10 Most Common Interview Questions

A job interview starts long before you enter the room. When it comes to answering those make-or-break questions, preparation is key. And while every hiring manager will have different expectations and requirements, many interviewers will still use some variant of the most common tried-and-true questions.

Here are 10 of the most common questions hiring managers ask and a tip or two on how to attack them.

1. "Tell me a little about yourself."

The big whammy. The one that everyone asks and very few are good at answering. The interviewer isn't really interested in the fact that you like Stephen King novels and used to surf when you were ten - but they do want to know a few things about your personality, experience, and skills. Here is your chance to exercise that elevator pitch that everyone loves to talk about - a succinct but effective summary of who you are and what makes you unique professionally.

2. "Tell me about your greatest achievement at work."

The opener 'Tell me about…' should tip you off as to the kind of answer your interviewer wants here. They want a short story. And they don't want a waffle. They want specifics. Whether it's an award, a certification, or a big project that went exceptionally well, asking you what you're proud of will give the hiring manager a better sense of where your strengths lie and also what you consider a significant achievement.

3. "Why do you want to work for us?"

Here, you'll need to explain what excites you about the role and the company - it could be the chance to stretch your professional limbs, the inciting company culture, or the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution with the role. Highlight some of the research you've already done about the company while outlining the fit between your needs and theirs. Remember, it's not just about what you want; they'll want you to scratch their backs too.

4. "Tell me about a time when you've overcome a challenge."

This question should be approached in much the same way as the one about your greatest achievements was. Tell the interviewer a specific story. The key is to consider what kinds of strengths the company might be looking for in an ideal candidate that you will have used during any one of these moments. Go through your problem solving process step-by-step and highlight those strengths.

5. "Why are you the best person for this job?"

Very few people are fully comfortable talking about how great they are, but that's exactly what you need to do here. The interviewer wants to know how you and only you can meet their needs, over and above any other candidate. This is your opportunity to sell your strong points and leverage your personal brand.

6. "Why did you leave your previous role?"

A scary one for most job hunters, particularly if you and your last employer did not part on the best of terms. What is important is that you stay honest, but frame your answer in a positive way. Make it about you and the future, not your ex employer and the past. If your previous boss was a dictator, tell the interviewer that you're looking for more room to develop your skills autonomously. If your old workplace was stagnant, tell them that you're seeking new challenges. It's all in the wording.

7. "What are your weaknesses/strengths?"

While talking about your strengths might be easier than talking about your weaknesses, you should put just as much energy into outlining both. Your strengths are important for the employer to know for obvious reasons. And, while they know you're not going to reveal your worst traits in a job interview, talking about areas where you could improve shows that you're self-aware, able to deal with adversity, and willing to learn.

8. "How do you normally handle stress?"

They do not want to hear that you never get stressed. You might be the most zen person on the planet earth and you would still be lying to them, and they'll know it. Tell another story about a specific moment when your rose to the occasion, emphasising how you dealt with the stress rather than how much the stress affected you. If possible, avoid mentioning a stressful situation that might be common in the job for which you are applying.

9. "Describe your ideal working environment."

You might be tempted to describe exactly the culture of the company that you've applied for, but carefully considered honestly is the best policy here. The interviewer asks this question not only to see if you will adhere to their culture, but also to make sure that you would thrive in the current dynamic of the workplace. And if the culture isn't right for you, then you don't really want the job anyway, right?

10. "Do You Have Any Questions?"

If you don't have any question ready to ask then it insinuates that you're a little apathetic about the job, and that's a big red warning signal for most hiring managers. Moreover, you need to ask question for your own peace of mind. You need to assess whether this will be a mutually beneficial arrangement. This interview is as much in your hands as it is the interviewer.