job interviews

Answering The Most Common Job Interview Questions

I’ve been a recruiter for over 20 years.

In that time, I’ve sat in hundreds (probably thousands) of interviews, and the same questions come up again and again. Doesn’t matter what industry, role, or level you’re applying for—chances are you’ll face at least a few of these in your next interview.

So here’s a no-nonsense breakdown of the 10 most common job interview questions and the best way to answer each one.

(I’m also trying to grow my YouTube channel, so if you could take 10 minutes to watch this and leave a comment, I’d really appreciate it!!)

1. Tell Me About Yourself

This is the classic opener. Most people overthink it and start rambling. Don’t. This isn’t the time to pitch your entire CV—it’s just an icebreaker.

✅ What they want: A short summary of who you are, what you’ve done, and a bit of personality.
⏱ Keep it to 2 minutes max.
💡 Tip: End with something that invites a follow-up—like a standout project or career shift they might want to explore.

2. What’s Your Biggest Weakness?

Yep, it’s still being asked. No, you can’t just say “I’m a perfectionist.”

✅ What they want: Self-awareness and the ability to improve.
🙅‍♂️ Don’t pick a weakness that’s core to the job.
💡 Tip: Share a real weakness, then show what you’ve done (or are doing) to get better at it.

3. Why Do You Want to Work Here?

Saying “I just need a job” won’t cut it.

✅ What they want: Proof you’ve done your research.
💡 Tip: Find something specific—maybe a project they’re working on or something from the job description—and tie your answer to that.

4. Why Should We Hire You?

This is your moment to connect the dots between what they need and what you bring.

✅ What they want: “You’ve got X problem, I’ve got X solution.”
💡 Tip: Use an example with numbers if you can. It’s much stronger than just saying “I’m good at this.”

5. How Do You Perform Under Pressure?

Please don’t say “I thrive under pressure” without backing it up.

✅ What they want: A specific example.
💡 Tip: Think of a time with a tough deadline, a demanding client, or tight resources—and explain how you handled it and what the outcome was.

6. Tell Me About a Difficult Situation at Work

Another behavioural one.

✅ What they want: A challenge, how you approached it, and what happened next.
💡 Tip: Make it relevant to the job you’re applying for. If you’re going for a sales role, don’t give an example from your time stacking shelves at Tesco.

7. Where Do You See Yourself in Five Years?

This isn’t about you wanting their job.

✅ What they want: To see ambition without sounding like you’re using them as a stepping stone.
💡 Tip: Talk about areas you want to grow in or skills you want to master—keep it relevant to the role and industry.

8. What Are Your Salary Expectations?

Don’t tell them your current salary—it’s irrelevant.

✅ What they want: A sensible range based on market research.
💡 Tip: Either give a researched figure or ask for the salary band and tailor your expectations based on where your skills fall within that.

9. Why Are You Leaving Your Current Role?

Keep it professional.

❌ Don’t slag off your old employer (no matter how tempting).
✅ What they want: That you’re looking for growth, challenge, change—whatever makes sense for your situation.
💡 Tip: Make sure your reason aligns with the opportunity you’re applying for.

10. Do You Have Any Questions for Us?

This is your turn to find out if the job is actually right for you.

✅ What they want: To see you’re taking this seriously.
💡 Tip: Ask questions like:

  • What does success look like in this role after 12 months?
  • Can you tell me about the last person who got promoted in the team?
  • What’s one of the biggest challenges in the role?

These 10 questions aren’t just common—they’re pretty much guaranteed in some form or another. Don’t wing them. Take the time to prep your answers in advance with clear, relevant examples.

Remember, the interview isn’t just about impressing them—it’s about figuring out if the job is right for you too.

Start with these free tools that thousands of jobseekers use every week:

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