1. What is your biggest weakness?

Questions like these, says Denham, are asked so that interviewees admit a weakness
that justifies their being shown the door. He recommends responding with: “I have a
tendency to say yes and get overcommitted.” Then follow that with an example of how
you are working on prioritizing and setting personal limits. Never draw negative attention
to yourself by stating a weakness that would lead an employer to think you are not the
best person for the job, Denham says. “The focus of your interview should be on your
strengths,” he says.

2. What salary do you think you deserve?

“The person who states the salary is the loser,” says Denham, explaining that if you are
the first to throw out a number, the number you give could be less than what the
employer was planning to pay. Wait for the employer to give a range, and when it does
ask you for a figure you expect to be making, choose a salary that is higher than the
median they provide. Also, don’t talk salary on the first interview.

3. Why should I hire you?

For this one, Denham says it’s important to prepare before the interview. “Go back to
your resume and look through it for the three to five things that make you outstanding,”
he says. These qualities should accent your work ability, like “I’m a hard worker” or “I
get things done.” You have to demonstrate a track record of results. “The notion is that
past performance is always the best predictor of future performance,” Denham says.

4. What didn’t you like about your last job?

The employer who asks this question could be looking for you to answer with something
that would indicate a weakness of yours, once again in an attempt to eliminate you. So
while it may be tempting to trash your boss or complain about the hours (they expected
me to be in at 8 a.m.!), try answering with something like this: “I did not feel my
responsibilities were challenging enough.” Then the employer will feel confident that you
are ready for whatever they may throw at you.
5. Where do you see yourself in three to five years?
The worst answer you can provide to this one, Denham says, is “I have no idea,” even
though that might be the truth. “It’s basically like saying, ‘I have no idea what I’m doing
with my life and I have no idea how long I’ll stay with this job,’” Denham says. Try a
response like “I’ve done a lot of self-assessment, and what I’ve learned about myself is
that I want to make a commitment to this career and I want to build my career here.”
. What critical feedback do you most often receive?
This question is similar to “What are your greatest weaknesses?” Employers
ask this question to see if you have a sense of self-awareness and that you’re
actively working on self-improvement. To answer this question, think of a
genuine piece of criticism you’ve been give, or a weakness you’re aware of.
Provide a brief explanation of the critique and how you’re working on
improving it.

Example: “In the past, I’ve been told that I tend to talk over others in
meetings. While I do get excited about the projects I’m working on and love
collaborating with others, I deeply understand the value of active listening and
using the diversity of ideas in the room. I’ve made it a point to listen actively
by taking notes and make myself the last one to contribute while others are
sharing.”

2. Tell me about a time you overcame an obstacle.

Employers ask this question to understand how you deal with difficulties. You
can use the STAR method when answering behavioral interview questions
like this. Provide a brief summary of the situation, your role in the situation, the
action you put into place to resolve the issue, and how the issue was resolved
as a result.

Example: “I worked as a retail manager at a department store during prom

season. A customer purchased a dress online and had it delivered to the store
where it was accidentally purchased by another customer. Before calling the
original buyer, I located the same dress at another location nearby. I ordered it
to be pressed and delivered to her home the morning of prom with a gift card
to thank her for her understanding. The customer immediately wrote us a five-
star review on several review sites.”

3. How do you handle stress?

Stress is a component in many jobs, employers want to know you’ll handle it
constructively with a good attitude to maintain good company culture. You can
answer this question by explaining how you typically respond with an example
to support it.

Example: “Communication is key for me in stressful situations, even if over-

communicating is necessary to ensure everyone is on the same page. For
example, I was working on a project with another team and we found there
was duplicate work being done. By scheduling a weekly standup and keeping
open lines of honest communication with our teams and managers, we
pushed the project forward and ended up contributing to a significant
company goal in a big way.”

4. What have been your most positive and negative management experiences?
Employers might ask you this question to understand what you like and dislike
in certain management styles. This might help them decide whether or not you
would be a good fit under a certain manager. You should answer this question
honestly and as tactfully as possible.

Example: “One of my past managers, while very talented, tended to manage

our team’s work closely with little flexibility on how things were to be done. It
made me feel like I wasn’t trusted and there wasn’t much room for process
improvement. My most recent manager was terrific at listening to my needs
and helping me get the resources I needed to achieve my goals. I thrive under
managers who create a collaborative, trusting team environment.”

5. What’s your biggest weakness?

Employers may ask about your weaknesses to see if you have a sense of
self-awareness and how you’re working to improve.

Example: “One weakness I’ve been working on is my ability to provide

constructive criticism. I understand how providing feedback on work or
projects that could have been handled better is extremely valuable. To
improve on this, I’m writing down my feedback before I approach my
colleagues. This helps me to plan out my answer, give the best criticism
possible and be less nervous.”

6. Why are you leaving your current position?

This is valuable information for employers to understand. It helps them ensure
the opening will be a better fit, make sure they can provide for what your
previous employer did not or see if you might have contributed to a negative
experience for both you and the employer. Answer this question honestly, but
refrain from providing too much personal or negative detail.

Example: “While I highly valued my time at my previous company, there are

no longer many opportunities for growth that align with my career goals. This
position aligns perfectly with my skill set and how I’m looking to advance my
career.”

7. How many pennies, if stacked on top of each other, would equal the height of
the Empire State building? (Or other questions with no right or wrong answer)
Employers may ask questions like this to understand your thought processes.
They want to gauge whether you can think analytically, deal with ambiguity
and communicate clearly. It is completely appropriate and even encouraged to
ask for a few minutes to gather your thoughts. Even if your answer seems silly
or wrong, employers are simply looking for an answer with logical support. It is
also appropriate to ask follow-up questions for more information or context,
though they may or may not provide the answer.

Example: Start by breaking down a solution based on related information you

might already know. What is the approximate height of the Empire State
Building? You can probably deduce that 500 feet is too short and 5,000 feet is
too tall. Let’s say you guess roughly 1,500 feet. From there, consider the
thickness of a penny. To do this, you might think about how many stacked
pennies equal one inch. Let’s say 15. Next, since you know there are 12
inches in a foot and you’ve estimated the building’s height at 1500 feet, you
multiply to get an approximate answer of 270,000 pennies to equal the height
of the Empire State Building.

8. Why do you want to work here?

Employers often ask this question to make sure you’ve put thought and
research into your decision to seek employment at their company. This
question might be particularly important if you’re changing industries or job
roles.

Example: “When I began looking for a new position, I purposefully sought out
companies that are committed to integrity, philanthropy and innovation, and
your company ranks at the top of the list. Your company has always been
forward-focused and used technology to help improve the customer
experience, and I’m looking for an opportunity where I can put my passion for
great UX to work.”

9. Why should we hire you?

Employers might ask this question to understand what differentiates you from
other candidates they might be interviewing. To answer, explain how your
experience, skills and attributes make you the best fit for the job. Make sure to
carefully review the job description beforehand to understand what qualities
they’re looking for.

Example: “You should hire me for my passion and proven abilities in

organization for office efficiency. In my previous role as an administrative
assistant, I came up with a plan to reorganize the office supply closet by
category. Because items were easier to find, we placed fewer orders and
saved 30% on office supplies year-over-year. I’m excited to bring my skills to
this role.”

10. Do you have any regrets?

Employers might ask this question to get a self-assessment on possible
shortcomings in your life. To answer this question, you might choose to say
that you do not have any regrets in life for a certain reason. Be sure to let
them know that you have made mistakes, you have learned from them to
become better. If not, you might select a regret or shortcoming that is both
professional and would not hinder your ability to perform the job in any way.

Example: “I do always wish I had known what I wanted to do very early on in

my career. Having more years to grow and advance would help me be even
better at my job. However, I learned skills in my previous career that I wouldn’t
have otherwise learned that help my in me in my job today.”

11. Tell me about yourself

Employers will likely ask this question early on in the interview process, or you
might have to answer it in early-stage phone interviews or recruiter screens.
To answer this question, you should provide a quick synopsis of your
education, highlights of your professional experience and achievements and
what brought you to the position you’re applying for.

For example answers, visit Interview Question: “Tell me about yourself”

12. What’s your greatest achievement?

Employers might ask this question to understand what you consider to be your
most valuable accomplishments. To answer, think about a recent example
that is ideally related to the job in some way. Briefly explain the achievement,
your role in it and why it is valuable to you.
Example: “Last year, my team won an award for most innovative process
improvement. My role was to organize the team to brainstorm ways we could
speed up the production process. We tested three proven ways and
implemented the one that worked best for us. The change in processes
decreased time to production by 20%, allowing us to double our output.”
Tell me about yourself.
Tip: Your interviewers will likely start out with a question about yourself and
your background to get to know you. Start out by giving them an overview of
your current position or activities, then provide the most important and
relevant highlights from your background that make you most qualified for the
role.

Example: “Currently, I serve as the assistant to three of the company’s five

executive team members, including the CEO.

From my 12 years of experience as an executive assistant, I’ve developed the

ability to anticipate roadblocks and create effective alternative plans. My
greatest value to any executive is my ability to work independently, freeing up
their time to focus on the needs of the business.

It’s clear that you’re looking for someone who understands the nuances of
managing a CEO’s busy day and can proactively tackle issues. As someone
with an eye for detail and a drive to organize, I thrive on making sure every
day has a clear plan and every plan is clearly communicated.”

For more on answering this question, visit Interview Question: “Tell Me

About Yourself.”

2. How would you describe yourself?

Tip: When an interviewer asks you to talk about yourself, they’re looking for
information about how your qualities and characteristics align with the skills
they believe are required to succeed in the role. If possible, include
quantifiable results to demonstrate how you use your best attributes to drive
success.

Example: “I would say that as a security officer, I’m vigilant, proactive and
committed to ensuring safe, secure, and orderly environments. In my last
incident response rating, I received a 99% against the team average, which
has been at around 97% over the past 3 years. I like to be thorough,
documenting all incidents. I’m also a lifelong learner, always seeking out the
latest security equipment and techniques to patrol buildings. I frequently make
suggestions to management about security improvements and changes as my
motivation comes from making a meaningful contribution.”
For more on answering this question, visit Interview Question: “How Would
You Describe Yourself?”

3. What makes you unique?

Tip: Employers often ask this question to identify why you might be more
qualified than other candidates they’re interviewing. To answer, focus on why
hiring you would benefit the employer. Since you don’t know the other
applicants, it can be challenging to think about your answer in relation to
them. Addressing why your background makes you a good fit will let
employers know why your traits and qualifications make you well prepared.

Example: “What makes me unique is my experience of having spent four

years in retail. Because I’ve had first-hand experience fielding shoppers’
questions, feedback and complaints, I know what customers want. I know
what it takes to create a positive consumer experience because I’ve had that
direct interaction, working directly with consumers in person.”

For more on answering this question, visit Interview Question: “What Makes
You Unique?”

4. Why do you want to work here?

Tip: Interviewers often ask this question as a way to determine whether or not
you took time to research the company and to learn why you see yourself as a
good fit. The best way to prepare for this question is to do your homework and
learn about the products, services, mission, history and culture of this
workplace. In your answer, mention the aspects of the company that appeals
to you and align with your career goals. Explain why you’re looking for these
things in an employer.

Example: “The company’s mission to help college grads pay off their student
loan debt speaks to me. I’ve been in that situation, and I’d love the opportunity
to work with a company that’s making a difference. Finding a company with a
positive work environment and values that align with my own has remained a
priority throughout my job search, and this company ranks at the top of the
list.”

For more on answering this question, visit Interview Question: “Why Do

You Want to Work Here?”
5. What interests you about this role?
Tip: Like the previous question, hiring managers often include this question to
make sure you understand the role and give you an opportunity to highlight
your relevant skills. In addition to thoroughly reading the job description, it can
be helpful to compare the role requirements against your skills and
experience. Choose a few things you particularly enjoy or excel at, and focus
on those in your answer.

Example: “Making a meaningful difference in the lives of my patients and their

families motivate me to strive for excellence in everything I do. I look forward
to seeing their reaction when we get a positive outcome that will change their
lives forever. Like the family of a young boy we treated last year. At eight
years old, he had experienced rapid weight gain and signs of depression. His
parents described him as a usually joyful child, but now he seemed
disengaged and uninterested in his typical schedule. In the end, we
determined that it was hypothyroidism which is, of course, controllable with
medication. The boy is adjusting well to the treatment and has returned to his
joyful self. That’s why I became a nurse and why I’m pursuing a position in
pediatrics.”

For more on answering this question, visit Interview Question: “Why Are
You Interested in This Position?”

6. What motivates you?

Tip: Employers ask this question to gauge your level of self-awareness and
ensure your sources of motivation align with the role. To answer, be as
specific as possible, provide real-life examples and tie your answer back to
the job role.

Example: “Making a true a difference in the lives of my patients and their

families motivate me to strive for excellence in everything I do. I look forward
to seeing my patient’s reactions when we get a positive outcome that will
change their lives forever. That’s why I became a nurse, and why I’m pursuing
a position in pediatrics.”

For more on answering this question, visit Interview Question: “What

Motivates You?” (With Examples).
7. What are you passionate about?
Tip: Much like the previous question about motivation, employers might ask
what you are passionate about to better understand what drives you and what
you care most deeply about. This can both help them understand whether you
are a good fit for the role and if it fits into your larger goals. To answer, select
something you are genuinely passionate about, explain why you’re passionate
about it, give examples of how you’ve pursued this passion and relate it back
to the job.

Example: “As an experienced, service-oriented professional with more than a

decade of experience working in boutique salons, I thrive on creating a
welcoming environment for all clients and providing the highest quality
skincare services. My specialized training and strong interpersonal skills have
helped me become adept at developing long-term, trusted relationships that
help to build a loyal client base. Some of my clients have been with me since
the beginning—more than ten years now. These relationships are the reason
I’m excited to go to work every day.”

For more on answering this question, visit Interview Question: “What are
you passionate about?”

8. Why are you leaving your current job?

Tip: There are many reasons for leaving a job. Prepare a thoughtful answer
that will give your interviewer confidence that you’re being deliberate about
this job change. Instead of focusing on the negative aspects of your current or
previous role, focus on the future and what you hope to gain in your next
position.

Example: “I’m looking for an opportunity that gives me the ability to build
closer, long-term relationships with clients. In my current role, the sales cycle
is so short that I don’t spend as much time building a rapport with my
customers as I’d like. Relationship-building is one of the reasons I chose a
career in sales, and I look forward to working with a company where that’s a
top priority.”

For more on answering this question, visit Interview Question: “Why Are
You Looking for a Job?”
9. What are your greatest strengths?
Tip: This question gives you an opportunity to talk about both your technical
and soft skills. To answer, share qualities and personal attributes and then
relate them back to the role for which you’re interviewing.

Example: “I’m a natural problem-solver. I find it rewarding to dig deep and

uncover solutions to challenges—it’s like solving a puzzle. It’s something I’ve
always excelled at, and something I enjoy. Much of product development is
about finding innovative solutions to challenging issues, which is what drew
me to this career path in the first place.”

For more on answering this question, visit Interview Question: “What Are
Your Strengths and Weaknesses?”

10. What are your greatest weaknesses?

Tip: It can feel awkward to discuss your weaknesses in an environment where
you’re expected to focus on your accomplishments. However, when answered
correctly, sharing your weaknesses can show that you are self-aware and
want to continuously get better at your job—traits that are extremely attractive
to many employers. Remember to start with the weakness and then discuss
the measures you’ve taken to improve. This way, you’re finishing your answer
on a positive note.

Example: “Earlier in my career I noticed that because I was so enthusiastic

about my work, I had a tendency to say ‘yes’ when I should have been saying
‘no.’ At one point I ended up so overwhelmed by my workload, taking on so
many projects, that I was working evenings and weekends. It was stressful,
and that stress affected my production quality. I realized this was
counterproductive, so I started using workload management tools to set better
expectations for myself and my teammates.”

For more on answering this question, visit Interview Question: “What Are
Your Greatest Weaknesses?”

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11. What are your goals for the future?
Tip: Often hiring managers ask about your future goals to determine whether
or not you’re looking to stay with the company long-term. Additionally, this
question is used to gauge your ambition, expectations for your career and
your ability to plan ahead. The best way to handle this question is to
determine your current career trajectory and how this role plays into helping
you reach your ultimate goals.

Example: “I would like to continue developing my marketing expertise as well

as my leadership skills over the next several years. One of the reasons I’m
interested in working for a fast-growing startup company is that I’ll have the
ability to wear many hats and collaborate with many different departments. I
believe this experience will serve me well in achieving my ultimate goal of
someday leading a marketing department.”

For more on answering this question, visit Interview Question: “What Are
Your Future Goals?”

12. Where do you see yourself in five years?

Tip: Understanding how you imagine your life in the future can help
employers understand whether the trajectory of the role and company fits in
with your personal development goals. To answer, provide general ideas
about the skills you want to develop, the types of roles you would like to be in
and things you would like to have accomplished.

Example: “In five years, I’d like to be an industry expert in my field, able to
train and mentor students and entry-level designers alike. I would also like to
gain specialized experience in user experience to be a well-rounded
contributor working with design and marketing teams on large-scale projects
that make a difference both in the company and the global community.”

For more on answering this question, visit Interview Question: “Where Do

You See Yourself in Five Years?”
13. Can you tell me about a difficult work situation and how you overcame it?
Tip: This question is often used to assess how well you perform under
pressure as well as your problem-solving abilities. Keep in mind stories are
more memorable than facts and figures, so strive to “show” instead of “tell.”
This is also an excellent opportunity to show your human side and how you’re
willing to go the extra mile without being asked.

Example: “It was the first day of my boss’s two-week vacation and our
agency’s highest-paying client threatened to leave because he didn’t feel he
was getting the personalized service he was promised. I spent my lunch hour
on the phone with him, talking through his concerns. We even brainstormed
ideas for his next campaign. He was so grateful for the personal attention that
he signed another six-month contract before my boss even returned from her
trip.”

For more on answering this question, visit the following resources:


o
 Behavioral Interview Questions (and How to Answer
Them)
 How to Use the STAR Interview Response Technique

14. What is your salary range expectation?

Tip: Interviewers ask this question to make sure your expectations are in line
with the amount they’ve budgeted for the role. If you give a salary range
exceedingly lower or higher than the market value of the position, it gives the
impression that you don’t know your worth. Research the typical
compensation range for the role on Indeed Salaries, and tend toward the
higher side of your range. Be sure to let the hiring manager know if you’re
flexible with your rate.

Example: “My salary expectation is between $XX,XXX and $XX,XXX, which

is the average salary for a candidate with my level of experience in this city.
However, I am flexible.”

For more on answering this question, visit the following resources:

1.
1.
  How to Talk About Salary in a Job Interview
 Interview Question: “What Are Your Salary
Expectations?”

15. Why should we hire you?

Tip: While this question may seem like an intimidation tactic, interviewers
generally bring this up to offer you another opportunity to explain why you’re
the best candidate. Your answer should address the skills and experience you
offer and why you’re a good culture fit.

Example: “I have a passion for application development that’s grown stronger

over the course of my career. The company’s mission aligns with my personal
values and, from my limited time in the office, I can already tell this is the sort
of positive culture in which I would thrive. I want to work for a company that
has the potential to reshape the industry, and I believe you’re doing just that.”

For more on answering this question, visit Interview Question: “Why Should
We Hire You?”

16. Do you have any questions?

Tip: This might be one of the most important questions asked during the
interview process because it allows you to explore any subject that hasn’t
been addressed and shows the interviewer you’re excited about the role. By
this point, you’ll likely have already covered most of the basics about the
position and the company, so take time to ask the interviewer questions about
their own experiences with the company and gain tips on how you can
succeed if hired.

Example: “What do you love about working for this company?” “What would
success look like in this role?” “What are some of the challenges people
typically face in this position?”

For more on answering this question, visit Interview Question: “Do You
Have Any Questions?”
17. What did you like most about your last position?
Tip: Tie your answer to this question into the company’s needs and focus on
explaining your proven performance at your last job. Be specific and provide
an example.

Example: “What I liked most about my last position the ability contribute in a
collaborative way with other teams. Each team member was encouraged to
bring new ideas to the project which were respectfully considered by all. For
example, we once worked with a client who was relying on us to solve a
critical issue. Our team met to discuss the situation. After I recommended a
plan to resolve the issue, we took time considering the pros and the cons of
the solution, building on how to make the idea better and more
comprehensive. When we implemented it, it worked better and faster than
everyone expected. The client was very pleased.”

18. What did you like least about your last position?
Tip: Avoid saying anything negative about your former employer, managers or
colleagues. Make this answer about your career growth and your enthusiasm
for joining their organization.

Example: “While I enjoyed my time learning and growing in my last job, there
was a lack of opportunity in the way I wanted to progress in my career. I
deeply enjoy being challenged and getting better at what I do, which I
understand is a top priority for managers at your organization. That’s why I’m
excited to continue having conversations about this opportunity.”

Much like preparing for a test in school, the best way to succeed in your
interview is to study and practice. Do research on the company and the job,
and practice your talking points until you feel confident about your answers.
The more you prepare, the more likely you are to leave a lasting impression
and outperform fellow candidates.

19. How do you handle stress?

Tip: This isn’t a trick question to see if you get stressed at work or not. Rather,
how you handle a stressful moment is an indicator of your ability to solve
problems. Employers want to hire candidates who react to stress in a
constructive manner, so it’s important that your answer to this question
demonstrates personal growth.
Example: “I’m able to stay calm when I focus on the bigger picture and break
down my projects into smaller tasks. What is the ultimate goal I’m trying to
achieve? From there, I make a list of action items with reasonable deadlines.
Even if the big project is due tomorrow, I ask myself, ‘What’s something I can
tackle in the next 30 minutes?’ Before I know it, I’ve made significant progress
and that impossible project doesn’t seem so impossible.”

For more on answering this question, visit Interview Question: “How Do

You Handle Stress?”

20. What is your greatest accomplishment?

Tip: It’s easy to get hung up on figuring out your single most impressive
accomplishment. Instead, think of a few achievements that showcase your
work ethic and values. If you can, pick examples that also tie back to the job
you’re applying for. The STAR method is a great tool to ensure you highlight
not only your role but how you drove business results.

Example: “In my last role, I managed all social media content. I noticed other
brands were experimenting with videos and seeing great engagement from
their customers, so I asked my boss if we could do a low-budget test. She
agreed, so I produced a video cheaply in-house that drove double the
engagement we normally saw on our social channels. It also drove
conversions, with 30% of viewers visiting to our website within a week of
seeing the video.”

For more on answering this question, visit the following resources:

1.
1.
 Interview Question: “What is Your Greatest
Accomplishment?”
 How to Use the STAR Interview Response Technique

21. What is your teaching philosophy?

Tip: This isn’t a question solely for those applying to teaching positions.
Employers may ask this of anyone who might be leading or teaching others. A
good answer will concisely identify what you think teaching should achieve
and include concrete examples to illustrate your ideas.
Example: “When it comes to managing people, my teaching philosophy is to
start by asking questions that hopefully get the person to come to a new
conclusion on their own. This way, they feel ownership over the learning
rather than feeling micro-managed. For example, in my last role, I was editing
an article written by a copywriter I managed. The story didn’t have a clear
focus or hook. In a one-on-one meeting, I asked her what she thought was the
main point of the article if she had to sum it up in a sentence. From there, I
asked if she thought the focus was clear in the article. She didn’t think it was
clear and instead thought she should rework her introduction and conclusion.
As a result, the article improved and my direct report learned a valuable
writing lesson that she carried into her future work.”

For more on answering this question, visit Interview Question: “What is

Your Teaching Philosophy?”

22. What does customer service mean to you?

Tip: If you’re applying for a public-facing role, an employer may ask this
question to see how you think customers should be treated. A good answer
will align with the company’s values, which you can glean through researching
their customer service policy, understanding their products and clientele, and
reflecting on your own experiences as a customer. Your answer can either
come from the perspective of a customer or a customer service provider.

Example: “In my experience, good customer service involves taking

responsibility when something goes wrong and doing what you can to make it
right. For example, on a recent flight, I had pre-ordered my meal only to
discover they didn’t stock enough of my dish. Instead of simply stating the
facts, the flight attendant apologized sincerely and offered me a free drink or
premium snack. To me, this apology went a long way in smoothing things
over. The freebie was an added bonus that made me feel valued as a
customer and choose the same airline for my next flight.”