Career Guide

Interviewing Common Interview Questions and How to Answer Them

This is your ultimate guide to common interview questions. Close out the year right by acing your upcoming interview with this curated write-up of interview responses

Preparing for a job interview can feel overwhelming, but honing common interview questions can gives you confidence. With a Well-Polished CV/Resume, a well-written Cover Letter, and a Clear Job Search Strategy, you’re already ahead—now it’s time to shine in front of hiring managers or a recruiter.

In this article, we look at 22 common interview questions, offering sample questions and answers, and,  interview tips to showcase your skill set.

A person smiles and holds a pen while talking to another person in an office setting.

Success in a job interview starts with preparation. Employers assess your work experience, problem-solving abilities, and fit as a team player within their work environment. By anticipating these common job interview questions, you can craft responses that highlight your previous role and career path.

Understanding the basics of job interviews, let’s dive into the essentials.

• Tell me about yourself and your qualifications

This opener gives a snapshot of your background. Keep it concise, tying your work experience to the job description.

• Example: “I’ve spent three years as a bookkeeper, managing accounts payable, receivable, and payroll. I once caught a red flag—discrepancies that saved thousands—and with my CPA certification, I’m ready to excel as your public accountant.”

Asking questions to learn more about you is a common starting point to ease you both into the interview. It allows the interviewer to get a summary of your background and skills, giving them insight into what experience and qualifications you think are most relevant to the position.

Some interviewers might approach this question as an icebreaker by using your response to spark casual conversation to get to know you better. In contrast, others may move directly into other interview questions after you respond.

• What makes you unique?

Hiring managers want your skills and experience. Reflect on specific examples, like leadership skills or a new skill you’ve honed, to demonstrate that.

• Example: “My ability to exceed deadlines without sacrificing accuracy stands out. In my previous job, I delivered early quarterly reports, earning a promotion.”

• Why should we hire you?

This is your pitch to shine, but you don’t need to highlight your career goals here.

• Example: “I thrive in fast-paced settings and deliver weekly updates—perfect for your work style,” you might say. “My deadline-driven skill set fits your job description, and I’m excited to join your team.”

Exploring your motivations and fit

Interviewers probe why you’re drawn to their company and role, testing your fit within their company culture and teamwork dynamic:

Answering the Interview Question: “What Makes You Unique?”

When answering this interview question, use specific details and examples. The better you demonstrate your abilities, the more memorable and reliable your answer will be.

Here are four strategies you can follow to identify your relevant and unique traits:

Consider what the employer may find valuable

Take time to carefully review the job description and look for information about specific skills and job experience requirements. Then identify the strengths and experiences you possess that align with these needs.

• For example,  if you’re applying for a team management position, the job description highlights the company’s drive to facilitate cross-department collaboration, you might share your experiences in organizing a project that brought people together from different teams.

• Why do you want to work here?

Show research.

Example: “Your eco-friendly tech inspires me. I’m passionate about sustainability and see myself growing in this work environment.”

In your answer, hiring managers are looking for assurance that you’re familiar with their company and the role, and that you’re not only applying blankly to any open position.

• What interests you about this role?

Link to the job description.

• Example: “I love onboarding new hires and creating resources,” you might say. “In my current job, I’ve helped teammates adapt faster, and I’d bring that here.”

• What motivates you?

Be specific.

• Example: “Improving patients’ lives drives me. That’s why I’m eager to join your pediatrics team as a team player.”

Highlighting strengths and weaknesses in the reverse to improve your environment

These reveal self-awareness and growth—key for hiring managers:

Preparing a tailored response to “What motivates you?” It requires reflection and strategy. A great answer is honest, specific, and ties back to the job description. Here’s how to approach it step-by-step, ensuring you stand out to hiring managers:

• What are your greatest strengths?

Use specific examples.

• Example: “I’m a natural leader who thrives under pressure. I’ve exceeded KPIs and led diverse teams—skills I’d bring to your operations.”

• What is your greatest weakness?

Show improvement.

• Example: “As an introvert, I used to avoid team updates. I took a communication skills course and now contribute confidently.”

Here are some questions like “Where do you see yourself in five years?” to gauge ambition and fit:

• Where do you see yourself?

Align with the company.

• Example: “I aim to lead a design team and streamline processes. Your dynamic work environment would grow my project management skills.”

• What are your goals for the future?

Tie to the role.

• Example: “I want to deepen my marketing expertise,” you might say. “This role’s challenges would pave my career path to leadership.”

Reflecting on past experiences

Your last job typically shows your work ethic and adaptability:

“Why Are You Interested in This Position?”

• Example: “I’m drawn to this role because it lets me leverage my experience in data-driven campaigns while pushing me to refine my team dynamics skills—something I’ve been eager to grow in.”

• What did you like most about your last position?

Highlight relevance.

• Example: “I loved the collaborative atmosphere at my last job. Working on marketing with coworkers honed skills I’d bring here.”

• What did you like least about your last position?

Focus on growth.

• Example: “My previous role had little advancement. I crave challenges, which your role offers.”

• Why are you leaving your current job?

Look forward.

• Example: “I’ve gained experience, but I’m ready for more responsibility. This role is my next step.”

Tackling tough situations

Behavioral questions test problem-solving and communication skills. Use the STAR method:

• Tell me about a difficult work situation, and how you overcame it.

Highlight how you found a solution.

• Example: “A key client needed a pitch when my boss was out,” you might say. “I reassured them via video, delivered it, and won the account—showing I can handle stressful situations.”

• How do you handle stress and pressure during an interview?

Demonstrate how you can handle pressure.

• Example: “I break tasks into steps. Focusing on goals keeps me steady.”

• How do you handle conflict in the workplace?

Show maturity.

• Example: “A coworker lagged due to overlapping projects. I discussed it calmly, adjusted his load with a manager, and he thrived.”

“What Are Your Future Career Goals?”

Interviewers ask this question to determine whether your career goals align with the role and company.

You need to answer honestly and explain how the role fits into your long-term goals and aspirations.

Offer only professional aspirations such as leadership roles, expertise, or business ownership.

Defining success and accomplishments

These may reveal your work ethic:

• What is your greatest accomplishment?

Use a realistic example you can prove.

Example: “I doubled social media engagement with a low-budget video,” you could say. “It drove conversions, showcasing my creativity.”

• How do you define success?

Be honest about your accomplishments.

Example: “Success is meeting goals while boosting my team,” you might say. “In my previous job, I hit quotas and sped up processes.”

Addressing practicalities

These questions are aimed at practical answers:

“Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?”

Determine how your goals fit with the job description. Consider the experiences related to this position that you’d like to have on your resume in 5 years. Reflect on your interests and how they might evolve in this role. Do mention how the role would help you meet your 5-year goals.

Don’t describe the role as merely a stepping stone to your preferred job.

Do express enthusiasm for how much you’ll learn in the new role.

Don’t give the impression that you are overqualified and will be bored in the new role.

Do keep your answer concise and flexible.

Don’t say you haven’t even considered a 5-year plan

• What are your salary expectations?

Research for a proper salary range within Competitor Company, organizations, employers, or positions.

• Example: “Based on my work experience, I’d expect a bracket scale. Please don’t state a static figure For Instance between Ksh 60,000 to Ksh 70,000, but I’m flexible,” you might say.

• Do you have any questions?

This is your chance to show the research you’ve already done.

Example: “What challenges might I face?” or “How does teamwork shape success here?”

Showcasing your unique value

These questions are about getting to know you as a person:

• What are you passionate about?

Don’t go into too much detail, but demonstrate something genuine.

Example: “I’m passionate about efficient software,” you could say. “Leading projects here would fuel that.”

• What can you bring to the company?

Ensure you highlight relevant examples.

Example: “My problem-solving and leadership skills shine under pressure,” you might say. “I’d ensure smooth operations, like I did managing a chaotic conference. 

Dear Candidate, the above is a guideline. Don’t copy word for word. Make it a constituent formula to work around your interview approach

All the best