Jen David 
Rock the interview to land the job
If you've found this article, it's probably because you have an interview scheduled and you're preparing for some of the most common interview questions. You're doing exactly the right thing! Walking into the interview prepared not only shows the interviewer that you've done your homework and are keen to impress – it also gives you the confidence you need to excel.
12 of the most common interview questions and answers
We've pulled together some of the most commonly asked interview questions for you and provided hints and tips to help you give an impressive answer.
1. Tell us about yourself
This is one of the most common job interview questions out there. It's used as an ice-breaker and gives you the opportunity to position yourself as a strong candidate.
How to answer: The interviewer isn't looking for a comprehensive run-down of your family, cats, or hobbies. Injecting a bit of personality is perfectly acceptable, but keep your answer firmly focused on your career. In particular, explain what has led you to this point, why your experience so far makes you a good fit for the role, and how it's the next logical step in your career journey.
2. What are your weaknesses?
It can seem like the interviewer is trying to trip you up with this question. Will you rule yourself out if you come across as anything other than perfect?
How to answer: Don't say you don't have any weaknesses – the interviewer will know you're not being honest and it also shows a lack of self-awareness. Instead, choose a weakness that isn't vital to your ability to thrive in the role and explain how you're working on improving.
3. What are your strengths?
This interview question is the partner of “what are your weaknesses” but it's far less awkward to answer.
How to answer: If you've read the job posting and understand exactly what's required, it should be easy to pick out three top skills that will enable you to succeed in this role. For each skill you identify, explain how you've used it previously. Use the STAR method to outline how you achieved positive results for a previous employer using these skills.
4. How do you handle stress?
This could be a red flag for a high-pressure workplace, so as you answer the question you may want to ask some questions yourself to find out a bit more about why they're asking.
How to answer: Choose an example from your recent experience and explain why the situation was stressful and the steps you took to manage it. Show that the stress didn't affect your ability to deliver the required results or negatively impact you personally.
5. When did you have to make a difficult decision?
This is a common interview question designed to assess how you react in challenging situations. It can be used to evaluate your judgment and analytical skills.
How to answer: As with the questions above, going to the interview prepared with a solid example is key here. Try to align your example with a situation you might face in the job you're interviewing for and explain how you weighed your options and gathered input before coming to a final decision.
6. Do you work well in a team?
As with all interview questions, this requires more than a simple Yes or No answer!
How to answer: Consider the requirements of the role before you respond here. You'll want to give an example of how you've previously contributed to a team, ideally coupled with a positive result. Depending on the role, though, you may also want to show that you don't always need a team around you and can work well using your own initiative.
7. How would colleagues describe you?
This question again tests your self-awareness and can be rather uncomfortable to answer. On the other hand, using other peoples' words can feel less boastful than blowing your own trumpet.
How to answer: Assuming that your colleagues would say nice things about you, pick a couple of traits that show skills relevant to the role, or that prove you're easy to work with. Consider why your colleagues ask you questions – are they tapping into your industry knowledge, using your expertise in company processes, or looking for a shoulder to cry on? Whatever your colleagues respect you for, you can be sure that it will come across well in an interview.
8. Tell us how you handle conflict at work
This is another one of those typical job interview questions that could be an innocent general enquiry or could be a red flag for a toxic workplace. Bounce a few questions back at your interviewer to determine which it is!
How to answer: This is another answer that requires the STAR method. Use an example from your career (or from your studies or extracurriculars if you're lucky enough not to have encountered conflict in your career so far). Explain the steps you took to resolve the issue and the outcome.
9. What professional achievement are you most proud of?
This is the perfect opportunity to show exactly how you can contribute to a business and why they'd be mad not to offer you the role.
How to answer: Ideally, you will have prepared an achievement-focused resume, so a lot of the hard work here will already be done. Choose an achievement that would be applicable in the role you're applying for and make the impact of your achievement abundantly clear. Don't forget to outline the steps you took to deliver that result and any challenges you overcame along the way.
10. Tell us about a mistake you've made at work
Much like the “what are your weaknesses” question above, this common interview question can feel like it was designed to trip you up. You can turn it into a positive, though.
How to answer: Choose a non-critical mistake (we've all made them!), but rather than dwelling on the negatives, discuss what you learned and what you'd do differently next time.
11. Why should we hire you?
This common interview question gives you the chance to really pitch yourself as the ideal candidate. Show confidence in your suitability for the role!
How to answer: Align your answer with the main requirements listed in the job posting and use brief examples from your career to back up your claims. Use your success in previous roles to prove that you'd bring those same skills to this company and show ambition in your future plans. If you have any relevant skills that weren't specifically requested but which will be an added bonus for the company, make sure you highlight them.
12. Do you have any questions for us?
Of course, the answer will never be no! Always enter an interview prepared with questions to ask at the end. This is your opportunity to fully understand what will be expected of you and whether you really do want the job.
How to answer: Your questions will depend on the role and the company, but general topics could revolve around the team, the culture, opportunities to progress, key deliverables – there are an unlimited number of questions you could ask here.
Stride confidently into a new career
Having prepared thoroughly with these common interview questions and answers, you're bound to be a strong contender for the role. Remember, they wouldn't have invited you in if you weren't already a good match. Good luck – we're cheering for you!
If you're not landing interviews in the first place, it could be your resume that's letting you down. Why not send it for a free resume review by the experts at TopResume? They'll let you know about any improvements needed so that you get into that dream role sooner.