10 Interview Questions You'll Definitely Be Asked

Why These Questions Keep Coming Up

Interviewers ask the same questions for a reason: they work. These questions reveal how you think, how you've handled challenges, and whether you'll fit the team. Let's break down the 10 most common questions and how to nail each one.

1. "Tell Me About Yourself"

This isn't an invitation to recite your resume. It's your chance to tell a compelling 2-minute story.

The Formula:

Present: What you're doing now and why it's relevant
Past: Key experiences that led you here
Future: Why this role is the natural next step

Example: "I'm currently a product manager at a B2B SaaS company where I've led the launch of three major features that increased user engagement by 40%. Before that, I spent five years in user research, which gave me a strong foundation in understanding customer needs. I'm excited about this role because it combines my product experience with my research background to lead a customer-focused team."

2. "What's Your Greatest Weakness?"

The key is genuine self-awareness, not a humble brag.

Bad Answer: "I'm a perfectionist" (too cliché)

Good Framework:

Acknowledge a real weakness
Explain what you've done to address it
Show progress

Example: "I used to struggle with delegation—I'd take on too much myself rather than trust others. I've worked on this by creating clearer project handoffs and regular check-ins. My last manager actually noted improvement in my performance review."

3. "Why Do You Want to Work Here?"

This tests whether you've done your homework.

Research These Before the Interview:

Recent company news and announcements
Company values and mission
Products or services you find interesting
The team you'd be joining

Structure Your Answer:

What specifically attracts you to the company
How your skills align with their needs
What you hope to contribute and learn

4. "Tell Me About a Time You Failed"

They want to see how you handle setbacks and what you learn from them.

Use the STAR Method:

Situation: Set the context
Task: What you were responsible for
Action: What you did (and what went wrong)
Result: What you learned and how you applied it

Important: Choose a real failure, but not one that raises red flags about core job requirements.

5. "Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?"

They're checking for ambition and whether you'll stay long enough to justify the hiring investment.

Good Answer Elements:

Shows you've thought about your career
Aligns with growth opportunities at the company
Demonstrates ambition without threatening your potential manager

Example: "In five years, I'd like to be leading a team and making strategic decisions that impact the business. I'm drawn to this role because the company invests in developing leaders, and I see a clear path from this position to increased responsibility."

6. "Why Are You Leaving Your Current Job?"

Stay positive—even if you're leaving because of a terrible manager.

Rules:

Never badmouth your current employer
Focus on what you're moving toward, not running from
Keep it brief

Example: "I've learned a lot in my current role, but I'm ready for new challenges. This position offers the opportunity to work on larger-scale projects and develop skills in [specific area]."

7. "Describe a Conflict With a Coworker"

They want to see emotional intelligence and conflict resolution skills.

Structure Your Answer:

Briefly describe the situation
Focus on your actions, not the other person's faults
Explain the resolution and what you learned
Show you can disagree professionally

8. "What's Your Expected Salary?"

This is a negotiation—don't give a specific number first if you can avoid it.

Deflection Strategies:

"I'd like to learn more about the role before discussing compensation. What range do you have budgeted for this position?"
"I'm flexible based on the total compensation package. Can you share more about benefits and growth opportunities?"

If Pressed:

Give a range based on market research
Emphasize you're looking at the complete package

9. "Do You Have Any Questions for Us?"

Always have questions prepared. This shows genuine interest and helps you evaluate the opportunity.

Strong Questions:

"What does success look like in this role in the first 90 days?"
"How would you describe the team culture?"
"What are the biggest challenges facing the team right now?"
"What's the growth path for someone in this role?"

Avoid:

Questions you could easily Google
Salary/benefits questions (save for later stages)
Questions that suggest you've already got the job

10. "Why Should We Hire You?"

This is your closing pitch. Summarize why you're the best candidate.

Framework:

Restate the key requirements of the role
Connect your specific experience to each requirement
Add something unique you bring

Example: "Based on our conversation, you need someone who can manage complex projects, work cross-functionally, and ramp up quickly. In my current role, I've managed a $2M project portfolio and regularly collaborate with engineering, design, and marketing. Plus, my background in your industry means I already understand the regulatory landscape—I could contribute meaningfully from day one."

Final Preparation Tips

Practice out loud but don't memorize scripts
Prepare 5-7 stories that demonstrate different skills
Research the company and your interviewers on LinkedIn
Have specific examples with quantified results
Send a thank-you email within 24 hours