50 Common Interview Questions

How to use this list

See the career competencies these questions test

Skim all 50 first to get a feel for the patterns, then work through the four steps below to prepare answers you can deliver with confidence.

1. Start with the opportunity. Review the position description and identify the skills and experiences the employer is seeking.
2. Focus on your stories. Think of examples from work, classes, leadership, research, service, or other experiences that demonstrate those skills.
3. Use the STAR method. For behavioral questions, describe the Situation, Task, Action, and Result.
4. Practice out loud. You won’t know every question in advance, but you can prepare to talk confidently about your experiences.

The 50 questions

Grouped into five categories to help you identify common themes and focus your preparation. Question numbering matches the original list.

About you and your background

1. Tell me about yourself.
2. Why are you interested in this position/company?
3. What are your long-term career objectives?
4. What are your short-term career objectives?
5. What are your greatest strengths?
6. What are your areas of growth or opportunity?
7. What qualifications do you have that make you think that you will be successful?
8. Why should we hire you for this position?
9. What can you tell me about our company?

Work style and motivation

10. What role do you often take on in a team?
11. What motivates you?
12. How do you stay organized?
13. How do you prioritize your work?
14. How would you describe your workstyle?

33. What is your ideal work environment?
34. What qualities do you look for in a supervisor? How do you like to be supervised or managed?

36. What is your communication style? How would you communicate with coworkers and supervisors?

Behavioral questions (use the STAR method)

15. Give me an example of a time you managed numerous responsibilities or deadlines. How did you handle it?
16. How do you think your current colleagues/team members describe you?
17. What is your leadership style?
18. Tell me about a time you demonstrated leadership skills.
19. Tell me about an accomplishment you are most proud of.
20. Tell me about a time you set a personal goal for yourself.
21. Tell me about a challenge or conflict you’ve faced at work, and how you dealt with it.
22. Tell me about a time you worked closely with someone whose personality was very different from yours.
23. Tell me about a time you have experienced failure or made a mistake.
24. Tell me about a time you used logic to solve a problem.
25. Tell me about a time you created or led a new initiative or project.
26. How do you determine or evaluate success?
27. Tell me about a time when you worked well under pressure.
28. How do you handle unexpected changes or challenges?
29. Give an example of a time you had to think on your feet.
30. Tell me about a time when you had to have a difficult conversation with someone.
31. Have you ever had to work with someone who wasn’t very good at communicating?
32. What is a time you disagreed with a decision that was made at work?

35. Tell me about a time you received constructive criticism or direct feedback from your manager.

37. Describe a time when you had to interact with a difficult client or customer. How did you handle the situation?
38. Give an example of when you were able to successfully persuade someone about your ideas or initiatives.
39. Tell me about a time when you had to perform a task or work on a project with little to no previous knowledge of the subject or topic.

41. Have you ever experienced a setback at work? How do you handle setbacks at work?

Industry awareness and career trajectory

40. What do you think are some of the current trends within this industry?

42. What are some changes in our industry that you think could have significant impact on the company?
43. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?
44. What would your first 30, 60, or 90 days look like in this role?

Logistics, salary, and the close

45. Are you willing to relocate? Are you willing to travel?
46. Are you comfortable working remotely, hybrid, or in-person?
47. What are your salary expectations?
48. What should we know that’s not on your resume?
49. Is there anything else that you would like us to know?
50. Do you have any questions for us?