Prepare for an interview with these common job interview questions and use our example answers to land your dream job.
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Here are some of the most common interview questions. Take a look and start thinking about how you might answer them.
Your interviewers may also ask practical questions prompted by your CV and previous work experience. Again, you can use this as a chance to prove your competency, so you should be prepared in case these questions arise.
In many job interviews, job seekers will be asked behavioural questions, in which recruiters ask you for examples of how you act in specific scenarios. This helps hiring managers understand how you work and how you might fit in at their organisation.
With all interview questions, the aim is to determine whether you would perform well in the job. Therefore, your answers should include detail and demonstrate that you have the essential skills and attributes needed to be a perfect fit for the position. Remember that every question is an opportunity to sell yourself and show what makes you great. Avoid one-word answers that could be seen as red flags to a recruiter, and try to come across as enthusiastic and genuine. Below are some examples of common interview questions and answers.
I wanted a new challenge in my next job, so I started my job search by looking for new positions on job sites. I was particularly looking for a role that would allow me to take on more responsibilities, so I was immediately drawn to your job advert.
I’ve followed and admired your company’s work for a long time. I love that you provide innovative solutions, and I would like the chance to contribute my skills to working on those solutions. I particularly like the work you’ve done on [project].
Sadly, I faced some family issues that meant I had to take some time off work. However, I worked hard on my return to work and am proud to say that I’ve continued to build up my skills and experience since that break. For example, I undertook [training] and took on [responsibilities].
I deal with time pressure by prioritising tasks and delegating work efficiently. I also create a spreadsheet with all my deadlines, which I regularly update to see which tasks are on track and where I might need to put in some extra time or delegate further.
Interviews can be nerve-wracking but take your time and keep calm. It’s perfectly fine to ask interviewers to repeat the question or to take a minute to think about your answer. And you can ask them questions too. Here are some examples of questions to ask in an interview.
Bringing a copy of your CV will also help you remember what skills and experience you can talk about. Your interviewer may well also have a copy of your CV in front of them, so it’s good to have one yourself for reference. For help with creating some fantastic application documents, check out our advice on how to write a CV and how to write a cover letter.
You are only human, and sometimes the pressure of a job interview can cause you to slip up and say things you didn’t intend to. The best way to combat this is to stay on track and answer questions directly. It can also help if you focus on the relevant details of the role you are applying for, as the recruiter won’t want to hear too much about your life story or information from a long time ago.
Phone interviews are conducted the same way as in-person interviews, usually with interviewers asking you questions about your work experience and skills to start with, followed by asking questions relating to the job description. For more on preparing for interviews, check out our career blog.
You can succeed in a job interview even if you don’t have work experience. If you have recently graduated, focus on your education and extracurricular activities (such as volunteer jobs and internships), and emphasise the skills and qualifications you have. You can apply many questions about your skills to projects you have worked on during your time at university.