11 Common interview questions and how to answer them

Job interview questions can be challenging, especially if you’re not sure what to expect.

Knowing and understanding the most common interview questions can put your mind at ease and increase your chances of landing your dream job. Below, we break down the 11 most commonly asked interview questions and provide sample answers for each one.

1. Tell me about yourself.

It’s a challenging yet common interview question. Here, you want to highlight your qualifications, work experience, and any skills related to the position you're interviewing for. Try to keep your answer short and focused, and give a few key points that best represent who you are professionally and what you’d like to achieve in your career.

Sample answer:

“I've worked in IT for nine years and have extensive knowledge of software development and project management. I began my career as a software engineer, working on web and mobile applications. I'm good at troubleshooting problems, optimizing code, and developing innovative solutions. Recently, I completed a business management course that has improved my skills in workflow analysis and project coordination. My long-term goal to is lead large-scale projects that are applied across an entire organization.”

2. Why do you want to work for this company?

This is why you should carefully read the job posting and research the organization before your interview. It’s important to understand why the position is a good fit for your skills – and be able to explain it. Your goal is to both show your excitement for the job and outline how you can add value to their team.

Sample answer:

“This opportunity perfectly aligns with my career goals. You’re a leader in the manufacturing sector, and I also identify with the values this company stands for, like trying new solutions to old problems and putting customers first. In my previous role, I saw firsthand how important innovation is. I know I can bring valuable skills and experience to this team and contribute meaningfully as the company tackles new challenges.”

3. What type of management style do you prefer?

This can be a tricky question. You should be honest about whether you enjoy collaborating as a team or working more independently, but don’t forget to be clear that you’re flexible and happy to adapt to what the job requires. Explain that you’ve had bosses with different management styles, and describe how well each approach works with your strengths.

Sample answer:

“Personally, I feel like I’m more successful when I have ownership over my day-to-day responsibilities. It gives me the opportunity to fully understand the decision-making process and explore new potential solutions. In addition, I also really value clear direction from a manager – as well as from my colleagues. When I’m working within a team, I try to focus on clear communication and expectations because I believe it’s critical for success.”

4. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Try rephrasing this question as: What are your strengths, and what are the skills you’re working to get better at? This is not a good time to be modest or overly critical of yourself, but be sure to explain how you’re developing your weaker skills, too.  

Sample answer:

“I am organized and detail-oriented when it comes to work. I’m that person who always meets their deadlines. That plays into my other strength, communication, which helps me build strong relationships with my colleagues and clients. In terms of weaknesses, I struggle when the goals or timeline of a project change suddenly. It’s hard for me to quickly shift gears. However, when it does happen, I always stop and make a new timeline for the tasks I need to do. I’ve found that hitting pause first – and then creating a new plan of action helps me stay on track.”

5. Tell me about your life outside of work.

This question is a chance to talk about your other interests, but make sure to keep them work-appropriate. Volunteer work, hobbies, leagues, and even sports fandom are all great topics to bring up.

Sample answer:

“Outside of work, I have a few hobbies that I am passionate about. I've been playing guitar since I was young. It’s a lot of fun learning new songs and writing original music. One of my favorite pastimes is going on hikes. Spending time outdoors helps clear my head and work on my fitness at the same time!”

6. Why do you want to leave your current job?

It’s very important to avoid any negative comments about your current employer. Instead of explaining why you hate your job, focus on the things you’re hoping to gain, whether it’s new challenges, an opportunity for growth, or a change in your personal life. If you can, acknowledge the valuable skills and experience you’ve gained in your current role – while expressing enthusiasm for new opportunities ahead.

Sample answer:

“My current job has given me the opportunity to develop a passion for this industry. However, to further develop my career, I think I need a new challenge. That’s why I’m looking for an opportunity that will help me branch into programming and learn about leadership from an experienced IT manager.”

7. Tell me about a time when you took the initiative and showed leadership skills.

This is an opportunity to provide a solid example of your initiative and management experience. This could include instances where you took on a complex project, identified opportunities that could benefit your organization, or led a team through a project. If you can, provide specific examples of how the company benefited from your work.

Sample answer:

“During my last job in marketing, I showed leadership skills when I took on several high-budget paid media projects. These had tight deadlines and other challenges that I was able to tackle head-on. My supervisors were impressed by my ability to effectively delegate tasks to my team and coordinate timely deliveries. We even cut delivery times by 15% compared to previous projects!”

8. Tell me about a time you were faced with adversity. How did you handle it?

For this question, focus on a time you encountered a challenge, the action you took to confront it, and the outcome of your efforts. Be honest but try to focus on incidents that happened in a professional setting.

Sample answer:

“While working as a project manager, I faced adversity when a key team member suddenly left the company. I acted quickly to find a replacement and reorganized our workload to ensure that the project was completed on time and to the client's satisfaction. This experience taught me the importance of adaptability, strong teamwork, and communication.”

9. Tell me about a time you disagreed with a coworker. How did you resolve it?

Your interviewer wants to get a sense of how you handle conflict at work. Choose an example that showcases your expertise, problem-solving, and commitment to landing at the best outcome. Talk about how you don’t shy away from disagreements and – how you professionally express your opinion.

Sample answer:

“During my last job, I disagreed with a coworker over the approach we needed to take for an important project. Since we had different backgrounds and areas of expertise, we each came up with different strategies. Rather than escalate the tension, I scheduled a meeting where we discussed the pros and cons of our proposed solutions. Together, we understood the strengths of each other’s suggestions and found a balance we both felt good about. In the end, I also learned a lot from her perspective as a floor supervisor.”

10. Where do you see yourself in five years?

It’s OK to have an incomplete answer for this question! Consider this a chance to showcase your eagerness to learn and grow in a position. Ultimately, employers are trying to get an impression of your mindset and aspirations. Let them know about your willingness to take on leadership roles or be an innovator within their organization.

Sample answer:

“In five years, I hope to be in a managerial role within this sector. My top priority is to find an organization that promotes innovation, collaboration, and provides professional development opportunities. A place where I can take on challenges, offer creative solutions, conduct team projects, and advance within the company structure.”

11. If you were an animal, which would you be?

Interviewers usually ask this to break up a line of tough interview questions or to get an idea of how you view yourself. While it may seem like a silly question, take the time to answer honestly and light-heartedly!

Sample answer:

“If I were an animal, I would be a cheetah. The cheetah has always been a favorite animal of mine because it is both graceful and powerful. Cheetahs are fascinating creatures, with good vision and remarkable speed, which helps them quickly spot opportunities and take action.”

Ace your next job interview with Adecco

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Get in touch with us today to learn how we can prep you for your interview and hook you up with a great job in your area!