How to answer common interview questions

Whether you're going to your first interview or have been in the job market for a while, interviews can still feel stressful, especially when you’re unsure how to prepare your answers. From explaining your strengths to handling tricky behavioural questions, knowing what to say (and how to say it) can make all the difference.

This guide will break down some of the most common interview questions and show you how to approach them with confidence and clarity. 

Why did you apply for this job?

Make sure you know the job description and the tasks you are expected to perform. Explain how they fit in with developing your skills and professional career. Highlight your experience, knowledge and skills, and why these would be an asset to the role and company. 

Why do you want to work for this company? 

This relates to the research you have made on the company. You should talk about the company reputation and clients, as well as listing the reasons to why you would be excited to work for them.  

Can you define the role, its duties and responsibilities? 

Again, make sure you have done your research on the company and the job description. The interviewer wants to make sure that you have knowledge about what would be expected of you in this role.  

What are your reasons for wanting to change jobs? 

Don’t speak negatively about your current employer, even if that is the reason for wanting to leave your current job. Instead, you should talk about looking for a new challenge in your career or wanting to learn a new skill or industry.  

What experience do you have that relates directly or indirectly to this role? 

Be specific about your skills and experience. Prepare two or three examples or experiences to talk about what would suit the role description.  

What are your key strengths?  

Make a list of three or four of your strengths before the interview and try to relate them to the job description. Examples of strengths: reliable, strong leaderships, decisive, punctual, hardworking, loyal, organised, great team player, etc.

Where do you want to be in 5 years? 

If you don’t have a clear path in mind, try to come up with something related to your career and link it to the company, for example training that you would like to undertake, or a role you know would be the next level within the company.  

What are your weaknesses? 

Don’t say that you have none, as this may come across as arrogant and unrealistic. Prepare one or two weaknesses that are harmless or something that you are working on, which shows that you recognise your weaker areas and that you would like to develop them more. 

What other companies have you applied for? 

The purpose of this question is to determine if you are trying to follow a specific career path and so it is fine to tell them that you have applied to similar positions with competitors (if you have). However, emphasise that they are the preferred employer and explain why. Don’t mention the companies that have rejected you.  

When would you be available to start?  

If you have booked a holiday or need some time, be upfront and give them all the information. Just make sure that you give the impression that you are keen to start working for them.  

Describe a situation in which you have led a team 

Employers who ask this are looking for candidates with potential who may be able to take on more responsibilities in the future, even if you are not expected to lead a team in the current role you are applying for. Prepare one or two examples of when you have had to delegate or mange others to reach a goal.  

What salary and benefits package are you on at the moment? 

Don’t lie, the interviewer can easily check what your current salary is. Even if you manage to get away with lying, you don’t want to start off on the wrong foot if you get the job.  

What salary and benefits are you looking for? 

If you possess all skills required for the role, then you should be earning the full salary. However, if you can’t offer the full skill set required for the job, you will be expected to earn a lower salary until you have developed those skills.