10 Common Interview Questions
Practice makes perfect when it comes to interviews. Let's dive right into the top 10 most common interview questions.
1) Tell me about yourself
This question is the absolute most important question that many candidates come unprepared for.
➡️ That’s why we published an entire article on this topic: How to Answer: Tell me about yourself.
2) What do you know about our company?
This is where InterviewPrep comes in! Study your cheat sheet, and use this script to your advantage:
I know that [Company] is currently competing against [Competitor 1] and [Competitor 2] for the best [Product or Service] in the industry. I’ve tested your service, and found it very [USP 1] and [USP 2]. I can see why [Number of Reviews] people have rated your product [Number] of stars.
Bonus:
I read that [Company] has recently [Press topic]. I find that very exciting.
If you haven’t done so already, sign up as a beta user to create your first cheat sheet.
3) Tell me about what you did at [Company].
This is where the STAR method comes into play to ensure you don’t miss anything important. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result.
➡️ Refer to the “What is a STAR model interview?” article on how to use the STAR method in your next interview.
4) What do you do best?
If you haven’t done this exercise already, open a word document and write down every single thing that makes you great. Now, you should see a few common themes here - categorize these skills and rank them.
Before going into any interview, re-read the job description and refer to your doc. Pick and choose these skills based on what’s in the job description to be as relevant as possible.
5) What are your weaknesses?
When asked this question, reword it to - “What do you need to work on? or “What do you find yourself being the least productive in doing”
I have always hated this question as a recruiter, because it’s designed to make you feel uncomfortable. This often leads to a odd response, or one that doesn’t add much value.
Rephrasing this question as a way to improve allows for a more honest and constructive answer.
Before answering this question, be acutely aware of what the most important skills are for this particular role. Be careful structuring your sentence, and always mention how you’re improving or managing this particular issue.
6) Why did you leave [Company]?
DO NOT overshare here. There are many reasons why you left, but don’t share more than what you need to. It will do more harm than good.
Unlike the first question, a rehearsed script here is a good thing. Stick to just 2-3 reasons. Bonus points if it happens to be where this new company is strong.
For example if you’re applying for an AI-oriented role, you can say something like this:
“My previous company wasn’t innovating at the pace we needed to be to stay competitive. There were quite a bit redundant procedures in place to slow delivery times, and the organization as a whole was reluctant to fully utilize AI.
I want to work in a fast paced environment that is willing to leverage AI since it’s the future, and that’s why [New Company] caught my attention.”
7) When can you start?
Try to be as flexible as possible.
If you’re currently working in a role, refer to your initial contract for the minimum notice period.
“I currently have a 2 week notice period in my current role. That should give me enough time to ensure a smooth handoff.”
If you’re not currently working, don’t look too desperate. Never just say, I can start ASAP.
“1-2 weeks works best for me at the moment.”
“I can be quite flexible. What timeline works best for you?”
8) What salary range are you looking for?
Most people struggle with this question, but the recipe is quite simple. Refer to the data which is openly available.
“I know that the average salary range for this role at a [Industry] company of your size is around [Salary Range]. As a [Seniority] [Position] with [Years] of experience, I would fall within the [Salary Range].
Is that something that is inline with [Company]’s expectations?”
Important Note:
Most people make the mistake of researching just by the job title. This will not give you an accurate range, especially for senior or skilled roles. If you’re using ChatGPT, try this prompt:
“What is the salary range for a [Role] in [Country]. They are requiring [Years] of experience in the [Industry] for a company with over [Number] of employees. They also make [Revenue] per year.”
9) When you’re feeling stuck, where do you go for inspiration?
There are many variations of this particular question, especially within skilled roles. This is your chance to prove your expertise, and to really impress your interviewer.
List videos, books, podcasts, media outlets, thought leaders, and influencers that you follow. Be specific, because this is your chance to teach your interviewer something. Adding value is how you stand out.
10) Do you have any questions for us?
The worst answer you can give to this question is no.
This is an opportunity for you to clarify how you did, get feedback, and to verify if this company aligns with your values.
➡️ We coincidentally also have an article covering this topic as well: “Best questions to ask the interviewer”.
