10 Common Interview Questions and How to Answer Them
'Tell me about yourself' is an opener, not an invitation to recite your CV. Give two or three sentences covering what you do now, what you have achieved and why this role is the logical next step.
'Why do you want this job?' needs evidence you have read the ad and looked at the company. Name one specific thing about the role or organisation that attracts you.
'What is your biggest weakness?' Choose a real but manageable weakness and describe what you are doing about it. Avoid disguised strengths such as 'I work too hard'.
Competency questions ('Tell me about a time when...') are best answered with the STAR structure: situation, task, action, result. Keep the action section the longest and say 'I', not 'we'.
'Where do you see yourself in five years?' Employers want ambition that fits the role. Talk about skills you want to build rather than job titles.
'Why are you leaving?' Stay neutral and forward-looking. Never criticise a current or former employer.
Finish by asking two prepared questions of your own, for example about how success is measured or what the team's priorities are this year.