to get personal and share your own definition. Maybe it’s achieving a long-term goal or contributing to a larger cause.

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Whatever it may be, be sure to tie your answer back to the specific role and company you’re interviewing for. Show your interviewer how your definition of success aligns with the company’s values and future goals.

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Remember, the key to answering this question is being authentic and genuine, so don’t try to give a generic answer. Be yourself and show your interviewer what success means to you.

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Here’s an example:

• “To me, success is setting and achieving goals. It’s about having a clear vision of what I want to accomplish and then taking the necessary steps to make it happen. When it comes to this role specifically, success would be using my skills and experience to help the company continue growing and developing.”

5. Why Should We Hire You?

This is where all of your hard work researching beforehand comes into play!

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Talk about why your qualifications make you perfect for this job—don’t compare yourself against other applicants; instead focus on why YOU should get hired based upon what makes YOU uniquely qualified.

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An example would be:

• “I genuinely believe that I’m the best candidate for this role because of my unique combination of skills and experiences. I understand the importance of staying organized and working efficiently, but I also know how to think outside-the-box to come up with creative solutions.”

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RELATED:?How To Answer ‘What Motivates You?’ In A Job Interview

6. What Motivates You?

This one requires some thought before answering.

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Think back on times when something motivated or inspired you either personally or professionally (eg: achieving goals set by yourself or others).

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Being able to articulate clearly why certain things motivate you can give employers insight into how you approach tasks or projects with enthusiasm and vigor when presented with challenging and stressful situations.

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Here’s a sample answer:

• “I’m motivated by working together with a team and helping each other achieve our collective goals. I get a lot of energy from seeing my teammates succeed, which makes me strive even harder to do my part.”

7. Tell Me about a Time When…

These are called?behavioral interview questions , and they talk about your past experience and how you handle different situations.

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One question you might encounter is:

• “Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a difficult co-worker.”

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The key to answering this question is to focus on how you navigated the situation professionally and found a solution.

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Another popular question is:

• “Describe a time when you had to learn a new skill quickly.”

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The best way to answer this is to talk about a specific instance where you had to teach yourself something new, and how you were able to succeed despite the challenge.

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Overall, the key to acing this tricky question is to stay calm, stay positive, and focus on the specific examples you have from your last job.

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For instance:

• “I had to learn how to use a new software quickly when I was working on a project with a tight deadline. I did some online research, watched tutorial videos, and asked my colleagues for help. Eventually, I was able to get the hang of it, and I was able to complete the project successfully.”

8. Where Do You See Yourself in Five Years?

This question serves two purposes: firstly it gives employers an idea of what kind of long-term plans and goals you’ve set for yourself; secondly it gives you an opportunity to showcase your ambition by outlining what kind of professional career paths you plan on taking within those five years.

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It’s also best to come prepared with specific goals that are realistic and achievable.

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Here are some best answers:

• “I want to gain more experience working in XYZ field within five years, with the hope of obtaining a management position.”
• “I see myself being a well-rounded leader, equipped with the knowledge and skills to take on any challenge that comes my way. I plan to continue learning and expanding my skill set by taking courses or workshops related to my field.”

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Having such an answer ready shows employers that you have a strong sense of ambition and are dedicated to achieving your goals!

9. Why Are You Leaving Your Current Job?

This is your chance to show off your growth mindset and your desire for new challenges.

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Maybe your current position doesn’t align with your long-term career goals, or you’re seeking a company culture that better aligns with your personal values.

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Whatever the explanation, resist the urge to throw your current or last company under the bus. Nobody likes a Negative Nancy!

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For example:

• “I’m looking for an opportunity where I can expand my skillset and take on more responsibility. I’m confident that this role is the perfect next step in my career journey.”

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This answer conveys your enthusiasm while still remaining professional. It also shows employers that you’re actively seeking career and personal growth, which is always a desirable trait to have as a team member.

10. What Are Your Salary Expectations?

Talking about money is never easy, but it’s a necessary part of the job interview process.

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When the interviewer asks, “What are your salary expectations?”, it’s essential to be prepared and confident in your response.

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Don’t give a vague answer or worse yet, an answer that’s too high or too low. Instead, do your research and come up with a salary range that’s realistic for the position and industry.

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Make sure to emphasize your skills and experience and demonstrate your value to the company.

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Address the question with a positive attitude and show the interviewer that you’re excited about the job and ready to negotiate a fair compensation package.

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For instance:

• “I believe that my qualifications and experience are a great fit for this role. Based on the research I’ve done, I’m expecting a salary range of $X to $Y.”

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By being prepared with your answer and expressing confidence in your value and work ethic, you’ll demonstrate to employers that you’re serious about finding the right opportunity—even when it comes to money!

Final Thoughts

No matter how experienced you are or how much preparation is done, at the end of the day it all comes down to being yourself during interviews.

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There are no right or wrong answers, so focus on being honest and present your best qualities. Let your personality shine through—this will give the interviewer a better sense of who you are and how you can add value to their team.

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Don’t be afraid to take a few seconds before you answer questions—employers will appreciate that you’re taking the time to think about your answers carefully (as opposed to giving generic or uninformed replies).

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And if you’re looking to take your career to the next level, why don’t you check out our job postings? We’re looking for talented, driven individuals to?join our team !

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