No two interviews are exactly the same, but certain questions come up again and again across almost every industry and seniority level. Knowing these questions in advance — and having thoughtful, prepared answers — is one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve your interview performance.
Here are the most common interview questions, what each one is really testing, and how to answer them well.
1. "Tell Me About Yourself"
This is almost always the opening question, and it is your chance to set the tone for the whole interview. It sounds open-ended, but it is not an invitation to share your life story.
What they are testing: Your ability to communicate clearly and confidently, and whether your background is relevant to the role.
How to answer: Prepare a two to three minute response that covers your educational background, how you got into your field, your most relevant work experience, and what you are looking for now. Keep it focused on the professional, not the personal.
2. "What Are Your Weaknesses?"
This question makes many candidates uncomfortable — which is exactly why interviewers ask it. They are not expecting perfection. They want to see self-awareness and a growth mindset.
What they are testing: Honesty, self-awareness, and your commitment to improvement.
How to answer: Choose a genuine weakness — not a cliché like "I work too hard." Then explain what you have done to address it. For example: "I used to struggle with public speaking. Over the past year I joined a local Toastmasters group and volunteered to present at our company all-hands. I am still building confidence, but it is no longer something I avoid."
3. "Why Should We Hire You?"
This is your opportunity to make a direct case for yourself. Many candidates answer too vaguely — talking about enthusiasm or being a fast learner. That is not enough.
What they are testing: Whether you understand what the role requires and can clearly articulate your fit.
How to answer: Connect your specific skills and achievements to the specific needs of the role. "You mentioned in the job description that you need someone to build out your content strategy from scratch. In my previous role I did exactly that — I built a content function from zero, grew the blog to 80,000 monthly visitors, and reduced our cost per lead by 30%. I believe I can bring the same results here."
4. "What Are Your Salary Expectations?"
Getting this wrong can cost you thousands of pounds. Go in underprepared and you will either price yourself out or undersell yourself.
How to answer: Research the market rate before the interview using salary comparison tools and job boards. Provide a realistic range rather than a single figure. Do not undersell yourself — if you are unsure, it is acceptable to say: "Based on my research and experience, I am looking for something in the range of X to Y. Is that in line with what you have budgeted for this role?"
5. "Where Do You See Yourself in Five Years?"
Interviewers ask this to understand your ambition, your career planning, and whether this role fits logically into your path.
How to answer: Show ambition that aligns with the company's direction. For junior candidates: "I am keen to build deep expertise in this area and take on more responsibility as I prove myself. I would love to be in a leadership position within five years." For senior candidates: "I want to be contributing meaningfully to the organisation's strategic direction and helping to develop the next generation of talent in the team."
6. "Why Did You Leave Your Previous Role?"
Be honest, but be diplomatic. Never speak negatively about a former employer, even if the experience was bad.
Good answers include: Seeking new challenges, wanting to work in a different industry or sector, the company downsized or restructured, you wanted to develop skills this role offers. Avoid: "My manager was terrible," "the culture was toxic," or any answer that sounds like you are running away rather than running towards something.
7. "Do You Have Any Questions?"
Always say yes. Saying no signals that you are not genuinely engaged. Prepare three to four questions in advance and ask the ones that have not already been covered during the interview.
Strong questions to ask:
- "What does success look like in this role in the first 90 days?"
- "What are the biggest challenges the team is currently facing?"
- "How would you describe the culture of the team?"
- "What development opportunities are available for someone in this role?"
The STAR Method
For behavioural questions ("Tell me about a time when..."), always use the STAR framework:
- Situation: Briefly describe the context.
- Task: What was your specific responsibility?
- Action: What did you actually do?
- Result: What was the outcome? Give numbers where possible.
Practice your STAR answers out loud before the interview. Knowing your material is not the same as being able to deliver it clearly and confidently under pressure.
Before the Interview
- Research the company thoroughly — their products, recent news, values, and competitors.
- Re-read the job description and prepare examples for each key requirement.
- Practice your answers — with a friend, in front of a mirror, or recorded on your phone.
- Prepare your questions for them.
- Know where you are going, how long it takes to get there, and who you are meeting.
Confidence in an interview comes from preparation. The more you have practised, the more natural your answers will feel in the moment.