You've got a job interview coming up and you naturally want to make the best possible impression. While you can never predict exactly what an interviewer will ask, some questions come up in almost every job interview. Knowing these 15 common questions and their best answers will help you walk into the conversation with confidence.

1. Tell me about yourself

Employers often open an interview with this question to put you at ease and form a first impression. Build your answer in three steps: start with your current role or situation, then highlight the key milestones from your career or studies, and close with what specifically drew you to this vacancy. Keep it concise this is an introduction, not your full CV.

2. How would you describe yourself?

This question lets the recruiter check whether your personality matches the skills the role requires. Pick two or three qualities that are relevant to the position and back each one up with a concrete example. "I'm a problem solver" only convinces when you explain how you've proven that in practice.

3. What makes you unique as a candidate?

You don't know the other candidates, so focus on what you demonstrably bring to the table: a specific skill, experience, or approach that adds value. Avoid general statements, one strong, concrete example works better than a list of vague qualities.

4. Why do you want to work for us?

This question checks whether you've done your homework. Research the employer's products, services, mission, and company culture beforehand, and name specifically what appeals to you. "You're known for..." sounds far more convincing than "it seems like a nice company."

5. What appeals to you about this role?

Here the interviewer wants to know whether you understand what the job actually involves. Read the job description carefully and explain how your experience and interests match the concrete tasks and responsibilities not just the job title.

6. What motivates you?

Be specific and link your motivation back to the job description. Give a practical example of a situation where that motivation led to a good result, so your answer doesn't stay stuck in generalities.

7. What's your biggest achievement so far?

Anyone can name an impressive accomplishment. Choose an example that highlights your work ethic and values instead, and explain the impact you had on a project, a team, or a result.

8. What are your strengths?

Combine technical skills (hard skills) with soft skills here, and link each one back to the role you're applying for. A strength that isn't relevant to the job won't convince the interviewer.

9. What are your weaknesses?

This question doesn't have to feel uncomfortable. Choose a genuine area for improvement, show that you're aware of it, and describe the concrete steps you're taking to work on it. That way you demonstrate self-awareness without undermining yourself.

10. What are your ambitions?

Employers use this question to gauge whether you see yourself staying with the company long term and whether you can plan ahead. Make sure your ambitions logically align with your education and experience, and explain how you plan to develop further to achieve them.

11. Where do you see yourself in five years?

Similar to the previous question, but with more focus on the future: which skills do you still want to develop, what type of role do you see yourself in, and what goals would you like to have achieved by then? This gives the employer insight into whether your paths align.

12. Describe a difficult work situation and how you handled it

This question tests your problem-solving ability and how you perform under pressure. Use the STAR method: describe the Situation, the Task, your concrete Action, and the Result. A detailed story is more memorable than a list of facts and figures.

13. What are your salary expectations?

Research the typical salary ranges for your region, sector, and seniority level beforehand. Give a realistic range rather than a single fixed number, and show that there's room to negotiate.

14. Why should we hire you?

This is your chance to briefly sum up why you're the best fit: link your experience and skills to the job requirements, and explain why you fit well with the company culture.

15. Do you have any questions for us?

The questions you ask are at least as important as the answers you give. A few examples:

• What does a typical day or week look like in this role?
• Why is this vacancy open?
• What made you decide to join this company yourself?
• What are the biggest challenges facing the company or team right now?

Ready for your next job interview?

With these 15 common interview questions in your back pocket, you'll approach the conversation with more confidence. Want more tips to make your job interview go smoothly? Read our extra tips here. Looking for a new challenge in the meantime? Check out our open vacancies here.