15 common interview questions (and how to answer them)
Updated
Most interviews return to the same core questions: who you are, why you want this job, what you are good at, how you handle difficulty and what you expect. Prepare a short, honest answer to each, back it with an example, and practise out loud. Below are 15 of the most common questions with what the interviewer wants to know and a sample answer you can adapt.
About you
| Question | What they want | Sample answer (adapt it) |
|---|---|---|
| Tell me about yourself. | A 60–90 second professional summary. | "I'm a customer service adviser with four years in energy and telecoms. I'm known for calming difficult calls — my satisfaction score is the highest in my team. I'm now looking for a team leader role where I can coach others." |
| What are your strengths? | Strengths that match the job, with proof. | "Organisation. I run the rota for 25 staff and cut last-minute gaps by planning cover a month ahead." |
| What is your greatest weakness? | Self-awareness and improvement. | "I used to take on too much myself. I now agree priorities with my manager every Monday and delegate earlier." |
| How would colleagues describe you? | Fit with the team. | "Reliable and calm — I'm usually the one people ask to double-check figures before a deadline." |
| Where do you see yourself in five years? | Commitment and realistic ambition. | "Having grown in this role, taken on more responsibility and, ideally, leading a small team." |
Motivation and fit
| Question | What they want | Sample answer (adapt it) |
|---|---|---|
| Why do you want this job? | That you understand the role. | Link two or three requirements from the advert to your experience. |
| Why do you want to work here? | Research about the employer. | Mention a specific product, value, client or recent news. |
| Why should we hire you? | A confident summary of fit. | "You need someone who can handle high call volumes and train new starters; I've done both for three years." |
| Why are you leaving your current job? | No drama, forward-looking reason. | "I've learned a lot, but there's no route into team leadership where I am, and this role offers that." |
| What salary are you expecting? | Whether you fit the budget. | Give a researched range, or ask for the role's range first. |
Experience and behaviour
- "Tell me about a time you solved a difficult problem."
- "Describe a time you disagreed with your manager."
- "Give an example of working to a tight deadline."
- "Tell me about a mistake and what you learned."
These are competency or behavioural questions. Answer them with the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result.
Questions to ask at the end
- What would success look like in the first three months?
- What are the biggest challenges facing the team right now?
- How is performance reviewed, and how often?
- What do you enjoy most about working here?
- What are the next steps in the process?
Preparation checklist
- Re-read the job advert and your own CV — they will ask about anything on it.
- Prepare five STAR stories covering teamwork, problem-solving, pressure, conflict and initiative.
- Research the employer's products, customers and recent news.
- Plan the journey or test your video setup the day before.
- Send a short thank-you email within 24 hours.
Make sure your CV supports what you will say: how to write a CV.