Common Interview Questions and Answers – With Sample Answers

Are you ready to face that interview? It is always desirable if you can prepare well for your interview because that helps. We all wish we knew the common interview questions and answers right? Since these questions are standard, the hiring manager will expect you to answer them easily. But let’s face it, these are one of the most difficult questions.

Tips to Answer Interview Questions

Have you been in a situation when someone asks you something as simple as, “Tell me more about yourself” and you forget who you are? Happens with a lot of candidates. Being evaluated and judged by people who have a career in their hands can make you feel anxious.

You might have heard the recruiting team telling you that there are no right or wrong answers before the start of the interview. This is done to calm you down. They are always looking for a specific structure in their answer. This is what brings you to this article. We have made a list of most of the common interview questions and answer samples to help you.

You can go through all the common interview questions and read the answers that are most relevant to your industry. You don’t need to memorize the answers. Just get a basic idea of what you have to say. Once you understand the structure the hiring managers are looking for, it will be easier for you to know what to say to secure that job.

The interview process in India has the HR round as the last round of selection. Before this, you have to complete the written test, group discussion, personal interview, and technical interview. It is here where you discuss the job role, salary, perks, dedication, rules, and other conditions. It is human to get nervous here, but how to tackle this round will decide if you get selected.

So let us quickly jump into a few of the frequently asked job interview questions and answers with samples.

Common Interview Questions and Answers Sample

Please note these are only sample answers. Do not memorize them. Customize them as per your industry, role, and experience. Use these only as a structure.

1. Tell me something about yourself

This is a very standard interview question. Generally, it is the first question the hiring managers ask to make you comfortable. This is your opportunity to tell them everything that is not mentioned in your resume but you would want them to know. Keep your answer short and crisp. Do not share too much personal information. You will not have enough time to talk about your experience and skills.

Let us see a few sample answers to create a good first impression.

Sample Answers:

• “Thank you for this opportunity. I am from ABC city and stay in a nuclear family. My father is a vice-principal at a private school and my mother is a consultant. My younger sister is studying medicine. I am a confident, hardworking, and very professional individual. I have always carried out all the tasks assigned to me without hesitation. In case of any doubts, I always put forth my queries. I am a fast learner and love to explore new ways of getting work done. I enjoy thinking out of the box. On the other hand, I am a creative person and I love to experiment.“
• “I am an accountant with 4 years experience. My experience has been gained across various industries such as retail, media, and banking sectors. In my previous/ current job, I am responsible for the accounting of all exports. I handle a 10-member team of accountants. Besides, I am also a team player. I do not judge and always try to help my team members. I am open to feedback, constructive criticism, and inputs from my boss & the team.”

2. What are your greatest weaknesses and strengths?

Yet another common interview question is asked in almost all interviews across industries. This might be difficult to tackle. Interviewers do not get impressed by fancy responses. They want you to be honest. But do not end up saying things that might prevent you from getting the job. Do not give answers like ‘I am a perfectionist or ‘I work too hard.

Sample Answer:

• “I am the biggest dreamer. A very patient and motivated person. I forgive easily and do not mix my personal life with my professional life. One of my greatest weaknesses is that I cannot stand being interrupted when I am deeply into something. I am trying to work on this and have been successful to quite an extent.”

3. You have changed your jobs so frequently, why?

This question is asked to experienced candidates who have changed their jobs more than twice in their entire careers. If you are a fresher, you can skip this question. The hiring managers ask this question to know the real reason behind your jumping ships. If you do not give them a realistic answer, they will think you are more likely to leave this company soon.

Sample Answer:

• “I have never intended to switch jobs so frequently in the past couple of years. The companies that I worked for were small and one of them was going through a really bad time financially. But honestly, this has been rewarding. I have faced so many situations in my career that I can confidently walk into a new one and successfully tackle it. Though I have gained a lot of experience from all the switching, I am not looking to have to do this again, in the near future. I want to make my mark in one organization for a long where I grow along with the company’s growth. I now want to have a stable and fruitful job.”

4. What is your greatest fear?

This is a stress test question. Interviewers want you to give them reasons to reject you. Do not give in and talk about your loopholes. Make sure to answer diplomatically.

Sample Answer:

• “Considering that this is my first job, you may think that my biggest fear is my inexperience and no know-how about corporate policies. But, I would say otherwise. I am very open-minded and a quick learner. There is no fear about how I should perform my job. I am very confident that I can face any situation that comes across either myself or with the help of my team members and seniors.”

5. What do your co-workers say about you?

Interviewing managers generally ask this question to try and make you blurt out things only a few people know about. They want to know about the relationship you share with your co-workers and friends. You can be honest and tell them about any past conflicts or be confident and let them find out. Just make sure not to sound very arrogant.

Sample Answer:

• “I like to build strong professional relationships. Most of my colleagues have become great friends. We have been spending eight hours a day, five days a week for many years now. So, I am sure whatever they say will be realistic. One thing that they will surely mention is that they can count on me. The rest is up to who you find out from.”

6. What is your ideal company or workplace

This is again one of the most common interview questions and the answers to this are not limited to one. You can be honest with them. Just make sure your answer is realistic. It will also be preferable if you state their workplace as your ideal workplace.

Sample Answer:

• “My ideal workplace is one where my contributions and efforts are valued and where I am encouraged to share my ideas. It should be able to bring forth exciting challenges. I would like to work in a place that also offers a clean and professional work atmosphere, which is what your organization also provides. I want to be myself and grow along with the company.”

7. What is one accomplishment that you are proud of?

Use this opportunity to mention all your great achievements. Focus on your recent accomplishments. You can mention achievements from your professional life as well as your personal life.

Sample Answer:

• “It was at my first job. I was under training. After six months of training and hard work, I was handed over to a three-member team. I had to oversee their work end of the day. It motivated me to perform better as the seniors trusted me with a team. It also boosted my self-confidence. I believe that this is my biggest achievement so far, even bigger than my AIEEE rank.”

8. Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?

This is one of the very common interview questions and answers to this have to be realistic. You can either tell them that you want to be in the same organization or in any reputed organization without mentioning names.

Sample Answer:

• “My goal is to find a company where there is ensured continued growth along with new challenges. 5 years down the lane, I see myself as an experienced and reliable senior. I assume that I will be ready to take up bigger responsibilities. I am looking for a stable career in an organization and hope I get this wherever I start.”

9. What do you know about us?

You will find this question in all the lists of Common interview questions and answers. The hiring managers want to know if you are really interested in the company you have applied for. Make sure to do your homework. Read about the company before attending the interviews.

Sample Answer:

• “Yours is one of the leading and fastest-growing marketing agencies in India. It was founded by Toby and Shilpa in 2003. You have branches in California and New York. Your tagline is very catchy. Everyone I know, who works here, is very happy and satisfied with their jobs. It will be a privilege to join such a company that is all set to create new records.”

10. What is your salary expectations?

Be honest about what you expect. Research about industry standards. You can either give them a figure straight away. It is always preferable to give them a range so that they know you are flexible. It is also acceptable to ask them their offer or specific package paid to employees in similar positions. You can also ask them for details of your day-to-day task to determine your salary.

Sample Answer:

• “I am sure your company has a specific package for this position. I would like to know your budget if you don’t mind. Accordingly, I can tell you about my expectations. My salary expectations are in line with industry standards.”

If you are wondering how to know your exact in-hand salary, use this free take-home salary calculator.

11. Do you have any questions for me?

When this question is asked, it is the end of the interview. This is your chance to ask everything you have been wanting to. Make sure to ask a question. Do not say no. If you do not have any specific questions about the job, you can ask open-ended questions like the one below.

Sample Answers:

• “What are the next steps of this interview”
• “How has your journey in this organization been so far?”
• “How long does it take a person to prove their worth here?”
• “Can you tell me something about yourself?”
• “How is the work culture here?”
• “What is the managerial hierarchy here?”

Wait for the interview to conclude with a line like ‘Thank You. Get up, thank the interviewer for their time and step out of the room. Make sure to pick up all your belongings too.

Get more interview tips here.

We hope this list of common interview questions and answers helps you prepare well for your interview and get your dream job.