10 Common Interview Questions and Answers in English
10 Common Interview Questions and Answers in English
Going for a job interview can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially if you struggle with speaking English.
One of the biggest challenges is anticipating the questions the interviewer might ask and having good answers prepared.
This post covers 10 of the most common interview questions in English, along with sample answers to help you practice.
By preparing responses to these frequently asked questions, you’ll feel more confident and ready to impress the interviewer with your English skills.
1. Tell me about yourself.
This is one of the most common openers for interviews.
The interviewer wants to see how well you can introduce yourself and summarize your background and qualifications.
Sample Answer:
My name is [Your Name] and I’m from [Your City/Country]. I studied [Your Degree/Major] at [University Name]. After graduating in [Year], I worked as a [Your Job Title] at [Company Name] for [Number] years. Some of my key responsibilities included [2-3 main duties]. I’m really interested in this [Job Title] role because [1-2 reasons why you’re a great fit].
2. What are your greatest strengths?
This question allows you to highlight your top skills and abilities that make you well-suited for the job.
Choose strengths that are relevant and back them up with examples.
Sample Answer:
One of my greatest strengths is my attention to detail. In my previous role, I was responsible for proofreading documents and caught numerous errors that others missed. I take pride in producing high-quality, error-free work. Another strength is my ability to work well under pressure and meet tight deadlines. For example, [give a specific example of when you delivered under a tight timeline].
3. What is your biggest weakness?
This is an opportunity to show self-awareness and how you’re working to improve.
Avoid major weaknesses related to the job, and focus on something more minor that you have been actively addressing.
Sample Answer:
One weakness I’ve been working on is public speaking. Although I’m comfortable giving presentations to small groups, I used to get quite nervous speaking in front of large audiences. To improve, I joined a public speaking club and have been practicing regularly. Now I feel much more confident, but it’s still an area for continued growth.
4. Why are you leaving your current job?
If you’re currently employed, be thoughtful with your answer.
Focus on the positive reasons for wanting to make a change, without speaking badly about your current employer.
Sample Answer:
I’ve really enjoyed and appreciated my time at [Company Name], but I’m looking for an opportunity that allows me to [reason for leaving, e.g. take on more responsibility, learn new skills, join a different industry, advance my career]. This role at your company fits well with my long-term goals.
You may want to read more:
- 10 Common Interview Questions and Answers in English
- 6 Ways to Build Confidence at Work
- How to Prepare for a Job Interview in English
- What Is Personal Development and Why Is It Important?
- Interview Vocabulary: Words Related to Job Interviews
- Linking Short-Term Goals to Long-Term Career Goals
5. Why do you want to work here?
This question tests your knowledge of the company and your motivations.
Do your research ahead of time and be prepared to discuss how the company and role align with your interests and career aspirations.
Sample Answer:
I’m really excited about the prospect of working for [Company Name] because [reasons, e.g. great reputation, innovative products/services, values that align with yours, opportunities for growth]. From what I know, this seems like a company with a strong team environment and a real commitment to professional development, which is very important to me. I believe my skills and experience would be a great fit for this [Job Title] position.
6. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Employers want to hire people who are motivated, have a plan for their career growth, and will stick around.
Your response can be general, but should demonstrate long-term thinking.
Sample Answer:
In 5 years, I’d like to be in a position where I can mentor and help train junior team members. I really enjoy sharing knowledge and helping others develop their skills. Of course, I’ll need more experience first, which is why I’m excited about the opportunity for professional growth in this role. My long-term goal is to move into a leadership position where I can have a bigger impact on the overall team and company objectives.
7. What are your salary expectations?
This can feel like an uncomfortable question, but it’s very common.
Do research ahead of time so you can provide a reasonable range based on the market rate for the role.
Sample Answer:
From the research I’ve done, the typical salary range for this type of role is between [X] and [Y] per year, depending on experience level and specific responsibilities. I’m very flexible and open to a fair offer that is in line with the market rate and my qualifications. I’m enthusiastic about this opportunity and happy to discuss further what salary range you had in mind.
8. What motivates you at work?
Employers want people who are driven from within and will go the extra mile.
Share what excites you and keeps you engaged in your work.
Sample Answer:
What motivates me most is the opportunity for continuous learning and growth. I really enjoy being challenged and pushed to expand my skills. I find a lot of satisfaction in looking back at a project I’ve completed and being able to see how much I’ve progressed and developed new capabilities along the way. Recognition for a job well done is always appreciated too. In my previous role, the team had a quarterly award for the top performer which was very motivating.
9. How do you handle stress or pressure?
All jobs involve some level of stress or pressure at times. The interviewer wants to understand how you cope during demanding periods.
Provide a specific example to illustrate your approach.
Sample Answer:
I can deal with stress and pressure quite well by remaining calm, focusing on prioritizing tasks, and managing my time effectively. For example, in my previous job there was a period where we had multiple large client projects due within a short timeframe. By creating a detailed plan and timeline to keep everything on track, I was able to complete all of the deliverables on schedule while maintaining a high level of quality.
10. Do you have any questions for me?
Interviews are a two-way street. This is your opportunity to ask questions and determine if the job and company are a good fit for you.
Have a few questions prepared to demonstrate your interest.
Sample Answer:
Thanks for taking the time to speak with me today. I did have a couple of questions. First, what are the typical career paths or growth opportunities for someone in this role? And second, can you tell me a bit more about the company culture and work environment? Those are the main things I’m still curious about at this point.
By practicing responses to these common interview questions, you’ll boost your confidence and ability to communicate effectively in English during job interviews.
Remember to tailor your answers to the specific role you are interviewing for.
With the right preparation, you can showcase your skills and increase your chances of landing the job!
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