18 common job interview questions and how to answer them (with examples)

In today's challenging job market, job interviews are pivotal moments that can shape the trajectory of your career. Within the dynamic realm of work, these interviews serve as crucial junctures—a brief yet critical stage where significant decisions unfold. 

Crystal Lim-Lange characterizes job interviews as a space where 'very important decisions with far-reaching consequences are made in a very short period.'  Your job interview transcends mere conversation. It is the gateway to determining whether you are the right fit for a coveted position within a company. Crystal is the CEO of Forest Wolf, a global leadership and talent development consultancy based in Singapore.

Effective preparation is crucial for a successful job interview. Anticipating questions and practising your responses are key steps in this process. Familiarising yourself with common interview questions and answers that frequently arise will help you feel more confident and ready for the challenges ahead.

Here's a handy guide outlining common questions you might face during the hiring process. We explain what interviewers are looking for with these questions and how you can best shape your responses. You will also find examples of good and not-so-good answers to these typical job interview questions. After going through this article, you'll feel better prepared for your next meeting with a hiring manager.

• Types of interview questions
• How to answer interview questions
• Common interview questions
• Handling difficult interview questions
• Common interview mistakes to avoid
• Conclusion
• Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Types of interview question

There are six common types of interview questions asked during different kinds of job interviews:

• Behavioural questions aim to determine how you acted in a particular situation. Interviewers are looking for evidence of what you’ve done in the past, and how this may influence your future behaviour in their organisation.
• Situational questions focus on specific issues and challenges that may occur in the workplace. You’ll be presented with a situation and asked to discuss a solution.
• Technical or skills-based questions are for finding out whether your skill set matches what the employer wants and needs. These questions require you to discuss your existing skills and those you would like to develop.
• Traditional questions are the most common questions asked in an interview, meant to obtain basic information about you.
• Brain teasers are like curve balls that some interviewers like to throw to puzzle the job seeker. These questions test your problem-solving skills and your ability to think on your feet.
• Illegal questions should not be asked at all during an interview. Fair hiring practices require employers to hire based on merit, and to avoid asking discriminatory questions.

How to answer interview questions

Here are some situational frameworks to help you answer job interview questions effectively.

STAR method 

The STAR method, standing for 'Situation, Task, Action, and Result,' serves as a helpful tool to structure your thoughts during an interview. Consider it as an outline to arrange your responses, particularly useful when tackling behavioural questions.

Applying the STAR Method to interview questions is straightforward. Let's take the question ‘Talk about a time when you faced a tough challenge at work. How did you overcome it?’ as an example.

• Situation - Set the scene and context by describing the situation
  ⁠Example: "A major client of our advertising agency required a massive overhaul of their ad campaign, with a turnaround time of one week."
  ⁠
• Task – Outline your role and responsibilities in the situation
  ⁠Example: "In my capacity as the account manager, I had the responsibility of coordinating between the client and our agency's creative team. My task was to ensure alignment with the creative brief and meet the tight deadline."
  ⁠
• Action – Detail the concrete steps you took to address the issue
  ⁠Example: "To meet the deadline, I ensured everyone in the team was on task. We enlisted the help of other colleagues to help with the tight turnaround and ensure that we distributed the work fairly. Then, I helped develop a checklist system that enabled us to check each other's progress faster and more efficiently. I also made sure to push back on other projects that did not have urgent deadlines so the team could focus on this client."
  ⁠
• Result – Discuss the outcome of your action plan
  ⁠Example: "Thanks to our team's combined efforts, we submitted the new campaign before the prescribed deadline. Our presentation impressed the client and the campaign was released to the public within a month."

CAR method 

The Context, Action, Result Method—or CAR—proves useful in responding to behavioural questions during a job interview. Let's explore how to apply the CAR method to the question, “Talk about a time when you faced a challenging situation at work. How did you overcome it?”

• Context - Explain the context of your anecdote. In addressing the sample question, outline the specific challenge you encountered
  ⁠
  ⁠Example: "In my role as a social media manager for a major airline, we were asked to increase the reach on our platforms from 3,000 to 6,000 views for the whole fiscal year."
  ⁠
• Action – Detail your approach to the situation, emphasising the skills that showcase your suitability for the role you're seeking
  ⁠
  ⁠Example: "I gathered my team to brainstorm on fresh and different initiatives that could help attract more people to our social media pages. We collaborated with our marketing team to implement promos that could help entice people to click on our platforms, such as giving away free travel vouchers, trips, and ticket discounts when they liked, followed, or subscribed to our pages."
  ⁠
• Result – Share the outcome, and if feasible, incorporate numbers and facts to quantify the impact of your actions
  ⁠
  ⁠Example: “As a result of our promos, we successfully met the KPI (key performance indicator) of 6,000 views for the whole year within the prescribed period. The company also saw a 20% increase in ticket sales driven by the content that we placed on our social media accounts.”

Addressing weaknesses and strengths 

Questions about your strengths and weaknesses are standard in interviews. According to Career and Interview Coach Leah Lambart, when interviewers ask about your strengths in their common interview questions, they want to know if you've read up on the job you're applying for. They expect you to say that you have the skills required for the role, so make sure that you tailor your answer to what the role requires. 

On the other hand, when they ask about your weaknesses, interviewers are gauging your self-awareness and willingness to improve. Make sure to emphasise that you’re open to improvement and are on the lookout for training opportunities to help you become a better worker.

Demonstrating cultural fit 

Organisational culture, or the set of beliefs, values, behaviours, and practices shared within a company, helps drive workforce engagement and productivity. Unsurprisingly, more companies are asking questions about cultural fit during interviews. Read up on the company beforehand to figure out what type of culture they have. Once you know what the company culture is like, you can prepare answers that highlight the values you have in common.

Common interview questions
1. Tell me about yourself.

What the interviewer is looking for: 

Often the first question asked, this question aims to break the ice and gauge your communication skills, according to Lambert. Make sure to keep the answer brief; focus on recent experience, and not every single role you've had before.

• Start with a brief personal introduction. Include your name and a bit of your background, like where you went to school (if you’re a fresh graduate) or your last job.
• Highlight relevant experience and skills. Play up your previous roles and high points in your career.
• Explain how your experience and skills make you a good fit for the position. Use examples to demonstrate why you say what you are.

Examples of good and bad answers 

Good answer: "I've worked in the corporate social responsibility team at ABC Inc. for the past five years. As a specialist in the HR department, I was responsible for planning and implementing CSR initiatives that aligned with the company's purpose. I enjoyed helping the firm give back to the community. I'd love to support communities in a broader capacity, and I believe I can be a significant contributor to your non-profit organisation because we have similar values.”

Bad answer: "I graduated from university 15 years ago, and I got a job at A Corp., but I didn't like my boss, so I moved to B LLC and stayed there for a couple of years. I had a few part-time jobs after that, but I stumbled upon working in CSR about six years ago and have been working at ABC Inc. since then. To be honest, I've gotten bored with my job."

2. How did you hear about the company and the job opening?

What the interviewer is looking for:

Employers ask this question to assess your level of interest in their company and in the job opportunity they’re offering. 

• Employers seek to gauge your interest in their company and the offered job. They want to know if you actively pursued this role or stumbled upon it incidentally.
• Employers prefer candidates who actively seek roles aligned with their career goals. Demonstrating enthusiasm for the job by referencing specific points in the job description and aligning your skills with the company's needs is crucial.
• Employers are interested in whether you have internal connections within the company. If you learned about the role through a referral, it can positively impact your application, showcasing the effectiveness of the company's internal network.
• Employers want to know how you discovered the job opportunity. Whether through a referral, online platforms like JobStreet.com, the company website, or social media, your response helps them evaluate the effectiveness of their recruitment efforts.

Examples of good and bad answers 

Good answer: “I found this job opportunity on JobStreet.com. After reading the job description, I found that the role of Social Media Manager would be a great fit for me because I have five years of experience promoting my current company’s service offerings on social media. I am also creative, digital-savvy, and aware of the current trends in the digital marketing space, which are the characteristics of an effective social media manager. I also read up on your company through your website and found your goals and achievements very impressive, it seems like a great place to work. That is why I decided to apply for this role.” 

Bad answer: “I found this role online, I think. Your company looks cool, and I really need a job right now, so I decided to just go for it!” 

3. Why do you want to leave your current company, or why did you leave your last company? 

What the interviewer is looking for:

When the employer is asking why you left your previous position, they’re not looking for gossip about your exit. They want to understand your career goals better: What kind of work environment drives you to do your best? What kind of role are you looking for? 

• Employers aim to grasp your career aspirations, seeking insights into the work environment and role that motivate you.
• Employers want a clear, focused explanation for leaving your previous position. Avoid gossip and provide thoughtful reasons rather than simply expressing dissatisfaction.
• Employers are interested in understanding your career goals, emphasizing how your next role aligns with your professional growth. Share the type of work and environment you thrive in. It's crucial to demonstrate that your career moves are strategic and aligned with long-term goals, avoiding unnecessary job hopping.
• Employers value professionals who leave on good terms. Demonstrating the ability to maintain positive relationships with your previous team reflects your professionalism and respect for colleagues.

Examples of good and bad answers 

Good answer: “I have been working in Top Company for 10 years now, and I learned so much from my colleagues and mentors in the past decade. With that in mind, I think I would be able to grow and develop my career more elsewhere, taking on new challenges and experiences along the way. I want to bring my career to the next level. This job opportunity, with a more senior position and more responsibilities, can take me to where I want to be.” 

Bad answer: “I’ve been in my current job for way too long, and I hate the people I work with. After two months of working in that terrible workplace, I decided it was time to move on.

4. What are you looking for in a new job?

What the interviewer is looking for:

• Employers aim to understand if your skills and interests align with the job opportunity. This involves showcasing what you excel at and what you enjoy doing.
• Employers want to gauge if you are a good fit for their company and team culture. Define your ideal job, emphasizing the type of organization and culture you thrive in, ensuring alignment with the company you're applying to.
• Employers assess if you are seeking a specific role rather than any job. Clarify your motivation and long-term goals, connecting your response to what the company values. This assures the hiring manager of your genuine interest in the job opportunity.
• Executive and career coach Terry B. McDougall suggests crafting an answer that aligns with what you enjoy, excel at, and what the company values. This approach showcases your ability to bring valuable contributions to the table.

Examples of good and bad answers:

Good answer: “I’m looking for a job that will help me further develop my data analysis skills. As a senior data analyst in your company, I would be able to challenge myself and apply my years of experience as a specialist to support the company’s goals. I’m interested in working for an innovative company that continues to think outside the box, much like your own. Your company is always at the forefront of digital transformation in the market, and I’d love to be a part of that change.” 

Bad answer: “I would love to be paid more in my new job, as my previous employer is known to be tight with the purse strings. I’d love to work in any successful company that pays their employees well.” 

5. Why should we hire you?

What the interviewer is looking for: 

When they ask, "Why should we hire you?", the employer is asking you what makes you an ideal candidate. They want to know if you're the perfect fit for the job, so ensure your answer addresses their needs for the role.

• Discuss your unique qualifications and strengths.
• Give specific examples of how you've succeeded in similar roles.
• Explain how your skills and experience align with the company's goals and mission.

Examples of good and bad answers

Good answer: "The job posting mentioned that your hotel is looking for someone with managerial experience. As my resumé indicates, I have a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, during which time I was able to manage our sales losses at a minimum (2% year-on-year) despite the pandemic. Through my 10 years in my role, I learned a lot about running a hotel. This experience, coupled with my leadership skills and strong work ethic, is why I am a great candidate for the hotel manager role."

Bad answer: "Hospitality was what I majored in at university, so now I'm looking for a job in this field. Any job at all would be great. I need the money. And your company has great perks! I'd love to avail of those."

 6. What is your greatest strength?

What the interviewer is looking for: 

When an interviewer asks about your greatest strength, they want to know how aware you are of your capabilities. Most of all, they're wondering whether your strengths align with their company's needs, and if they will make you a good fit for the job.

• Choose a relevant strength that aligns with the position.
• Give specific examples of how you've demonstrated this strength.
• Explain how this strength will benefit you in the role.

Examples of good and bad answers

Good answer: "I have excellent writing skills. Having worked as an editor for 10 years, I have sharpened my skills in reviewing copy, especially my attention to detail. I have also written for multiple publications, so I know how to adjust my writing style to different audiences. If I become your publishing house's senior editor, I will be able to review manuscripts efficiently and effectively.”  

Bad answer: "I have many strengths. I am hardworking, a fast learner, intelligent, and a great person to be around.”

7. What is your greatest achievement?

What the interviewer is looking for:

Think of this question as another way to phrase “Why should we hire you?” The employer wants to know whether you have the capabilities, skills, and strengths that they are looking for. What you highlight as your greatest achievement will let the interviewer know what you value the most and how you define success. Explain how you achieved this, as this will tell them about your work ethic and how you get things done.

• Choose an achievement that is related to the job opportunity you are applying to. This should be easy to figure out once you’ve done your research: reviewing the job description, looking up the company website, or asking your network about the company. 
• If you’re having a tough time figuring out what achievement to cite in your answer, try to recall your performance in your previous roles. How did you contribute to the company? What were you like as a team player or leader? Were there any successful projects that you were a part of? For fresh grads, you can share a story about your greatest achievement in school. 
• Be specific in your answer. Use the STAR method to help you outline the important details the interviewer needs to know.
• Explain, don’t brag. Your answer should show how much you can offer the company, not how great you are.

Examples of good and bad answers 

Good answer: “My greatest achievement was leveraging social media to market our start-up company successfully. Our start-up was small and very traditional, and management preferred using traditional platforms like print media to advertise our products. As a marketing specialist, I saw an opportunity for us to use social media to help increase our market share and decrease our costs in traditional ad spend. I then submitted a business plan to management, outlining the benefits of using social media over traditional platforms, and they approved it. Our team then worked together to roll out a social media marketing plan that consisted of posting short videos, eye-catching photos, and short text on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. After 6 months of pushing the brand on these three platforms, we saw an increase in sales of about 10%, driven by our social media audience. This success inspired me to venture into job opportunities more focused on social media, which is why I’m applying for the Social Media Manager role in your company.” 

Bad answer: "My greatest achievement at work was getting promoted from marketing specialist to manager. I think my boss was just really impressed with everything I did for the company that they had to promote me."

8. What is your greatest weakness?

What the interviewer is looking for: 

Similar to asking about your strengths, when interviewers ask this question, they want to know how self-aware you are – if you know your limitations, can communicate them well, and are willing to improve. Avoid disguising a strength as a weakness because they will see right through you.

• Choose a genuine weakness that doesn't significantly impact job performance.
• Discuss how you're working to improve in this area.
• Highlight how you've learned and grown from this weakness.

Examples of good and bad answers

Good answer: "As a fresh graduate, I do not have work experience. However, my experience as a student council officer helped me develop my communication and leadership skills, which I think will be crucial to succeeding in this role of customer service specialist. As an officer, I would listen to my fellow students' concerns, such as dress code guidelines and tuition fee hikes. In a way, my fellow students were my customers. My job involved understanding their problems, helping them, and elevating their concerns to the administration, if necessary.”

Bad answer: "My weakness is that I'm too much of a perfectionist. I work too hard to get the perfect result every time.” 

9. Can you tell me about a time you overcame a challenge?

What the interviewer is looking for:  

The interviewer wants to know how you act when faced with a challenge at work. Through your answer, your potential employer wants to learn how you solve problems, make decisions, and are resourceful. The STAR method would work well in helping you answer this thoroughly.

• Describe the challenge and the actions you took to overcome it.
• Highlight your problem-solving skills and resilience.
• Discuss the positive outcome and what you learned from the experience.

Examples of good and bad answers

Good answer: "As a marketing assistant, I supported our company's marketing team in executing campaigns to help drive sales. One campaign I worked on involved hosting a launch event for a VIP crowd. I was tasked with overseeing the project from start to finish, which included coordinating with different teams – public relations, partners, suppliers, etc. – to ensure that the event went as planned. 
“Several days before the event date, I discovered that one of the suppliers could not fulfil our order of event giveaways for our guests. I contacted our network of suppliers, and none of them could commit to fulfilling the same order in a shorter amount of time. So instead, I negotiated with three different suppliers who could each deliver a partial amount to meet the total we needed. Thankfully, these suppliers agreed, and the completed orders arrived right in time for the event. 

“This experience taught me how to think quickly on my feet and how to negotiate efficiently with different people to get the job done.”

Bad answer: "My colleague wasn't very good at her job and made several errors in our company's annual report. Luckily, I am an excellent co-worker, so I fixed all her mistakes before we published the final draft.”

10. How do you deal with pressure or stressful situations?

What the interviewer is looking for: 

The workplace is bound to be stressful at some point, and employers need to know if you can handle the pressure. Can they rely on you when everything is chaotic in the office? Will you meet stress head-on, or will you have a meltdown instead? 

• Talk about your usual routine when dealing with stress. Do you do breathing exercises? Do you write a detailed battle plan or to-do list? Or does going for a quick walk work for you? Explain that you have a method for dealing with stress, instead of simply saying “I move past the pressure” or worse, “I don’t get stressed out at all.” 
• Give an example of a stressful situation that you dealt with successfully. An anecdote creates a clearer picture of how you act under pressure, and lets the interviewer know you’re not making stuff up out of thin air.

Examples of good and bad answers 

Good answer: “Our company’s annual meeting is the busiest, most important event of the year. As part of the communications team, we were inundated with multiple assignments, including writing scripts for event videos, documenting the different conferences, and creating brief updates that will be shared throughout the company at the end of the day. There was so much to do that we were all working extra hours. To deal with the stress, I scheduled short breaks in between tasks to clear my head, so I could avoid feeling overwhelmed by all the work. I also wrote down a comprehensive to-do list, complete with calendar reminders so that I didn’t forget what I was supposed to do at any given time. I also made sure to be in constant communication with my teammates. We were all equally stressed and busy, but working together helped us manage better. Thankfully, the meeting was a rousing success, and our team received a lot of positive feedback after seeing all our hard work on display throughout the event.” 

Bad answer: "I don’t feel pressure in high-stress situations. If there’s too much work, I just assign the tasks to my team and they get the job done for me.”

11. How do you keep yourself organised when multitasking? 

What the interviewer is looking for: 

It’s very rare for anybody to be working on just one thing in the workplace. Chances are,  you’ll be working on multiple projects at the same time, which is why being able to juggle them all is a top concern for any employer. In asking this question, your interviewer wants to know about your time management and decision-making skills. How do you use your time to stay productive and efficient? Do you have a particular method to keep track of all the things you need to do? Do you know how to differentiate between an urgent task and an important task? How do you manage deadlines? 

• Talk about a time when you managed all your tasks successfully. Highlight all the skills you employed to keep track of everything you needed to do. Make sure your answer relates to the job you’re applying for. For example, if you’re applying for a sales role, talk about how you managed to juggle the needs of multiple clients at once. 
• If possible, talk about whatever system or method you use in managing your time. Whether that’s a simple to-do list, the Pomodoro technique, or timeboxing your calendar, giving a concrete example of how you work can help the interviewer understand your process better. 
• Talk about how you differentiate priorities based on their importance or urgency. Projects come in all shapes and sizes, and employees need to adapt whenever something more urgent comes in. Your interviewer wants to know if you can make decisions quickly, negotiate deadlines, and reorganise your priorities depending on the situation. 

Examples of good and bad answers 

Good answer: “To stay organised while working on different tasks, I plot out my day on my calendar. By allotting a block of time in my calendar for each of the things I need to do, I can stay on top of everything. This was particularly helpful when I was managing a team for a project. I had to make time for meeting with all my teammates and making progress on our task while also remembering everything else I had to do outside of that project. As this was a major project, I had to make sure that it was given top priority ahead of all the other tasks I needed to work on. I negotiated deadlines on other projects so that this one was put first. As a result, our project was completed before the deadline, giving us ample time to double-check everything before we submitted the final output. It was declared a success and was heavily lauded by our management.” 

Bad answer: "My bosses give me so many things to do I can barely keep up with everything. I usually just react to the situation instead of planning or organising my tasks ahead of time. It’s bound to change anyway, so why bother?”

12. Can you tell me about a time you worked in a team?

What the interviewer is looking for: 

Interviewers ask teamwork questions to see how well you work with others. Whether you're joining a small start-up or a major multinational corporation, working well with different people to move a project forward will always be something employers look for in an employee. Everyone's worked with other people before, regardless of the nature of their job. 

By asking this question, they want to see your communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.

• Describe the team and the project or task you worked on.
• Highlight your contribution to the team's success.
• Discuss any challenges or conflicts you faced and how you overcame them.

Examples of good and bad answers

Good answer: "In my previous role as a communications specialist, our marketing communications team was tasked to create a short video that showcased our company's service offerings. As the group's writer, I helped develop the script and teach the speakers how to deliver their lines effectively. I also helped during filming, ready to edit the script if it was not working or was too long. We had a very tight turnaround time to finish the job, so it was all hands on deck until we had the final edit. 

“Thanks to the leadership and organisation provided by our manager, we knew what we were supposed to do, and we all checked in on each other to ensure we were on schedule. The result was an informative video that entertained our target audience while encouraging them to use our services. Thanks to that video, we increased the number of our clients by 5%." 

Bad answer: "I don't think I've ever had experience working in a team. I'm a lone wolf, and I work best by myself."

13. Can you tell me about a time you demonstrated leadership?

What the interviewer is looking for: 

In the same way that everyone's been in a team or had to work with others before, we've all had an experience where we had to exercise our leadership skills. Whether you're a manager or not, you've probably been called upon to lead a project at some point. Interviewers ask this question to see how you take control of situations and what kind of leader you are.

• Describe the situation and your role as a leader.
• Highlight your leadership qualities and skills.
• Discuss the positive outcome and how your leadership benefited the team.

Examples of good and bad answers

Good answer: "In my previous role, I was tasked with being the project leader for our in-house knowledge newsletter. It aimed to feature stories about different topics in our industry so that our colleagues could learn more about the recent updates in our field. 

The project involved assigning stories, collaborating with the design team regarding the layout, and editing the content. 

“Our team discussed a list of stories we wanted to include in the issue. Then, I assigned each team member, including myself, a story we needed to work on for the newsletter.
“Next, I met with the designers and discussed what our newsletter aimed to do so they knew how to craft the layout. We set a production timeline with different dates for gathering data, content submission, and format so that we all had ample time to revise, edit, and design the newsletter. 

“We received positive feedback when we finally released the newsletter to the whole firm. A team even told us that they used one of the articles as a jumping-off point for one of their projects." 

Bad answer: "I have never been a leader. I'm more of a follower."

14. What do your co-workers and superiors usually say about you?

What the interviewer is looking for:

• Employers want to know more about your personality. In a way, this question is similar to “How would you describe yourself?” or “What can you tell me about yourself?” but from your colleagues’ perspective. This can offer a more thoughtful and honest answer because you’re asked to think about your co-workers instead of relying on your standard answers. 
• Employers want to learn more about your soft skills. Interacting with your colleagues, how you manage a team, how you communicate with others at work — these are all key skills that are essential to a workplace. These are also skills that are best described by the people you work with. By sharing anecdotes on how well you worked with your colleagues on a particular project, you are also displaying the soft skills you employed for your team to succeed. 
• Employers want to know if you’re self-aware. Talking about how others perceive you can ground your list of strengths and skills in reality, instead of just being a laundry list of things you can do. Remember that employers can contact your references to find out more about you. If you exaggerated something in your career, they might be able to uncover that by simply calling your former colleagues. 

Examples of good and bad answers

Good answer: “My co-workers and superiors would say I’m very attentive to detail. As part of the media relations team, I had to help ensure that the press releases we created were accurate and error-free, so I had to hone that skill to ensure our output was flawless. My boss would tell you that I’m very helpful when editing my teammates’ writing, as well, which makes our job faster and more efficient.” 

Bad answer: “I’m a great person to work with. My teammates would tell you that I’m the life of the party! I’m always there for after-work drinks, ready to join in on the fun. In fact, the fun doesn’t start until I walk in!”

15. Where do you see yourself in five years?

What the interviewer is looking for: 

Lambart says that interviewers ask, "Where do you see yourself in five years?" to find out if you have a realistic view of your career goals and how you are tracking them. They want to know if you've put some thought into your career, and how this job opportunity fits into that career plan.

• Discuss your career goals and aspirations.
• Explain how the position aligns with those goals.
• Highlight how you plan to contribute to the company's success.

Examples of good and bad answers

Good answer: "I'd love to take this opportunity to develop further the specific skills I have now and grow within the organisation. Eventually, in five years or so, I'd like to take on a more senior role as a supervisor, manager, or mentor for junior staff members."

Bad answer: "I'd love to travel the world in five years! Hopefully, I will have earned enough money by then, thanks to this job."

16. What are your salary requirements?

What the interviewer is looking for: 

Employers ask about your salary requirements because they want to know how well you know your worth. But most importantly, according to Lambart, employers want to ensure they're not wasting anyone's time. They want to gauge whether you're at the appropriate level for the role. 

If the salary is too low, you might be too junior; if too high, then you might be overqualified. If you're unsure about the right salary for the role you're interested in, our Salary Guide can help you.

• Research the average salary for similar positions in your area.
• Consider your experience, skills, and qualifications.
• Give a reasonable salary range and be willing to negotiate.

Examples of good and bad answers

Good answer: "Based on my research and with my experience and specific skills in coding, AI, and machine learning, I would expect to earn SGD X (provide a figure around 10% higher than what you're willing to accept so that the counteroffer can be closer to your goal). However, I am willing to be flexible, as I am more interested in this role and working for your organisation."

Bad answer: "Your organisation has one of the highest revenues in your industry. I deserve a salary of SGD X (an extremely high value with no basis in research)."

17. Are you applying for other jobs?

What the interviewer is looking for: 

Employers would want to know how interested you are in their open role. They want to see how serious you are about this role or industry or if you’re just applying to every job you come across. Also, they want to scope out their competition – how likely is it that they will be able to hire you? This might also work in your favour; once they find out other companies are interviewing you, the employer will see that you have potential and might be more interested in hiring you. 

• Employers want to gauge your interest in their role and industry, assessing if you're selectively applying or casting a wide net.
• Employers are interested in understanding their competition for hiring you. Mentioning interviews with other companies can highlight your potential and increase their interest.
• Strike a balance between conveying interest and exploration. If interviewed elsewhere, mention active consideration of options; if it's your first interview, express you're in the early stages of your job hunt.
• Provide general information without revealing specific company names, discussing roles and industries. Highlight commonalities between roles and articulate your goals for the next position.
• Showcase a specific goal in mind, such as skill set growth or pursuing a dream career. Shift focus from interviews to reasons for applying, demonstrating a thoughtful approach to your job search.

Examples of good and bad answers 

Good answer: “I have been to several interviews for companies in different industries. All of these roles are related to communications and public relations, which are my passions. I’m still exploring my options, but I’m hoping my skills and experience meet the requirements for your role. From the job description, I find that this role will challenge me and help me grow further in my career. I also find your company’s culture very inclusive and diverse, which are values that are important to me.”

Bad answer: "I’ve interviewed with Company X for the same role as this one. They offer great benefits and a very impressive salary. I think they’re a great company, which is fantastic because I’m very close to getting the job offer from their HR rep. Just waiting for that call and I’m on my way!” 

18. Do you have any questions for me?

Why you should always ask questions: 

According to the JobStreet report "What Job Seekers Wish Employers Knew: Unlocking the Future of Recruitment," recruitment is a two-way process, which means that job seekers assess the employer as much as the employer assesses them. Asking the interviewer questions shows them that you are interested in the company. Asking also helps you figure out if the job is right for you.

• Ask about the company culture and values.
• Inquire about growth opportunities within the company.
• Ask about the interviewer's personal experience with the company.

Examples of good and bad questions to ask

Good questions:

• How is success measured for someone in this role?
• Why do people come to work and stay in your organisation?
• Are there opportunities for professional development?
• Can you tell me more about the day-to-day responsibilities of this role?
• How does the company support work-life balance?

Bad questions:

• How much do I get paid?
• How much time off do I get?
• What does your company do exactly?

Handling difficult interview questions

Now that you know what common interview questions may come your way, you should also consider the tough interview questions employers may throw at you. Preparing for the tricky questions is just as important as preparing for the common ones. You don't want to look surprised when the interviewer poses questions like the ones below:

Addressing gaps in employment 

Career breaks are more common than you think, and there are effective ways to explain gaps in your employment history. Many people have had to stop working for various reasons, such as childcare, studying full-time, or travelling. The important thing is that you address it during your interview. Be honest with your potential employer and explain why you had to stop working. You might have even picked up some handy skills during your break. 

For example, travelling involves solid organisational skills and the flexibility to change plans on short notice. You can highlight these skills during the interview if they relate to the job you're applying for.

Explaining job hopping 

Job hopping, or the practice of moving from one job to another in a relatively short period, used to be viewed in a negative light. But today's Singaporeans are quite neutral about the issue, according to a survey in Milieu Insight.

There can be benefits to job-hopping, including adaptability to change. If an interviewer asks why you've moved from job to job, just be honest about your reasons, while assuring your potential employer that they can benefit from your adaptability and experience.

Discussing salary expectations 

Negotiating your salary can be awkward and intimidating. But if you've researched the right pay and assessed your worth, you can confidently ask for the salary you deserve. Make sure to back up the number with valid reasons and data from your research to remain objective while asking for what you want.

Common interview mistakes to avoid

Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but being aware of common mistakes can help you avoid them and increase your chances of success. Here are some common interview mistakes to avoid:

Lack of preparation

Failing to research the company and the role can indicate a lack of interest and commitment. Review the company's website, recent news, and relevant industry trends.

Poor body language

Non-verbal cues play a significant role in interviews. Avoid slouching, maintain eye contact and project confidence. A firm handshake and a friendly smile can leave a positive impression.

Overlooking the importance of active listening

Listening attentively to the interviewer's questions and providing relevant responses is crucial. Take a moment to gather your thoughts before answering, and avoid interrupting the interviewer.

Negativity or bad-mouthing previous employers

Stay positive throughout the interview and avoid speaking negatively about past experiences or colleagues. Instead, focus on lessons learned and how you have grown from those experiences.

Not asking questions

Failing to ask questions can make you appear disinterested or unprepared. Prepare a list of thoughtful questions in advance to ask the interviewer about the role, the company, or their experiences.

To ensure a successful job interview, practise your answers to standard interview questions, research the company thoroughly, and tailor your responses to highlight your relevant skills and experiences with previous employers.

Conclusion

Job interviews are a crucial part of the recruitment process. It's when the job seeker and the employer get to know each other and learn whether the job is a good fit. Job seekers would do well to prepare their answers, practise their responses, and anticipate what employers will say before the job interview. 

Remember to research the company and the role you're applying for. This way, you can tailor your answers to match the requirements that they're looking for. Prepare your responses by reviewing the common questions hiring managers ask in a job interview. 

Being well-prepared will make an excellent first impression on your interviewer and help you start the conversation on the right foot – the best position to be in when convincing your potential employer that you are the right person for the job. 

Now that you’re ready for your interview, start applying! Update your JobStreet profile to find openings that match your skills. Don’t forget to download the JobStreet app on Google Play and the App Store for easier access.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

1. What are the most common interview questions?
   ⁠The most common interview questions include:
   

   • Tell me about yourself.

   • Why should we hire you?

   • What is your greatest strength?

   • What is your greatest weakness?

   • Can you tell me about a time you overcame a challenge?

   • Can you tell me about a time you worked in a team?

   • Can you tell me about a time you demonstrated leadership?

   • Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

   • What are your salary requirements?

   • Do you have any questions for me?

2. How do I prepare for an interview?
   ⁠Practising your answers to common interview questions is a great way to help you prepare for an interview. Read up on the role and the company to understand what they're looking for, then adapt your answers and prepare examples to meet their needs.
   ⁠
3. How do I answer the question, "What is your greatest weakness?"
   ⁠⁠To answer the question about your greatest weakness, make sure to:
   ⁠

   • Choose a genuine weakness that doesn't significantly impact job performance.

   • Discuss how you're working to improve in this area.

   • Highlight how you've learned and grown from this weakness.

4. How do I handle a difficult interviewer?
   ⁠When faced with a difficult, even hostile interviewer, remember to keep calm and confident. Your preparation can help you here; because you already know what to say, you're less inclined to panic and be rattled by the situation. Meeting a difficult interviewer is something that is beyond your control, so best to focus on what you can control instead: yourself.  
   ⁠
5. How long should I wait before following up after an interview?
   ⁠⁠Usually, the interviewer gives you a timeline for when you can expect to hear back from them. If you haven't heard from them on their promised date, email them to follow up. If they didn't give a timeline, you can email them a week after your interview.
   ⁠
6. What should I wear to an interview?
   ⁠It helps to understand the company culture and dress code so you know what to wear for a successful job interview. For organisations with a relaxed policy, go for business casual outfits like khakis and simple tops that help you look smart and put together. For more traditional offices, wear tailored pieces such as a button-up shirt, dark-coloured slacks, and even ties.
   ⁠
7. How do I address salary expectations in an interview?
   ⁠Discussing money can be uncomfortable, so you have to build up to that conversation first. Once you've proven that you're a strong candidate for the role, make a strong case for the salary you want to ask for. Do your research and assess your worth to confidently ask for the salary you deserve.
   ⁠
8. Is it appropriate to ask about benefits during an interview?
   ⁠Similar to addressing salary expectations, asking about benefits should happen when you've already proven you're a serious candidate for the role. If the employer brings it up themselves, then that's a good indicator that you can ask questions about benefits before accepting a job offer.
   ⁠
9. Can I bring a portfolio to an interview?
   ⁠Career Coach Joanne Meehl recommends you have a portfolio at every point of contact during the recruitment process, meaning you should share your achievements beyond just the interview. You have no control over how long a job interview will run, and there's no guarantee they can see your portfolio then, so best to have your portfolio available on your resumé so they can go over it when they have the time. Go for a digital portfolio so you can share a link they can click on to see what you're offering.
   ⁠
10. How can I stand out in an interview?
    ⁠Preparation is vital to standing out from the competition in an interview. Being prepared in today’s competitive job market will boost your confidence and help you manage your nerves when faced with an interviewer. A confident job seeker with thoughtful answers is sure to impress any potential employer.