Common Job Interview Questions and How to Answer Them

We’ve written before about questions you can ask on a job interview (175 of them!) but when you’re prepping for the big day, how can you be sure you have answers to the questions a hiring manager might ask?

The interview is a crucial part of the job search process, and being well-prepared can make all the difference. While every interview is unique, certain interview questions tend to come up more frequently. Below, we dive into some common ones and how you can prepare to answer them effectively.

"Why are you leaving your current job?”

Hiring managers want to know your motivation for wanting to leave your current job. Are you an opportunist just looking for more money or are you looking for a job that you hope will turn into a career? If you’re leaving because you don’t like your boss, don’t talk negatively about your boss—just say you have different work philosophies.

If the work was boring to you, just mention that you’re looking for a more challenging position. Discuss the positives that came out of your most recent job, as well as why you think this new position is ideal for you.

“What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?”

This question is almost guaranteed to come up in some form, so it’s important to be ready with a thoughtful response. When discussing your strengths, choose qualities that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. For example, if you’re applying for a project management role, you might talk about your organizational skills and ability to lead a team.

As for weaknesses, be honest but strategic. Choose something that you’ve worked to improve and talk about how you’ve taken steps to overcome it. For instance, if you struggle with public speaking, you could mention that you have volunteered to lead meetings at work or hosted two public presentations for your org this year.

“Tell us about a time you faced a challenge at work. How did you navigate it?”

Behavioral questions like this one are designed to assess how you’ve dealt with situations in the past, as they can be strong indicators of how you’ll handle similar situations in the future. The best way to answer these questions is by using the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result.

Start by describing the situation you were in and the task you needed to accomplish. Then, explain the action you took and the result of your efforts. Be sure to choose an example that highlights your problem-solving abilities and has a positive outcome.

“Where do you see yourself in five years?”

Hiring managers ask this question to gauge your career goals and whether they align with the company’s future. When answering, focus on how the role you’re applying for fits into your long-term plans. If you're applying for a role that has management potential, you might say something like, “In five years, I see myself in a leadership position where I can contribute to the strategic direction of the company, using the skills and experience I’ll gain in this role.”

***

Armed with the right preparation and examples, you should be able to face your next job interview confidently.