Common Interview Questions and How to Answer Them

Interview questions vary by employer and role. Use these examples to prepare your own answers rather than memorising scripts. Be specific, truthful and concise.

Common HR interview questions

1. Tell me about yourself.

Give a short professional summary: your current or most recent experience, two relevant strengths and why they connect to the role. Avoid reciting your entire personal history.

2. Why do you want to work here?

Show that you understand the organisation and the position. Connect a genuine reason for your interest to the contribution you can make.

3. What are your strengths?

Choose strengths that matter for the vacancy and support each with a brief example.

4. What is an area you are working to improve?

Choose a genuine, manageable development area and explain the practical steps you are taking to improve.

Behavioural interview questions

• Describe a time you handled a difficult customer or stakeholder.
• Tell us about a deadline you had to meet under pressure.
• Give an example of a disagreement within a team and how you handled it.
• Describe a mistake you made and what you learned.
• Tell us about an achievement you are particularly proud of.

Use the STAR method

1. Situation: Briefly explain the context.
2. Task: Describe the responsibility or challenge.
3. Action: Explain the specific steps you took.
4. Result: Share the outcome, ideally with evidence or numbers.

Questions you can ask the interviewer

• What would success look like in the first three months?
• How is the team structured?
• What are the main priorities or challenges for this position?
• What are the next steps in the recruitment process?

Before the interview

Review the job description, research the employer using reliable sources, plan your route or test your video connection, prepare relevant examples and have a few thoughtful questions ready. Never pay a recruitment fee simply to secure an interview or job offer.

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