64 Most Common Interview Questions Which You Need To Prepare Answers For

In a perfect world, you’d know exactly what questions you’d be asked during an interview. You could then prepare some stellar answers to blow the hiring manager away and clinch the job.

Unfortunately, while hiring managers might give you an indication of the structure of the interview, they’re unlikely to let you know what questions you will be asked in advance.

The good news is that interviews usually feature very common interview questions and in our latest insights piece, we take a look at 64 of them.

We would recommend that you grab a friend and ask them to fire the questions at you to see how you would react and answer them. No peeking though! - in an interview setting, you wouldn’t know which question was coming next.

Ask your friend to rate you on how you answered the questions. For questions where you hesitated or fumbled your way through the answer, make a note that you need to improve and rehearse your answers.

• Tell me about yourself.
• What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?
• What 5 words would you use to describe yourself?
• Why do you want to work here?
• What do you know about our company?
• What interests you about this role?
• Why do you feel you are the right person for this position?
• What qualities do you think are needed in this role?
• Who are our competitors?
• What do you know about this industry?
• Why do you want to leave your current company?
• Discuss your CV.
• Discuss your previous employment history.
• What motivates you?
• How did you hear about this position?
• How do you handle stress?
• How do you deal with conflict?
• Why should we hire you?
• What are your goals for the future?
• Why was there a gap in your employment?
• What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
• What is your dream job?
• What qualities do you think make a good leader?
• What can you offer us that someone else can not?
• Where do you see yourself in five years time? Personally and professionally?
• How do you handle shifting deadlines?
• How do you handle tight deadlines?
• What would you accomplish in the first 30 days in this role?
• What is your favourite part about your current job?
• What is your least favourite part of your current job?
• How would you keep motivated working here?
• How do you keep yourself organised at work?
• What would you do if you disagreed with your boss?
• Tell me about a time when you disagreed with your boss and what happened.
• Who are your role models and why?
• Describe your time at university.
• Why did you choose that subject at university?
• What is the best book you’ve ever read and why?
• Are you a leader or a follower?
• Describe your leadership style.
• What is your dream job?
• Describe a time when you handled a difficult situation.
• What is your definition of hard work?
• How ambitious are you?
• Do you consider yourself to be successful?
• What is your biggest professional achievement?
• What is your proudest professional achievement?
• Describe a time when you went above and beyond at work.
• What has been your biggest professional failure?
• Give an example of a time when you showed initiative.
• Are you willing to relocate?
• How do you prioritise your workload?
• What do you think of your current/previous boss?
• How would your current/previous boss describe you?
• What did you do during lockdown?
• What's your management style?
• How do you like to be managed?
• What are your salary expectations?
• What is your current salary?
• How would you fire someone?
• What is your notice period?
• Why were you fired?
• What questions haven't I asked you?
• Do you have any questions?

Remember that practice makes perfect so take the time to rehearse your answers. By having some great answers to impress the hiring manager with, it will help you to feel less nervous during the interview. Good luck!

Who is Spencer Clarke Group? 

Since 2017, we've been changing the face of recruitment. From our employees, to the way we do business, to the culture within our office, we're determined to make a difference and create a positive impact on everyone around us.

Recruitment to us isn't just about matching candidates and clients; we’re passionate about finding candidates the perfect job which has the ability to boost their salary and standard of living, better their work life balance and improve their mental health. 

Similarly, we understand the impact which an experienced and skilled employee can make to a business and we love seeing clients thrive through the hard work of candidates which we have placed with them. 

We operate in two sectors:

Private Sector

Public Sector 

In eleven specialisms:

Accountancy & Finance

Education & SEND

Construction, Trades & Labour

Healthcare, Social Care & Nursing

Housing

Corporate Functions & Business Support

HR & Workforce Development

IT & Digital

Property & Asset Management  

Planning, Development & Regeneration 

Highways, Infrastructure & Engineering

If you’re searching for a new role, why not visit our job page to take a look at the latest opportunities? Alternatively, upload your CV and one of our experienced consultants will contact you when a relevant opportunity becomes available. 

If you’re struggling to fill a role, why don’t you give us a call on 01772 954200 to see how we can help? One of our consultants will be happy to listen to the challenges which you are facing and advise on the best possible solution for you.