58 Common Interview Questions and
Answers
Collection of 58 most common interview questions and
answers. Review these typical common interview questions and think about how
you would answer them.
1. Tell me about yourself?
It is the common and the most important question in every
interview. This question is very crucial for the interviewer to have the first
impression of the candidate. Most effective way is to prepare your self for
several times. If you are well focused on the skills, the interviewer will
concentrate on the accomplishments done by you and you will feel comfortable
while saying answers. If it is a campus interview then start describing your
schooling, college and professional studies in a sentence or two, then talk
about family members and then switch over to achievements in your college in a
systematic way.
If it is an executive or managerial position you may
introduce yourself briefly and then describe your experience in the industry
and detailed explanation of your success in the last company. If gives a chance
tells about yourself, what will you do in this organization and how will you do
things much better. Use these words I am a self-starter, highly motivated,
energetic, result oriented, good communicator, co-operative and a team player
as this will creates a good impression.
2. What are your strong points?
It looks like a simple question but employer checks
whether your strengths are matching the profile. The answer to the question how
you will meet the challenges if that job is given to you, will decide more than
20 percent of success in the interview. In General strong points are: Ability to deal with the people, Technical
expertise, Organized, Efficient, Good listener, Confidence level, Initiative, Creative
mind, Friendly nature, Computer skills, Analytical skills, Communication
skills, Problem solving skills, Positive attitude, I esteem depends on the job
profile you have to decide which one is suitable for you. Be honest, if
necessary elaborate it with the example. It makes better impression.
3. What are your weaknesses?
It is the most dangerous question in the interview
whatever you say just try to convert the negative point to positive way. You
always focus on the positive while interviewing. For example: If you are a
software engineer, I was completely addicted to the programs whenever I start
coding. I would sit on it until it executes the perfect output. If it was not
executed perfectly I would keep on working on it and I do not talk with anybody.
I refer to books and consult superiors. Even some times my friends scold me
because of this reason. So you can frame your answer in this way.
4. What are your hobbies?
This question is to check the area of interest and how
much knowledge do you have in that. Please do not mention Internet browsing,
trading in stock market, late night parties which can influence him negatively.
Be careful while telling hobbies because if you said reading books then he will
ask which type of books, who is your favorite author why do you like him,
questions will go in depth. If you say tennis, question that follows: Who is
the latest French open winner, What is the length of the court. So tell the
hobby over which you have good knowledge, then it creates good impression.
Morning walk, plantation are good hobbies.
5. Why were you not better in
school/college?
My school/college is one of the best in the city. My
school/college is strict when compared to other ones. I participated in the
cultural activities, sports etc. I even won awards for punctuality, attendance,
science, projects and seminars. I realized value of education and my marks have
always been above average in my school/college.
6. Can you explain about the gaps
in your career or in your studies?
Generally interviewers will think that the candidates
with gaps do not have capabilities to do the job. So you have to provide
convincing answer for the interviewers. You can say: Long illnesses, if you
have any proof just keep it with you. Whenever interviewer ask for it just show
it to him. Extra courses you have done to improve your skills, certificate of
that course should be with you while going for the interview.If you had done
any projects in that time keep your project work with you only. It will add a
plus point to you. So be honest and tactful.
7. What you have learned from
your mistakes?
Great things are learned by mistakes. If you do not
commit mistakes you will not learn new things. I take risks to ensure that work
is done. If I failed then it is a mistake. I will concentrate on the mistakes
to recover it as soon as I can and I will gain knowledge from that so I can
suggest it to my workers also. From my childhood I have learned so many things
how to take risks. I have learned how to respond when problem suddenly occurs,
problem solving techniques, confidence etc. It makes me a successful person in
life.
8. What is your long term career
objectives?
The answer reveals your inner feelings to the
interviewer. It will tell your ambition, planning, commitment, responsibilities
and personal goals. Be honest with your ambitions, goals, they should be close
to your professional life or job for which you are being interviewed. How do
you want you to develop yourself in future, What position do you want finally
to attain in your life. If you are planning for the business or further
studies, do not mention the time span. After three years i will consider
whether to go for further studies or business.
9. How innovative can you be/ you
are?
If you are an experienced person then tell about your
experiences in the current job and how you did the things. Small things look
different and tell him how you were appreciated by the boss, and how it secured a huge success or if you are a
fresher you have the chance to elaborate the things in schooling, college and post-graduation
studies. Generally we do so many innovative things, explain them clearly. Tell
the interviewer about the utmost innovative thought you feel to support your
answer.
10. Why did you choose this background?
This question reveals how interested you are in the
subject of graduation/ post-graduation. Be honest. It depends on the age
factor. Your reply will be convencing if you say that when I was 18, I did not
know which direction to go. My father suggested me better go for this
background then I did lot of work on it, finally I decided to join in this
background. After joining I never thought about another one. I concentrated on
my studies and I did well. If you joined according to your interests from
childhood like management, engineering it adds plus points to you or if you did
post-graduation then you have to explain clearly why you had selected this
background to which it was related.
11. Do you prefer working as a
member of a team or would you rather work alone?
Team work, which is essential for successful life,
promotes innovative ideas and enables you to know different views of people. So
it will helps develop social relations and then tell the examples which you had
faced in life or experiences in the past company. For example sir, I am from a
middle class family. In our family everyone has to work to make the both ends
meet. Sharing the work depends on the individual strength, so I know the feel
of team work. For some works team is not necessary. In those cases I prefer
working alone and I will complete the work in time, depends on the situation. I
take the initiative and finish it in a perfect way meeting the deadlines.
12. Do you have a competitive
nature?
I have competitive nature but it is up to my requirement
to get work has done or not. I like to dominate the co-workers to get my job
done. I compete myself to improve my performance. I fix my own targets. If the
target is achieved then I will try to double the target to get success. I will
work for the company with the competitive spirit by using my potentials.
13. Name three books you have
read in the past six months?
Better tell about the management oriented books. It will
give you more plus points. If you are a technical person tell about the
character oriented or positive oriented books. If you like entertainment books
do not tell about all the three books. You can only tell about one book.
14. Who is your role model?
The role model should be related to your work. Innovative
ideas, character which have an impact on your life. First tell about his name,
profession then switch on the positive points in him and you like most in him.
How he contributed to society. If you know him for years you can mention that
also. How it impacts on your life to improve by yourself. Tell him that where
you studied and where you heard about him. It creates good impression about
you.
15. Where do you see yourself
five years from now?
Be well prepared for this question. If you cannot answer
correctly for this question, it indicates that you are not well planned about
your future and you are irresponsible. They want to know whether you are
focused on professional goals. Five years from now, I see myself working for
this company. Satisfying the employer is a big task. I will take it as
responsibility and I will work hard for the growth with great co-ordination of
co-workers. I will improve my skills and profile for the better career. Never
tell about your business plans, education plans in five years goals.
16. What is your parent's
occupation?
Generally freshers are tense about this question. Do not
get scared or excited. Be cool and say frankly whatever they are doing. If you
try to say anything false, the interviewer can easily find out because they are
well experienced. Do not bother which family background you are from whether
your parents are a care taker, farmer, doctor, engineer or a watchman. Do not
hesitate they are your parents and give proper information clearly. If possible
tell them how your parents encouraged you.
17. Do you live with your family?
Whether you are married or unmarried most of interviewers
expect a yes. They will observe mainly two points:- Whether you maintain good
relation or not, as the organization is nothing but a family. So they will
check you can mingle with their family or not
and do you have a perfect planning in financial matters, in sharing rent
and utilities. It makes great impression how planned you are.
18. Do you own or rent your home?
The question is to check whether you are responsible or
not. If you are staying in a rented house admit frankly that, "sir, I am
planning to buy a new house by saving for the future." If you have your
own house then say that," I am planning for my children bright future."
It makes some sense and show that you are a responsible person.
19. How do you show interest in
your co-worker?
I will observe my co-worker and see if they are
performing well at work or not. If they are not working, I will wait for some
time observing him then I will encourage them though they were upset. I will
contact the best friend or close friend of their. If I can I will try to solve
the problem. Even if the best friend doesn't know the matter then I will
contact them directly and I will ask them what your problem is. I shall
convince them and ask them not to worry. I will handle them in a matured way or
if I am superior to my co-worker then I will call a conference or have a group
discussion to solve that problem. I will arrange team parties, movies etc to
mingle with one another and break the ice.
20. Do you speak up, if your
point of view differs from that of your superiors?
Definitely, I will speak to superior however it depends
on the situation, if it was in the meeting I will note the details. If we argue
anything in front of every one, people wont like that even they will not listen
to our views. I will reconsider my views then I will consult to the superior
privately and I will tell him about my views in a polite way by convincing him
even if there is any negative point in my view. I will listen to the positive
views and it definitely add plus point to you. Even sharing views will develop
good relations.
21. How well do you manage
people?
Good communication skills are necessary to manage people.
If you are a fresher then tell about the situations which were well managed by
you or organized with good examples. Use key words like goals, skills etc. How
you impact on the people to get work has done or If you are experienced person
tell about your experiences, how you surprised your sub-ordinates. How you
initialize communicating company goals, responsibility you are on the past
company. How you interacted with other departments for attaining work. Tell him
in a simple way.
22. Are you confident?
Generally this question is asked for the management
oriented jobs. You can tell them how much you work hard to gain that confidence
level preparation, failure at initial stage in front of groups. How you have
improved logically and become organized, interesting matters and manners are
reflected in your presentations and your fluency at seminars and conferences
that gave you applaud and praises. If given a chance explain to him with
examples. It will create great impression. They will observe your body
language, be cautious on your posture.
23. Are you a hard worker or
smart worker?
In this question you have to balance both. My studies and
experiences are telling that I am a hard worker. How ever I am ready to learn
how to work smartly. But for the job IQ is not only the main factor.
Interacting with people, solving business problems and making decisions related
to the job are important. According to me both hard work and smart work are
inter related and necessary for the job.
24. How did you finance your
education?
Generally parents will arrange the finance for your
education but if you did your education with your education loan or if you did
any part time for the expenses you can say it. It indirectly tells that how
responsible you are and how systematic you are. It will add plus point to you.
25. Are you planning for further
studies?
If you are a graduate then they will ask this question
because everyone is planning for higher studies. They will check out how many
days will you stay in that company. If yes with few years of experience I will
gain knowledge over it then I will go for further studies. If your company is
providing any facilities for the further studies I will utilize them. So you will
get the information if you are planning for the further studies.
26. What is more important to you
money or hard work?
Hard work is most important. There is a proverb "sow
as you reap" which says hard works make money. Hard work is the bottom
line of the satisfaction and money. So my theme is to work hard and money will
follow me. So you can use your own words to impress the interviewer but don't
be too smart.
27. Do you work well under
pressure?
Definitely, positive pressure makes me so responsible
towards work. I will work to the best of my ability. But when I am under
negative pressure I do not feel insecure. My experience as a sports person will
help me to get over it. I have sportive spirit and i get out of pressure. I can
manage the pressure. I will find out an alternative resource which is useful
and share work to get things done in time for any cause. According to me to be
a best worker means work to be done in time under any circumstances.
28. How important is job security
for you?
Job security is a basic need for everyone to run their
lives. I know nothing is guaranteed in life. The only true job security comes
from satisfaction of my employer. If, I am working exceeding the expectations
then my job is secure, I am confident and I will work beyond the expectations
and with the co-ordination of co-workers. I am ready to challenge my work.
29. What do other people think at
the way you work?
It has been always positive. The feedback from my
superiors is favourable. I usually consult them for solving doubts without any
hesitation. They have praised me so many times because of dedication to the
work. Even my co-workers give the respect followed with a pleasant smile.
Whenever I notice it I feel happy.
30. Will you be able to cope with
a change in work environment?
Definitely, I like challenges. I can mingle with any one
because of my friendly nature. I will think that I am changing from one family
to another family to achieve new goals. I can easily adopt myself to the new
work environment.
31. What have you done in your
present job to make it more effective or more challenging?
It is to check out how you are serving for the company
and skills you have used in that company. It is going to be benefit their
company. Be relaxed and say I am always looking for opportunities. I was
successful in finding different applications. So I collect the information from
the net which was necessary for our company. So many times I take initiative
and creativity to help the company and i feel company as my own. Tell some
examples how many members work under you, how well organized you are, wherever
I work I feel company as my own. I will work smart and continue to do hard work
for the company.
32. Describe a different work
situation (project) and how you over come it?
Be honest there is nothing wrong and right for this
question because it is your practical experience you have faced. So nobody can
describe it better than you. Search the best one in your life and explain them
how tuff it is and logically how you solved that problem. Mention both
technical part and management techniques present in that, and make it as
interesting as you can.
33. Which type of environment do
you prefer?
Describe briefly about your preferred work with important
points or you can say simply in this way. Whatever may be the environment, I
can easily mingle with the people with my skills and I change any difficult
environment to my favor. So I do not have any problem with the environment.
34. Are you able to work alone
without direct supervision?
Definitely it's a great opportunity to prove myself. I am
a self starter and can complete my job successfully. At first I will observe or
I will take suggestion from the superiors or well experienced persons then I
will start my work by applying mind to the suggested points. I will adopt the
work by thinking twice before doing it. I do not hesitate to talk with the
superiors whenever I need. It is pleasure to have such responsibility. I will
work hard to gain good results in an effective way.
35. Are you willing to travel?
Be honest. Tell the answer without any thinking because
traveling is not an easy thing. You have to miss the family and you will be
strained. If you like the traveling you can say yes but better find out how many
days you have to travel. If it is local area or out of station temperature
changes may cause health problems. If you are ok with that then say yes to the
interviewer.
36. Are you willing to work over
time, Nights, Weekends?
Be honest with this question if you say yes and if you
selected for this reason you have to work overtime. It is tough for a married
person or any person with commitments. If you are a fresher then say yes,
because if you work hard it will be helpful for the career you will gain great
knowledge and it creates good impression.
37. What have you done in your
internship program?
Generally these types of questions are asked for fresher
or during campus interviews. Be prepared for this question. In Most of the
technical interviews, questions mainly framed based on your projects. If you
are management student then they will ask you how you manage the people over
there, what your initiatives are feed back of them, why are you not applying
for other companies. So it all depends on the internship questions that vary.
so be ready with the answers and answer confidently.
38. Why do you want to leave your
current job?
This is one typical question which you are ought to
handle. Interviewer wants to know your views. Some times he will complete the
candidate with this question. You should be so cautious while answering these
questions. Do not tell any negative things about the current company, instead
of doing that concentrate on the positive points which are going to apply. My
skills can be completely utilized in this job. Tell them how you are suitable
for the job and how it will help for the future plans. There is no growth in
the present employer, so for better challenges and growth I have applied for
this job, I am relocating the house due to family reasons (Like children
school, wife's change of job or security purposes.) and I am interested to join in this job as I
get respect and a sense of responsibility.
39. What are your
responsibilities in your previous job?
If you are interviewing for the high profile job,
concentrate on the similarities which are suitable for the job. Tell them how
you are feeling to join in this company without over excitement. Do not
dominate your self by saying negative things which had happened in the past
company. Expose yourself in a positive way, how responsible you are and how you
handled the situations tactfully.
40. Have you ever refused the
bond?
If you refused the bond accept it sincerely tell them
clearly what the reasons which caused the refusal were. Tell the important
reasons which make positive sense and do not tell any silly reasons. If you
never refused the bond then there is no problem. It is a positive point.
41. What do you know about our
company?
Find out the maximum positive points as you can which
were related to your job and over all growth. If company is in share market
then talk about the share value, growth rate, turnover value to the employees,
future projects, upcoming products, events, security etc. Tell them which is beneficial
to your profile and career. If it is a private company then talk about the
fame, salaries, value to the employee, turnover, brand name etc. Collect the
matter from the company, company's Website and employee details before
attending to the interview and practice well.
42. What are the reasons for your
success?
I used to work hard to get things done. Not only by doing
hard work we can get things done but by giving respect to the fellow beings
with patience. May be if someone is hurt,
I will convert them in a positive
way. Work is nothing but a responsibility by facing challenges time to time.
Facing competition and also completing work in time. I follow these conditions.
I am hundred percent satisfied with my work. So I am successful. Depends on your
style you can express your works to impress the interviewer.
43. Do you speak English
fluently?
Some countries like Germany, France, china, India etc the
mother tongue is different. So they will check out whether your English is
perfect or not. If your vocabulary is weak then tell him I am reading
newspapers, books and even I am going to classes regularly in the evenings to
improve my fluency and vocabulary. so, I can speak English fluently as best as
I can with in a few days.
44. Why do you want to work with
this Organization?
Sincerity is important because if you are trying to do
something they will find out easily. I have learned from the news papers or
Website that your company is going to launch new products or you have
undertaken new projects. I have a lot of interest in doing such project where
my skills are well utilized. Focus on these points.Brand name of the company is
great in the market, for the status and reputation in the society, I will get
better profile than the previous one and the market is good.Your company has
reputation for recognising sincerity, devotion to duty and talent, It helps for
my career. In your company salaries are given according to the work. So if I
work hard my growth is definite. My friends, relatives suggested me to better
go for this company. It is well-organized and great scope for you. So I am
interested to join this company.
45. Why are you keen to join our
company?
Showing too much interest on the job is not recommendable
as sincerity is very important. A better way would be convincing the
interviewer in a humble and confident way that the qualification, experience in
the relevant field makes you the most apt person for that position in the
particular company. Placing a few successful stories as example before the
interviewer will be beneficial in projecting your experience. Expose on the
companie's brand name and salaries which are good as compared to the other
company. It is useful for my bright career.
46. Explain how you would be an
asset to this company?
Show enthusiasm while answering the question, expose your
positives to maximum extent in a very simple way. Point out the similarities
between the job you are being interviewed for and the previous job or the
current job. Tell successful stories which helped you succeeded in the previous
job and explain how you handle the situations in an attractive way. Do not
create stories tell the facts how you have succeeded. If you are a fresher then
tell about the project you have done in your college competition etc. Expose
about your self how you are in professional studies and in schooling.
47. Who were the best boss and
who was worst?
Here the interviewer will test you whether you are
balancing someone personally or not so be careful. No one is worst in my life.
I have learned so many things from them how to manage people, how to react for
different situations and how to handle the workers without hurting them.
48. How long will you stay with
this company?
This question indirectly says that they are interested in
you. So be careful while telling this answer. As long as I learn and gain
knowledge to my capabilities I intend to full fill my commitment and ready to
meet challenges. I perform well on the
job and make contributions. I will be considered as a valuable employee. So
there is no reason to leave this company. However if for any reason I do not
raise to the expectations of the company I do not expect to remain on the
payroll. So I look forward to staying as long as I am productive and enjoy the
confidecne of the employer.
49. What experiences do you have
in this field?
It is just to know how experienced you are. If you are a
fresher then tell about the projects, internship you had done in your college
days. If your father or relative in this field you can explain them how you
gained knowledge from them. If you are experienced person in the same field
then it is a positive point then you can tell about your own experiences. How
many years of experience, how many hours do you work per day, about the company
and how you succeed in this field.
50. How you prepare yourself for
the interview?
For technical interviews this is the most common
question. You can tell that I have prepared well for the job. I read so many
books related to the job. Even I read so many management books in advance. So
it will be helpful in the future also or if it is a general interview you can
ask interviewer you have to say that sir, simple smile is necessary at the end.
Be careful while telling this answer some interviewers are so sensitive, so you
have to answer according to the situations.
51. What do you plan to do to
improve yourself?
It is for checking how you plan. Say Man is a perpetual
student and life is nothing but learning new things day by day in the job in
and regular life. Learning things and implementing things. Planning for masters
privately. I love to read in leisure time and with this habit of reading i am
trying to enrich my vocabulary also. So with this qualification I can move to
high profile and I am working on the vocabulary because youth always use new
words. I have to change according to that.
52. Are you over qualified for
this job?
I am well qualified for this job according to the
particulars given. I have the good technical knowledge, communication skills
and Managerial skills, so I can contribute maximum effort for the better
results to this organization. The company will be benefited with my
qualifications. After joining if you think that I am over qualified you can
place me according to my performance. Be positive and assertive in your
presentation.
53. Are you applying for other
jobs?
Recommended no as the answer because, if you are applying
for other job means that you are not interested in the company. It really makes
very bad impression. The interviewer loses interest in you and probability of
getting jobs is less. Be careful about what you say and present.
54. How far do you live from this
company?
If you are staying near the company it is well and good
or if the company is too far (at a distance), find out the way which will takes
less time to reach the office, tell him about that way and say just you usually
wake up early in the morning, so it is not a big task for you to come in time
or If necessary you will hire a house nears the office. Depending on the
situation you have to talk.
55. Do you have any friends or
relatives working in this company?
Some companies have such policies that if friends or
relatives in the company they will not select you. In some companies they will
give preference to the reference ones. So first you have to find out the
company policies and then decided whether to say yes or no.
56. What is your salary
expectations?
First you have to find out the information what salary
for that profile in the market is for different grade companies. So you can say
depending on my responsibilities and challenges my salary ranges from this to
this. The range of salary is fixed by you. So you can be confident about the
range. Be careful, if you need job immediately then doesn't argue anything. simply tell the expectation.
It should be average and a clear answer.
57. How much time you require to
join us?
Be honest. Tell them how much time you will take to join.
Do not quote too much time because in a corporate world companies cannot wait
for you. Simply tell them, I will be here whenever you need my services. If any
problem occurs I will inform you but I am ready to join it immediately.
58. Do you have any questions?
So many people make mistakes in this question. They will
start discussion about the salary and benefits. It will create some sought of
bad impression. Most of the people are out of the interview by this question
only. If you want to ask a question, ask related to the profile, duties of the
job, nature of the product, upcoming projects etc. Finally I had so many
questions but you answered them all. I am feeling so comfortable thank you so
much.
I think you people covered most effective interview questions and answers for the
fresher and experienced
