Common Job Interview Questions and Answers

Choose your goal below:

Browse Latest JobsPost A Free Job AdvertProfessional CV WritingUpload Your CVJob Interview AnswersTop Short Courses

Common Job Interview Questions and Answers

Common Interview Questions and Answers

Are you ready to conquer the job interview and secure your dream job?
We understand that answering common interview questions, no matter how seemingly simple they may be, can be a nerve-wracking challenge. But fear not – our interview coaches are here to guide you through every step, ensuring you leave a lasting impression on potential employers.
It’s not enough to simply possess the right skills and qualifications. You must confidently showcase your abilities and articulate your accomplishments to stand out.
Here’s a list of commonly asked interview questions and how to answer them correctly as advised by Perminus Wainanina, CEO of Corporate Staffing Services, a leading recruitment, HR consultancy & training firm in Kenya.
As I sat across from the interviewer, ready to showcase my qualifications, the seemingly simple question: “Tell me about yourself” was posed. Despite my thorough preparation, I realized I hadn’t mastered expressing my professional story.
This question isn’t just a casual icebreaker; it serves as the opening chapter to your interview narrative. Employers ask it to understand the person behind the CV and how your journey aligns with the position’s requirements.
In this enlightening video, Perminus delves into the details of the “Tell me about yourself” common interview question, providing practical strategies to construct a compelling response.
Watch the video here:
James, a determined professional eager to overcome past interview challenges, found himself consistently stumbling over this interview question, “What are your strengths?” he sensed that his responses lacked the impact to leave a lasting impression.
James decided to take proactive steps to prepare for upcoming interviews. This time, he sought inspiration from Perminus Wainaina’s insightful YouTube video on navigating the “What are your strengths?” interview question.
In the video, he provided a fresh perspective, offering practical strategies to answer this crucial question. James learned to move beyond generic answers and instead focus on aligning his strengths with the job’s specific requirements.
Watch the video here:
What your interviewer is really trying to do with this question—beyond identifying any major red flags—is to gauge your self-awareness and honesty. So, “I can’t meet a deadline to save my life” is not an answer —but neither is “Nothing! I’m perfect!” Strike a balance by thinking of something you struggle with but you’re working to improve. For example, maybe you’ve never been strong at public speaking, but you’ve recently volunteered to run meetings to help you get more comfortable addressing a crowd.
Here are more responses on how you can answer this question correctly:
Nothing says “hire me” better than a track record of achieving amazing results in past jobs, so don’t be shy when answering this interview question! A great way to do so is by using the STAR method: situation, task, action, results.
So, how exactly should you answer this question? Watch this video as he explains.
This interview question seems forward (not to mention intimidating!), but if you’re asked, you’re in luck: There’s no better setup to sell yourself and your skills to the hiring manager. Your job here is to craft an answer that covers three things: that you can not only do the work but also deliver great results, that you’ll really fit in with the team and culture, and that you’d be a better hire than any of the other candidates.
Watch this video to learn how to answer the “Why should we hire you?” interview question.
In a recent discussion with Mary, an HR expert guiding professionals through our job interview coaching services, I sought advice on how to answer “What is your salary expectation?” interview question.
“During the interview, instead of merely throwing out a number, strategically present your salary expectations as part of a broader discussion about your skills, experience, and the unique value you bring to the table. This approach aimed to define fair compensation and reinforce your worth to the prospective employer.” Mary said.
So, do you want to get this question right? Watch this video to learn how to answer with examples:
John is an experienced software engineer who is interviewing for a position at a technology company. John has done his homework and understands the company’s reputation for innovation, collaborative work environment, and commitment to solving complex problems. He wants to showcase his genuine interest and reasons for wanting to work with this particular organization.
What responses should John focus on?
To learn strategies to ace the “Why do you want to work with us?” question, I recommend watching this YouTube video by Perminus.
Click on the link to access the video:
Emily, a marketing professional was interviewing for a position at a well-established advertising agency. Emily was excited about the opportunity and wanted to convey her availability while demonstrating her commitment to a smooth transition.
The question of availability in a job interview requires a delicate balance between expressing enthusiasm for the role and acknowledging any necessary notice periods or logistical considerations. If you want to learn about effectively responding to the question, “How soon are you available for this job?” I recommend watching the YouTube video below by the career expert:
The interview question “What new ideas are you bringing on board?” is designed to assess a candidate’s creativity, innovation, and problem-solving skills. When responding to this question, it’s important to showcase your ability to think critically, generate fresh ideas, and contribute positively to the organization. Here’s a brief guide on how to approach this question:
If asked this question, be honest and specific about your future goals, but consider this: A hiring manager wants to know if you’ve set realistic expectations for your career and if the position aligns with your goals and growth. Your best bet is to think realistically about where this position could take you and answer along those lines.
Here is a video on the best answer when asked this interview question.
During a job interview, a hiring manager may ask “Why are you looking for a new job?” Your answer can help them understand your past work experience and learn more about your intentions with the hiring organization. Understanding how to respond to this question appropriately can help you portray yourself as a suitable candidate for an open position.
In this video, we discuss why employers ask the interview question and provide example answers for you to review.
Employers love to ask, “What do you know about our company?” in the job interview. There are a few things they want to hear and a few things they do not. So, in this video, I will reveal how to answer this question while avoiding the potential traps and mistakes that can cost you the job.
Then we’ll look at sample answers for “what do you know about our company?” so you can practice and come up with your own answer.
Let’s get started here:
When interviewing for a job, you want to show employers that you are a quality candidate. One way to do this is by showing that you have been able to build positive relationships with your previous employers. Get ready for this topic by reflecting on how your past or current employer values you as a professional.
In this video, we help you answer the common interview question, “How would your boss describe you?”
When employers ask you, “What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced at work?” they want to know your struggles in previous jobs and how you overcame them. In your answer, they also want to assess your problem-solving skills, which can give them an idea of how you’d face similar challenges in the role you’re interviewing for.
To identify challenges you’ve faced in previous positions, consider any instances that presented a struggle you could solve or overcome.
Use these steps provided in the video to answer this interview question:
You probably already know that an interview isn’t just a chance for a hiring manager to grill you—it’s also an opportunity to sniff out whether a job is the right fit from your perspective. What do you want to know about the position? The company? The department? The team?
Watch this detailed video on how to answer this interview question and sample questions to ask.
In conclusion, navigating common interview questions can be challenging for many individuals, no matter how seemingly simple. However, it is important to remember that these challenges can be overcome with the right preparation and guidance.
Acknowledging the difficulties faced by interviewees, we understand the significance of providing support and assistance during this crucial phase of the job search. Our interview coaching service addresses these pain points by providing valuable insights into common interview questions and answers, helping candidates understand what employers are looking for and how to showcase their skills and experiences effectively. We offer personalized guidance tailored to each individual’s strengths and weaknesses, allowing them to build confidence and present themselves in the best possible way.

Get a job faster!

Join Over 15,000 Satisfied Job Seekers Who’ve Gotten Jobs. Upload Your CV. Get Job Alerts Daily. Don’t Miss Out On Your Next Job Opportunity. Register Your CV With US. It’s FREE. Click Here To Register Your CV.

Recent Articles