Interview Question Vault:

50+ of the most common interview questions (and answers!)

Interviews can be stressful, overwhelming, and intimidating. Help yourself prepare for an interview by researching the most common interview questions, and learn the answers to them! We have compiled a list of more than 50 top interview questions and answers, and have created guides on answering each one.

During an interview, it is normal to feel that the hiring manager or recruiter has all the power. However, an interview should be more of a conversation than an inquisition! Remember, you are interviewing the company and the position just as much as they are interviewing you.

Interview questions typically fall into a few different categories. Below, we have sorted them based on introductory questions, behavioral questions, and career or competency-based questions. However, there are some interview questions that you should never have to legally answer. Be sure to become familiar with all of them to fully prepare for your next interview!

Introduction Interview Questions: 

1. Tell me about yourself.
2. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
3. What do you know about our company?
4. Tell me about the last book you read. 
5. What made you choose this career path?
6. Are you willing to relocate?
7. Can you describe yourself in 3 words?
8. What are your pet peeves?
9. What is your favorite website?
10. If you could sit down and have dinner with anyone, who would it be?
11. What is your personal mission?
12. What is your dream job?
13. How would your friends and family describe you?
14. What are your hobbies?
15. Where would you like to be in 5 years?
16. What are some facts about you that I wouldn’t learn from your resume?

Behavioral Interview Questions:

1. Tell me about a time you made a mistake.
2. How would you describe your work style?
3. Do you prefer to work in a team or independently?
4. Tell me about your last job.
5. How did you get along with your last boss? 
6. What makes you a good team player?
7. What do you know about this job?
8. How do you solve conflict?
9. What questions do you have for me?
10. Tell me about a time you handled a stressful situation.
11. How do you handle working with people who annoy you?
12. Are you competitive?
13. How do you boost your confidence?
14. How do you make a difficult decision?
15. What characteristics do you desire in a boss?
16. How do you handle criticism?
17. What do you hope to gain from this experience?
18. If you could live your life over again, what would you change?
19. What is your ideal workday?
20. What gets you out of bed in the morning?
21. How do you persuade people to see your point of view?
22. What other positions/companies are you considering?
23. What motivates you?
24. Tell me about the biggest risk you have taken.
25. How do you get along with other people?
26. Why do you want this job?

Career/Competency Based Interview Questions:

1. Why did you apply for this job?
2. Is there a colleague that has impacted your life?
3. Why do you think you are a good fit for this job?
4. How do you want to improve yourself in the next year?
5. Why did you choose your education major?
6. What salary expectations do you have?
7. Why are you more qualified than other candidates?
8. What do you hope to gain from this experience?
9. How do you motivate others?
10. Tell me about your education.
11. Why are you applying for a job outside of your current industry?
12. What attracted you to our company?
13. What are some positive characteristics that you don’t have?
14. Why should we hire you?

Good luck with your interview! With this guide on common interview questions and answers, you are on your way to nailing your interview. For more tips, check out the rest of our blog, filled with career advice, and more.

Do you have interview questions that you need an answer to? Let us know! We’ll help you craft the perfect response.