Common Interview Questions and Answers

Most interviews revisit the same core questions in different words. You can't script every answer, but you can prepare a clear approach to each common type — which is what keeps you calm and specific under pressure. Here are the ones worth preparing.

The questions and how to approach them

  • 'Tell me about yourself' — give a short present-past-future summary, not your life story.
  • 'Why do you want this job?' — connect your goals and strengths to something specific about the role and company.
  • 'What's your greatest strength?' — pick one relevant strength and back it with a brief example.
  • 'What's your biggest weakness?' — name a real one and, more importantly, what you're doing to improve it.
  • 'Tell me about a time you…' — use the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result.
  • 'Do you have any questions for us?' — always have two or three thoughtful ones ready; it signals genuine interest.

Prepare stories, not scripts

Rather than memorising answers word for word, prepare four or five concrete stories from your experience — a success, a challenge, a conflict, a mistake you learned from. Most behavioural questions can be answered by adapting one of these, which keeps you specific without sounding rehearsed.
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Tips

  • Research the company and role so your answers can reference them specifically.
  • Practise out loud, not just in your head — spoken answers reveal the gaps.
  • Keep answers focused; aim for about one to two minutes each.
  • Prepare thoughtful questions to ask them; a blank at the end is a missed opportunity.
  • Have concrete examples ready — specifics are far more convincing than generalities.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common interview questions?

'Tell me about yourself', 'Why do you want this job?', questions about strengths and weaknesses, behavioural 'tell me about a time…' questions, and 'do you have any questions for us?' Preparing these covers most interviews.

How should I answer behavioural questions?

Use the STAR method — describe the Situation and Task, the Action you took, and the Result — so your answer is a clear, complete story rather than a vague generalisation.

How long should interview answers be?

Usually one to two minutes. Long enough to give a specific example, short enough to keep the conversation moving.

Should I ask questions at the end?

Yes — always prepare two or three. Thoughtful questions show genuine interest and help you judge whether the role is right for you.

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