Most job interviews use the same core questions. The company, the role and the interviewer change, but “why do you want this job?” and “what is your biggest weakness?” come up again and again. That is good news. If you prepare for these 12 questions, you are ready for most of any interview.
For each question below, you get what the interviewer is really trying to find out and an example answer in clear, natural English. Do not memorise the examples word for word. Use them as a model, then replace the details with your own experience.
1. Tell me about yourself
What they want: A short professional introduction that explains why you are here.
How to answer: Use Present, Past, Future. What you do now, how you got here, and why this role is your next step. Keep it to 60 to 90 seconds. We have a full breakdown with three example answers in our guide on how to answer “tell me about yourself”.
2. Why do you want this job?
What they want: Proof that you researched the company and that you are not applying everywhere at random.
“I have followed your company’s growth in the healthcare sector for a while, and I really like that your projects focus on improving patient experience. This role would let me use my background in customer support while moving into a more strategic position, which is exactly the direction I want my career to go.”
3. Why should we hire you?
What they want: A clear link between what they need and what you offer.
“From the job description, you need someone who can manage several client accounts at once and keep communication clear. In my current role I manage twelve accounts and I am the main point of contact for all of them. I am organised, I respond quickly and I am comfortable dealing with difficult conversations. I think I could add value from the first week.”
4. What are your strengths?
What they want: One or two strengths that matter for this job, backed by an example.
“One of my main strengths is problem solving. Last year our team kept missing deadlines because work was being tracked in three different places. I suggested moving everything into one shared system and set it up myself. After that, it was much easier for everyone to see what was due and who was responsible.”
Tip: One strength with a real example beats a list of five adjectives.
5. What is your biggest weakness?
What they want: Honesty and self awareness. They want to see that you work on your weaknesses.
“In the past, I found it hard to delegate because I wanted to make sure everything was done perfectly. I realised that was slowing the team down. Now I agree clear expectations at the start of a task and check in at set points, rather than doing everything myself. It has made me a much better team member.”
Avoid: “I am a perfectionist” with nothing after it, or “I do not have any weaknesses.” Both sound unprepared.
6. Tell me about a challenge you faced
What they want: How you behave when things go wrong.
How to answer: Use the STAR method. Situation (the context), Task (what you needed to do), Action (what you did) and Result (what happened).
“A key supplier cancelled an order two days before a product launch (Situation). I needed to find a replacement without delaying the launch (Task). I called four alternative suppliers that afternoon, found one who could deliver in time, and agreed a slightly higher price with my manager’s approval (Action). We launched on schedule, and afterwards I set up a backup supplier list so we would not face the same risk again (Result).”
7. Tell me about a time you worked in a team
What they want: That you communicate well and contribute without taking over.
“In my last role I worked with designers and developers on a new website. My job was to collect feedback from customers. I noticed the two teams were interpreting the feedback differently, so I organised a short weekly meeting where we reviewed it together. It helped us agree priorities much faster.”
8. How do you handle pressure?
What they want: A practical system, not “I work well under pressure.”
“When things get busy, I start by listing everything that needs to be done and ranking it by deadline and impact. Then I tell my manager early if something might be late, rather than waiting until the last minute. That approach keeps me calm and means there are no surprises for anyone.”
9. Why are you leaving your current job?
What they want: A positive reason. Never criticise your current employer.
“I have learned a lot in my current role, but there is limited room to grow into project management. This position offers that next step, which is why I am excited about it.”
If you moved country, say so simply: “I recently relocated to Canada and I am looking for a role where I can continue building my career here.”
Want answers ready for every tricky question?
The 100% Job Interview Success Guide covers every stage of the interview, including strong openers, ready made answers and how to handle salary questions with confidence.
Get the Job Interview Success Guide10. Where do you see yourself in five years?
What they want: Ambition that fits their company. They do not want to hear that you plan to leave in a year.
“In five years, I would like to be leading a small team and taking on more responsibility for planning. I see this role as the right foundation for that, because it would give me experience across the whole process.”
11. What are your salary expectations?
What they want: To see if you are within their budget.
How to answer: Research the typical range for the role in your city first. Then give a range, not a single number, and show flexibility.
“Based on my research and my experience, I am looking for something in the range of 45,000 to 50,000. I am also interested in the full package, so I am open to discussing it.”
12. Do you have any questions for us?
What they want: Real interest. Always say yes and ask at least two questions.
- “What does a typical week look like in this role?”
- “What would success look like in the first three months?”
- “What do you enjoy most about working here?”
- “What are the next steps in the process?”
How to Practise These Answers
- Write a short answer to each question using your own experience.
- Read each one out loud and cut anything that sounds unnatural.
- Record yourself answering without looking at your notes.
- Practise with a friend and ask them to change the order of the questions.
Before the interview, make sure your CV and cover letter tell the same story as your answers. Interviewers often ask about anything on your CV, so know every line of it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common job interview question?
“Tell me about yourself” is usually the first and most common question. Prepare a 60 to 90 second answer using the Present, Past, Future structure.
What is the STAR method?
STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action and Result. It is a simple way to structure answers to questions that start with “tell me about a time when...”.
How do I answer interview questions if English is my second language?
Prepare your key points and useful phrases in advance, speak at a steady pace and ask the interviewer to repeat a question if you need to. Saying “Could you repeat that, please?” is completely normal.
Should I memorise my answers?
Memorise your structure and key examples, not every word. That way you sound natural and you can adapt if the question is phrased differently.
Walk in prepared. Walk out confident.
Ready made English scripts for every stage of your interview.
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