Common Interview Questions
Over the years, my team and I identified the most commonly asked questions while recruiting job seekers for thousands of interviews. Review them here, along with an explanation of why the question is asked, what the interviewer wants to hear, and sample answers.
Behavioral
- Tell me about a goal you had and how you achieved it
- How do you deal with failure?
- How do you prioritize your work?
- How do you handle workplace conflict?
- Tell me about a time you made a mistake
- How do you stay motivated?
- How do you deal with difficult coworkers?
- Describe a time you demonstrated leadership
- How do you handle pressure?
- Tell me about an important project you worked on
- How do you adapt to change?
- How do you handle success?
- How do you handle constructive criticism?
- How quickly do you adapt to new technology?
- How do you manage deadlines?
- How do you delegate?
- Tell me how you handle an ethical dilemma
- Tell me about a time you failed
- Describe how you have worked with another person to achieve a goal
Creative
Personal
- Tell me about yourself
- Why do you want to work here?
- Where do you see yourself in five years?
- What are your career goals?
- What is your dream job?
- What is your biggest strength?
- What is your biggest weakness?
- Describe your work style
- How would your coworkers describe you?
- What do you like and dislike about your current job?
- What do you know about this company?
- What type of work environment do you prefer?
- What can you contribute to the team?
- How did you hear about this position?
- How do you like to be managed?
- What are you passionate about?
- What does integrity mean to you?
- What is your leadership style?
- Describe your work ethic
- How has your experience prepared you for this role?
- What do you find are the most difficult decisions to make?
- What skills or qualities can you bring to this position?
- Do you work well with other people?
- Why should we hire you?
- Are you willing to travel?
- Walk me through your resume
- Why do you want to work from home?
- What is your biggest accomplishment?
- Are you a risk taker?
- What is your educational background?
- How would your boss describe you?
- What are you looking for in a new position?
- What kind of personalities do you work best with and why?
- What challenges are you looking for in a position?
- Describe yourself in 3 words
- What makes you unique?
- Do you want to tell us anything else about yourself?
- What are your career aspirations?
Situational
Tricky questions
- Why are you leaving your job?
- Why were you fired?
- Tell me about the gap in your employment
- What are your salary expectations?
- What do you think this company can do better?
- What other companies are you interviewing with?
- Are you willing to relocate?
- Why do you want to change jobs?
- Are you willing to work overtime?
- What do you need to improve?