eGigCommon interview questions and how to answer them
The 20 questions almost every employer asks, with a simple way to answer each one, sample answers for freshers and experienced candidates, and mistakes to avoid.
Before any interview
- Read the job post again and note the three things it asks for most.
- Prepare three short stories from your work or studies using Situation, Task, Action, Result. They answer most questions.
- Research the company for fifteen minutes: what it does, its customers and recent news.
- Know your salary range for the job and city before they ask.
The questions
Tell me about yourselfA two-minute pitch: present, past, future.Why should we hire you?Match your strengths to their needs, with proof.What are your strengths?Two or three strengths the job needs, each with an example.What are your weaknesses?A real weakness, and what you are doing about it.Why do you want to work here?Show you know the company and why it fits you.Where do you see yourself in five years?Ambition that fits the role and the company.Why are you leaving your current job?Look forward to what you want, not back at what went wrong.What are your salary expectations?A researched range, with room to discuss.Tell me about a time you failedA real failure, what you learned and what changed.Describe a challenge you overcame at workA STAR story with a clear result.How do you handle stress and pressure?Your method, with a real example.What is your greatest achievement?One result you are proud of, explained with STAR.What motivates you?What drives you, and how it fits the job.How do you work in a team?Your role in a team, shown through an example.Tell me about a conflict with a coworkerA calm, professional resolution.What do you know about our company?Show your research in three or four facts.Do you have any questions for us?Always ask two or three good questions.Why is there a gap in your resume?Honest, brief and focused on now.What makes you unique?The mix of skills and experience only you bring.Describe yourself in three wordsThree relevant words, each with a quick example.
Interview questions for your job
Any job
Office
Sales and service
Finance
IT and software
Engineering
Healthcare and teaching
Marketing and design
Freelance
Also useful: salary guide, resume examples, cover letters and company reviews.