Common Job Interview Questions and How to Answer Them
While you can’t predict every question you might be asked at a job interview, there are several you can expect most of the time. Here are some of the most-asked interview questions, along with advice on how to answer them.
Questions to Expect at a Job Interview
1. Tell me about yourself.
Where to start, right? Instead of listing every hobby and personal detail, try telling a story about your background, how you got where you are today, and why it makes you the perfect candidate for the job.
Example: “From the time I was a kid, I loved taking things apart, putting them back together, and trying to figure out not just how they worked, but how to make them better. I discovered a passion for machining and welding in high school shop class, and my instructor encouraged me to pursue a technical education. I’ve earned my certifications and am excited to put my talents and enthusiasm to work.”
2. Why do you want this job?
The answer may be, “Because I need a job!” That’s okay — but it’s not the best way to answer this common interview question.
What about the job interests or excites you? Will it:
- Involve daily tasks that you truly enjoy?
- Allow you to advance your skills?
- Provide a work environment where you can thrive?
- Align with your values and goals?
You can use your answer to highlight your strengths. For example, “This position will allow me to use my recent project management certifications.”
This is also your chance to show the interviewer you’ve done your research about the company. Check the company website before your interview. Do the Mission and Values listed there resonate with you? Do you appreciate how the company gives back to the community or how their products and services improve people’s lives? Say so!
3. What is your ideal work environment?
The job description, company website, and social media should give you an idea of the work environment. Look for descriptive phrases like “fast-paced,” “collaborative,” “positive,” and “high-energy.” If they apply, use them in your answer. (If they don’t, be aware that the job might not be the best fit for you.)
Example: “I thrive in a supportive work environment where people work together toward a common goal. Collaboration energizes me and gives me opportunities to be helpful to others, which motivates me to give my all every day.”
4. What motivates you?
Keeping employees engaged is one of the toughest challenges most employers face. When they ask this question, they want to get to know you better and learn how you might perform as an employee long-term.
This is a personal question, but it’s professional, too. Think about what has made you happiest and most energized at a past job. What was it that lit that fire? What made you excited to go to work? Relate those experiences to the job you’re interviewing for.
Example: “Seeing customers smile and knowing I’ve made their day better means everything to me. It makes me excited to go to work every day and gives me the energy to keep delivering excellent customer service — even when I’m busy or the hours are long.”
5. What did you like most about your last job?
Include aspects of your past job that you not only enjoyed but also apply to the job you’re interviewing for.
Example: “I most enjoyed working with a close-knit, collaborative team that shared my dedication to going above and beyond for the customer. We were all pulling together, and there were many opportunities to learn from each other and combine knowledge.”
6. What did you like least about your last job?
Even if your past job was less-than-great, avoid saying anything negative about your former company, manager or co-workers. This question is a test of your professionalism. Interviewers want to know that you’ll bring positivity to a team — not negativity and gossip.
Example: “My last job was a valuable learning experience, especially the skills I gained in project management. I appreciate the time I’ve spent there. However, I do best when challenged, and there were few opportunities to progress or expand my abilities. That’s why I’m so excited to discuss this role with your company.”
7. Tell me about a difficult situation at work and how you handled it.
This isn’t the time to spill all the details or name names. Give a general idea of the problem (e.g., “a customer misunderstood the promotion and was upset when something wasn’t on sale”). What’s more important is how you fixed it. The interviewer wants to learn about your problem-solving skills and ability to stay calm under pressure.
Example: “I was having difficulty with unclear task requests, requiring me to spend work time attempting to track down necessary information. This stressed my schedule, resulting in rushed tasks to meet deadlines. I created an intake form template outlining what was needed for requests and brought it to my supervisor. The form was implemented into our workflow, and the issue greatly improved.”
Need personalized help with your job search?
With offices in Wichita, Kansas, and Tulsa, Oklahoma, Summit Employment Professionals offers friendly, honest, one-on-one help for job seekers at all career stages. Contact us today.
