Going in for a job interview can be nerve-wracking. You may have prepared answers for common JOB INTERVIEW QUESTIONS, but sometimes employers throw in a question that catches you off guard.
Don’t panic! We’ve compiled a list of 17 quick answers to some of the toughest and most common JOB INTERVIEW QUESTIONS. Review these ahead of time so you are prepared with a concise response that highlights your qualifications and fits into the limited time frame of an interview. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, these answers will help you impress your potential employer and increase your chances of securing the job you desire.
17 Quick Answers to Job Interview Questions
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Why do you want this job?
Keep your answer focused on the role and company rather than vague statements like “for a new challenge” or “to further my career.” Do your research on the specific needs of the role and why you are excited about working for that company. Quantify your transferable SKILLS, values, and passions that align with the position.
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What are your greatest strengths?
You only have time to highlight 2-3 of your most relevant strengths. Choose attributes that are directly applicable to success in the role like organization, problem-solving, attention to detail, leadership, communication, etc. Provide a brief anecdote from your background/experience that demonstrates each strength.
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What is your greatest weakness?
Don’t disclose a true weakness. Choose something positive that you are actively working to improve like “sometimes taking on too many projects at once” or “asking follow up questions until I fully understand.” Explain how you are addressing it proactively rather than allowing it to hurt your performance.
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Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Avoid vague goals and instead discuss how you envision continuing to develop relevant skills through this position and taking on additional responsibility over time. Connect your aspirations back to career paths possible within this company. Employers want to ensure their investment in you will lead somewhere.
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Why should we hire you?
Confidently highlight 2-3 of your qualifications and how they meet the needs of this role. Back up claims with solid examples from recent experience or accomplishments. Emphasize the specific value you bring above the other candidates and why hiring you is a no-brainer for filling their needs.
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Tell me about a conflict you faced.
Share a work-related example of a conflict situation you handled effectively. Discuss the specifics of the issue, your approach, the outcome, and lessons learned. The employer is checking if you can handle challenges professionally and work as part of a team.
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How do you handle pressure and stress?
Address any stressful JOB INTERVIEW QUESTIONS you’ve encountered positively. Explain techniques like time management, prioritizing, utilizing resources or support, and keeping a bigger picture perspective. Provide a time pressure example you handled well and relate to your proven ability to thrive when deadlines are looming.
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Tell me about your previous manager.
Choose someone who will be a strong recommendation that verifies your strengths. Keep it brief while highlighting the best experiences you had working with and learning from this person. Rather than dwelling on negatives, shift focus back to discussing the transferable skills impactful managers have helped you develop.
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What motivates you?
Research shows being intrinsically motivated is highly desirable. Rather than discussing external rewards, convey your passion for the company’s mission/vision and types of tasks required for the role. Tie motivation back to how your interests and goals align with opportunities the company offers and problems they need solved.
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Tell me about a time you failed.
Failure interviews better than success because it shows you can learn from your mistakes. Keep the example brief while highlighting specific learnings you took from it that will make you even better equipped to succeed in the future if similar challenges arise. Discuss how it shifted your approach positively.
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What was your biggest accomplishment?
Aim to keep your response under 1-2 minutes. Choose an accomplishment clearly connected to attributes required for this job from a recent role that had measurable results. Quantify the outcome and don’t exaggerate. Discuss the steps you took and specific skills applied that led to your success meeting an important goal or solving a problem.
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Who are your ideal employers?
Research top companies in your industry. Name a few that inspire and motivate you because of their mission, culture. and opportunities to grow your skills on innovative projects. Show them why YOU are the perfect employee to help THEM accomplish their goals too rather than focusing only on what you want from a company.
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Do you have any other questions for us?
Always prepare thoughtful JOB INTERVIEW QUESTIONS of your own to ask at the end that reveal you did thorough research on the company, team and role. Examples include learning more about career growth opportunities, projects, team dynamic, COVID changes, or industry trends they are most excited about. Impress them with your enthusiasm and initiative.
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What salary range are you seeking?
Know the fair market value and have a well-researched starting point in mind. Give a range rather than a single figure and explain this is negotiable depending on the opportunities and responsibilities of the specific role. Emphasize your focus is on finding an excellent match versus only discussing compensation.
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What experience do you have with our technology/systems/projects?
Self-educate as much as possible through their website, past client work, news features. Discuss any applicable prior experience and your eagerness to take on new challenges to rapidly gain proficiency if hired. Express confidence in your ability to quickly learn on the job.
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What was your favorite past role and why?
Select a previous job closely connected to the one you’re interviewing for. Discuss the most rewarding aspects like specific tasks, projects, relationships, growth experiences. Tie your answer back to goals of the potential new position to leave them assured of fit and future performance.
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What would your previous manager say about your work?
Assume they will contact your references and want to verify your feedback is consistent. This is a chance to brag a bit while staying humble. Mention desirable traits like your work ethic, strong communication, initiative in tackling new responsibilities. Let them confirm you’re reliable and bring value daily.
Here are some additional tips on how to handle common job interview questions:
- Research the company:
Before the interview, thoroughly research the company. Understand its mission, values, products/services, and recent news or achievements. This knowledge will allow you to tailor your answers to align with the company’s goals and demonstrate your genuine interest. - Practice with mock interviews:
Enlist the help of a friend, family member, or career counselor to conduct mock interviews. Practice answering common job interview questions and receive feedback on your responses. This will help you refine your answers, improve your delivery, and boost your confidence. - Be concise and specific:
When answering questions, strive for clarity and conciseness. Avoid rambling or going off on tangents. Focus on providing specific examples from your past experiences that highlight relevant skills, accomplishments, and challenges overcome. - Use the STAR method:
The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is a structured approach to answering behavioral interview questions. Start by describing the situation or challenge, outline the task or objective, explain the actions you took, and conclude with the positive result or outcome achieved. This framework helps you provide structured and comprehensive answers. - Showcase your transferable skills:
Even if you lack direct experience in a certain area, emphasize your transferable skills. These are skills that can be applied across various roles or industries. For instance, if you’re transitioning into a new field, highlight how your problem-solving, communication, or leadership skills can be valuable assets. - Demonstrate cultural fit:
Companies often assess how well candidates will fit into their organizational culture. Use your answers to showcase your alignment with the company’s values, work style, and team dynamics. Highlight experiences where you successfully collaborated with diverse teams or adapted to different work environments. - Be positive and enthusiastic:
Maintain a positive and enthusiastic demeanor throughout the interview. Show genuine excitement about the opportunity and the company. Employ positive body language, maintain eye contact, and engage actively with the interviewer. This positivity can leave a lasting impression. - Prepare questions to ask:
At the end of the interview, when given the opportunity, ask thoughtful questions about the company, the team, or the role. This demonstrates your interest and engagement. Avoid asking questions that could easily be answered through basic research. - Practice active listening:
Effective communication involves not only speaking but also actively listening. Pay attention to the interviewer’s questions, clarify any uncertainties, and respond accordingly. Active listening demonstrates your attentiveness and ability to understand and address the interviewer’s concerns. - Follow up with a thank-you note:
After the interview, send a personalized thank-you note or email to express your gratitude for the opportunity and reiterate your interest in the position. This gesture shows professionalism and can leave a positive impression on the interviewer.
Remember, thorough preparation and practice are key to handling job interview questions effectively. By incorporating these tips into your interview preparation, you’ll be well-equipped to confidently tackle any question that comes your way. Good luck!
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