60 Most Common Interview Questions and Successful Answers
There is no accurate way to predict every job interview question, so it is smart to prepare by considering a wide variety of topics. However, there are at least ten questions that almost all potential employers will ask in some form, and you can boost your interview performance by working on successful answers to these questions.
50 most common job interview questions:
1 Tell me Something About Yourself?
This seemingly simple question is one of the most commonly asked questions during job interviews. Yet, it’s a question that can make even the most experienced job seeker break out in a sweat. This is because how you answer this question can set the tone for the rest of the interview and determine if you land the job. This article will discuss why this question is asked, what employers are looking for in your answer, and how to prepare a successful response using successful interview techniques and interview skills.
The primary reason employers ask this question is to learn more about you and evaluate how well you’ll fit within the company culture. Employers are looking for more than just a list of your qualifications and work experience; they want to know what motivates you, what you’re passionate about, and how you communicate.
This question also helps employers assess your confidence and ability to think independently and leadership skills. Effective career coaching often emphasizes the importance of personal branding and showcasing your unique value during an interview. By honing these interview skills, you can better navigate questions that probe your suitability for the workplace and ultimately drive your workplace success.
Possible answer for “Tell me something about yourself”:
“I’m Kate Osteen. I graduated from X College and have worked in sales for X and Y for the last six years. At X, I averaged X% sales growth over the three years I worked. Now I want to try my hand at an international company. I also consider this vacancy very promising, and I appreciate the opportunities for my professional growth. As for personal qualities, I will say that I quickly adapt to new and complex tasks, and I am also very sociable and easily perceive criticism.”
Job Interveiw Quiz
Tips for answering the question “Tell me something about yourself”:
- It is important not to be limited to a dry enumeration of facts that an employer can read in advance in a resume. Instead, the answer can be a professional story about you, but short, logical, and always in chronological order;
- Speak only the truth, avoiding both excessive modesty and obvious self-promotion;
- Include the information that you consider significant and that characterizes you most vividly;
- Start with what educational institution you studied at, what work experience you already have, for what merits you were noted, what you are proud of, and what personal qualities help you develop;
- Focus on your last job and your most recent and job-relevant experience.
What mistakes should not be made when answering the question “Tell me something about yourself”:
- Talking too much and starting from far away. Keep in mind that the interviewer expects an answer for 3-5 minutes long;
- Talking about yourself as a person, not as an employee. That is, you should not speak about everything unrelated to work;
- The absence of job interview preparation. This is the question for which you need to have an answer scheme in advance since it is this answer that will form the first impression of you.
2 What Attracted you to This Job?
“What attracted you to this job?” is another one of the common interview questions that requires careful consideration before answering. This question evaluates the job seeker’s motivation, values, and long-term career goals.
Employers ask this question to know your motivation for applying for the job. They want to know what attracted you to the job and the company. Employers are looking for candidates who have researched the company and the position and can demonstrate a genuine interest in the job. In addition, they want to see that the candidate clearly understands the company’s mission and values and how they can contribute to the organization. Mentioning your career coaching and leadership skills can also highlight your preparedness and alignment with the role.
Possible answer for “What attracted you to this job?”:
“I have heard many positive things about your company from employees and customers. I know you are open to changes, development, and growth in the labor market. As far as I know, the company has a solid corporate culture and a team of professionals in their field.”
Tips for answering the question “What attracted you to this job?”:
- Try to understand what you expect from your future work. This will give confidence in the interview: you will know where and why you came.
- Even if you are applying for dozens of jobs in your field, it is vital to show the interview panel that this particular job stands out in some way.
- Mention why you think highly of the company or agency, demonstrate a genuine passion for the role you would be occupying, and confidently show yourself as an ideal candidate who matches your skills and qualities with the values and needs of the company.
- It would help if you showed that your personal goals are consistent and consistent with the values and interests of the company.
What mistakes should not be made when answering the question “What attracted you to this job?:
- Giving a general answer that does not show your knowledge of the company and the desired position.
- Saying that you are attracted only by the salary. Employers do not want their staff members to be motivated by money, or at least they are not the only driving force. Such motivation is not durable, and keeping such a worker in a position is difficult.