Being well-prepared to answer the most frequently asked questions at job interviews plays a key role in your success.  When preparing your answers, focus on your career achievements and information that reflects how your experiences, skills and expertise benefit the employer. Leave out anything that is not relevant. You can help yourself by preparing cue cards.

If you do not understand the question, ask the interviewer to explain. Take a moment to think before answering. It is not a good idea to answer just YES or NO, but also do not go on for too long.

The most frequently asked questions that are asked at job interviews are:

  • Why do you want to work for us?
  • Why are you applying for this job position?/Why do you think makes you a suitable candidate for this job position?
  • What do you know about our company?
  • What made you choose your profession?
  • What are your advantages/disadvantages?/What is your greatest weakness?
  • What do you value and what do you not like at your current job?
  • Why are you changing your job?
  • What were your greatest career achievements?
  • Tell us about yourself/How would you describe yourself in a few sentences/words?
  • How would your co-workers/friends describe you?
  • Where do you see yourself in five years?/What are your career goals?
  • What can you bring to our company?

Some less frequent, but still important, questions that can be asked at job interviews:

  • How do you deal with stressful situations?/How to you deal with short project deadlines?
  • Can you give us an example/tell us more about the time when you... (this usually refers to information that you have listed in your résumé or cover letter)
  • What motivates you the most at work?
  • Describe a situation at work that you found difficult, but were still able to resolve. How did you do this?
  • Describe a situation when you failed at something/where you were unable to carry out a project as planned. What did you learn from this?
  • Are you familiar with what is going on in your field?/What sources do you use to keep up to date with your profession?
  • In your résumé you stated that you were unemployed for a few months? What was the reason for this? What did you do during this period?

By practising giving answers, you will be able to be self-confident at your job interview. It is a good idea to record yourself, practice in front of a mirror, or role play a job interview with the help of a friend.