The 30 most common interview questions (and how to answer them)

Knowing the interview questions in advance takes the edge off the nerves and helps you answer with a clearer head. We've grouped them by type: that way, instead of memorising 30 answers, you prepare a handful of solid stories and adapt them. For the full method, see the guide Acing the job interview.

Opening questions

These kick off almost every interview and set the tone.

1. Tell me about yourself — 60-90 seconds: present, relevant past, future aimed at the role.
2. Walk me through your background — a clear narrative, not a recital of your CV.
3. What are your strengths? — two, relevant, each with an example.
4. What's your biggest weakness? — one that's real, not a deal-breaker, plus what you're doing about it.
5. How would your colleagues describe you? — use believable words, not inflated adjectives.
6. What sets you apart from other candidates? — a specific mix of skills and experience.

Motivation questions

These check whether you've done your homework and whether you'll stick around.

1. Why do you want to work here? — connect your goals to what the company does.
2. What do you know about us? — show you've read the site, the products and recent news.
3. Why are you leaving your current job? — keep it positive: what you're looking for, never complaints.
4. Why this industry? — explain what genuinely draws you to it.
5. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? — growth that fits the role, not "in your chair".
6. What are you looking for in your next job? — align your priorities with the offer.

Behavioural questions (STAR)

The most dreaded: they ask for concrete examples. Answer with Situation, Task, Action, Result.

1. Tell me about a challenge you overcame.
2. A time you got something wrong and what you learned from it.
3. A conflict with a colleague and how you handled it.
4. A tough goal you achieved.
5. How you handle pressure and deadlines.
6. A decision you made with incomplete data.
7. A time you led or persuaded someone.
8. How you deal with criticism of your work.

For each one, prepare a real case with a measurable result: "I cut turnaround time by 20%" carries more weight than "I did a good job".

Practical and role-specific questions

These get into the nuts and bolts of the day-to-day work.

1. How do you set priorities on a busy day?
2. What's your experience with [tool/skill from the job ad]?
3. How would you approach your first 90 days in this role?
4. Do you prefer working independently or in a team?
5. How do you keep up to date in your field?
6. What are your salary expectations? — give an informed range, not a single hard number.

Closing questions and your own questions

1. Do you have any questions for us? — always yes: prepare 3-4 sharp questions.
2. When would you be available to start? — be clear and realistic.
3. Is there anything you'd like to add? — use the chance to land a strength that hasn't come up.
4. Why should we choose you? — a tight value summary: what you solve for them.

Close by asking your own questions about the team, the goals for the first few months, and how success is measured in the role: shift the conversation toward how you'll contribute.

Practise the questions for your role

A generic list is a good start, but real interviews use questions built around the position. With EuroCV Pro you get preparation tailored to the role: real questions for that specific position and feedback on your answers, so you walk into the interview already rehearsed on the questions that will actually matter.