Top 20 common interview questions and answers

First and foremost, congratulations if you have an interview. That in itself is an achievement.

The next step is making sure you present yourself in the best possible light and stand out from the other candidates.

Whilst there is no way of predicting exactly what you will be asked, many interviews follow similar themes. Preparing your answers in advance won't make you sound rehearsed; it will simply help you communicate your experience with greater confidence.

20 common interview questions

Here are 20 common interview questions that regularly come up. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but it should help you refresh your memory about specific projects, achievements and situations before your interview.

1. Tell me about yourself.

This is probably the most common opening interview question. It helps break the ice and allows you to make a positive first impression.

Have something prepared that feels natural rather than rehearsed. This isn't an invitation to tell your life story and, unless you're asked, your interviewer probably isn't interested in your age, family circumstances or hobbies at this stage.

Instead, focus on your education, career journey and current role. Working through these chronologically, from your earliest relevant experience to where you are today, usually provides a clear structure.

For more advice, see our guide on answering 'Tell me about yourself'.

2. Why are you looking for another job? Or why did you leave your previous job?

On the surface, this appears to be a simple question, yet it's surprisingly easy to get wrong.

Try not to focus on money too early in the conversation, as this can unintentionally create the impression that salary is your only motivation.

If you're currently employed, explain that you're looking to develop your career, broaden your experience or take on new challenges.

If you've been made redundant, keep your explanation brief and positive.

If you were dismissed, be honest, explain what you learned and focus on how you've moved forward.

Whatever your circumstances, avoid dwelling on workplace conflict or criticising previous employers.

3. What do you know about this organisation?

Do your homework before the interview.

Research the organisation, understand what it does, where it's heading and whether it has been in the news recently.

You aren't expected to know every detail, but demonstrating a genuine understanding of the organisation and its values will help you stand out.

4. Why do you want this job?

This question naturally follows the previous one.

Use your research to explain what attracts you to the organisation. Perhaps it's an industry leader, known for innovation or offers opportunities that genuinely interest you.

The strongest answers explain not only why you want the job, but why you want it with this organisation.

5. Who are our main competitors?

This question demonstrates whether you've researched the industry as well as the organisation itself.

Think about two or three competitors and be prepared to explain how they compare. This is also an opportunity to highlight what you believe are the organisation's strengths.

6. What would your previous colleagues say about you?

Keep your answer positive and use specific examples where possible.

You might say something like:

"Previous colleagues have often described me as reliable and someone who stays calm under pressure."

Choose qualities that are relevant to the role you're applying for.

7. How do you handle stressful situations or working under pressure?

Everyone experiences pressure differently.

Give a genuine example of a challenging situation and explain how you managed it. You may also wish to mention practical techniques that help you stay organised, such as prioritising tasks, planning your workload or asking for support when appropriate.

8. Are you applying for other jobs?

If you're actively looking for work, it's perfectly acceptable to say yes.

Be honest without going into unnecessary detail. If asked which organisations you're speaking to, it's also reasonable to explain that you'd prefer to keep that information confidential.

9. What are you like working in a team?

Most organisations are looking for people who can work well with others.

Explain how you contribute to a team and support your answer with a practical example. If leadership is one of your strengths, this is a good opportunity to mention it.

10. What sort of person do you find difficult to work with?

This can feel like a difficult question.

Rather than criticising others, explain that you've worked successfully with many different personalities and that you focus on understanding different perspectives and maintaining professional relationships.

11. What is your greatest strength?

Choose strengths that are relevant to the role and support them with examples.

Whether it's leadership, problem-solving, attention to detail, communication or resilience, show the interviewer how you've demonstrated those strengths in practice.

12. What is your biggest weakness?

Nobody expects you to claim you have no weaknesses.

Choose a genuine area you've worked to improve and explain the steps you've taken to develop. Interviewers are often more interested in your self-awareness and willingness to learn than the weakness itself.

13. What has been your biggest professional disappointment or achievement?

If discussing a disappointment, choose something that taught you an important lesson and explain how you've grown from the experience.

If discussing an achievement, describe what you did, how you approached it and the results you achieved.

14. What kind of decisions do you find most difficult to make?

There isn't a right or wrong answer here.

Interviewers are usually interested in understanding how you approach decision-making and the factors you consider before reaching a conclusion.

15. Tell me about a suggestion you made that was successfully implemented.

Focus on an idea that moved beyond discussion and was actually put into practice.

Briefly explain the situation, your contribution and the impact your idea had.

16. Have you ever had to bend the rules to achieve a goal?

This question often explores your judgement and professional integrity.

If you answer yes, be very careful not to imply that you ignored important policies or acted unethically. If you discuss adapting a process, make it clear that you remained within organisational policies and professional standards.

17. Are you willing to travel or relocate if necessary?

Think about your answer before the interview.

Be honest. It's far better to explain your genuine circumstances than agree to something that wouldn't work for you later.

18. Why should we hire you?

This is your opportunity to summarise why you're a strong fit for the role.

Focus on your experience, achievements, strengths and the value you'll bring to the organisation rather than comparing yourself with other candidates.

19. What are your salary expectations?

Salary discussions can feel uncomfortable, so it's worth researching typical salaries for similar roles before your interview.

If appropriate, you can ask about the salary range for the position before giving your own expectations. Whatever figure you discuss, make sure it's informed by research and reflects your experience.

20. Do you have any questions for us?

Almost every interview finishes with this question.

Prepare two or three thoughtful questions in advance. Ask about the role, the team, opportunities for development or the next stages of the recruitment process.

This demonstrates your interest in both the organisation and the opportunity.

Finally, remember that your interview starts long before the first question is asked. From the moment you arrive until you leave, you're creating an impression.

Professionalism, enthusiasm, curiosity and courtesy all contribute to the way you're remembered.

Good luck with your interview.