Wouldn’t it be great if you knew exactly what questions a hiring manager would be asking you in your next job interview?
We can’t read minds, unfortunately, but we’ll give you the next best thing: a list of 50 of the most commonly asked interview questions, along with advice for answering them all.
While we don’t recommend having a canned response for every interview question (in fact, please don’t), we do recommend spending some time getting comfortable with what you might be asked, what hiring managers are really looking for in your responses, and what it takes to show that you’re the right person for the job.
Consider this list your interview question and answer study guide. (And don’t miss our bonus list at the end, with links out to resources on specific types of interview questions—about emotional intelligence or diversity and inclusion, for example—and interview questions by role, from accountant to project manager to teacher.)
Top 10 Job Interview Questions & Answers (for 1st & 2nd Interviews)
“Tell Me About Yourself…”
This classic opening question should probably be put out to pasture, but it’s still one of THE most common interview questions you’ll face. With that being said, it still seems to trip up a ton of job seekers every year.
You can check out our article on tell me about yourself for more in-depth info, but here’s a quick example answer to get you started.
EXAMPLE ANSWER:
JEFF’S TIP At the end of your answer
This is another incredibly common question, and it gives you a great opportunity to stand out from the crowd and really show the hiring manager how you can help the company.
The key thing to remember here is: be specific.
Leverage your company research and the job description to find exactly why the company is hiring someone for this position. What problem/pain point does the new hire have to solve? You need to show that you are the perfect candidate that can solve those problems/pain points.
We have written an in-depth blog post on why should we hire you, filled with example answers. However, here’s a quick overview of what a strong response entails.
EXAMPLE ANSWER:
What Are Your Weaknesses?
“What are your weaknesses” is one of the most popular questions interviewers ask. It is also the most dreaded question of all. Handle it by minimizing your weakness and emphasizing your strengths. Stay away from personal qualities and concentrate on professional traits: “I am always working on improving my communication skills to be a more effective presenter. I recently joined Toastmasters, which I find very helpful.”
50+ most common job interview questions
This question seems simple, so many people fail to prepare for it, but it’s crucial. Heres the deal: Don’t give your complete employment (or personal) history. Instead, give a pitch—one that’s concise and compelling and that shows exactly why you’re the right fit for the job. Muse writer and MIT career counselor Lily Zhang recommends using a present, past, future formula. Talk a little bit about your current role (including the scope and perhaps one big accomplishment), then give some background as to how you got there and experience you have that’s relevant. Finally, segue into why you want—and would be perfect for—this role.
FAQ
What are the 10 most common interview questions and answers pdf?
- Tell Me About Yourself. …
- Why Are You the Best Person for the Job? …
- Why Do You Want This Job? …
- How Has Your Experience Prepared You for This Role? …
- Why Are You Leaving (or Have Left) Your Job? …
- What Is Your Greatest Strength? …
- What Is Your Greatest Weakness?
What are the top 20 interview questions and answers?
- What Are Your Weaknesses? …
- Why Should We Hire You? …
- Why Do You Want to Work Here? …
- What Are Your Goals? …
- Why Did You Leave (or Why Are You Leaving) Your Job? …
- When Were You Most Satisfied in Your Job? …
- What Can You Do for Us That Other Candidates Can’t?
How do I prepare for a 2022 interview?
- Interview preparation.
- Know the company.
- Speaking skills (clear, cohesive, calm)
- Think first, speak second.
- Listening.
- Show interest, not desperation.
- Show gratitude.
