How to Answer the 31 Most Common Interview Questions

What questions will a hiring manager ask in your follow-up interview?

We can’t promise mind-reading skills, but we can offer the next best thing: a list of 31 of the most frequently asked interview questions and expert tips on crafting strong, memorable answers.

You don’t need to memorize a scripted reply for every question (please don’t), but it’s smart to prepare. Knowing what interviewers often ask – and what they’re listening for – can help you show why you’re the ideal candidate.

Think of this as your interview prep guide.

1. Tell me about yourself.

This one seems easy, but it trips up a lot of people. Don’t walk through your full resume or personal background. Instead, focus on a concise, compelling professional summary of your identity. Highlight two or three accomplishments or roles most relevant to the position, and finish by tying that experience to why you're excited about this role.

2. How did you find out about this position?

It might seem like small talk, but it’s a great chance to show enthusiasm and make a connection. If a friend or colleague told you about the role, mention their name and share what drew you. If you found it online, explain what caught your attention – the company’s mission, the role description, or the growth opportunities.

3. What do you know about our company?

Interviewers don’t just want to hear that you skimmed the website. They want to know you genuinely care about what the company does. Start with a brief overview of the mission or values using language from their site, but go deeper – talk about what resonates with you and why. A quick story or specific reason helps you stand out.

4. Why do you want this job?

Hiring teams want people excited about the work, not just looking for a paycheck. Share what aspects of the job align with your strengths and interests (e.g., “I enjoy solving customer problems and providing real-time support”), then explain what attracts you to the company (e.g., “I’ve followed your work in education for a while and would love to contribute to your impact”).

5. Why should we hire you?

This might feel like a bold question, but it’s an excellent opportunity to show what makes you stand out. Your answer should touch on three key points: You have the skills to do the job well, you’re a great cultural fit for the team, and you bring something unique that sets you apart from other candidates. Think of it as your sales pitch – clear, confident, and tailored to this role.

6. What are your greatest professional strengths?

Stick to genuine strengths that are relevant to the job and clearly defined. Instead of vague terms like “people person,” go for specific qualities such as “conflict resolution” or “client relationship management.” Then, back it up with a real example of when you used that strength to make a positive impact.

7. What’s a professional weakness of yours?

This question is really about self-awareness and honesty. Avoid extremes – don’t downplay your faults entirely, but don’t confess to something disastrous. Choose an area you’ve struggled with and explain how you’ve been actively improving. For example, you might say that public speaking has been a challenge, but you’ve started leading meetings to build confidence.

8. What’s your proudest professional achievement?

To answer this well, use the S-T-A-R method: Set the Situation, describe the Task, explain your Action, and end with the Result. Choose a real example that highlights your skills and shows the impact of your work – for instance, streamlining a process that saved your team hours or improved accuracy.

9. Tell me about a conflict or challenge at work, and how you handled it.

Interviewers ask this to see how you deal with challenging situations. Using the S-T-A-R format again, describe the problem and your approach to resolving it professionally. Be sure to focus on your communication and problem-solving skills, and share the outcome – ideally, one that shows growth, collaboration, or compromise.

10. Where do you see yourself in five years?

Be honest but strategic. You want to show ambition and forward thinking, while also making it clear that this job fits your bigger picture. If you’re unsure of your long-term path, say so – but explain how this role will help you explore your options and build valuable experience.

11. What’s your dream job?

This question helps interviewers understand whether your career goals align with the position. Instead of giving a whimsical or unrelated answer, talk about the kind of work that excites you and how this role helps move you toward that vision.

12. What other companies are you interviewing with?

Employers ask this to understand how serious and focused you are in your job search. A thoughtful response is to say you’re exploring roles in the same industry or function, especially those that allow you to use your core strengths. This shows that your interest in the position is part of a clear, thoughtful plan.

13. Why are you leaving your current job?

Keep it positive and future-focused. Whether you’re seeking new challenges, growth, or a better fit for your skills, frame your answer around what excites you about the role you’re applying for. Keep it professional and straightforward if you were let go: “I was laid off, and I’m looking forward to new opportunities.”

14. Why were you fired?

If you must explain a firing, be upfront – but keep it constructive. Focus on what you learned from the experience and how it helped you grow. Emphasize how you’ve changed and why you’re now better prepared for success in your next role.

15. What are you looking for in your next job?

Tailor your response to match what this position offers. Talk about specific things you value – like a collaborative team, opportunities for growth, or meaningful work – and how this role checks those boxes.

16. What type of work environment do you thrive in?

Your best bet is to describe a workplace that mirrors the company’s culture. Be specific about the environment where you do your best work, whether collaborative and fast-paced or independent and structured, and show how that matches what the company offers.

17. How would you describe your management style?

Effective leaders are adaptable, and that’s what you want to highlight. Try something like, “I tailor my approach based on each team member’s strengths, but overall I lead like a coach – providing support, clear expectations, and feedback.” Then back it up with examples that show your leadership in action.

18. Can you share a time when you showed leadership?

Choose a story that aligns with the role's requirements – leading a project, guiding a team, or solving a challenge. Provide enough detail to make your story credible and show how your leadership led to a successful outcome.

19. Tell me about a time you disagreed with a decision at work.

This question is about how you handle differences professionally. Pick an example where you spoke up respectfully, offered a thoughtful alternative, and made a positive impact by improving the outcome or strengthening collaboration.

20. How would your colleagues or supervisor describe you?

Be honest, and highlight traits that haven’t already come up. It could be your reliability, adaptability, or team spirit. Use honest feedback you’ve received to support your answer and keep it authentic.

21. Why is there a gap in your employment history?

Be upfront, but focus on what you did during that time and how you’re ready to contribute now. Whether you were volunteering, learning new skills, or taking care of personal matters, shift the focus toward your readiness and enthusiasm for the role.

22. Why did you switch career paths?

Explain your transition clearly and confidently. Emphasize the skills you bring from your past experiences and how they apply to this new role. A well-explained pivot can make you a more interesting and valuable candidate.

23. How do you handle stress or pressure?

Give a response that shows you're calm, resourceful, and productive under pressure. Share your go-to stress-management techniques, like prioritizing tasks or taking mindful breaks, and follow up with a story of how you managed a stressful situation effectively.

24. What would your first 30, 60, or 90 days look like in this job?

Show that you’re eager to contribute. Start by explaining how you’d learn the ropes, talking to team members, reviewing internal processes, and then highlighting where you think you could make a quick, meaningful impact. This shows initiative and enthusiasm for hitting the ground running.

25. What are your salary expectations?

Before the interview, research salary ranges for the role and your location. Share a number or range based on your experience and market value, and express flexibility when asked. You want to show you value your skills and are open to negotiation.

26. What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

It is your chance to show some personality and how you fit culturally. Feel free to mention hobbies, side projects, or community involvement – just keep it professional. (Skip anything that sounds like it regularly affects your Monday productivity.)

27. If you were an animal, which one would you be?

This quirky question is a creativity and personality test. Choose an animal that reflects traits that align with the role, like an owl for wisdom, a dog for loyalty, or an ant for teamwork. Use it as a clever way to highlight your strengths.

28. How many tennis balls can fit inside a limousine?

Don’t panic – this isn’t about the exact number. The interviewer is looking to know how you approach problem-solving. Walk them through your thought process logically. Think out loud, estimate reasonably, and don’t be afraid to ask for scratch paper to calculate.

29. Are you planning to have children?

This type of question is legally off-limits, but it still comes up. If you're asked something personal or inappropriate, steer it back to the job. For example: “Right now, I’m focused on finding the right role where I can grow and contribute. Could you tell me more about the team structure?”

30. What do you think we could improve or do differently?

It is your opportunity to show that you’ve done your homework and can offer constructive feedback. Share thoughtful ideas or suggestions about a product, process, or user experience, and explain how your skills could help make those improvements a reality.

31. Do you have any questions for us?

Always say yes. Ask questions that help you evaluate the role and show genuine interest. For example: “What do you love most about working here?” or “What are the biggest challenges someone in this role might face?” Thoughtful questions show you’re serious and engaged.