25 Most Common Job Interview Questions And How To Answer Them

How do you handle criticism?

The key here is to point out that criticism is the best way to improve. Mention that you never take it personally and give some examples from your past.

What do you think of the last company you worked for?

No matter how much you hated your last job it was a great platform that helped you improve your skills…period.

Do you have any questions for me?

You always want to have a few. It shows that you did your research and are interested.

Why do you think you will be successful at this job?

Highlight the similarities between the job requirements and your skill set. If there aren’t many, either apply elsewhere or improvise.

How do you see yourself 5 years from now?

Relate this one to the objective line of your resume and act like you have a vision, even if you can barely figure out tomorrow’s breakfast.

What do you look for in a manager or boss?

This is not the time to be specific. Broad answers like “fair” and “encouraging” will come in handy.

Will you put the interests of the organization ahead of your own?

It should go without saying, but unless you have a very “google-esque” and off-the-wall interviewer anything but a “yes” is sure to land you back in the job market.

What motivates you to do your best while working?

Good ideas: work environment, discipline, integrity. Bad idea: the salary

What is more important, the money or the work?

They both are. Sure, for the last question you deliberately avoided mentioning the salary but you don’t have to downplay the fact that you get a paycheck either. Besides, you don’t want to smooch too much.

How will you compensate for your lack of experience?

This is the question relevant to most young job seekers today. Just because you have less experience doesn’t mean you shouldn’t apply. During the interview highlight similar roles or jobs you have held even if they aren’t exactly related.

What irritates you about co-workers?

Every workplace has the possibility of drama. In your case the best thing to do would be to mention that you specifically make a point to get along with everybody. See the deflection? You’re well on your way to be a politician…

What would your rather do, follow or lead?

It’s a good idea to point out your leadership experience or capabilities but also mention that you don’t mind following if necessary.

Are you a team player?

Once again, anything but a yes will seal your fate. Make sure you give examples of teams you’ve worked on. Always give examples.

How long would you work for us?

You don’t have to give a specific timeline, just don’t make it sound as if you’re going to leave next week. You want to stick around for a while.

What do coworkers say about you?

Scan your brain for anything good that anybody has ever said about you and be truthful. If you can’t think of anything then you have bigger problems than just finding a job.

Why have you been unemployed for so long?

Whatever your reason, make it sound like you have been productive and actively attending classes or improving your knowledge. Employers just don’t want lazy bums.

Why should we hire you?

Whatever you do, just don’t compare yourself to other interviewers.

What are your strengths?

We’ve mentioned it before, but give examples. Specific examples are even better.

Why did you leave your last job?

You may have hated your boss, hated your coworkers, and hated everything else too but if you didn’t leave for positive reasons you might as well wrap up the interview now.

What are your weaknesses?

Ideally you want to mention weaknesses that are either strengths in disguise, or weaknesses that can easily be improved upon.

Tell me about yourself?

There are two approaches you can take here. Either you can go deep and come out with a sap story or you can stay superficial and talk about work related things. Common wisdom suggests the latter.

Tell me about your dream job?

Don’t be specific. Stick to broad generalizations like a great environment, etc.

Describe your management style?

Something along of the lines of “leading by example” might be good. And speaking of examples, use them.

What is your philosophy towards work?

It’s probably best to avoid adjectives here. Talking about basic values you have adopted in past workplaces or the energy that you can bring to the team would be better choices.

Do you consider yourself successful?

Yes. You should. Success doesn’t have to mean conquering the world. Describe your accomplishments and things you are proud of.