Top 10 common interview questions for you to prepare

Interviewing is a skill you can master with preparation. Despite it being impossible to predict exactly what an interviewer is planning to ask you, there are often some common interview questions that you might be asked. It's worth preparing answers and even if you're not asked the questions specifically, you will be able to trigger answers which will enable the conversation to flow and provide inspiration, when you might have otherwise struggled. 

In this guide we will break down some of the most common job interview questions, explain what interviewers are really looking for, and show you how to answer each one effectively. We'll also cover extra tips, red flags to avoid, and even some smart questions you should ask the interviewer. By the end, you'll be better equipped to turn your next interview into a job offer. 

What interviewers are really looking for 

Hiring managers don’t ask questions just to trip you up - they ask them to understand who you are and how you’ll fit into the role and company. For each common interview question, there are key traits and information the interviewer hopes to glean from your answer. For example, “Tell me about yourself” is an invitation to summarise your career and highlight relevant accomplishments. “What’s your biggest weakness?” tests your self-awareness and honesty. Even seemingly odd questions are designed to see your problem-solving skills, attitude, and cultural fit.

Particularly for mid-level professionals, interviewers expect you to draw on your experience. They want to hear about real examples of your skills in action, the insights you’ve gained in your career, and how you handle situations in the workplace. They’re evaluating your communication skills, your ability to stay composed under pressure, and whether you’ve done your homework on the company. With that in mind, here are the top 10 common interview questions and how to tackle them.

1. Tell me about yourself.

This is arguably the most asked interview question in any sector, and it is also often one of the hardest to answer. This question can be asked in many different ways, so it is important to prepare for this question in advance.

We are often asked for our advice on how to answer this question, and our clients regularly say that candidates let themselves down when they are asked it. This is simply because candidates sometimes fail to relate the question to their skills and the job.

It is important to think about what the employer wants to hear. The interviewer doesn’t necessarily want to know about your personal life or a recitation of your CV. They want a concise, engaging summary of your professional background and how it ties into the job you're applying for. Focus on career progression and key accomplishments that demonstrate your qualifications. 

Think of what makes you stand out. Perhaps it’s your experience, some highly desired training you have had, or maybe it’s a complex project that you worked on. It is also important to review the job description closely and note ways that you exceed the requirements, and ensure you get these into your answer for this question. You could even tell a story of how you got into the profession and what inspired you, touching on your education or academic training. Then weave in information on how this built your passion for the industry, combined with work experience or previous roles that enabled you to develop.

If relevant, you should try and include key metrics - showcasing how the work you did really impacted the business or team/s. 

2. What are your key strengths and weaknesses?

Interviewers often combine these two topics because they want to see that you have a balanced self-awareness. You don’t want to reel off too many strengths and then tell the interviewer you have ‘no weaknesses’ – having flaws is only human. Choose two to three key strengths that are most relevant to the job and back them up with examples. 

When it comes to weaknesses, the trick is to be honest but strategic. Choose real weaknesses - not 'I work too hard' - and show that you're proactively working to improve this. 

You could explain how you find overcoming issues difficult because you want everything to be perfect, but you have found that creating to-do lists has really helped you stay on top of projects whilst completing them to the highest standard.

Here are some alternative weaknesses to speak about and how you can turn them around:

• Impatience – I have started to prioritise tasks and remember that colleagues have priorities as well. I have started to set more realistic timelines and make a point to stay mindful of others' workloads. 
  
  
• Self-criticism – I started to focus more on things I have achieved and break down big projects into smaller tasks to make them feel more manageable.
  
  
• Struggles with delegation – I spoke to [someone you look up to professionally] about this, to come up with some solutions. I am placing more trust in people and being clear with instructions to reach the best outcome.
  
  
• Disorganised – I recognised that this doesn’t always create the most efficient environment, I have set up an online diary and regularly set time aside to complete certain tasks/I have started creating lists for my week and each day to ensure I know what I am doing at all times and have more structure. 
  
  
• Too detail-oriented – I’ve learned that this can sometimes cause me to lose sight of the bigger picture, [give example], I have taken so much from this and now make an effort not to get lost in detail.

When it comes to strengths, you should pick two and offer examples of how you have used them in the workplace. Think about what the role requires and tailor these accordingly. Some strengths to speak about could be:

• Flexibility – Showing that you are capable of switching projects, or clients, where necessary without any performance impact.
  
  
• Leadership skills – Provide examples of the leadership skills you have built.
  
  
• Forward-thinking – If the job you are applying for is particularly creative, or this skill would benefit the company, speak about a project you worked on where your creativity resulted in a particular success.
  
  
• Dedication – Giving 110% on all projects, if a client, customer or colleague ever brought this up, you could mention it. An example could be that a project was completed earlier than originally planned, without jeopardising performance.
  
  
• Positivity – If the industry you’re applying for is particularly stressful, this would be great to talk about – and could lead you on to explain that you are calm under pressure.
  
  
• Appreciation/insight – understanding the needs of clients, customers, co-workers and helping where you can.

3. Why do you want to leave your current job?

Responses to this question should never become personal as it will inevitably look negative on you as a candidate, it's critical to stay positive and professional. You need to enter the interview armed with an honest, yet positive, explanation and one that highlights your suitability for the role you are interviewing for.

Consider reasons such as:

• You are looking for a new challenge.
• Want more responsibility.
• Would love to learn more.
• Feel that this company could offer you a better future.
• Have progressed as far as you can at your current firm.

If you list something such as that you are looking for more responsibility, you could then go on to explain how the role you’re interviewing for offers you that and how you could adapt and grow with the position. 

Avoid badmouthing your current or previous employers at all costs. Even if you’re leaving due to management issues or a toxic environment, frame your answer around what you’re looking forward to in a new role rather than what you’re escaping.

4. Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?

This can be a difficult question to answer, especially if you haven't mapped out your exact five-year plan (which is fine). The interviewer wants to understand your career aspirations and whether the role you're interviewing for fits into those goals. They're checking for ambition, foresight and commitment. 

Think about how you want to advance or broaden your career in the next few years. Do you aim to take on leadership roles? Are there new skills or certifications you want to acquire? Perhaps you see yourself becoming a subject matter expert in your field, or maybe you have goals of working abroad or on high-profile projects. 

You could also bring this back to the role you are interviewing for to explain how this will help you reach your future goals, provide you with industry experience, and allow you to grow with the firm.

If you’re interviewing for a temporary or contract position, you can adjust by focusing on skill growth: “Over the next few years I want to build a strong portfolio in [skill area] so I can position myself for [type of role] down the line.” The key is to show ambition but remain realistic. It’s fine to mention you’re still refining your long-term goals, but give them something - interviewers want to see you have direction and motivation.

5. What have been the most significant achievements in your career so far?

When talking about your achievements, interviewers are looking for proof of the value you can bring. This is your chance to shine a spotlight on a career highlight that is relevant to the job. Choose an achievement that shows off skills or qualities the employer cares about (leadership, problem-solving, creativity, persistence, technical expertise, etc.).

This might relate to a practice that you implemented saving your current company, or a previous one, time and money. This clearly shows the interviewer that you would add value to the business.

Structure your answer using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to give it a clear beginning, middle, and impressive end. For example: 

"In my last role as [job title], we were facing [X situation], my job was to [what task was expected of you?]. I began by [what action did you take?] As a result, we saw..."

Whenever possible, quantify your achievement (e.g., percentages, revenue saved or earned, time reduced, customer satisfaction improvements). Numbers have an impact and give the interviewer a clear picture of your success. If your proudest achievement is more people-focused (like assembling a great team or improving morale), share a concrete outcome of that effort, such as retention rates or team performance metrics.

6. How do you handle conflict in the workplace?

This question can be asked in a number of ways: tell us about a time you had an issue with a colleague, tell us about a time you disagreed with your manager or provide an example of a time you had to deal with an unhappy client. Conflict or disagreement is inevitable in any job, so employers ask this to gauge your interpersonal skills and emotional maturity. 

The key in your answer is to demonstrate that you can address issues professionally and constructively. Start by acknowledging the importance of good working relationships: “I value professionalism and teamwork, so I approach conflict with a solution-oriented mindset.” Then give a specific example of a conflict you navigated using the STAR format.

Be sure to highlight communication and empathy in your approach. You might mention techniques like “I always take a moment to breathe and stay calm” or “I focus on the facts of the situation and avoid making it personal.”

Then go on to speak about the actions you took to resolve the conflict as productively as possible. This is a great chance to showcase your listening, interpersonal and leadership skills. Finally, explain the results that came from your approach. This should be a positive example and it’s even better if you can provide quantifiable results.

7. How do you perform under pressure?

Many jobs involve pressure from tight deadlines, high-stakes projects, or unexpected problems. With this question, interviewers want to see if you stay effective and composed when work gets challenging. They’re also looking for honesty; if it’s a high-pressure environment, they need to know you can handle it (or are at least actively improving your coping strategies).

Begin by affirming that you understand the demands of high-pressure situations. For example: “I actually tend to perform well under pressure - I find that a looming deadline helps me focus.” If that’s true for you, follow up with an example. This demonstrates that you can thrive when the heat is on. 

Equally, if you struggle under pressure but want to get better, say that and focus on the steps you are taking to make necessary improvements, which will show that you’re still a strong candidate. Assuming you want the role, and to prove that you work well under pressure, you must provide examples to the interviewer. You can link this to motivation, problem-solving or teamwork.

Remember to show improvement, just like with weaknesses: “High-pressure situations haven’t always been easy for me, but I’ve learned to handle them much better. I plan ahead to avoid crunch time, but I also practice stress management techniques like taking short breaks to refocus when things get intense."

8. How do you define success?

This question is more philosophical and can be interpreted in many ways, which is exactly why interviewers ask it. They want to understand your values, priorities, and what drives you. Your definition of success can reveal if you’re a good cultural fit and whether your personal goals align with the company’s objectives.

You should try and define success in a way that shows your ambition and commitment to excel in the role you are there for. For example: “I define success in terms of achieving the goals I set for myself and making a positive impact. For me, it’s incredibly satisfying to see a project I managed deliver great results for the business and to know that the team grew stronger through the process. If I’m continuously learning and the company is moving forward because of my contributions, I consider that a success.”

Approach this question as an opportunity to show how keen you are for the role and to progress with that company and you will likely be remembered in a positive light.

9. Why do you want to work here?

This question will appear in almost every interview (and interview advice article), but it is still one that candidates slip up on the most. All too often candidates stumble over this question. Before your interview, you should assume you are going to be asked this question and do your research, enabling you to show genuine interest in the company. Interviewers ask this to see if you’ve done your homework and to gauge your enthusiasm for their job, not just any job.

You should specifically look at whether the company has won any awards or gained any accreditations recently, and look at its benefits package and core values. Checking out policies on things like diversity, equity and inclusion is also a great starting point. You could also Google the company to see whether they have done anything recently – the Managing Director may have appeared in an industry publication which would make for a great talking point.

This should give you enough information to build an answer to this question that is tailored to the business and will show the interviewer that you have taken the time to find out why you want to work for them.

Bottom line: Show enthusiasm, prove you’ve done your research, and align your skills and career aspirations with what the company offers. This will make the interviewer feel confident that you genuinely want them, not just any employer.

10. If you were unsuccessful in the role, what would you do next?

This is a clever question that our Legal team has come up against a number of times. Clients will ask this to test your commitment to the sector/role you have applied for. Essentially, they want to know how you handle rejection. 

You need to show the employer that you want to work in a similar position no matter what. It is important to be professional and mature about potentially not being hired. You may also want to ask the interviewer’s advice at this point to include them in the conversation.

A legal candidate of ours gave the perfect response to this question and said:

“I would be hugely disappointed not to secure this job as I feel it is perfect for me and what I am looking for, but I would respect and understand that I’m not the right person at this moment in time.

“If I was unsuccessful I would go back to my job search and research organisations that may have similar roles to this. If I didn’t secure the role, what would your advice be to secure a similar position elsewhere?”

This answer shows determination and a growth mindset. You’re essentially saying that not getting one job won’t stop you from achieving your career goals, and you’re mature enough to seek improvement.

Handing unusual or unexpected interview questions

In some interviews, you may be asked a question not even we can prepare you for. If this happens and you find yourself stumped, take a deep breath, maintain a good posture and remain calm, these are meant to see how you think on your feet and handle the unexpected. 

If you need to, ask the interviewer to repeat the question or explain it further, this will buy you some time to think, and always remember to relate any answer you give back to the job. Equally, it's fine to say something like "Wow, that's an interesting question, let me have a think..." Interviewers appreciate that more than a panicked babble. Always remember to relate your answer back to the job or your work style if you can.

Stay positive, show a bit of your thought process or personality, and if possible connect your answer back to qualities that are relevant to the job. Even with the most unusual questions, try to highlight traits like creativity, adaptability, humour, or analytical thinking. And if you truly have no idea, it’s okay to say something like, “I’ve never thought about that. If I have to guess, I’d say… [give it your best shot].” Then smile and continue. A good interviewer will take note of how you handled the curveball and move on.

Top tips from hiring managers 

Who better to offer interview advice than the people doing the hiring? Keep these insights in mind as you prepare and during the interview itself:

• Do your homework: Before every interview, research the company’s mission, products, recent news, and even the interviewers if possible. Being able to confidently discuss what the company does and how you can contribute will set you apart from candidates who don’t bother to research.

• Use the STAR method for answers: Structure your answers using Situation, Task, Action, Result. This keeps your responses concise and evidence-based. For example, if asked about teamwork, briefly describe a project (Situation/Task), what you did (Action), and what outcome you achieved (Result).

• Be concise and stay on topic: It’s okay to take a moment to gather your thoughts before responding. Answer the question that was asked, and try not to stray into unrelated details. If you notice you’re talking for too long, you can wrap up with a prompt like, “...and I have additional examples if you’d like to hear more.” This shows awareness.

• Show enthusiasm and positivity: Smile and let your excitement for the role come through in your tone. Employers want someone who wants to work with them. Even when discussing challenges or weaknesses, keep your language optimistic (focus on what you learned or how you’re improving).

• Be honest and professional: Don’t try to bluff your way through a question if you truly don’t know. It’s perfectly acceptable to say, “That’s something I haven’t encountered yet, but I would approach it by doing X.” Similarly, always speak respectfully about past employers and experiences - hiring managers pick up on negativity and it’s off-putting. Professionalism and integrity during the interview signal that you’ll be a reliable employee.

These tips underscore a common theme: preparation, clarity, enthusiasm, and integrity are key to interview success. Combine these with your expertise, and you’ll make a strong impression.

Questions you should ask the interviewer

Remember, an interview is a two-way street. It’s not only about the company evaluating you, but also about you evaluating the company to see if it’s the right fit. Toward the end of the interview, you’ll usually get a chance to ask your own questions. Having a few thoughtful questions ready shows the interviewer that you’re genuinely interested and engaged. 

Always take time to think about what you want to ask the interviewer and what you want to get out of the meeting. 

Some common questions you could ask are:

• “What are the future plans or key goals for the company (or department) in the next few years?” This shows you’re thinking long-term and are interested in how you can contribute to those goals.
• “Why has this position become available? Is it a new role or a replacement?” The answer can give you insight into whether the role is growing or if someone left (and possibly why they left).
• “What does a typical day or week look like for someone in this role?” This helps you understand the daily responsibilities and helps you visualise yourself in the job. It also signals to the interviewer that you’re picturing the practical aspects of the role.
• “What are the biggest challenges someone in this position might face?” This question demonstrates forethought and that you’re not afraid of tackling challenges. It can also lead to a valuable discussion about how you handle those challenges, tying back to your experience.
• “How would you describe the team I’ll be working with and the work culture here?” Showing interest in the team dynamics and culture indicates you know the importance of cultural fit and collaboration.
• “What do you think are the most important qualities for someone to excel in this role?” This not only gives you insight into what the interviewer values, but also gives you a chance to respond or reiterate how you have those qualities.
• “How do you measure success for this position?” Great for understanding performance expectations. The answer will tell you what you’ll need to accomplish in the first few months and beyond, and it shows the interviewer that you’re results-oriented.
• “What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the company?” This signals that you’re motivated to learn and advance (which is appealing to employers because it shows you’re thinking about a future with the company).
• “Is there anything we haven’t covered that you’d like to discuss, or any concerns you have about my background that I could address?” This can be a bold one to ask, but it shows confidence and gives you a chance to clear up any potential hesitations they might have about you. It also demonstrates that you’re proactive and open to feedback.

Remember to pick a few questions that are genuinely important to you - don’t just ask something for the sake of it. Also, avoid questions about salary, benefits, or vacation time in the first interview (unless the interviewer brings it up). Those are important, but they’re better addressed once you know the company is seriously interested in hiring you. Focus your initial questions on the role, team, company goals, and how you can succeed and grow there.

By asking thoughtful questions, you not only get the information you need, but you also leave a strong final impression. Interviewers often remember candidates who posed insightful questions because it reflects critical thinking and true engagement.

Here are some more questions to ask during an interview.

What next?

If you’re preparing yourself for interviews as you take the next step in your career, Sellick Partnership is here to help. Feel free to contact our Consultants for a confidential chat about your job search or for more personalised interview advice. You can also browse our latest job openings to find opportunities that fit your ambitions. Good luck with your interviews - with thorough preparation and the right mindset, you’ll be well on your way to landing that next great role!