Every job candidate wishes they knew in advance what questions they'd be asked in the interview. We can effectively prepare ourselves by reviewing the top interview questions and the best way to address them. Here, we've put together the 10 most common questions and how to answer them so that you can impress potential employers and secure your dream position.
Tell me about yourself
Many people aren't prepared for this simple but personal question. Instead of giving a complete description of your personal and job history, give a compelling pitch to show why you are perfect for the position. Use an elevator pitch to highlight your: highest or most relevant qualification, years of experience, industry knowledge, and why are you interviewing for the role.
It’s important to mention how your current position aligns with the job description and to show relevant experience. Give three technical strengths related to the job specification which show why you’re qualified for the position. Steer clear of, ‘great leader, listener and communicator’
Possible Answer: "I have a Degree in Computer Science and over [X] years of experience in IT management, focusing on IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and cloud solutions. In my current role, I lead IT operations and recently managed a cloud migration project that improved performance and reduced costs.
I’ve strengthened cybersecurity frameworks to enhance compliance and threat detection while optimising IT service management to reduce downtime through automation. This role aligns with my expertise in cybersecurity, and I’m eager to apply my skills in cloud solutions to drive innovation and efficiency in your IT operations."
Why do you want this job?
Generic answers won't allow you to stand out. Research the company in advance of the interview so that you can be as specific as possible. Point to something that makes the company and the position appealing to you. The response should show you understand the company’s mission and values; it should highlight how your skills and experience align with the role. It also mentions growth opportunities and connections to career goals.
Possible Answer: With my experience in [mention skills], I’m confident I can contribute to [specific goal]. I thrive in [mention company culture or work style] and look forward to growing in [specific area] while making a meaningful impact."
What are your greatest strengths?
This is your chance to talk about something that makes you perfect for this job. Focus on quality, not quantity when answering this question. As with all examples, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) if applicable.
Possible Answer: “Our CEO wanted to reduce the amount of time spent in unnecessary meetings. I was tasked with creating and implementing a strategy to meet this goal. I created new processes to make the workflow more efficient. Including mandating meeting agendas, revising attendee numbers and planning monthly meetings for the team. This helped not only reduce time in meetings but made meetings more effective."
What is your biggest weakness?
The interviewer is trying to gauge your honesty and self-awareness, so talk about a real weakness, but not one that will be a deal-breaker. For instance, don't say something like "I sleep in, so I'm never on time for work!" Talk about something that you struggle with and are improving on.
Possible Answer: " I find public speaking challenging, and I used to avoid speaking up at meetings and would turn down assignments that required me to speak to a large group. Since then, I've joined a group that helped me overcome this fear. For the past year, I've looked forward to opportunities to speak to groups of people and share ideas that have been vital to my professional development."
Where do you see yourself in five years?
While it is important to show ambition, stay realistic. If becoming the CEO of the company isn't likely to happen in 5 years, don't tell the interviewer that's what you are hoping for. Also, don't make it sound like this job is a stepping stone to something else.
Possible Answer: "I would like to see myself working with this company in 5 years time. My ambition is to be an SME in the role that I'm interviewing for first, then with experience and if the opportunity allows and I would to progress naturally upwards through the organisation."
Why are you leaving your current job?
Always be sure to keep it positive—don't badmouth your current employer and focus on seeking growth, new challenges, or alignment with career goals. If you were laid off, keep it factual by saying something like "Due to restructuring, my role was affected".
Possible Answer: "I'm always improving my skills, and I'm looking for a position where that will continue. I'm looking for a position where I can grow, since I hope to take on even more responsibility within my new role. "
Can you tell me about a time you faced a challenge at work?
The interviewer assesses your problem-solving abilities, resilience, and adaptability. Again, use the STAR Method (Situation, task, action, result) in your answer.
Remember, the most important part of STAR is A - Action. Bookend what you did, to ensure that non-technical interviewers, for example, HR, can understand the steps they took to achieve the result.
Possible Answer: "I was working on an interactive training event, when halfway through development, the main stakeholder switched to a remote event. I built out an online version of the training, reached out across teams to get the A/V team to help create graphics and interactive elements, I researched and employed a previously untested online platform to host the event. Although I had to do a lot of updating and revising, I got it done by planning and organising, and the training was a success."
How do you handle pressure or tight deadlines?
Show the employer that you are ready for the demands of the role. Provide an example of a high-pressure situation you successfully managed, highlight your time management, prioritisation, and communication skills. And show how you stay calm and focused under stress.
Possible Answer: "I was assigned to a critical project with a 24-hour turnaround time, and I needed to coordinate across departments. I had to develop a detailed project plan. I organised an immediate meeting with my team, prioritised and assigned tasks, and monitored the workflow. We met the deadline successfully, and the client was delighted."
Tell me about a time you worked in a team
The interviewer is looking for your ability to work effectively with others and support your teammates. Pick an example that shows collaboration, communication, and teamwork while also highlighting your role and contributions. If relevant, mention how you helped resolve conflicts or improve team efficiency.
Possible Answer: "We needed to develop a client proposal which bridged several of our service pillars. I coordinated with stakeholders across five different business areas to bring together a project team with required knowledge and expertise. I project managed the team and helped negotiate which services we’d highlight as our main USPs. We completed the proposal on time and won the tender."
Do you have any questions for us?
Always ask at least one question to show engagement and enthusiasm for the role. Highlight research you did on the company or ask a team related question so the interviewer can picture you in the role. A strong or thought-provoking question can leave a lasting impression after the interview.
Some possible options are:
Can you describe the team I'd be working with?
What are the biggest challenges someone in this role would face?
How do you define success in this position?
Why do you like working for this company?
Based on the answers that I've given, what gaps do you feel I have versus the requirements?
Is there anything about my background or experience that gives you pause? (Great for addressing any concerns directly.)
Being prepared for the interview is crucial when you need to impress an employer. While your answers should never sound rehearsed, it is important to be familiar with the questions that you will likely be asked to show that you have what it takes to be successful in the position. To browse open positions, visit our live jobs.