Preparing for an interview can be challenging, but knowing how to answer common questions can give you a significant advantage. Below, we’ve compiled a list of the top interview questions and answers, this is the expert advice on how to answer them, and examples to help you craft your responses.
Top 16 Interview Questions and How to Answer Them
1. Tell me about yourself.
How to Answer:
This is often the first question in an interview. Start with a brief overview of your current role, then highlight key experiences and skills that make you a strong fit for the position. Keep it professional but feel free to add a personal touch to make yourself memorable.
Example:
“I’m currently an executive assistant supporting three C-suite leaders, including the CEO. Over the past 12 years, I’ve honed my ability to manage complex schedules, anticipate challenges, and communicate effectively. Outside of work, I enjoy hiking and volunteering at local animal shelters, which helps me stay balanced and focused.”
Related: How to Write a Standout Cover Letter in 2025
2. How would you describe yourself?
How to Answer:
Focus on qualities that align with the job requirements. Use specific examples to demonstrate how your traits have contributed to your success in previous roles.
Example:
“I’m a detail-oriented and proactive professional. In my current role as a security officer, I’ve implemented new protocols that reduced incident response time by 20%. I’m also a lifelong learner, always seeking to improve my skills through training and certifications.”
3. What makes you unique?
How to Answer:
Highlight skills or experiences that set you apart from other candidates. Focus on how your unique qualities can benefit the employer.
Example:
“What makes me unique is my combination of retail experience and marketing expertise. Having worked directly with customers, I understand their needs and can create campaigns that resonate with them. This dual perspective has helped me drive a 15% increase in sales in my previous role.”
4. Why do you want to work here?
How to Answer:
Show that you’ve researched the company and align with its values and goals. Explain how the role fits into your career aspirations.
Example:
“I admire your company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. As someone passionate about environmental impact, I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to projects that make a difference. This role aligns perfectly with my goal of working for a forward-thinking organization.”
5. What interests you about this role?
How to Answer:
Connect your skills and interests to the job description. Highlight specific aspects of the role that excite you.
Example:
“I’m particularly drawn to this role because it involves working with cross-functional teams to solve complex problems. In my previous position, I led a team to streamline a process that saved the company 10 hours per week. I’m excited to bring that same collaborative approach to this role.”
Related: Crafting a Winning CV for Job Applications
6. What motivates you?
How to Answer:
Be specific and tie your motivation to the job. Share examples of how your drive has led to success in the past.
Example:
“I’m motivated by the opportunity to make a tangible impact. In my nursing career, seeing patients recover and thrive because of my care has been incredibly rewarding. That’s why I’m pursuing a role in pediatrics, where I can continue to make a difference.”
7. What are you passionate about?
How to Answer:
Choose something genuinely important to you and explain how it relates to your work. Show how your passion drives your performance.
Example:
“I’m passionate about creating inclusive environments. In my previous role, I led a diversity initiative that increased team satisfaction by 25%. I believe that fostering a welcoming workplace is key to both employee happiness and business success.”
8. Why are you leaving your current job?
How to Answer:
Keep your response positive and forward-focused. Avoid criticizing your current employer and instead emphasize your desire for growth.
Example:
“I’m looking for a role that offers more opportunities for professional development. While I’ve learned a lot in my current position, I’m excited to take on new challenges and grow my skills in a dynamic environment like yours.”
9. What are your greatest strengths?
How to Answer:
Choose strengths that are relevant to the job and provide examples of how you’ve used them to achieve results.
Example:
“One of my greatest strengths is my ability to solve problems under pressure. In my last role, I resolved a critical system outage within an hour, minimizing downtime and saving the company thousands of dollars.”
10. What are your greatest weaknesses?
How to Answer:
Be honest but strategic. Choose a weakness that you’ve actively worked to improve and explain the steps you’ve taken.
Example:
“I used to struggle with delegating tasks because I wanted to ensure everything was done perfectly. However, I’ve learned to trust my team and focus on bigger-picture goals, which has improved our overall efficiency.”
11. What are your goals for the future?
How to Answer:
Share your career aspirations and explain how this role fits into your long-term plans.
Example:
“In the next few years, I aim to grow into a leadership role where I can mentor others and drive strategic initiatives. This position excites me because it offers the opportunity to develop those skills while contributing to impactful projects.”
12. Where do you see yourself in five years?
How to Answer:
Outline your professional goals and how you plan to achieve them. Show that you’re ambitious but realistic.
Example:
“In five years, I see myself as a senior UX designer, leading projects that push the boundaries of user experience. I’m particularly interested in developing innovative solutions that improve accessibility for all users.”
13. Can you tell me about a difficult work situation and how you overcame it?
How to Answer:
Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your response. Focus on your problem-solving skills and positive outcomes.
Example:
“In my previous role, we faced a major client deadline with limited resources. I organized a cross-functional team, delegated tasks effectively, and we delivered the project on time. The client was so impressed that they signed a long-term contract.”
14. What is your salary range expectation?
How to Answer:
Research the market rate for the role and provide a range that reflects your experience and skills. Be open to negotiation.
Example:
“Based on my research and experience, my salary expectation is between $70,000 and $80,000. However, I’m open to discussing compensation based on the full benefits package.”
15. Why should we hire you?
How to Answer:
Summarize your key qualifications and explain how you can add value to the company. Be confident but concise.
Example:
“You should hire me because I bring a unique combination of technical expertise and leadership experience. In my last role, I led a team that increased productivity by 20%, and I’m confident I can deliver similar results here.”
16. Do you have any questions?
How to Answer:
Ask thoughtful questions that show your interest in the role and the company. Avoid questions about salary or benefits at this stage.
Example:
“What does success look like in this role?”
“Can you tell me about the team I’d be working with?”
“What are the company’s goals for the next year?”
Final Thoughts
Preparing for these top interview questions can help you feel more confident and make a strong impression. Remember to tailor your answers to the specific role and company, and practice your responses to ensure you’re ready for anything that comes your way. Good luck!