Commonly Asked Interview Questions

Interview questions are designed to help employers learn more about your skills, experiences, and how you might fit the role. This page highlights common interview questions and strategies for answering them. If you’d like extra examples and step‑by‑step guidance, take a look at our Interview Resource Guide.

General Questions #section

General interview questions help employers get an idea of who you are, the skills that you hold, why you’re interested in the position, and how well you communicate

Tell me about yourself.

  • Specify how your related past work experiences, education, and skills relate to this position. Don’t provide your life history or personal details.
  • Writing your Two-minute Presentation will assist you in quickly discussing your most relevant qualifications.

What is your greatest strength and your greatest weakness?

  • When sharing your strength, emphasize your skills and best qualities. Provide examples of you have displayed these skills in prior work or school experiences
  • When sharing your weakness, avoid sharing a weak point that directly relates to the job’s requirements. The interviewer wants to know that you are aware of your weak points in a work context and in what ways you are working to overcome them. A helpful hint would be to articulate a work-related weakness that can also be seen as a strength.
  • Here is an example of how you can articulate a work-related weakness that can also be seen as a strength.
    • "I can be overly critical of my own work because I hold myself to high standards. To manage that, I set time limits and ask for feedback earlier, which helps me stay efficient while still producing quality work."

What are your short-term and long-term goals?

  • Be specific in identifying your future plans and career objectives. Explain how the position and company structure would lead to your achievement of these goals.
  • Short-term goals should focus on what you would like to achieve in the next 0-2 years, such as gaining experience and learning new skills.
  • Long-term goals should focus on what you would like to achieve in the next 3-5 years or more, such as advancing into a leadership role or specializing in an area within your field. 

How has your education prepared you for this role?

  • Provide examples of your educational experiences that demonstrate your relevant skills, qualities, and experiences. Clarify exactly how your academic preparation connects to the specific position.
  • Consider the 10 Essential Skills and how you can articulate them in your answer. 

Why should we hire you? / Why are you the best candidate for this job?

  • Reiterate your relevant skills, experience, and enthusiasm for the job. Focus on what makes you unique and what you can contribute to the success of the company.  

Behavioral Questions #section

Behavioral questions revolve around past experiences so employers can predict how you might handle similar situations in the future.

These questions often begin with wording like, “Tell me about a time” or “Describe a situation when” and focus on what you did, not what you would do. 

A commonly asked behavioral question is, "Tell me about a time you made a mistake. How did you resolve it, and what did you learn?"

Often, these questions assess a specific skill such as:

  • Teamwork
  • Leadership
  • Communication
  • Problem-solving
  • Adaptability

These questions are best answered using a clear structure, like the STARR method, that walks the employer through the situation, your actions, and the outcome.

For example questions, answer strategies, and practice, take a look at our Behavioral Based Interview Questions page.

Situational Questions #section

Situational questions help employers see how you would handle a hypothetical workplace scenario

Example Questions

  • How would you decide which tasks take priority when organizing a project?
  • What would you do if a dissatisfied customer confronted you? How would you resolve their concern?
  • What would you do if you realized you made a mistake on a project that no one else noticed?
  • You notice a team member isn’t contributing to a project as expected. What action would you take?
  • How would you handle receiving negative feedback on a project you worked hard on? 

Answer Strategies

  • Talk through your process and provide the concrete steps you would take.
  • Emphasize your skills and how you would use them.
  • Show that you know how to problem solve, when to ask for help, and how to follow procedures
  • Learn about the STAR method and how to use it in guiding your answers. 

Industry Knowledge Questions #section

Industry knowledge questions allow employers to assess your understanding of the field, role, company, and workplace expectations.

These questions may ask you to demonstrate your understanding of industry-specific terms and trends, unique challenges, and field expertise. It is important to show employers that you've done your research and can connect your experiences to the role. 

Preparation Strategies:

  • Review job descriptions carefully to identify relevant skills and terminology.
  • Use your coursework and experience as examples of how you've developed relevant knowledge and abilities.
  • Research the current trends and expectations of the employer and the industry.

For example questions in your field, visit our Interview Questions by Industry page.

Questions for Employers #section

Typically, at the end of the interview, you will be asked “What questions do you have for me?”. This is your chance to interview employers and determine if the position is a good fit for you. 

Prepare 3-5 strong, probing questions to ask the employer after the interview. It is appropriate to type or write these questions down ahead of time and use them as a reference tool during the interview.

  • How would you describe a typical day or a typical week in this position?
  • How would you describe the work environment here?
  • What metrics or goals will my performance be evaluated against?
  • Can you tell me about the team I'll be working with?
  • What do you like most about working here? / What do you find the most challenging about working here?
  • What type of supervision would I receive in this position?
  • How would you describe the culture of the organization?
  • Can you further elaborate on some of the projects this position will be responsible for?
  • Can you tell me about the professional development opportunities you offer to staff?
  • Can you tell me about any next steps in the hiring process?