Top 10 Most Used Interview Questions — and How to Answer Them

Preparing for an interview can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re unsure what questions to expect. The good news? Most employers rely on a core set of interview questions designed to understand your experience, motivation, and fit for the role.

Below, we break down the top 10 most commonly asked interview questions—and show you exactly how to answer them with confidence.

1. “Tell me about yourself.”

What employers want to know:
A concise summary of your background, strengths, and career direction.

How to answer:
Use the Present → Past → Future structure.

  • Present: What you do now

  • Past: Relevant experience

  • Future: Why you’re excited about this role

Example:
“I’m currently a sales coordinator managing client accounts and CRM processes. Before that, I worked in customer support where I developed strong communication skills. I’m looking for a role where I can grow into full-cycle sales, which is why this position really interests me.”

2. “What are your strengths?”

What employers want to know:
Your top skills and how they benefit the company.

How to answer:
Choose 2–3 strengths relevant to the job and back each up with an example.

Example strengths:

  • Problem-solving

  • Organisation

  • Relationship building

  • Leadership

3. “What is your biggest weakness?”

What employers want to know:
Self-awareness and willingness to improve.

How to answer:
Pick a real but work-appropriate weakness and explain the steps you’re taking to improve.

Example:
“I used to struggle with delegating tasks, but I’ve started using project management tools and setting clearer expectations, which has improved team collaboration.”

4. “Why do you want to work here?”

What employers want to know:
Your motivation and what you know about their company.

How to answer:
Mention:

  1. Something about the company (values, mission, culture)

  2. Something about the role

  3. How it aligns with your career goals

5. “Why are you leaving your current job?”

What employers want to know:
Your reasons for moving and whether you’re leaving on good terms.

How to answer:
Stay positive and future-focused. Avoid negativity.

Example:
“I’m looking for a role with more growth opportunities and the chance to take on new challenges.”

6. “What are your salary expectations?”

What employers want to know:
Whether your expectations align with their budget.

How to answer:
Give a range based on market research:
“I’m looking for a salary in the range of £X–£Y depending on responsibilities and overall benefits.”

7. “Where do you see yourself in five years?”

What employers want to know:
Your long-term ambition and whether it aligns with the company’s trajectory.

How to answer:
Show ambition but keep it realistic and related to the role you’re applying for.

Example:
“In five years, I’d like to develop into a leadership role where I can mentor others and contribute to strategy.”

8. “Tell me about a time you overcame a challenge.”

What employers want to know:
How you handle obstacles.

How to answer:
Use the STAR method:

  • Situation

  • Task

  • Action

  • Result

Example:
“I managed a project with a tight deadline (S/T). I broke down the tasks, assigned priorities, and held daily check-ins (A). We delivered early and improved the client’s satisfaction score by 20% (R).”

9. “Why should we hire you?”

What employers want to know:
Your unique value proposition.

How to answer:
Combine your skills, experience, and motivation into one strong statement.

Example:
“I bring five years of project coordination experience, a strong track record of improving processes, and genuine enthusiasm for this industry.”

10. “Do you have any questions for us?”

What employers want to know:
Your curiosity and engagement.

Good questions to ask:

  • “What does success look like in this role?”

  • “How would you describe the team culture?”

  • “What are the biggest challenges the team is currently facing?”

Always ask at least one—it shows you’re genuinely interested.

Final Tips for Interview Success

  • Research the company thoroughly

  • Practise your answers, but keep them natural

  • Prepare examples that demonstrate your skills

  • Show enthusiasm—companies want people who want them