Feel confident and prepared by anticipating manager interview questions based on the knowledge and core competencies (skills and abilities) commonly required for success in a management job. The knowledge requirements will vary depending on the employer, level and scope of the manager job. However typical knowledge requirements for managerial or supervisory jobs include:
business and management principles strategic planning administrative procedures operating systems read and interpret accounting and financial reports budgets organizational planning tools information processing applications relevant software applications human resource management principles Manager interview questions around the knowledge requirements are answered by reviewing your resume or CV as they refer directly to your qualifications and work task experience.
Job Interview Guides Overview Accounting Job Call Center Job Customer Service Internship Job Sales Job Project Manager
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Common Behavioral Questions & Answers
Listen carefully to the questions asked and, if need be, ask for further clarification. Answer with an appropriate and specific example. Often the Interviewer will ask follow-up questions to get more information,
" Tell me why you did that"
"Take me through your decision process"
"How did you feel about that"
so it is essential to have a complete, actual example to draw on.
Click on the list of Common Behavioral Questions & Answers above to help you frame your own examples.
Keep in mind that there are no right or wrong answers, it is an attempt to see how you behaved in a given situation. It is not possible to fabricate an example. The Interviewer's in-depth probing will quickly expose this.
Examples can be taken from any context as long as they clearly detail the required behavior.
Sometimes in behavioral job interviews the question will try to find out how you responded to a negative situation."Tell me about a time when you were unable to solve a problem the first time, what did you do?"Prepare some examples of negative experiences, but use those that you were able to get something positive out of or learned something valuable from.
Vary your examples by thinking of situations from different areas of your life and career. Go through your resume to refresh your memory to help you with this. Make sure each example has a beginning, middle and end. Be ready to detail the situation, the actions you took and the outcome.
Stick to the facts. Exaggerating the results will be found out by the interviewer's further questioning. Stick to a specific account of one situation or event to answer the question and avoid generalizing about several related events.
Describe a new idea or suggestion that you made to your supervisor recently (initiative)
The interviewer wants to know if you are proactive and able to generate workable ideas. Show how you are a self-starter who will take action beyond what is asked of you.
" I work in orders and the company was launching a new product. The sales team had in-depth training on it but we had none. (Situation)
I suggested that the orders department should also receive the training so that we would understand what was being ordered and be able to answer any questions if necessary. It was agreed we would all undergo a short version of the training. (Action)
This meant that we could deal professionally with the orders and it also motivated us, feeling part of the launch excitement." (Result)
Tell me about a time that you had to use your judgment and make a decision in your previous job (judgment/decision-making)
The interviewer is exploring your ability to make logical decisions and take action. Show how you consider all the relevant facts, weigh up the alternatives and commit to the most appropriate action.
"I was responsible for ordering office supplies for the company. (Situation)
The company always ordered a month's supply at a time to keep inventory costs low. I had to decide whether to keep doing this or buy six month's supply and get a discount for ordering such a big volume and escape possible future price increases. I did some research and worked out we could reduce our costs by buying for six months, especially since the amount we used remained practically unchanged month on month. (Action)
I was right, the prices went up quite a bit during those six months." (Result)
Remember that these are sample answers that can be used to help you formulate your own examples from your previous jobs or other contexts when answering behavioral interview questions like these.
Describe a time that you demonstrated the ability to be an effective team member (team work)
This behavioral interview question is looking at your ability to build relationships and contribute to team success. Show how you worked effectively with the team, put team goals ahead of your own goals and made a valued contribution to the team output.
" I was transferred to a new department and a new team at my last company. The team members were not welcoming and displayed this by not including me in discussions and communications. (Situation)
I asked each team member to meet individually and informally with me to discuss their expectations of me as part of their team. I was able to explain that I understood their reluctance to trust and accept me straight off but that I wanted to contribute positively.We discussed team objectives, individual roles and working styles and started to develop a rapport with each other. I made sure that I asked for their advice and feedback initially and gradually I earned their trust. (Action)
The team learned to be more flexible in their approach to new staff members and I learned that one has to earn trust and acceptance. Our team works really cohesively towards its goals now." (Result)
Another of the common interview questions that comes up in behavioral interviews explores your leadership skills.
Tell me how you went about setting the goals for your department and gaining commitment from your staff (leadership)
The interviewer wants to know how you lead through goals, vision and values and how you use appropriate methods to guide staff towards goal accomplishment. Show how you are able to set goals and influence your staff to achieve them.
" Tell me why you did that"
"Take me through your decision process"
"How did you feel about that"
so it is essential to have a complete, actual example to draw on.
Click on the list of Common Behavioral Questions & Answers above to help you frame your own examples.
Keep in mind that there are no right or wrong answers, it is an attempt to see how you behaved in a given situation. It is not possible to fabricate an example. The Interviewer's in-depth probing will quickly expose this.
Examples can be taken from any context as long as they clearly detail the required behavior.
Sometimes in behavioral job interviews the question will try to find out how you responded to a negative situation."Tell me about a time when you were unable to solve a problem the first time, what did you do?"Prepare some examples of negative experiences, but use those that you were able to get something positive out of or learned something valuable from.
Vary your examples by thinking of situations from different areas of your life and career. Go through your resume to refresh your memory to help you with this. Make sure each example has a beginning, middle and end. Be ready to detail the situation, the actions you took and the outcome.
Stick to the facts. Exaggerating the results will be found out by the interviewer's further questioning. Stick to a specific account of one situation or event to answer the question and avoid generalizing about several related events.
Describe a new idea or suggestion that you made to your supervisor recently (initiative)
The interviewer wants to know if you are proactive and able to generate workable ideas. Show how you are a self-starter who will take action beyond what is asked of you.
" I work in orders and the company was launching a new product. The sales team had in-depth training on it but we had none. (Situation)
I suggested that the orders department should also receive the training so that we would understand what was being ordered and be able to answer any questions if necessary. It was agreed we would all undergo a short version of the training. (Action)
This meant that we could deal professionally with the orders and it also motivated us, feeling part of the launch excitement." (Result)
Tell me about a time that you had to use your judgment and make a decision in your previous job (judgment/decision-making)
The interviewer is exploring your ability to make logical decisions and take action. Show how you consider all the relevant facts, weigh up the alternatives and commit to the most appropriate action.
"I was responsible for ordering office supplies for the company. (Situation)
The company always ordered a month's supply at a time to keep inventory costs low. I had to decide whether to keep doing this or buy six month's supply and get a discount for ordering such a big volume and escape possible future price increases. I did some research and worked out we could reduce our costs by buying for six months, especially since the amount we used remained practically unchanged month on month. (Action)
I was right, the prices went up quite a bit during those six months." (Result)
Remember that these are sample answers that can be used to help you formulate your own examples from your previous jobs or other contexts when answering behavioral interview questions like these.
Describe a time that you demonstrated the ability to be an effective team member (team work)
This behavioral interview question is looking at your ability to build relationships and contribute to team success. Show how you worked effectively with the team, put team goals ahead of your own goals and made a valued contribution to the team output.
" I was transferred to a new department and a new team at my last company. The team members were not welcoming and displayed this by not including me in discussions and communications. (Situation)
I asked each team member to meet individually and informally with me to discuss their expectations of me as part of their team. I was able to explain that I understood their reluctance to trust and accept me straight off but that I wanted to contribute positively.We discussed team objectives, individual roles and working styles and started to develop a rapport with each other. I made sure that I asked for their advice and feedback initially and gradually I earned their trust. (Action)
The team learned to be more flexible in their approach to new staff members and I learned that one has to earn trust and acceptance. Our team works really cohesively towards its goals now." (Result)
Another of the common interview questions that comes up in behavioral interviews explores your leadership skills.
Tell me how you went about setting the goals for your department and gaining commitment from your staff (leadership)
The interviewer wants to know how you lead through goals, vision and values and how you use appropriate methods to guide staff towards goal accomplishment. Show how you are able to set goals and influence your staff to achieve them.
What are your weaknesses?"
With this typical interview question the interviewer is assessing your self awareness and insight rather than your weaknesses. The ability to acknowledge a weakness is often seen as a sign of maturity and wisdom. Refer to a true weakness but then turn it into a positive by describing it as an area for development. In your job interview answer relate what steps you have taken to try and improve.
"I'm impatient with people who don't work at the same pace as me but I'm learning to manage this. I make sure that they have the right resources for the job, I follow up to see that they are on track and I step in and help when needed"
"I can be disorganized, I am aware of this and make sure I answer my emails and messages straight away. I update my calendar as soon as I have a new task or appointment, this really helps"
A good guide is to acknowledge one or two weaknesses, describe the efforts made to overcome these and end your story on a positive note.
"I've been reluctant to delegate. I have had to re-evaluate this as it was creating a big workload for me. I assign each person a specific, manageable task and then follow up to satisfy myself that it is being done properly, this seems to work well"
Some weaknesses can be interpreted as a strength. Examples include:
"I can be a bit aggressive in getting to my goals"
"At times I can get too involved in other people's problems, trying to help them"
These are two of the most difficult questions to answer in the job interview. Prepare using these sample free interview answers and stand out as the right candidate.
Standard interview questions and answer guidelines about handling conflict, your ideal job, how you define success and what motivates you.
Return from Free Interview Answers to Best Job Interview
"Why should we hire you?"
Answering interview questions about why you are the right person for the job needs some thought and preparation. Review the job description and note down the job requirements.
Refer to your skills and experience relevant to the job requirements and the company's needs. What benefits are you bringing to this job? Mention your previous successes and your goals for the future.
Be straightforward and confident about your abilities.
" I have the right combination of skills and experience for this job. I also bring the additional quality of strong analytical and problem solving ability as shown by my introduction of a more efficient work flow system at ABC Company.
My commitment to excellent work standards will add value to the team.
I am a fast learner, I had to learn a totally new operating system in my last job and I was up and running within a couple of weeks.
One of the reasons I want to work for this company is your reputation for staff development, learning and growth are important values to me. I sincerely believe I am the right person for this job and for this company"
Common Job Interview Questions and Answers
Overview
Tell Me About Yourself?
What are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?
Describe Your Greatest Achievement?
Your Goals for the Next 5 Years?
Reason for Leaving Current Job?
When answering interview questions like this, don't try to say that you are the best qualified candidate, you are not familiar with the other candidates' skills and experience. Rather highlight the reasons why you are the right candidate for this job.
"My abilities in sales really seem to fit this job. My success at ABC in achieving an annual growth rate of 25% support this.
I have worked with a similar product line and have an in-depth understanding of the technical aspects.
My experience as a member of a large team will contribute to your department and I am enthusiastic about the new challenges involved in this position"
Be enthusiastic about why you want this job.
"I really would like this job selling gift items and I strongly believe I will be good at it. I enjoy talking to customers and helping them find what they are looking for. I am meticulous about handling cash. I look forward to having regular hours and I am very reliable. In fact, my reference emphasizes that as one of my strong points"
For a good guide to identifying your strengths that will help you answer this interview question.
What about answering interview questions
such as
"Why do you want to work for this company?"
Use your background research to prepare for this question, this way you will differentiate yourself from the other candidates.
"I understand this company is expanding, your website indicates that you are about to launch a number of new products. I would like to be a part of this exciting growth"
"I have always wanted an opportunity to work with a company that provides such an important service to the community"
"You are a small company with great opportunity for staff development"
"Your company has a reputation for being innovative and open to new ideas"
Find something specific about the company to hook into. Look at the company values, mission, vision and successes. How do you complement and contribute to these?
"I know that your goal is to become the biggest provider of office supplies in the area. My knowledge and experience of the customer base can make a big contribution to this. I would really enjoy the challenge of growing this business"
"What has been your greatest achievement to date?"
Choose an achievement that is related to the position and is fairly recent. Review the job description, if you have it, or the job posting or ad. What skills are listed as necessary for the job?. This will guide you to the most relevant answer for this employment interview question.
Common Interview Questions and Answers
Tell Me About Yourself?
What are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?
Why Should we Hire You?
Why this Company?
Your Goals for the Next 5 Years?
Reason for Leaving Current Job?
Overview
Does the position need superior sales ability, someone with keen attention to detail, strong management skills or excellent problem-solving ability?
Reflect upon achievements that demonstrated this skill. Describe your accomplishment and highlight the job-related skills you used. Point out how the results benefited the company.
If a requirement is problem-solving skills:
"Recently I was asked to implement a new system to reduce our debtors days.I analyzed the problems with the current system, got input from all the stakeholders, and developed a faster way of getting the accounts out and monitoring follow up.Our debtors days reduced significantly and we are currently on target for collections"
If a requirement is attention to detail:
"I am responsible for taking the customer orders by phone.I listen carefully, ask for clarification and always confirm the order to make sure I have everything correct. In this past year I am the only person in my department who has not made an error on the orders.Errors are often costly and frustrate customers. It was really satisfying receiving that recognition and I was given a bonus by my supervisor"
When asking employer interview questions about this, Interviewers particularly want to know about achievements that increased revenues, decreased expenses, solved problems, were innovative or improved a company's reputation.
"My department manager asked me to investigate a bottleneck in the production line. I did some research and suggested a redesign of the department layout so that the production units were in a more efficient sequence.It worked so well, increasing production by up to 20 percent, that my layout design has been adopted by all our branches"
If you have little or no work experience, refer to an accomplishment at school or in an outside activity. Just remember to relate the skills you used to the job in question.
"I was part of the rowing team that recently won the championships. It was a particularly satisfying win as we had trained very hard, requiring a lot of discipline and perseverance, to come up from the bottom of the league.We also really had to work together as a team and keep each other motivated"
It is often difficult to single out one achievement when answering this question.
"I believe I have had a number of successes to date. It is difficult to say which I think has been my greatest accomplishment as they were all important. I am going to focus on my recent achievements as being the most pertinent..."and go on to describe your relevant, recent accomplishments.
Review your company background research to also highlight how your accomplishments fit in with the company mission, vision, goals and values.
Aligning your achievements with the job and company needs, when answering employer interview questions like this, will emphasize why you are the right candidate for the job.
Why do you want to leave your job?"
Be straightforward but avoid negative comments about past employers in the job interview.
Don't bad-mouth the company, your manager or colleagues, it puts you in a bad light. Keep it positive and make the reason for a leaving a constructive one such as a new challenge, exciting opportunity, increased responsibility or learning possibility.
Use this job interview question as an opportunity to focus on the future.
"I have reached the ceiling in my particular job, and I am ready for more responsibility"
"After a number of years in my last position I am now looking for a new experience where I can contribute and grow in a bigger environment"
Avoid stating your salary as a prime motivator for change.
However location is a perfectly acceptable reason for moving.
"I am relocating to this area for family reasons and left my job to make this move"
"I was spending hours each day commuting. I would prefer to be closer to home"
When asked common job interview questions like this, relate how you worked hard in your last position and now you want to use your skills and experience to benefit this company.
"I am interested in an opportunity to use the skills and abilities I have developed over the last couple of years in a new and challenging position"
If there is an obvious issue with the company you were working for, such as layoffs, acknowledge and discuss this.
"There is a great deal of uncertainty about the security of our jobs. I am looking for a stable company where there is the long term opportunity to grow and advance"
Sometimes, it is just the wonderful opportunity offered by the new position that made you consider a move.
"In all honesty I wasn't really looking to move jobs, but this looks like such a great opportunity to use all my skills and experience and I have always admired this company"
Situations to be considered when asked common job interview questions along these lines include the following.
You may have taken time out to raise a family. Use this as an opportunity to reassure the Interviewer that you are now ready to return to the workplace and detail the child care arrangements you have put in place. Point out to the Interviewer the efforts you have made to keep up to date in your particular field.
Taking time off to study is a positive reason. Highlight how this has taken your skills and abilities to a new level, and how it demonstrates your desire for self-improvement and growth.
A travel break can also be seen in a positive light. Emphasize how it has added to your life experience, enabled you to deal with a number of new challenges and increased your self- confidence. The reasons for deciding to spend time traveling should show you as an individual who is keen to learn and grow.
"I believed that I had reached the ceiling in my previous job. I needed to make a career move and decided that I would take the opportunity to spend some time fulfilling my dream and travel before looking for a new position. I have discovered so much about myself and developed a number of skills dealing with all the challenges I faced. I am really excited about returning to the workplace and using all I have learned to contribute in a positive and constructive way"
Make sure the reason you provide for leaving is congruent with the reason you have provided on your resume and the reason that will be given by your previous employer when a reference is done.
Prepare for other typical job interview questions using these complete answer guidelines:
Tell Me About Yourself?
What are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?
Why Should we Hire You?
Why do you want to work for this Company?
Describe Your Greatest Achievement?
What are your Goals for the Next 5 Years?
Common job interview questions about leaving your job can be tricky if your reason for leaving is complicated. Go to the information provided in
How to Handle Difficult Questions for specific advice on how to deal with reasons such as retrenchment, personal problems, being fired, conflict with your boss and colleagues.
Standard interview questions and answer guidelines about handling
“Tell me about yourself”
This is one of the most common interview questions and answers are tough to formulate. Where to start, where to end, what to focus on!
Prepare for this question and you can use it as a great opportunity to sell yourself!
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In your answer highlight how your skills, knowledge and experience relate to the job and the company profile.
Where you were born and grew up, or what pets you have is not likely to show the interviewer why you are a good candidate for the job opportunity.
The interviewer wants to know if you will fit in with the rest of the team, the department and the company.
The interviewer is also trying to find out what motivates you and whether it is consistent with what the job and the employer offer.
More Interview Questions and Answers
Overview
What are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?
Why Should we Hire You?
Why this Company?
Describe Your Greatest Achievement?
Your Goals for the Next 5 Years?
Reason for Leaving Current Job?
Refer to your background research and review the job requirements, focus on how you specifically meet these needs.
For example, if the job requires you to work as part of a team, tell the interviewer about the projects you have undertaken as a team-member.
Most jobs require an element of team work, so this is a good aspect to focus on when thinking about answers to this interview question
Use this sample answer to help prepare your own good interview answer to this question:
"In my previous 2 positions I worked as part of a team on a number of projects. A big project I was involved with at ABC company was writing a new safety policy.
It was a really in-depth project so I put together a safety review committee. We worked together for a month to identify the safety needs of the various departments and what procedures would meet those needs.
Our policy has been well accepted and safety problems have decreased in all areas"
By pointing out to the Interviewer the specific benefits of hiring you for this job, rather than giving a rambling autobiography, you will be positively remembered and set yourself apart from the other candidates.
The interviewer has probably already read your Resume or CV, so avoid just repeating that information during the interview questions and answers.
For example, when talking about your sales experience, rather than telling the interviewer
"I spent three years in sales at XYZ Company"draw attention to your success during that time.
"When working at XYZ I focused on growing the customer base in the Northeast and increased sales by 50% over a three year period"
It is impressive to quantify your success wherever possible.
Use your research on the company to emphasize how you fit in. For example your information indicates that the company has a strong responsibility to the community, you can point out why you value that, discuss any volunteer work you have done, underline why it is one of the things that attracts you to them.
"I know that this company sponsors some of the local youth football teams. This is a particular interest of mine, last year I got involved in coaching. It is important to me that the company holds the same values"
If you do not have enough information about the position to prepare adequately for this question beforehand, ask the interviewer "What areas would you like me to focus on?" and go from there.
Refer to the specific job interview guides to know which interview questions to expect for positions from accounting to sales. Use the recommended guidelines to prepare for your job interview questions and answers.
This interview question is often included in Group Interview
"What do you see yourself doing in five years?"
It is not easy to answer this interview question in terms of specific job or company expectations. One cannot accurately predict what the job or the company will look like in 5 years time. You can answer in general terms about the type of situation you would like to be in and the way you want to have grown and developed. Avoid giving specific time frames or job titles.
Focus on realistic career opportunities you could expect in your industry and what you hope to have gained from these opportunities.
"It is an uncertain world and one can't predict what is going to happen. However, my hope is that I will have contributed to the success of the company and grown both personally and professionally within my position"
More Interview Questions and Answers
Overview
Tell Me About Yourself?
What are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?
Why Should we Hire You?
Why this Company?
Describe Your Greatest Achievement?
Reason for Leaving Current Job?
Your interview answer should relate to the job you are being interviewed for in some way. The interviewer does not want to hear that you hope to have published your first novel or be running your own business.This interview question is designed to assess a number of things.
How long are you likely to stay with the company?
What is your motivation in applying for this position?
Do you look ahead and set goals for yourself?
Combine your personal growth strategies and goals with commitment to the job and the employer.
For example:
"I want to have developed new skills and abilities and to have made the most of my opportunities. This position will give me the opportunity to learn more about managing a work team, this is a goal of mine. I would like to be recognized as an individual who has really added value to the company"
When faced with this job interview question and answer, avoid making over-ambitious predictions about your future potential. This indicates a lack of insight and maturity. Broadly discuss your work values and goals, not focusing on a specific career plan.
"I want to have learned and grown within my work, to have increased my responsibilities and skills. I enjoy a challenge and would like to know that I am constantly meeting new challenges. My goal is to be the best at whatever level I am working at within the company"
Demonstrate that you understand that reward (salary, promotion, responsibility) will be based on the quality and value of your contribution.
"I want to make the most of my abilities and potential. By always doing my best I can ensure that there will be opportunities to increase my value and to grow in ways that benefit both the company and me"
Align your success with the company's success.
"I want to continue to gain experience and be a top -performing employee in a big company such as this one. I want to contribute as much as possible to the company's expansion and success"
The interviewer will respond positively if you present yourself, in this job interview question and answer, as a mature, insightful and self-motivated candidate who wants to make an important and constructive contribution to the company.
The article The Future Job Market and Tomorrow's Jobs provides valuable insights that can help you with this interview question.
Standard interview questions and answer guidelines about handling conflict, your ideal job, how you define success and what motivates you.
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Return from Job Interview Question and Answer to Best Job Interview
What skills are the the most critical to this position?
Prepare by listing the tasks given in the job description and identifying which skills are key to successful task performance. Consider the technical skills specific to the position such as knowledge of accounting principles and practices for an accountant position, human resource management principles for a HR position, understanding the sales cycle for a sales position etc.
List the competencies required for successful job performance. Competencies or behaviors commonly required in the workplace include problem-solving ability, use of initiative, resilience, adaptability, organizing and planning and team work. Describe to the interviewer how your experience is relevant to these requirements and how you have successfully demonstrated these skills in your previous positions.
"After carefully reviewing this job I would focus on these key skills as the most essential to success. The company is going through considerable restructuring and as a manager I would need to properly manage any changes with my team. My communication, motivation, negotiation and conflict management skills are key to this. In my last job I had considerable experience in these areas when ................."
Free interview questions and answers include other typical job interview questions that explore your suitability for the job. Click on each question to view good sample interview answers.
Common Job Interview Questions and Answers
Tell Me About Yourself?
What are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?
Why Should we Hire You?
Why this Company?
Describe Your Greatest Achievement?
Your Goals for the Next 5 Years?
Reason for Leaving Current Job?
Employers want to explore your commitment and motivation for the job. One interview question that prospective employers like to ask is:
What interests you most about this job?
Point out the new challenges and experiences you look forward to in the position and why you are qualified to handle them. Align your interests with the attributes they are looking for in the right candidate. For example:
"I want the challenge of selling a new product. I consider strategy development one of my key skills and I would like to be able to use it to the fullest in developing strategies for selling this product.."
"I get great satisfaction from training new staff members and helping them develop and succeed. I am excited by the sort of training programs I would be running in this position...."
For more free interview questions and answers that deal with your motivation, your interpersonal skills and your work goals click on each of the standard interview questions listed in the table below.
More Typical Interview Questions
What did you like/dislike most about your previous job?
How would you describe your manager/boss?
How would your co-workers describe you?
What motivates you in your job?
How do you define success in your job?
Describe your ideal job
How do you handle conflict?
What has been the most difficult situation you have faced?
Free interview questions and answers include those tough and awkward questions that interviewers throw at you such as:
Where else are you interviewing and for what positions?
This is an awkward interview question and although candidates feel that interviewers shouldn't ask it, they do! So be prepared for it. Be brief, concise and straightforward. Avoid trying to use this as an opportunity to impress by naming big firms in unrelated industries or that are offering different types of jobs. Employers want to hear that you are going for similar positions in the same sort of industry. This confirms your commitment to the job they are interviewing you for. You can rather answer in general terms.
"I have focused only on jobs that offer me the same sort of opportunities and challenges that your organization does in this particular industry. I recently interviewed with XYZ organization for a similar position."
If you have not been for any other interviews you can deal with this interview question in this way.
"I have concentrated my job search on positions that offer the same sort of responsibilities and challenges as this position and with similar organizations. To date I have sent my resume to a number of organizations, including XYZ Company and ABC Inc, and we are in the process of setting up interviews."
View other difficult interview questions with sample answers here.
Most interviews will include some behavioral type interview questions. Be well prepared by using our Behavioral Interview Guide for these type of job interview questions.
The comprehensive lists of free interview questions and answers will help you prepare for success in your job interview.
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What do you like most about your current or last job?
The interviewer wants to evaluate your compatibility with the position you are interviewing for. Make your answer relevant to the job requirements. General reasons such as new challenges, interacting with people, growth and learning opportunities, using your initiative, working as part of a team and meeting set objectives and goals are usually applicable to most job opportunities.
Highlight the reason and make it more specific by quoting an example. "I enjoyed having to use my initiative. I have implemented and improved a number of the systems including the order processing system."
What do you like least about your current or last job?
With typical interview questions like this be careful that the dislikes you talk about do not refer to specific characteristics of the job opportunity you are interviewing for. Stay away from reasons such as overtime and salary. Avoid criticism of your boss, management or co-workers. Be general and refer to the lack of or absence of what you seek in a job or work environment.
For example, "There was very little opportunity for me to use my initiative. I regard this as one of my strengths and found it frustrating that I was unable to get past the bureaucracy of such a big company to implement any improvements. That is why I am enthusiastic about working for a smaller company like this which I know encourages employees to use their initiative." Or "There was a lack of growth opportunities in such as small company. One of the reasons I am so interested in your company is that it is a much larger organization with formal career planning structures in place."
This way you emphasize why you are a suitable candidate for this job and company as well as turning it into a compliment to the company you are interviewing with.
How to answer the question "What do you like and dislike about the sales job?"
How would you describe your previous manager/boss/supervisor
When answering typical interview questions about previous managers avoid saying anything that can be interpreted as negative. It sends up a red flag about your attitude to authority and supervision. Even if there is something truly negative about your boss rather try to find something positive to focus on. The answer you give should be fact-based and not just your opinion.
For example: "My manager was very experienced, he had managed a number of big call centers over the past 12 years. He liked his staff to be able to work independently and I had to learn quickly to become independent about analyzing problems and finding solutions."
More Typical Interview Questions
How would your co-workers describe you?
What motivates you in your job?
How do you define success in your job?
Describe your ideal job
How do you handle conflict?
What has been the most difficult situation you have faced?
In this answer you are stating a positive fact about your boss, his amount of experience. You are also turning a possible negative about your boss, his lack of support, into a positive about you. You have not criticized your boss and you have taken the opportunity to highlight your ability to be proactive and deal with a situation.
Use these sample answers to help prepare your own good interview answers to these typical interview questions. You will stand out as the professional and prepared job candidate.
Prepare for other common interview questions using our recommended sample answers and interview answer guidelines.
Click on the questions you would like to view in the tables.
More Common Interview Questions and Answers
Tell Me About Yourself?
What are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?
Why Should we Hire You?
Why this Company?
Describe Your Greatest Achievement?
Key Skills for this Job?
Goals for the Next 5 Years?
Reason for Leaving Current Job?
For help with those tough interview questions about salary, gaps in employment and lay offs go to these guidelines with useful sample answers.
Preparing good interview answers and practicing before your interview is the most effective way of gaining confidence and ensuring job interview success.
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How would your co-workers describe you?
The interviewer wants to find out if you have a good understanding of how you are perceived and how your behavior impacts on others. Your answer should demonstrate an objective view of your strengths and areas for improvement in terms of teamwork and your interpersonal skills.
In your job interview answer describe the good points and perceptions but also discuss one or two areas that you are aware need attention.
Emphasize what you have done to improve on these areas. This makes your answer both real and insightful.
When you refer to the positive characteristics, support your answer with a quote or paraphrase from one or two of your colleagues.
For example, "I know they considered me to be hard working. In fact, the other team members often thanked me for the extra hours I put in."
Then move on to the areas for improvement.
"I know that I was initially considered intolerant if I felt they were not putting in the same amount of effort as I was. I realized it was better to encourage them to meet our deadlines by offering help where needed. This has worked much better for all of us."
Use work-relevant words like good communicator, reliable, decisive, resilient, energetic, team member when answering top interview questions like this.
What motivates you in your job?
This is a personal trait, there is no right or wrong answer.
However, you need to prepare for this job interview question and note down some specific examples. It is often difficult to verbalize your motivation properly in the stressful context of a job interview.
Other interview questions will determine whether you have the skills for the job - can you do the job. With this question the interviewer is exploring whether you will be a good motivational fit with the job opportunity - will you want to do this job?
What does motivate you will depend on your background and work experiences, but try to make your motivation relevant to what this job can provide. For example if the job is a fairly isolated one do not give "working with other people" as a motivation! You can use this preparation as an opportunity to think about whether this position is really suitable for you in terms of motivational fit.
Here are some sample answers to top interview questions about your motivation to help you prepare your own answers:
"I am motivated by the challenge of difficult tasks and projects.My previous manager gave me more and more responsibility as I proved myself, I found this very motivating."
"It is important for me to meet the customers needs. I give them the best service and when I exceed their expectations or get positive feedback it motivates me."
More Typical Interview Questions
What did you like/dislike most about your previous job?
How would you describe your manager/boss?
How do you define success in your job?
Describe your ideal job
How do you handle conflict?
What has been the most difficult situation you have faced?
"I like to know that I am growing as an employee. Learning and using new skills is a big motivator for me."
There are many different motivators.
Challenge, achievement, recognition, learning opportunities, increased responsibility, coaching or mentoring others, team involvement and interaction, task complexity and variety are all possible answers to top interview questions about motivation.
What interests you most in this job?
Click here for more common interview questions and expert sample answers.
Prepare for Typical Group Interview Questions.
Think about these top interview questions before your job interview. Prepare and practice your answers.
Be confident that you will impress in your job interview as the most professional and suitable candidate.
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How do you define success in your job?
The best way to handle this job interview question is to provide an accepted definition of success and then support this with good examples of your success. One of the well-accepted definitions of success is goal attainment. Achieving a challenging goal or set of goals would be considered success by most people.
It is important to relate your job interview answer in some way to the position you are interviewing for. Measurable and specific examples of success are more convincing.
You can use this sample answer to help prepare your own interview answer for this question.
"Success means the achievement of a challenging and measurable goal that I have set for myself or that has been delegated to me. In my previous position I had specific sales targets to meet every quarter. I set myself the goal of been up on my monthly targets by 5 percent. I managed to exceed my quarterly targets by 8 percent on average. That, for me, was success!"
More Typical Interview Questions & Answers
What did you like/dislike most about your previous job?
How would you describe your manager/boss?
How would your co-workers describe you?
What motivates you in your job?
How do you handle conflict?
What has been the most difficult situation you have faced?
Prepare to answer interview questions like:
Describe your ideal job
The key to how to answer interview questions about your dream or ideal job is that your response should be in line with the characteristics of the job and company you are interviewing with.
Answering this question requires you to consider your strengths and weaknesses, what you have liked and disliked about your current and previous jobs, and what your career ambitions are.
A more general answer will help ensure a fit with the vacant position.
For example:
"My ideal job is one where my knowledge and skills are put to good use.A job where I will learn and grow as a person and an employee and where I am given challenges that test my potential."
You can also take this approach.
"I believe a job is what you make of it. Each position and company has unique characteristics that give meaning and value to that job. If you work hard and make the most of the opportunities given, you will find job satisfaction.I am enthusiastic about a position that allows me to learn and grow and to make a positive and meaningful contribution."
Click here for other common interview questions with sample answers.
Knowing how to answer interview questions that come up time after time in interviews sets you up for job interview success.
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Ask these questions to get more information about the job :
"Could you give me a more detailed job description?"
"How would you describe a typical day for the person doing this job?"
Impress the interviewer by taking your questioning beyond the routine detail of the position. Thoughtful and strategic-type questions about the job demonstrate both your insight and understanding of the position.
Every role has a strategic dimension, ask good interview questions that explore this and show your potential as the right candidate. Examples include:
"What are the priorities in this job?""What have been identified as the areas for change and improvement in this job?""How does this position interface with the objectives that have been set for the department?""What are the most challenging aspects of this job?""What is the critical responsibility of this position?"
Plan good interview questions that focus on the job expectations and needs, such as:
"What would be the ideal skills and competencies for this position?""What are some examples of the best results produced by people in this position?""How would doing an excellent job be defined in this position?""What expertise is currently available in the team? What would this position be expected to contribute to the team?""What would be the most important assignments that need to be accomplished in the first few months in this position?"
Good interview questions to ask include those that provide an opportunity to highlight your suitability for the job. You can do this by asking questions like:
"Do you have any concerns about my ability to fulfill the job requirements?""Are there any areas I need to clarify in order to confirm my suitability for this job?"
These questions allow the interviewer to express any concerns. You then have an opportunity to address them in the best possible way.
Good interview questions to ask also come as a result of listening to what is being said during the interview. Pick up on issues that arise during the interview when you are asked
common job interview questionsand integrate these into your questions. For example:
"From what you have discussed it seems you are experiencing strong growth in sales. How does this impact on the position?"
Candidates want the answer to the question: "Why is this position open?"
This can be phrased in a less challenging way:
"Is this a new position? How long has this position existed?"
This question can alert you to any possible problems with the position. It can also be an opportunity to reassure the interviewer about your suitability.
A good way to wrap up your interview questions is to ask:"May I contact you if I think of any other questions?"
This provides an opportunity for further communication and highlights your interest in the position.
Good Questions to Ask the Interviewer
Tips & Techniques
About Management
About the Organization
Questions to Avoid
It is important that you get the key information you need to decide whether the job itself is suitable for you or not.
Prepare a list of good interview questions that you want to ask about the position and take these with you to the interview.
The interest and motivation you demonstrate by doing this will set you apart as the right candidate for the job!
Read through the article Is This the Right Job for You? to find out what else you need to know about the job to decide if it is the right move for you.
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With this typical interview question the interviewer is assessing your self awareness and insight rather than your weaknesses. The ability to acknowledge a weakness is often seen as a sign of maturity and wisdom. Refer to a true weakness but then turn it into a positive by describing it as an area for development. In your job interview answer relate what steps you have taken to try and improve.
"I'm impatient with people who don't work at the same pace as me but I'm learning to manage this. I make sure that they have the right resources for the job, I follow up to see that they are on track and I step in and help when needed"
"I can be disorganized, I am aware of this and make sure I answer my emails and messages straight away. I update my calendar as soon as I have a new task or appointment, this really helps"
A good guide is to acknowledge one or two weaknesses, describe the efforts made to overcome these and end your story on a positive note.
"I've been reluctant to delegate. I have had to re-evaluate this as it was creating a big workload for me. I assign each person a specific, manageable task and then follow up to satisfy myself that it is being done properly, this seems to work well"
Some weaknesses can be interpreted as a strength. Examples include:
"I can be a bit aggressive in getting to my goals"
"At times I can get too involved in other people's problems, trying to help them"
These are two of the most difficult questions to answer in the job interview. Prepare using these sample free interview answers and stand out as the right candidate.
Standard interview questions and answer guidelines about handling conflict, your ideal job, how you define success and what motivates you.
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"Why should we hire you?"
Answering interview questions about why you are the right person for the job needs some thought and preparation. Review the job description and note down the job requirements.
Refer to your skills and experience relevant to the job requirements and the company's needs. What benefits are you bringing to this job? Mention your previous successes and your goals for the future.
Be straightforward and confident about your abilities.
" I have the right combination of skills and experience for this job. I also bring the additional quality of strong analytical and problem solving ability as shown by my introduction of a more efficient work flow system at ABC Company.
My commitment to excellent work standards will add value to the team.
I am a fast learner, I had to learn a totally new operating system in my last job and I was up and running within a couple of weeks.
One of the reasons I want to work for this company is your reputation for staff development, learning and growth are important values to me. I sincerely believe I am the right person for this job and for this company"
Common Job Interview Questions and Answers
Overview
Tell Me About Yourself?
What are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?
Describe Your Greatest Achievement?
Your Goals for the Next 5 Years?
Reason for Leaving Current Job?
When answering interview questions like this, don't try to say that you are the best qualified candidate, you are not familiar with the other candidates' skills and experience. Rather highlight the reasons why you are the right candidate for this job.
"My abilities in sales really seem to fit this job. My success at ABC in achieving an annual growth rate of 25% support this.
I have worked with a similar product line and have an in-depth understanding of the technical aspects.
My experience as a member of a large team will contribute to your department and I am enthusiastic about the new challenges involved in this position"
Be enthusiastic about why you want this job.
"I really would like this job selling gift items and I strongly believe I will be good at it. I enjoy talking to customers and helping them find what they are looking for. I am meticulous about handling cash. I look forward to having regular hours and I am very reliable. In fact, my reference emphasizes that as one of my strong points"
For a good guide to identifying your strengths that will help you answer this interview question.
What about answering interview questions
such as
"Why do you want to work for this company?"
Use your background research to prepare for this question, this way you will differentiate yourself from the other candidates.
"I understand this company is expanding, your website indicates that you are about to launch a number of new products. I would like to be a part of this exciting growth"
"I have always wanted an opportunity to work with a company that provides such an important service to the community"
"You are a small company with great opportunity for staff development"
"Your company has a reputation for being innovative and open to new ideas"
Find something specific about the company to hook into. Look at the company values, mission, vision and successes. How do you complement and contribute to these?
"I know that your goal is to become the biggest provider of office supplies in the area. My knowledge and experience of the customer base can make a big contribution to this. I would really enjoy the challenge of growing this business"
"What has been your greatest achievement to date?"
Choose an achievement that is related to the position and is fairly recent. Review the job description, if you have it, or the job posting or ad. What skills are listed as necessary for the job?. This will guide you to the most relevant answer for this employment interview question.
Common Interview Questions and Answers
Tell Me About Yourself?
What are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?
Why Should we Hire You?
Why this Company?
Your Goals for the Next 5 Years?
Reason for Leaving Current Job?
Overview
Does the position need superior sales ability, someone with keen attention to detail, strong management skills or excellent problem-solving ability?
Reflect upon achievements that demonstrated this skill. Describe your accomplishment and highlight the job-related skills you used. Point out how the results benefited the company.
If a requirement is problem-solving skills:
"Recently I was asked to implement a new system to reduce our debtors days.I analyzed the problems with the current system, got input from all the stakeholders, and developed a faster way of getting the accounts out and monitoring follow up.Our debtors days reduced significantly and we are currently on target for collections"
If a requirement is attention to detail:
"I am responsible for taking the customer orders by phone.I listen carefully, ask for clarification and always confirm the order to make sure I have everything correct. In this past year I am the only person in my department who has not made an error on the orders.Errors are often costly and frustrate customers. It was really satisfying receiving that recognition and I was given a bonus by my supervisor"
When asking employer interview questions about this, Interviewers particularly want to know about achievements that increased revenues, decreased expenses, solved problems, were innovative or improved a company's reputation.
"My department manager asked me to investigate a bottleneck in the production line. I did some research and suggested a redesign of the department layout so that the production units were in a more efficient sequence.It worked so well, increasing production by up to 20 percent, that my layout design has been adopted by all our branches"
If you have little or no work experience, refer to an accomplishment at school or in an outside activity. Just remember to relate the skills you used to the job in question.
"I was part of the rowing team that recently won the championships. It was a particularly satisfying win as we had trained very hard, requiring a lot of discipline and perseverance, to come up from the bottom of the league.We also really had to work together as a team and keep each other motivated"
It is often difficult to single out one achievement when answering this question.
"I believe I have had a number of successes to date. It is difficult to say which I think has been my greatest accomplishment as they were all important. I am going to focus on my recent achievements as being the most pertinent..."and go on to describe your relevant, recent accomplishments.
Review your company background research to also highlight how your accomplishments fit in with the company mission, vision, goals and values.
Aligning your achievements with the job and company needs, when answering employer interview questions like this, will emphasize why you are the right candidate for the job.
Why do you want to leave your job?"
Be straightforward but avoid negative comments about past employers in the job interview.
Don't bad-mouth the company, your manager or colleagues, it puts you in a bad light. Keep it positive and make the reason for a leaving a constructive one such as a new challenge, exciting opportunity, increased responsibility or learning possibility.
Use this job interview question as an opportunity to focus on the future.
"I have reached the ceiling in my particular job, and I am ready for more responsibility"
"After a number of years in my last position I am now looking for a new experience where I can contribute and grow in a bigger environment"
Avoid stating your salary as a prime motivator for change.
However location is a perfectly acceptable reason for moving.
"I am relocating to this area for family reasons and left my job to make this move"
"I was spending hours each day commuting. I would prefer to be closer to home"
When asked common job interview questions like this, relate how you worked hard in your last position and now you want to use your skills and experience to benefit this company.
"I am interested in an opportunity to use the skills and abilities I have developed over the last couple of years in a new and challenging position"
If there is an obvious issue with the company you were working for, such as layoffs, acknowledge and discuss this.
"There is a great deal of uncertainty about the security of our jobs. I am looking for a stable company where there is the long term opportunity to grow and advance"
Sometimes, it is just the wonderful opportunity offered by the new position that made you consider a move.
"In all honesty I wasn't really looking to move jobs, but this looks like such a great opportunity to use all my skills and experience and I have always admired this company"
Situations to be considered when asked common job interview questions along these lines include the following.
You may have taken time out to raise a family. Use this as an opportunity to reassure the Interviewer that you are now ready to return to the workplace and detail the child care arrangements you have put in place. Point out to the Interviewer the efforts you have made to keep up to date in your particular field.
Taking time off to study is a positive reason. Highlight how this has taken your skills and abilities to a new level, and how it demonstrates your desire for self-improvement and growth.
A travel break can also be seen in a positive light. Emphasize how it has added to your life experience, enabled you to deal with a number of new challenges and increased your self- confidence. The reasons for deciding to spend time traveling should show you as an individual who is keen to learn and grow.
"I believed that I had reached the ceiling in my previous job. I needed to make a career move and decided that I would take the opportunity to spend some time fulfilling my dream and travel before looking for a new position. I have discovered so much about myself and developed a number of skills dealing with all the challenges I faced. I am really excited about returning to the workplace and using all I have learned to contribute in a positive and constructive way"
Make sure the reason you provide for leaving is congruent with the reason you have provided on your resume and the reason that will be given by your previous employer when a reference is done.
Prepare for other typical job interview questions using these complete answer guidelines:
Tell Me About Yourself?
What are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?
Why Should we Hire You?
Why do you want to work for this Company?
Describe Your Greatest Achievement?
What are your Goals for the Next 5 Years?
Common job interview questions about leaving your job can be tricky if your reason for leaving is complicated. Go to the information provided in
How to Handle Difficult Questions for specific advice on how to deal with reasons such as retrenchment, personal problems, being fired, conflict with your boss and colleagues.
Standard interview questions and answer guidelines about handling
“Tell me about yourself”
This is one of the most common interview questions and answers are tough to formulate. Where to start, where to end, what to focus on!
Prepare for this question and you can use it as a great opportunity to sell yourself!
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In your answer highlight how your skills, knowledge and experience relate to the job and the company profile.
Where you were born and grew up, or what pets you have is not likely to show the interviewer why you are a good candidate for the job opportunity.
The interviewer wants to know if you will fit in with the rest of the team, the department and the company.
The interviewer is also trying to find out what motivates you and whether it is consistent with what the job and the employer offer.
More Interview Questions and Answers
Overview
What are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?
Why Should we Hire You?
Why this Company?
Describe Your Greatest Achievement?
Your Goals for the Next 5 Years?
Reason for Leaving Current Job?
Refer to your background research and review the job requirements, focus on how you specifically meet these needs.
For example, if the job requires you to work as part of a team, tell the interviewer about the projects you have undertaken as a team-member.
Most jobs require an element of team work, so this is a good aspect to focus on when thinking about answers to this interview question
Use this sample answer to help prepare your own good interview answer to this question:
"In my previous 2 positions I worked as part of a team on a number of projects. A big project I was involved with at ABC company was writing a new safety policy.
It was a really in-depth project so I put together a safety review committee. We worked together for a month to identify the safety needs of the various departments and what procedures would meet those needs.
Our policy has been well accepted and safety problems have decreased in all areas"
By pointing out to the Interviewer the specific benefits of hiring you for this job, rather than giving a rambling autobiography, you will be positively remembered and set yourself apart from the other candidates.
The interviewer has probably already read your Resume or CV, so avoid just repeating that information during the interview questions and answers.
For example, when talking about your sales experience, rather than telling the interviewer
"I spent three years in sales at XYZ Company"draw attention to your success during that time.
"When working at XYZ I focused on growing the customer base in the Northeast and increased sales by 50% over a three year period"
It is impressive to quantify your success wherever possible.
Use your research on the company to emphasize how you fit in. For example your information indicates that the company has a strong responsibility to the community, you can point out why you value that, discuss any volunteer work you have done, underline why it is one of the things that attracts you to them.
"I know that this company sponsors some of the local youth football teams. This is a particular interest of mine, last year I got involved in coaching. It is important to me that the company holds the same values"
If you do not have enough information about the position to prepare adequately for this question beforehand, ask the interviewer "What areas would you like me to focus on?" and go from there.
Refer to the specific job interview guides to know which interview questions to expect for positions from accounting to sales. Use the recommended guidelines to prepare for your job interview questions and answers.
This interview question is often included in Group Interview
"What do you see yourself doing in five years?"
It is not easy to answer this interview question in terms of specific job or company expectations. One cannot accurately predict what the job or the company will look like in 5 years time. You can answer in general terms about the type of situation you would like to be in and the way you want to have grown and developed. Avoid giving specific time frames or job titles.
Focus on realistic career opportunities you could expect in your industry and what you hope to have gained from these opportunities.
"It is an uncertain world and one can't predict what is going to happen. However, my hope is that I will have contributed to the success of the company and grown both personally and professionally within my position"
More Interview Questions and Answers
Overview
Tell Me About Yourself?
What are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?
Why Should we Hire You?
Why this Company?
Describe Your Greatest Achievement?
Reason for Leaving Current Job?
Your interview answer should relate to the job you are being interviewed for in some way. The interviewer does not want to hear that you hope to have published your first novel or be running your own business.This interview question is designed to assess a number of things.
How long are you likely to stay with the company?
What is your motivation in applying for this position?
Do you look ahead and set goals for yourself?
Combine your personal growth strategies and goals with commitment to the job and the employer.
For example:
"I want to have developed new skills and abilities and to have made the most of my opportunities. This position will give me the opportunity to learn more about managing a work team, this is a goal of mine. I would like to be recognized as an individual who has really added value to the company"
When faced with this job interview question and answer, avoid making over-ambitious predictions about your future potential. This indicates a lack of insight and maturity. Broadly discuss your work values and goals, not focusing on a specific career plan.
"I want to have learned and grown within my work, to have increased my responsibilities and skills. I enjoy a challenge and would like to know that I am constantly meeting new challenges. My goal is to be the best at whatever level I am working at within the company"
Demonstrate that you understand that reward (salary, promotion, responsibility) will be based on the quality and value of your contribution.
"I want to make the most of my abilities and potential. By always doing my best I can ensure that there will be opportunities to increase my value and to grow in ways that benefit both the company and me"
Align your success with the company's success.
"I want to continue to gain experience and be a top -performing employee in a big company such as this one. I want to contribute as much as possible to the company's expansion and success"
The interviewer will respond positively if you present yourself, in this job interview question and answer, as a mature, insightful and self-motivated candidate who wants to make an important and constructive contribution to the company.
The article The Future Job Market and Tomorrow's Jobs provides valuable insights that can help you with this interview question.
Standard interview questions and answer guidelines about handling conflict, your ideal job, how you define success and what motivates you.
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What skills are the the most critical to this position?
Prepare by listing the tasks given in the job description and identifying which skills are key to successful task performance. Consider the technical skills specific to the position such as knowledge of accounting principles and practices for an accountant position, human resource management principles for a HR position, understanding the sales cycle for a sales position etc.
List the competencies required for successful job performance. Competencies or behaviors commonly required in the workplace include problem-solving ability, use of initiative, resilience, adaptability, organizing and planning and team work. Describe to the interviewer how your experience is relevant to these requirements and how you have successfully demonstrated these skills in your previous positions.
"After carefully reviewing this job I would focus on these key skills as the most essential to success. The company is going through considerable restructuring and as a manager I would need to properly manage any changes with my team. My communication, motivation, negotiation and conflict management skills are key to this. In my last job I had considerable experience in these areas when ................."
Free interview questions and answers include other typical job interview questions that explore your suitability for the job. Click on each question to view good sample interview answers.
Common Job Interview Questions and Answers
Tell Me About Yourself?
What are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?
Why Should we Hire You?
Why this Company?
Describe Your Greatest Achievement?
Your Goals for the Next 5 Years?
Reason for Leaving Current Job?
Employers want to explore your commitment and motivation for the job. One interview question that prospective employers like to ask is:
What interests you most about this job?
Point out the new challenges and experiences you look forward to in the position and why you are qualified to handle them. Align your interests with the attributes they are looking for in the right candidate. For example:
"I want the challenge of selling a new product. I consider strategy development one of my key skills and I would like to be able to use it to the fullest in developing strategies for selling this product.."
"I get great satisfaction from training new staff members and helping them develop and succeed. I am excited by the sort of training programs I would be running in this position...."
For more free interview questions and answers that deal with your motivation, your interpersonal skills and your work goals click on each of the standard interview questions listed in the table below.
More Typical Interview Questions
What did you like/dislike most about your previous job?
How would you describe your manager/boss?
How would your co-workers describe you?
What motivates you in your job?
How do you define success in your job?
Describe your ideal job
How do you handle conflict?
What has been the most difficult situation you have faced?
Free interview questions and answers include those tough and awkward questions that interviewers throw at you such as:
Where else are you interviewing and for what positions?
This is an awkward interview question and although candidates feel that interviewers shouldn't ask it, they do! So be prepared for it. Be brief, concise and straightforward. Avoid trying to use this as an opportunity to impress by naming big firms in unrelated industries or that are offering different types of jobs. Employers want to hear that you are going for similar positions in the same sort of industry. This confirms your commitment to the job they are interviewing you for. You can rather answer in general terms.
"I have focused only on jobs that offer me the same sort of opportunities and challenges that your organization does in this particular industry. I recently interviewed with XYZ organization for a similar position."
If you have not been for any other interviews you can deal with this interview question in this way.
"I have concentrated my job search on positions that offer the same sort of responsibilities and challenges as this position and with similar organizations. To date I have sent my resume to a number of organizations, including XYZ Company and ABC Inc, and we are in the process of setting up interviews."
View other difficult interview questions with sample answers here.
Most interviews will include some behavioral type interview questions. Be well prepared by using our Behavioral Interview Guide for these type of job interview questions.
The comprehensive lists of free interview questions and answers will help you prepare for success in your job interview.
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What do you like most about your current or last job?
The interviewer wants to evaluate your compatibility with the position you are interviewing for. Make your answer relevant to the job requirements. General reasons such as new challenges, interacting with people, growth and learning opportunities, using your initiative, working as part of a team and meeting set objectives and goals are usually applicable to most job opportunities.
Highlight the reason and make it more specific by quoting an example. "I enjoyed having to use my initiative. I have implemented and improved a number of the systems including the order processing system."
What do you like least about your current or last job?
With typical interview questions like this be careful that the dislikes you talk about do not refer to specific characteristics of the job opportunity you are interviewing for. Stay away from reasons such as overtime and salary. Avoid criticism of your boss, management or co-workers. Be general and refer to the lack of or absence of what you seek in a job or work environment.
For example, "There was very little opportunity for me to use my initiative. I regard this as one of my strengths and found it frustrating that I was unable to get past the bureaucracy of such a big company to implement any improvements. That is why I am enthusiastic about working for a smaller company like this which I know encourages employees to use their initiative." Or "There was a lack of growth opportunities in such as small company. One of the reasons I am so interested in your company is that it is a much larger organization with formal career planning structures in place."
This way you emphasize why you are a suitable candidate for this job and company as well as turning it into a compliment to the company you are interviewing with.
How to answer the question "What do you like and dislike about the sales job?"
How would you describe your previous manager/boss/supervisor
When answering typical interview questions about previous managers avoid saying anything that can be interpreted as negative. It sends up a red flag about your attitude to authority and supervision. Even if there is something truly negative about your boss rather try to find something positive to focus on. The answer you give should be fact-based and not just your opinion.
For example: "My manager was very experienced, he had managed a number of big call centers over the past 12 years. He liked his staff to be able to work independently and I had to learn quickly to become independent about analyzing problems and finding solutions."
More Typical Interview Questions
How would your co-workers describe you?
What motivates you in your job?
How do you define success in your job?
Describe your ideal job
How do you handle conflict?
What has been the most difficult situation you have faced?
In this answer you are stating a positive fact about your boss, his amount of experience. You are also turning a possible negative about your boss, his lack of support, into a positive about you. You have not criticized your boss and you have taken the opportunity to highlight your ability to be proactive and deal with a situation.
Use these sample answers to help prepare your own good interview answers to these typical interview questions. You will stand out as the professional and prepared job candidate.
Prepare for other common interview questions using our recommended sample answers and interview answer guidelines.
Click on the questions you would like to view in the tables.
More Common Interview Questions and Answers
Tell Me About Yourself?
What are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?
Why Should we Hire You?
Why this Company?
Describe Your Greatest Achievement?
Key Skills for this Job?
Goals for the Next 5 Years?
Reason for Leaving Current Job?
For help with those tough interview questions about salary, gaps in employment and lay offs go to these guidelines with useful sample answers.
Preparing good interview answers and practicing before your interview is the most effective way of gaining confidence and ensuring job interview success.
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How would your co-workers describe you?
The interviewer wants to find out if you have a good understanding of how you are perceived and how your behavior impacts on others. Your answer should demonstrate an objective view of your strengths and areas for improvement in terms of teamwork and your interpersonal skills.
In your job interview answer describe the good points and perceptions but also discuss one or two areas that you are aware need attention.
Emphasize what you have done to improve on these areas. This makes your answer both real and insightful.
When you refer to the positive characteristics, support your answer with a quote or paraphrase from one or two of your colleagues.
For example, "I know they considered me to be hard working. In fact, the other team members often thanked me for the extra hours I put in."
Then move on to the areas for improvement.
"I know that I was initially considered intolerant if I felt they were not putting in the same amount of effort as I was. I realized it was better to encourage them to meet our deadlines by offering help where needed. This has worked much better for all of us."
Use work-relevant words like good communicator, reliable, decisive, resilient, energetic, team member when answering top interview questions like this.
What motivates you in your job?
This is a personal trait, there is no right or wrong answer.
However, you need to prepare for this job interview question and note down some specific examples. It is often difficult to verbalize your motivation properly in the stressful context of a job interview.
Other interview questions will determine whether you have the skills for the job - can you do the job. With this question the interviewer is exploring whether you will be a good motivational fit with the job opportunity - will you want to do this job?
What does motivate you will depend on your background and work experiences, but try to make your motivation relevant to what this job can provide. For example if the job is a fairly isolated one do not give "working with other people" as a motivation! You can use this preparation as an opportunity to think about whether this position is really suitable for you in terms of motivational fit.
Here are some sample answers to top interview questions about your motivation to help you prepare your own answers:
"I am motivated by the challenge of difficult tasks and projects.My previous manager gave me more and more responsibility as I proved myself, I found this very motivating."
"It is important for me to meet the customers needs. I give them the best service and when I exceed their expectations or get positive feedback it motivates me."
More Typical Interview Questions
What did you like/dislike most about your previous job?
How would you describe your manager/boss?
How do you define success in your job?
Describe your ideal job
How do you handle conflict?
What has been the most difficult situation you have faced?
"I like to know that I am growing as an employee. Learning and using new skills is a big motivator for me."
There are many different motivators.
Challenge, achievement, recognition, learning opportunities, increased responsibility, coaching or mentoring others, team involvement and interaction, task complexity and variety are all possible answers to top interview questions about motivation.
What interests you most in this job?
Click here for more common interview questions and expert sample answers.
Prepare for Typical Group Interview Questions.
Think about these top interview questions before your job interview. Prepare and practice your answers.
Be confident that you will impress in your job interview as the most professional and suitable candidate.
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How do you define success in your job?
The best way to handle this job interview question is to provide an accepted definition of success and then support this with good examples of your success. One of the well-accepted definitions of success is goal attainment. Achieving a challenging goal or set of goals would be considered success by most people.
It is important to relate your job interview answer in some way to the position you are interviewing for. Measurable and specific examples of success are more convincing.
You can use this sample answer to help prepare your own interview answer for this question.
"Success means the achievement of a challenging and measurable goal that I have set for myself or that has been delegated to me. In my previous position I had specific sales targets to meet every quarter. I set myself the goal of been up on my monthly targets by 5 percent. I managed to exceed my quarterly targets by 8 percent on average. That, for me, was success!"
More Typical Interview Questions & Answers
What did you like/dislike most about your previous job?
How would you describe your manager/boss?
How would your co-workers describe you?
What motivates you in your job?
How do you handle conflict?
What has been the most difficult situation you have faced?
Prepare to answer interview questions like:
Describe your ideal job
The key to how to answer interview questions about your dream or ideal job is that your response should be in line with the characteristics of the job and company you are interviewing with.
Answering this question requires you to consider your strengths and weaknesses, what you have liked and disliked about your current and previous jobs, and what your career ambitions are.
A more general answer will help ensure a fit with the vacant position.
For example:
"My ideal job is one where my knowledge and skills are put to good use.A job where I will learn and grow as a person and an employee and where I am given challenges that test my potential."
You can also take this approach.
"I believe a job is what you make of it. Each position and company has unique characteristics that give meaning and value to that job. If you work hard and make the most of the opportunities given, you will find job satisfaction.I am enthusiastic about a position that allows me to learn and grow and to make a positive and meaningful contribution."
Click here for other common interview questions with sample answers.
Knowing how to answer interview questions that come up time after time in interviews sets you up for job interview success.
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Ask these questions to get more information about the job :
"Could you give me a more detailed job description?"
"How would you describe a typical day for the person doing this job?"
Impress the interviewer by taking your questioning beyond the routine detail of the position. Thoughtful and strategic-type questions about the job demonstrate both your insight and understanding of the position.
Every role has a strategic dimension, ask good interview questions that explore this and show your potential as the right candidate. Examples include:
"What are the priorities in this job?""What have been identified as the areas for change and improvement in this job?""How does this position interface with the objectives that have been set for the department?""What are the most challenging aspects of this job?""What is the critical responsibility of this position?"
Plan good interview questions that focus on the job expectations and needs, such as:
"What would be the ideal skills and competencies for this position?""What are some examples of the best results produced by people in this position?""How would doing an excellent job be defined in this position?""What expertise is currently available in the team? What would this position be expected to contribute to the team?""What would be the most important assignments that need to be accomplished in the first few months in this position?"
Good interview questions to ask include those that provide an opportunity to highlight your suitability for the job. You can do this by asking questions like:
"Do you have any concerns about my ability to fulfill the job requirements?""Are there any areas I need to clarify in order to confirm my suitability for this job?"
These questions allow the interviewer to express any concerns. You then have an opportunity to address them in the best possible way.
Good interview questions to ask also come as a result of listening to what is being said during the interview. Pick up on issues that arise during the interview when you are asked
common job interview questionsand integrate these into your questions. For example:
"From what you have discussed it seems you are experiencing strong growth in sales. How does this impact on the position?"
Candidates want the answer to the question: "Why is this position open?"
This can be phrased in a less challenging way:
"Is this a new position? How long has this position existed?"
This question can alert you to any possible problems with the position. It can also be an opportunity to reassure the interviewer about your suitability.
A good way to wrap up your interview questions is to ask:"May I contact you if I think of any other questions?"
This provides an opportunity for further communication and highlights your interest in the position.
Good Questions to Ask the Interviewer
Tips & Techniques
About Management
About the Organization
Questions to Avoid
It is important that you get the key information you need to decide whether the job itself is suitable for you or not.
Prepare a list of good interview questions that you want to ask about the position and take these with you to the interview.
The interest and motivation you demonstrate by doing this will set you apart as the right candidate for the job!
Read through the article Is This the Right Job for You? to find out what else you need to know about the job to decide if it is the right move for you.
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How do you handle conflict?
The interviewer wants to know how you react to conflict and how you manage it. Try to focus your job interview answer on the behavioral process that you use to resolve the conflict. Don't direct your answer at how difficult you boss or co-workers are and how hard it is to work with them. This portrays you as someone who does not get on easily with other people and employers want someone who gets on well with others.
Use your interview answer to highlight your interpersonal skills, your maturity and your ability to stay calm in the face of difficulty.
For example: "Everyone has to deal with conflict at some point. I have found that when there is conflict it helps to try and put yourself in the other person's shoes and understand their perspective. It is important to ask questions and listen to their point of view. If you know what their interpretation of the situation is, then it is easier to work out a solution. For example.... ( give a specific example of a conflict situation and how you dealt with it)."
Emphasize the techniques you use to diffuse conflict such understanding the other person's position, asking questions to find out the cause of the conflict, not conveying blame and not becoming too emotional. Demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively to reach an acceptable resolution.
Here is another of those standard interview questions that is exploring a number of aspects at once.
What has been the most difficult situation you have had to face?
This job interview question is trying to determine two things - what your definition of difficult is and how you approach challenges and problems.
More Typical Interview Questions
What did you like/dislike most about your previous job?
How would you describe your manager/boss?
How would your co-workers describe you?
What motivates you in your job?
How do you define success in your job?
Describe your ideal job
Avoid discussing difficult situations that were directly caused by you. Make sure it is a situation that most people would consider difficult or tough.
Think of specific problems that tested your skills and abilities and had positive outcomes. Highlight the way you analyzed the situation, the skills you used to professionally deal with it and what your particular contribution to resolving it was. Always try to end on a positive note
Examples of difficult situations include having to discipline an employee, unreasonable goals and deadlines, unreasonable customers and clients, adapting to change and facing unethical work practices.
Job skills that should be highlighted include common sense, perseverance, diplomacy, maturity, stress management and assessment skills.
For example: "I have faced a number of difficult situations, but the one that comes to mind now is ...... ( describe the situation). I was able to deal with it by assessing the situation, determining the possible different approaches and deciding on the most effective one. I had to remain unemotional and objective and focused on a solution."
Preparing your answers to job interview questions like these sets you up for interview success. Click on the table above to view more standard interview questions and good sample answers.
Click here for good sample answers to these common interview questions:
Tell me about Yourself
Strengths and Weaknesses
Reason for Leaving
Greatest Accomplishment
5 Year Goals
Why this Company
Why Should we Hire you?
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Use your interview answer to highlight your interpersonal skills, your maturity and your ability to stay calm in the face of difficulty.
For example: "Everyone has to deal with conflict at some point. I have found that when there is conflict it helps to try and put yourself in the other person's shoes and understand their perspective. It is important to ask questions and listen to their point of view. If you know what their interpretation of the situation is, then it is easier to work out a solution. For example.... ( give a specific example of a conflict situation and how you dealt with it)."
Emphasize the techniques you use to diffuse conflict such understanding the other person's position, asking questions to find out the cause of the conflict, not conveying blame and not becoming too emotional. Demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively to reach an acceptable resolution.
Here is another of those standard interview questions that is exploring a number of aspects at once.
What has been the most difficult situation you have had to face?
This job interview question is trying to determine two things - what your definition of difficult is and how you approach challenges and problems.
More Typical Interview Questions
What did you like/dislike most about your previous job?
How would you describe your manager/boss?
How would your co-workers describe you?
What motivates you in your job?
How do you define success in your job?
Describe your ideal job
Avoid discussing difficult situations that were directly caused by you. Make sure it is a situation that most people would consider difficult or tough.
Think of specific problems that tested your skills and abilities and had positive outcomes. Highlight the way you analyzed the situation, the skills you used to professionally deal with it and what your particular contribution to resolving it was. Always try to end on a positive note
Examples of difficult situations include having to discipline an employee, unreasonable goals and deadlines, unreasonable customers and clients, adapting to change and facing unethical work practices.
Job skills that should be highlighted include common sense, perseverance, diplomacy, maturity, stress management and assessment skills.
For example: "I have faced a number of difficult situations, but the one that comes to mind now is ...... ( describe the situation). I was able to deal with it by assessing the situation, determining the possible different approaches and deciding on the most effective one. I had to remain unemotional and objective and focused on a solution."
Preparing your answers to job interview questions like these sets you up for interview success. Click on the table above to view more standard interview questions and good sample answers.
Click here for good sample answers to these common interview questions:
Tell me about Yourself
Strengths and Weaknesses
Reason for Leaving
Greatest Accomplishment
5 Year Goals
Why this Company
Why Should we Hire you?
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Job Interview
Questions and Answers
The most effective way to prepare for an interview is to anticipate the job interview questions you will be asked and plan your best answers.
This builds your confidence and greatly increases your chances of success in the job interview.
Interviewers typically use a number of standard questions, regardless of the job being interviewed for. We list these common job interview questions and provide advice and insight on how to prepare excellent interview answers.
In addition we include sample answers to help you formulate your own winning interview answers.
Common Job Interview Questions and Answers
Tell Me About Yourself?
What are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?
Why Should we Hire You?
Why this Company?
Describe Your Greatest Achievement?
What Interests you about this Position?
Your Goals for the Next 5 Years?
Reason for Leaving Current Job?
Use these professional job interviewing techniques to prepare your own answers, practice them out loud, ask your family and friends for feedback and edit as you go. This preparation ensures a skillful interview performance as you present yourself as the right candidate for the job.
It is essential to conduct background research on the job and company to develop answers that are relevant and focused. Work through the recommended background research strategies to gather the information you need before the job interview.
Interviewers are consistently impressed by candidates who are well informed and able to demonstrate the relevance of their skills and experience in answering a job interview question.
A large number of interviewers use the Behavioral Interview to explore a candidate's job suitability. Develop a good understanding of this type of interview and familiarize yourself with a list of typical Behavioral Interview Questions. Go through the behavioral interview answer guidelines to plan expert answers and prove to the interviewer how your skills and abilities best meet the job requirements.
Gaps in your resume, reasons for leaving previous jobs and other tricky areas can give rise to tough interview questions. Get advice on how to handle difficult interview questions and feel secure that you can respond professionally.
Illegal interview questions can pop up anytime during the interview. Become skilled at recognizing these questions and be fully prepared to deal with them in a professional manner.
The job interview is your greatest opportunity - present yourself as the best candidate. Thorough preparation of interview questions and answers ensures you are well on your way to success!
To view job interview questions for specific jobs and use the practical guidelines to prepare your best answers, go to the specific job interview guides. From accounting to sales positions, know which interview questions to expect.
As important as preparing the best answers to common interview questions is knowing the right questions for you to ask the interviewer. For recommended examples of good questions to ask in your job interview go to the right interview questions to ask.
View more typical interview questions and sample interview answers below.
More Typical Interview Questions
What did you like/dislike most about your previous job?
How would you describe your manager/boss?
How would your co-workers describe you?
What motivates you in your job?
How do you define success in your job?
Describe your ideal job
How do you handle conflict?
What has been the most difficult situation you have faced?
Return from Job Interview Questions and Answers to Best Job Interview
The most effective way to prepare for an interview is to anticipate the job interview questions you will be asked and plan your best answers.
This builds your confidence and greatly increases your chances of success in the job interview.
Interviewers typically use a number of standard questions, regardless of the job being interviewed for. We list these common job interview questions and provide advice and insight on how to prepare excellent interview answers.
In addition we include sample answers to help you formulate your own winning interview answers.
Common Job Interview Questions and Answers
Tell Me About Yourself?
What are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?
Why Should we Hire You?
Why this Company?
Describe Your Greatest Achievement?
What Interests you about this Position?
Your Goals for the Next 5 Years?
Reason for Leaving Current Job?
Use these professional job interviewing techniques to prepare your own answers, practice them out loud, ask your family and friends for feedback and edit as you go. This preparation ensures a skillful interview performance as you present yourself as the right candidate for the job.
It is essential to conduct background research on the job and company to develop answers that are relevant and focused. Work through the recommended background research strategies to gather the information you need before the job interview.
Interviewers are consistently impressed by candidates who are well informed and able to demonstrate the relevance of their skills and experience in answering a job interview question.
A large number of interviewers use the Behavioral Interview to explore a candidate's job suitability. Develop a good understanding of this type of interview and familiarize yourself with a list of typical Behavioral Interview Questions. Go through the behavioral interview answer guidelines to plan expert answers and prove to the interviewer how your skills and abilities best meet the job requirements.
Gaps in your resume, reasons for leaving previous jobs and other tricky areas can give rise to tough interview questions. Get advice on how to handle difficult interview questions and feel secure that you can respond professionally.
Illegal interview questions can pop up anytime during the interview. Become skilled at recognizing these questions and be fully prepared to deal with them in a professional manner.
The job interview is your greatest opportunity - present yourself as the best candidate. Thorough preparation of interview questions and answers ensures you are well on your way to success!
To view job interview questions for specific jobs and use the practical guidelines to prepare your best answers, go to the specific job interview guides. From accounting to sales positions, know which interview questions to expect.
As important as preparing the best answers to common interview questions is knowing the right questions for you to ask the interviewer. For recommended examples of good questions to ask in your job interview go to the right interview questions to ask.
View more typical interview questions and sample interview answers below.
More Typical Interview Questions
What did you like/dislike most about your previous job?
How would you describe your manager/boss?
How would your co-workers describe you?
What motivates you in your job?
How do you define success in your job?
Describe your ideal job
How do you handle conflict?
What has been the most difficult situation you have faced?
Return from Job Interview Questions and Answers to Best Job Interview
50 Common Interview Questions and Answers
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50 COMMON INTERVIEW QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
[Don’t forget to have a look at free bonus at the end of this document.]
Review these typical interview questions and think about how you would answer them. Read
the questions listed; you will also find some strategy suggestions with it.
1. Tell me about yourself:
The most often asked question in interviews. You need to have a short statement prepared
in your mind. Be careful that it does not sound rehearsed. Limit it to work-related items
unless instructed otherwise. Talk about things you have done and jobs you have held that
relate to the position you are interviewing for. Start with the item farthest back and work up
to the present.
2. Why did you leave your last job?
Stay positive regardless of the circumstances. Never refer to a major problem with
management and never speak ill of supervisors, co-workers or the organization. If you do,
you will be the one looking bad. Keep smiling and talk about leaving for a positive reason
such as an opportunity, a chance to do something special or other forward-looking reasons.
3. What experience do you have in this field?
Speak about specifics that relate to the position you are applying for. If you do not have
specific experience, get as close as you can.
4. Do you consider yourself successful?
You should always answer yes and briefly explain why. A good explanation is that you have
set goals, and you have met some and are on track to achieve the others.
5. What do co-workers say about you?
Be prepared with a quote or two from co-workers. Either a specific statement or a
paraphrase will work. Jill Clark, a co-worker at Smith Company, always said I was the
hardest workers she had ever known. It is as powerful as Jill having said it at the interview
herself.
6. What do you know about this organization?
This question is one reason to do some research on the organization before the interview.
Find out where they have been and where they are going. What are the current issues and
who are the major players?
7. What have you done to improve your knowledge in the last year?
Try to include improvement activities that relate to the job. A wide variety of activities can
be mentioned as positive self-improvement. Have some good ones handy to mention.
8. Are you applying for other jobs?
Be honest but do not spend a lot of time in this area. Keep the focus on this job and what
you can do for this organization. Anything else is a distraction.
9. Why do you want to work for this organization?
50 Common Interview Questions and Answers
© JobsAssist.com (www.jobsassist.com ) and VyomWorld.com (www.vyomworld.com ) – Free Student Resources
This may take some thought and certainly, should be based on the research you have done
on the organization. Sincerity is extremely important here and will easily be sensed. Relate
it to your long-term career goals.
10. Do you know anyone who works for us?
Be aware of the policy on relatives working for the organization. This can affect your answer
even though they asked about friends not relatives. Be careful to mention a friend only if
they are well thought of.
11. What kind of salary do you need?
A loaded question. A nasty little game that you will probably lose if you answer first. So, do
not answer it. Instead, say something like, That's a tough question. Can you tell me the
range for this position? In most cases, the interviewer, taken off guard, will tell you. If not,
say that it can depend on the details of the job. Then give a wide range.
12. Are you a team player?
You are, of course, a team player. Be sure to have examples ready. Specifics that show you
often perform for the good of the team rather than for yourself are good evidence of your
team attitude. Do not brag, just say it in a matter-of-fact tone. This is a key point.
13. How long would you expect to work for us if hired?
Specifics here are not good. Something like this should work: I'd like it to be a long time. Or
As long as we both feel I'm doing a good job.
14. Have you ever had to fire anyone? How did you feel about that?
This is serious. Do not make light of it or in any way seem like you like to fire people. At the
same time, you will do it when it is the right thing to do. When it comes to the organization
versus the individual who has created a harmful situation, you will protect the organization.
Remember firing is not the same as layoff or reduction in force.
15. What is your philosophy towards work?
The interviewer is not looking for a long or flowery dissertation here. Do you have strong
feelings that the job gets done? Yes. That's the type of answer that works best here. Short
and positive, showing a benefit to the organization.
16. If you had enough money to retire right now, would you?
Answer yes if you would. But since you need to work, this is the type of work you prefer. Do
not say yes if you do not mean it.
17. Have you ever been asked to leave a position?
If you have not, say no. If you have, be honest, brief and avoid saying negative things
about the people or organization involved.
18. Explain how you would be an asset to this organization
You should be anxious for this question. It gives you a chance to highlight your best points
as they relate to the position being discussed. Give a little advance thought to this
relationship.
19. Why should we hire you?
Point out how your assets meet what the organization needs. Do not mention any other
candidates to make a comparison.
50 Common Interview Questions and Answers
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20. Tell me about a suggestion you have made
Have a good one ready. Be sure and use a suggestion that was accepted and was then
considered successful. One related to the type of work applied for is a real plus.
21. What irritates you about co-workers?
This is a trap question. Think real hard but fail to come up with anything that irritates you.
A short statement that you seem to get along with folks is great.
22. What is your greatest strength?
Numerous answers are good, just stay positive. A few good examples:
Your ability to prioritize, Your problem-solving skills, Your ability to work under pressure,
Your ability to focus on projects, Your professional expertise, Your leadership skills, Your
positive attitude .
23. Tell me about your dream job.
Stay away from a specific job. You cannot win. If you say the job you are contending for is
it, you strain credibility. If you say another job is it, you plant the suspicion that you will be
dissatisfied with this position if hired. The best is to stay genetic and say something like: A
job where I love the work, like the people, can contribute and can't wait to get to work.
24. Why do you think you would do well at this job?
Give several reasons and include skills, experience and interest.
25. What are you looking for in a job?
See answer # 23
26. What kind of person would you refuse to work with?
Do not be trivial. It would take disloyalty to the organization, violence or lawbreaking to get
you to object. Minor objections will label you as a whiner.
27. What is more important to you: the money or the work?
Money is always important, but the work is the most important. There is no better answer.
28. What would your previous supervisor say your strongest point is?
There are numerous good possibilities:
Loyalty, Energy, Positive attitude, Leadership, Team player, Expertise, Initiative, Patience,
Hard work, Creativity, Problem solver
29. Tell me about a problem you had with a supervisor
Biggest trap of all. This is a test to see if you will speak ill of your boss. If you fall for it and
tell about a problem with a former boss, you may well below the interview right there. Stay
positive and develop a poor memory about any trouble with a supervisor.
30. What has disappointed you about a job?
Don't get trivial or negative. Safe areas are few but can include:
Not enough of a challenge. You were laid off in a reduction Company did not win a contract,
which would have given you more responsibility.
31. Tell me about your ability to work under pressure.
50 Common Interview Questions and Answers
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You may say that you thrive under certain types of pressure. Give an example that relates
to the type of position applied for.
32. Do your skills match this job or another job more closely?
Probably this one. Do not give fuel to the suspicion that you may want another job more
than this one.
33. What motivates you to do your best on the job?
This is a personal trait that only you can say, but good examples are:
Challenge, Achievement, Recognition
34. Are you willing to work overtime? Nights? Weekends?
This is up to you. Be totally honest.
35. How would you know you were successful on this job?
Several ways are good measures:
You set high standards for yourself and meet them. Your outcomes are a success.Your boss
tell you that you are successful
36. Would you be willing to relocate if required?
You should be clear on this with your family prior to the interview if you think there is a
chance it may come up. Do not say yes just to get the job if the real answer is no. This can
create a lot of problems later on in your career. Be honest at this point and save yourself
future grief.
37. Are you willing to put the interests of the organization ahead of your own?
This is a straight loyalty and dedication question. Do not worry about the deep ethical and
philosophical implications. Just say yes.
38. Describe your management style.
Try to avoid labels. Some of the more common labels, like progressive, salesman or
consensus, can have several meanings or descriptions depending on which management
expert you listen to. The situational style is safe, because it says you will manage according
to the situation, instead of one size fits all.
39. What have you learned from mistakes on the job?
Here you have to come up with something or you strain credibility. Make it small, well
intentioned mistake with a positive lesson learned. An example would be working too far
ahead of colleagues on a project and thus throwing coordination off.
40. Do you have any blind spots?
Trick question. If you know about blind spots, they are no longer blind spots. Do not reveal
any personal areas of concern here. Let them do their own discovery on your bad points. Do
not hand it to them.
41. If you were hiring a person for this job, what would you look for?
Be careful to mention traits that are needed and that you have.
42. Do you think you are overqualified for this position?
Regardless of your qualifications, state that you are very well qualified for the position.
50 Common Interview Questions and Answers
© JobsAssist.com (www.jobsassist.com ) and VyomWorld.com (www.vyomworld.com ) – Free Student Resources
43. How do you propose to compensate for your lack of experience?
First, if you have experience that the interviewer does not know about, bring that up: Then,
point out (if true) that you are a hard working quick learner.
44. What qualities do you look for in a boss?
Be generic and positive. Safe qualities are knowledgeable, a sense of humor, fair, loyal to
subordinates and holder of high standards. All bosses think they have these traits.
45. Tell me about a time when you helped resolve a dispute between others.
Pick a specific incident. Concentrate on your problem solving technique and not the dispute
you settled.
46. What position do you prefer on a team working on a project?
Be honest. If you are comfortable in different roles, point that out.
47. Describe your work ethic.
Emphasize benefits to the organization. Things like, determination to get the job done and
work hard but enjoy your work are good.
48. What has been your biggest professional disappointment?
Be sure that you refer to something that was beyond your control. Show acceptance and no
negative feelings.
49. Tell me about the most fun you have had on the job.
Talk about having fun by accomplishing something for the organization.
50. Do you have any questions for me?
Always have some questions prepared. Questions prepared where you will be an asset to
the organization are good. How soon will I be able to be productive? and What type of
projects will I be able to assist on? are examples.
© JobsAssist.com (www.jobsassist.com ) and VyomWorld.com (www.vyomworld.com ) – Free Student Resources
50 COMMON INTERVIEW QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
[Don’t forget to have a look at free bonus at the end of this document.]
Review these typical interview questions and think about how you would answer them. Read
the questions listed; you will also find some strategy suggestions with it.
1. Tell me about yourself:
The most often asked question in interviews. You need to have a short statement prepared
in your mind. Be careful that it does not sound rehearsed. Limit it to work-related items
unless instructed otherwise. Talk about things you have done and jobs you have held that
relate to the position you are interviewing for. Start with the item farthest back and work up
to the present.
2. Why did you leave your last job?
Stay positive regardless of the circumstances. Never refer to a major problem with
management and never speak ill of supervisors, co-workers or the organization. If you do,
you will be the one looking bad. Keep smiling and talk about leaving for a positive reason
such as an opportunity, a chance to do something special or other forward-looking reasons.
3. What experience do you have in this field?
Speak about specifics that relate to the position you are applying for. If you do not have
specific experience, get as close as you can.
4. Do you consider yourself successful?
You should always answer yes and briefly explain why. A good explanation is that you have
set goals, and you have met some and are on track to achieve the others.
5. What do co-workers say about you?
Be prepared with a quote or two from co-workers. Either a specific statement or a
paraphrase will work. Jill Clark, a co-worker at Smith Company, always said I was the
hardest workers she had ever known. It is as powerful as Jill having said it at the interview
herself.
6. What do you know about this organization?
This question is one reason to do some research on the organization before the interview.
Find out where they have been and where they are going. What are the current issues and
who are the major players?
7. What have you done to improve your knowledge in the last year?
Try to include improvement activities that relate to the job. A wide variety of activities can
be mentioned as positive self-improvement. Have some good ones handy to mention.
8. Are you applying for other jobs?
Be honest but do not spend a lot of time in this area. Keep the focus on this job and what
you can do for this organization. Anything else is a distraction.
9. Why do you want to work for this organization?
50 Common Interview Questions and Answers
© JobsAssist.com (www.jobsassist.com ) and VyomWorld.com (www.vyomworld.com ) – Free Student Resources
This may take some thought and certainly, should be based on the research you have done
on the organization. Sincerity is extremely important here and will easily be sensed. Relate
it to your long-term career goals.
10. Do you know anyone who works for us?
Be aware of the policy on relatives working for the organization. This can affect your answer
even though they asked about friends not relatives. Be careful to mention a friend only if
they are well thought of.
11. What kind of salary do you need?
A loaded question. A nasty little game that you will probably lose if you answer first. So, do
not answer it. Instead, say something like, That's a tough question. Can you tell me the
range for this position? In most cases, the interviewer, taken off guard, will tell you. If not,
say that it can depend on the details of the job. Then give a wide range.
12. Are you a team player?
You are, of course, a team player. Be sure to have examples ready. Specifics that show you
often perform for the good of the team rather than for yourself are good evidence of your
team attitude. Do not brag, just say it in a matter-of-fact tone. This is a key point.
13. How long would you expect to work for us if hired?
Specifics here are not good. Something like this should work: I'd like it to be a long time. Or
As long as we both feel I'm doing a good job.
14. Have you ever had to fire anyone? How did you feel about that?
This is serious. Do not make light of it or in any way seem like you like to fire people. At the
same time, you will do it when it is the right thing to do. When it comes to the organization
versus the individual who has created a harmful situation, you will protect the organization.
Remember firing is not the same as layoff or reduction in force.
15. What is your philosophy towards work?
The interviewer is not looking for a long or flowery dissertation here. Do you have strong
feelings that the job gets done? Yes. That's the type of answer that works best here. Short
and positive, showing a benefit to the organization.
16. If you had enough money to retire right now, would you?
Answer yes if you would. But since you need to work, this is the type of work you prefer. Do
not say yes if you do not mean it.
17. Have you ever been asked to leave a position?
If you have not, say no. If you have, be honest, brief and avoid saying negative things
about the people or organization involved.
18. Explain how you would be an asset to this organization
You should be anxious for this question. It gives you a chance to highlight your best points
as they relate to the position being discussed. Give a little advance thought to this
relationship.
19. Why should we hire you?
Point out how your assets meet what the organization needs. Do not mention any other
candidates to make a comparison.
50 Common Interview Questions and Answers
© JobsAssist.com (www.jobsassist.com ) and VyomWorld.com (www.vyomworld.com ) – Free Student Resources
20. Tell me about a suggestion you have made
Have a good one ready. Be sure and use a suggestion that was accepted and was then
considered successful. One related to the type of work applied for is a real plus.
21. What irritates you about co-workers?
This is a trap question. Think real hard but fail to come up with anything that irritates you.
A short statement that you seem to get along with folks is great.
22. What is your greatest strength?
Numerous answers are good, just stay positive. A few good examples:
Your ability to prioritize, Your problem-solving skills, Your ability to work under pressure,
Your ability to focus on projects, Your professional expertise, Your leadership skills, Your
positive attitude .
23. Tell me about your dream job.
Stay away from a specific job. You cannot win. If you say the job you are contending for is
it, you strain credibility. If you say another job is it, you plant the suspicion that you will be
dissatisfied with this position if hired. The best is to stay genetic and say something like: A
job where I love the work, like the people, can contribute and can't wait to get to work.
24. Why do you think you would do well at this job?
Give several reasons and include skills, experience and interest.
25. What are you looking for in a job?
See answer # 23
26. What kind of person would you refuse to work with?
Do not be trivial. It would take disloyalty to the organization, violence or lawbreaking to get
you to object. Minor objections will label you as a whiner.
27. What is more important to you: the money or the work?
Money is always important, but the work is the most important. There is no better answer.
28. What would your previous supervisor say your strongest point is?
There are numerous good possibilities:
Loyalty, Energy, Positive attitude, Leadership, Team player, Expertise, Initiative, Patience,
Hard work, Creativity, Problem solver
29. Tell me about a problem you had with a supervisor
Biggest trap of all. This is a test to see if you will speak ill of your boss. If you fall for it and
tell about a problem with a former boss, you may well below the interview right there. Stay
positive and develop a poor memory about any trouble with a supervisor.
30. What has disappointed you about a job?
Don't get trivial or negative. Safe areas are few but can include:
Not enough of a challenge. You were laid off in a reduction Company did not win a contract,
which would have given you more responsibility.
31. Tell me about your ability to work under pressure.
50 Common Interview Questions and Answers
© JobsAssist.com (www.jobsassist.com ) and VyomWorld.com (www.vyomworld.com ) – Free Student Resources
You may say that you thrive under certain types of pressure. Give an example that relates
to the type of position applied for.
32. Do your skills match this job or another job more closely?
Probably this one. Do not give fuel to the suspicion that you may want another job more
than this one.
33. What motivates you to do your best on the job?
This is a personal trait that only you can say, but good examples are:
Challenge, Achievement, Recognition
34. Are you willing to work overtime? Nights? Weekends?
This is up to you. Be totally honest.
35. How would you know you were successful on this job?
Several ways are good measures:
You set high standards for yourself and meet them. Your outcomes are a success.Your boss
tell you that you are successful
36. Would you be willing to relocate if required?
You should be clear on this with your family prior to the interview if you think there is a
chance it may come up. Do not say yes just to get the job if the real answer is no. This can
create a lot of problems later on in your career. Be honest at this point and save yourself
future grief.
37. Are you willing to put the interests of the organization ahead of your own?
This is a straight loyalty and dedication question. Do not worry about the deep ethical and
philosophical implications. Just say yes.
38. Describe your management style.
Try to avoid labels. Some of the more common labels, like progressive, salesman or
consensus, can have several meanings or descriptions depending on which management
expert you listen to. The situational style is safe, because it says you will manage according
to the situation, instead of one size fits all.
39. What have you learned from mistakes on the job?
Here you have to come up with something or you strain credibility. Make it small, well
intentioned mistake with a positive lesson learned. An example would be working too far
ahead of colleagues on a project and thus throwing coordination off.
40. Do you have any blind spots?
Trick question. If you know about blind spots, they are no longer blind spots. Do not reveal
any personal areas of concern here. Let them do their own discovery on your bad points. Do
not hand it to them.
41. If you were hiring a person for this job, what would you look for?
Be careful to mention traits that are needed and that you have.
42. Do you think you are overqualified for this position?
Regardless of your qualifications, state that you are very well qualified for the position.
50 Common Interview Questions and Answers
© JobsAssist.com (www.jobsassist.com ) and VyomWorld.com (www.vyomworld.com ) – Free Student Resources
43. How do you propose to compensate for your lack of experience?
First, if you have experience that the interviewer does not know about, bring that up: Then,
point out (if true) that you are a hard working quick learner.
44. What qualities do you look for in a boss?
Be generic and positive. Safe qualities are knowledgeable, a sense of humor, fair, loyal to
subordinates and holder of high standards. All bosses think they have these traits.
45. Tell me about a time when you helped resolve a dispute between others.
Pick a specific incident. Concentrate on your problem solving technique and not the dispute
you settled.
46. What position do you prefer on a team working on a project?
Be honest. If you are comfortable in different roles, point that out.
47. Describe your work ethic.
Emphasize benefits to the organization. Things like, determination to get the job done and
work hard but enjoy your work are good.
48. What has been your biggest professional disappointment?
Be sure that you refer to something that was beyond your control. Show acceptance and no
negative feelings.
49. Tell me about the most fun you have had on the job.
Talk about having fun by accomplishing something for the organization.
50. Do you have any questions for me?
Always have some questions prepared. Questions prepared where you will be an asset to
the organization are good. How soon will I be able to be productive? and What type of
projects will I be able to assist on? are examples.
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