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100 Common Interview Questions (and Awesome Answers for Each)

It is not enough to have solid answers for the few basic and common interview questions. You need to be prepared for the full spectrum of questions which may be asked. Following are one hundred of the most common interview questions you are likely to encounter. Each question has a link to detailed information on why the interviewer is asking the question and samples and examples of awesome answers, both for entry level and experienced job seekers. Click through on each link for all the details:

Don't just read these questions—practice and rehearse the answers in advance. Don't let the employer interview be the first time you actually formulate an answer in spoken words. It is not enough to think about them in your head—practice! Sit down with a friend, a significant other, or your roommate and go through all of the questions. If you have not yet completed a mock interview, do it now. Make the most of every single interview opportunity by being fully prepared!

Remember to answer each interview question behaviorally, whether it is a behavioral question or not. The easiest way to do this is to use an example from your background and experience. Then use the S-T-A-R approach to make the answer a STAR: talk about a Situation or Task (S-T), the Action you took (A) and the Results achieved (R). This is what makes your interview answer uniquely yours and will make your answer a star!

And here are some additional bonus interview questions for you to review:

  1. What interests you most about this job?
  2. What is the one word that describes you best?
  3. What is most important to you in your job?
  4. Tell me about a situation in which you faced an ethical conflict.
  5. How do you spend your spare time?
  6. Tell me about how you persuade people to accept your point of view.
  7. Describe a time when you managed a project or people.
  8. What did you like or dislike about your previous job?
  9. Give me an example of a time when you took initiative to get things done.
  10. Are your grades a good indication of your ability?
  11. What sets you apart from other qualified candidates?
  12. Tell me about the biggest risk you have taken in your life.
  13. What are the most important rewards you expect in your career?
  14. What is the title of the most recent book you have read?
  15. Tell me about the hardest decision you have ever had to make.
  16. Tell me about a time when you had too many things to do and you had to prioritize your tasks.
  17. Give me an example of a time when you had to make a split second decision.
  18. Describe a situation where you had to request assistance on a project or assignment.
  19. How do you think you can add value to our company?
  20. What would you look to accomplish in your first 90 days on the job?
  21. Tell me about a time when you went above and beyond the requirements for a project or assignment.
  22. Who is your mentor?
  23. How would you describe your personal work style?
  24. Tell me about a time when you had an unexpected event that required you to change your priorities.
  25. Give me an example of a time when you had to motivate yourself.
  26. Give me an example of a time when you had to motivate someone else.
  27. What criteria are you using to evaluate potential employers?
  28. Are you interviewing with other employers? Which ones?
  29. Have you ever been fired from a job or asked to resign?
  30. Do you prefer to work for large or small employers?
  31. What have you done to improve yourself in the past year?
  32. What new competencies or skills have you recently developed?
  33. Do you prefer a structured or unstructured work environment?
  34. How did you find out about this job?
  35. Describe a typical work day for you.
  36. Why are you applying for a job in a field outside your current career or college major?
  37. What type of decisions are the most difficult for you to make?
  38. Give me an example of a time when you failed to meet a deadline.
  39. How did you learn about your company's products and services?
  40. What did you do in your last position to help create a positive team environment?
  41. Tell me about the most significant written report or presentation that you've completed.
  42. Describe the most difficult coworker you've worked with and tell me how you dealt with him or her.
  43. What other positions are you considering?
  44. How do you decide which employers and positions to pursue and interview?
  45. Do you do any volunteering in your spare time?
  46. Tell me about a time when you had to follow a decision with which you did not agree.
  47. Are you able to multitask on several assignments at the same time?
  48. What has been your biggest professional disappointment or letdown?
  49. Have you done any public speaking?
  50. Have you ever quit a job? Why?

Did we miss a question? Request an interview question and we'll add it to our list.

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