Top 30 Most Common Best Interview Questions To Ask You Should Prepare For
Written by
James Miller, Career Coach
Preparing for a job interview can feel overwhelming, especially when faced with a seemingly endless list of potential questions. However, many interviews feature a set of core best interview questions to ask that are designed to assess your skills, experience, and fit for the role and company culture. Mastering how to answer these common queries can significantly boost your confidence and performance, making the process much smoother. This article breaks down the top 30 most frequently asked questions, providing insight into why interviewers ask them and offering structured advice on how to craft compelling responses. Whether you're aiming for your first job or making a career change, understanding and practicing answers to these fundamental best interview questions to ask is a critical step towards securing your desired position. By focusing your preparation on these key areas, you can walk into any interview feeling ready to showcase your potential and demonstrate why you are the ideal candidate. Effective preparation for best interview questions to ask involves not just memorizing answers, but understanding the underlying intent behind each question. This allows you to tailor your responses genuinely and effectively.
What Are best interview questions to ask?
best interview questions to ask are standard queries frequently used by hiring managers to evaluate candidates across various roles and industries. These questions are designed to elicit information about your professional background, skills, personality, work style, and how you handle common workplace situations. They range from broad inquiries about your career goals and motivations to specific requests for examples of past behavior or problem-solving. Unlike technical or role-specific questions, best interview questions to ask focus on foundational aspects of your professional self and are applicable to almost any job seeker. Preparing for these general but crucial questions ensures you can articulate your value proposition clearly and concisely, regardless of the specific opportunity. Mastering best interview questions to ask allows you to build a strong narrative about your career journey and aspirations.
Why Do Interviewers Ask best interview questions to ask?
Interviewers utilize best interview questions to ask for several key reasons. Firstly, they provide a baseline for comparison among candidates, offering insight into how different individuals approach similar professional scenarios or describe their strengths and weaknesses. Secondly, these questions help predict future performance and cultural fit by exploring past behaviors; for example, how you handled conflict or adapted to change can indicate how you might perform in the hiring company's environment. Thirdly, they assess essential soft skills like communication, self-awareness, problem-solving, and teamwork, which are vital for success in almost any role. Finally, they offer a structured way to get to know you beyond your resume, understanding your motivations, career aspirations, and overall professional demeanor. Effectively answering best interview questions to ask demonstrates your ability to reflect on your experiences and articulate your capabilities.
Preview List
Tell me about yourself.
Walk me through your resume.
How did you hear about this position?
Why do you want to work here?
What are your greatest strengths?
What is your greatest weakness?
Why should we hire you?
What motivates you?
Describe a time you showed initiative.
How do you handle pressure or stressful situations?
Are you a team player?
Tell me about a challenge or conflict you faced at work and how you dealt with it.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Why did you leave your last job?
What are your salary expectations?
How would your previous coworkers/bosses describe you?
What do you know about our company?
Why are you interested in this job specifically?
Are you willing to travel, work nights, or relocate?
How soon can you start?
Have you ever been fired? If yes, why?
Tell me about a time when you failed and how you handled it.
What do you do outside of work?
How do you prioritize your work?
How do you adapt to new technology?
Do you consider yourself a risk-taker?
How would you handle an unhappy or difficult client?
What question haven’t I asked you?
Do you have any questions for me?
What would your first 30, 60, or 90 days look like in this role?
1. Tell me about yourself.
Why you might get asked this:
This question kicks off the conversation and gives the interviewer a snapshot of your professional story and how it aligns with the job. It assesses your ability to articulate your experience concisely.
How to answer:
Start with your present role, move to your relevant past experience, and finish by explaining why you're a good fit for this specific position, focusing on key skills.
Example answer:
"I'm a marketing professional with five years of experience specializing in digital campaigns, particularly in the SaaS sector. In my previous role at XYZ Corp, I managed social media strategy that increased engagement by 30%. I'm excited about this opportunity at [Company Name] because I admire your innovative approach to [specific area] and see a strong alignment with my skills and career goals. Preparing for best interview questions to ask helps me refine this narrative."
2. Walk me through your resume.
Why you might get asked this:
This asks you to guide the interviewer through your career history, highlighting key roles and achievements relevant to the target job. It tests your ability to structure your experience logically.
How to answer:
Start with your earliest relevant experience and progress chronologically. Focus on responsibilities and accomplishments for each role, connecting them to the requirements of the job you're interviewing for.
Example answer:
"Starting with my first internship at [Company A], I gained foundational experience in [skill]. I then moved to [Company B], where over three years, I advanced from Analyst to Senior Analyst, taking on projects like [specific achievement]. My last role at [Company C] involved leading a team, which honed my leadership and project management skills. I'm eager to bring this progression of experience to your team."
3. How did you hear about this position?
Why you might get asked this:
This helps the interviewer understand which recruitment channels are effective and gauge your initial level of interest in the company or role.
How to answer:
State the source (e.g., LinkedIn, company website, referral, job fair) and briefly add why it caught your attention, connecting it to your interest in the company or role.
Example answer:
"I saw the position posted on LinkedIn and was immediately drawn to the description, especially the focus on [specific task mentioned in job description]. I've been following [Company Name]'s work on [recent project or achievement] and was very impressed, so I was excited to see an opening where my skills could contribute."
4. Why do you want to work here?
Why you might get asked this:
This question assesses your motivation and whether you've researched the company. It shows if you understand their mission, culture, or values and how you connect with them.
How to answer:
Reference something specific about the company—its mission, culture, products/services, recent news, or values—and explain why that resonates with you and aligns with your career goals.
Example answer:
"I'm particularly drawn to [Company Name]'s commitment to [specific value or mission], which aligns perfectly with my own values. I've followed your work on [specific product or project] and am genuinely excited about the prospect of contributing to a team that values innovation and sustainable growth as much as I do. It's one of the best interview questions to ask to gauge a candidate's research."
5. What are your greatest strengths?
Why you might get asked this:
Interviewers want to know what you believe are your most valuable professional attributes and how they can benefit the role and company.
How to answer:
Choose 2-3 strengths that are highly relevant to the job description. Provide a brief, specific example for each strength to demonstrate how you've successfully applied it in a professional setting.
Example answer:
"One of my greatest strengths is my problem-solving ability. For example, in a previous role, I identified an inefficiency in our data reporting process and developed a new system that saved our team 10 hours a week. I also pride myself on my strong communication skills, which help me collaborate effectively with diverse teams, a key part of handling best interview questions to ask."
6. What is your greatest weakness?
Why you might get asked this:
This question evaluates your self-awareness and willingness to admit imperfections. It also assesses your initiative in addressing areas for improvement.
How to answer:
Choose a genuine weakness that is not essential to the core function of the job. Frame it positively by focusing on the steps you are actively taking to overcome or improve it.
Example answer:
"Sometimes, I struggle with delegating tasks because I enjoy ensuring everything is just right. I've been actively working on this by trusting my team members more and focusing on clear instructions and support, rather than doing everything myself. This has helped me manage my workload better and develop others' skills. Learning to discuss this thoughtfully is part of preparing for best interview questions to ask."
7. Why should we hire you?
Why you might get asked this:
This is your opportunity to summarize your value proposition and differentiate yourself from other candidates. It challenges you to connect your skills directly to the company's needs.
How to answer:
Briefly summarize your key skills and experiences that directly match the job requirements. Explain how you would specifically contribute to the team's success and the company's goals.
Example answer:
"You should hire me because my unique blend of [Skill A] and [Skill B], coupled with my proven track record in [specific achievement], aligns perfectly with the requirements of this role and your team's current challenges. I'm confident I can quickly step in and start contributing to [specific goal or project], bringing fresh perspectives and dedication to achieving results."
8. What motivates you?
Why you might get asked this:
Interviewers want to understand what drives your professional enthusiasm and work ethic. This helps them gauge your potential engagement and satisfaction in the role.
How to answer:
Focus on professional motivations such as challenging problems, achieving goals, continuous learning, collaboration, or contributing to a meaningful mission. Align your motivation with aspects of the job or company.
Example answer:
"I'm primarily motivated by the opportunity to solve complex problems and see the tangible impact of my work. I thrive in environments where I can continuously learn and apply new skills, especially when working collaboratively with a talented team towards a shared objective. The prospect of tackling the challenges in this role and contributing to [Company Name]'s mission is particularly exciting for me."
9. Describe a time you showed initiative.
Why you might get asked this:
This behavioral question assesses your proactivity, self-starting abilities, and willingness to go above and beyond your assigned tasks.
How to answer:
Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Describe a specific situation where you recognized a need or opportunity and took proactive steps without being asked, detailing the positive outcome.
Example answer:
"In my previous role, I noticed our team lacked a central repository for project documentation, leading to inefficiencies. [Situation] I took it upon myself to research and propose a cloud-based solution that met our needs. [Action] I presented the idea to management, got approval, and then led the implementation and training for the team. [Result] This streamlined our workflow and improved collaboration significantly. This is a common type of best interview questions to ask."
10. How do you handle pressure or stressful situations?
Why you might get asked this:
This question explores your coping mechanisms and ability to maintain effectiveness and composure when faced with demanding circumstances.
How to answer:
Describe your typical approach, such as prioritizing tasks, breaking down problems, staying organized, focusing on solutions, or seeking support. Provide a brief example if possible.
Example answer:
"When faced with pressure, I focus on staying calm and breaking down the situation into smaller, manageable tasks. I prioritize based on urgency and importance, and I don't hesitate to communicate proactively with my team or manager if needed. During a tight deadline for a major project launch, I ensured clear communication channels were open, delegated where possible, and maintained a focus on key deliverables, which helped us deliver successfully and manage stress."
11. Are you a team player?
Why you might get asked this:
Most roles require collaboration. This question assesses your willingness and ability to work effectively with others towards common goals.
How to answer:
Affirm your commitment to teamwork. Provide an example demonstrating how you've contributed positively to a team environment, supported colleagues, or prioritized team success over individual achievement.
Example answer:
"Absolutely. I strongly believe that the best results come from collaboration. In my last project, I proactively shared resources and insights with my colleagues, and when one team member was struggling, I offered assistance to ensure we met our collective deadline. I enjoy contributing my skills while also supporting others to achieve team objectives. Addressing these types of best interview questions to ask highlights collaboration."
12. Tell me about a challenge or conflict you faced at work and how you dealt with it.
Why you might get asked this:
Interviewers want to see how you navigate difficult interpersonal or project-related issues, assessing your problem-solving skills, communication, and ability to remain professional under duress.
How to answer:
Use the STAR method. Describe a specific, professional conflict or challenge. Focus on your actions to resolve it constructively and the positive outcome or what you learned from the experience.
Example answer:
"I once faced a conflict with a colleague over the best approach for a project. [Situation] We had different views on methodology. [Task] I sought to understand their perspective by actively listening to their reasoning. [Action] We then discussed the pros and cons of each approach calmly, focusing on the project's goals. [Result] We found a hybrid solution that incorporated the best elements of both ideas, strengthening our collaboration and leading to a better project outcome."
13. Where do you see yourself in five years?
Why you might get asked this:
This question explores your career ambitions and helps the interviewer understand if your long-term goals align with potential growth paths within their company.
How to answer:
Discuss realistic career aspirations related to growth, skill development, or taking on more responsibility. Align your goals with opportunities you believe might exist within the company, showing your interest in a long-term fit.
Example answer:
"In five years, I see myself having deepened my expertise in [specific area relevant to the role], potentially taking on more leadership responsibilities within a team. I hope to be in a role where I'm consistently challenged and contributing significantly to the company's strategic goals. I'm drawn to [Company Name] because I see strong opportunities here to grow and develop in these areas, addressing best interview questions to ask about future fit."
14. Why did you leave your last job?
Why you might get asked this:
Interviewers want to understand your reasons for moving on and identify any potential red flags related to job hopping, performance, or conflict.
How to answer:
Be honest but positive and professional. Focus on forward-looking reasons like seeking new challenges, career growth opportunities, a better cultural fit, or a shift in career direction. Avoid negativity about your previous employer.
Example answer:
"I left my last job because I was seeking an opportunity that offered more direct involvement in [specific area relevant to the new job]. While I valued my experience there, I felt ready to take on a role with increased responsibility in [another specific area] and saw this position at [Company Name] as the perfect fit for my growth trajectory and desire to apply my skills in new ways. This helps frame answers to best interview questions to ask about transitions."
15. What are your salary expectations?
Why you might get asked this:
This is used to determine if your salary requirements are within the company's budget for the role.
How to answer:
Research industry standards and the typical range for similar roles in your location and experience level. Provide a range rather than a single number, stating you are flexible and open to discussing compensation further based on the overall package.
Example answer:
"Based on my research and experience level, I am looking for a salary in the range of [Lower End] to [Higher End]. However, I am flexible and open to discussing compensation further once we've determined that I'm the right fit for the role and team, taking into consideration the entire compensation and benefits package offered by [Company Name]. Research is key when preparing for best interview questions to ask about pay."
16. How would your previous coworkers/bosses describe you?
Why you might get asked this:
This question assesses your self-perception and how it aligns with how others perceive you professionally. It also hints at your interpersonal skills and work ethic from an external perspective.
How to answer:
Choose 2-3 positive attributes that are relevant to the job and supported by your experience. You can mention specific feedback you've received.
Example answer:
"I believe they would describe me as reliable, proactive, and a strong team player. My previous manager often commented on my ability to anticipate needs and take initiative on projects. Colleagues frequently highlighted my willingness to collaborate and support others to ensure team success. These are qualities I strive to embody daily, important when addressing best interview questions to ask about reputation."
17. What do you know about our company?
Why you might get asked this:
This gauges how much research you've done and your genuine interest in the organization. It shows if you understand their business, culture, and challenges.
How to answer:
Mention specific details about the company's products/services, mission, values, recent achievements, news, or position in the industry. Connect your knowledge to your interest in the role.
Example answer:
"I know that [Company Name] is a leader in the [Industry] sector, particularly recognized for your innovative work in [Specific Area]. I've been following your recent launch of [Product/Service] and am impressed by [something specific about it]. Your company culture, emphasizing [specific value], also strongly resonates with me and my approach to work. Demonstrating this research answers one of the crucial best interview questions to ask."
18. Why are you interested in this job specifically?
Why you might get asked this:
This question aims to understand your specific motivation for applying to this particular role, beyond just wanting 'a job'.
How to answer:
Connect your skills, interests, and career goals to the specific responsibilities, challenges, and opportunities presented in the job description. Show enthusiasm for the day-to-day tasks.
Example answer:
"I'm specifically interested in this role because the opportunity to manage projects involving [specific technology or task listed in job description] aligns perfectly with my passion for [your interest area] and utilizes my strongest skills in [relevant skill]. I'm excited about the potential to contribute to [specific team function or company goal mentioned] and believe the challenges outlined in the job description are exactly what I'm looking for in my next step."
19. Are you willing to travel, work nights, or relocate?
Why you might get asked this:
Employers need to know if you meet the logistical requirements of the role. This is a practical question about your availability and flexibility.
How to answer:
Answer honestly based on your personal circumstances and willingness. If there are limitations, state them clearly but express flexibility where possible.
Example answer:
"I am willing to travel up to [Percentage]% as required by the role. Regarding nights or weekends, I am flexible and understand that projects may sometimes require extended hours, though I value work-life balance. Relocation isn't possible for me at this time." Or, "Yes, I am open to relocation for this opportunity." Being direct helps with best interview questions to ask about logistics.
20. How soon can you start?
Why you might get asked this:
This practical question helps the hiring manager plan for onboarding and project timelines.
How to answer:
Provide a realistic start date, considering notice periods required by your current employer. If you are currently unemployed, you can state your immediate availability or a date shortly after the offer.
Example answer:
"I am currently employed and have a two-week notice period, so I would be available to start approximately two weeks after receiving a formal offer. I am eager to transition as smoothly as possible." Or, "I am currently available and could start immediately upon receiving an offer."
21. Have you ever been fired? If yes, why?
Why you might get asked this:
This sensitive question assesses your honesty, accountability, and ability to learn from difficult experiences.
How to answer:
Answer truthfully but briefly, focusing on what you learned from the experience rather than dwelling on negatives. Avoid blaming others. Frame it as a learning opportunity that led to personal or professional growth.
Example answer:
"Yes, early in my career, I was let go from a position where the company's direction shifted significantly, and my role no longer fit their evolving needs. It was a difficult experience, but it taught me the importance of clear communication regarding evolving job expectations and helped me identify the type of work environment where I can best succeed. Handling tough best interview questions to ask requires honesty and reflection."
22. Tell me about a time when you failed and how you handled it.
Why you might get asked this:
Interviewers want to see your ability to take responsibility, learn from mistakes, and demonstrate resilience.
How to answer:
Use the STAR method. Describe a specific, genuine failure. Focus on the actions you took immediately after the failure to mitigate impact and, most importantly, what you learned from the experience and how you applied that learning going forward.
Example answer:
"In a past project, I underestimated the time needed for a critical task, causing a delay. [Situation] My task was to deliver the report by Friday. [Task] I realized on Thursday I wouldn't finish. [Action] I immediately informed my manager, explained the situation, and proposed a revised timeline with steps to minimize overall project impact. [Result] We adjusted, and I learned a valuable lesson about detailed planning and proactive communication regarding deadlines. This is a common type of best interview questions to ask about learning."
23. What do you do outside of work?
Why you might get asked this:
This question helps interviewers get to know you as a person beyond your resume, assessing cultural fit, work-life balance, and potentially revealing transferable skills or qualities like discipline, creativity, or leadership.
How to answer:
Share a few hobbies or interests. You can mention activities that showcase relevant traits (e.g., team sports for teamwork, volunteering for community involvement, creative hobbies for problem-solving) but keep it brief and professional.
Example answer:
"Outside of work, I enjoy hiking and photography. Hiking helps me stay active and clear my head, while photography allows me to exercise creativity and attention to detail. I also volunteer at a local animal shelter, which I find very rewarding. These activities help maintain a healthy work-life balance, important when considering best interview questions to ask about personality."
24. How do you prioritize your work?
Why you might get asked this:
This question assesses your organizational skills, time management, and ability to handle multiple tasks effectively, especially under deadlines.
How to answer:
Describe your method for managing tasks, such as using to-do lists, prioritizing by deadline and importance, breaking down large projects, or communicating with your manager about workload.
Example answer:
"I typically prioritize tasks based on urgency and impact. I start my day by reviewing deadlines and key objectives, using a task management tool to keep track. I focus on high-priority items first and break down larger projects into smaller steps. I also communicate regularly with my team and manager to ensure alignment on priorities, especially when juggling multiple tasks."
25. How do you adapt to new technology?
Why you might get asked this:
In today's fast-changing world, employers need employees who are comfortable with and capable of learning new tools and systems.
How to answer:
Express your willingness and enthusiasm for learning new technologies. Provide examples of times you've quickly picked up new software, platforms, or tools for a job or project.
Example answer:
"I'm very comfortable adapting to new technologies and view it as an exciting part of professional growth. In my last role, our team transitioned to a new CRM system, and I proactively explored its features, completed available training modules, and even helped onboard some of my colleagues. I enjoy learning new tools that can improve efficiency and productivity, a common theme in best interview questions to ask about adaptability."
26. Do you consider yourself a risk-taker?
Why you might get asked this:
This question explores your comfort level with uncertainty and your decision-making style. Some roles require innovation and calculated risks, while others demand caution.
How to answer:
Explain your approach to risk, differentiating between reckless risks and calculated risks. Describe a time you took a calculated risk and the outcome, focusing on analysis and decision-making process.
Example answer:
"I consider myself a calculated risk-taker. I don't take risks impulsively, but I'm willing to step outside my comfort zone or try a new approach after careful consideration of the potential outcomes and impacts. For example, I once proposed a new marketing campaign strategy that was unconventional for our company but, based on market research, had high potential. It paid off, resulting in increased engagement. Addressing these best interview questions to ask shows thoughtful decision-making."
27. How would you handle an unhappy or difficult client?
Why you might get asked this:
This assesses your customer service skills, empathy, problem-solving under pressure, and ability to de-escalate situations while maintaining professionalism.
How to answer:
Describe a process that includes active listening, acknowledging their frustration, empathizing, clarifying the issue, proposing solutions, and following up. You can provide a brief example.
Example answer:
"First, I would listen attentively and empathetically to understand their concerns fully and let them know they are heard. I'd apologize for their negative experience and clarify the specific issue. Then, I would work with them to find a viable solution, managing expectations honestly. I always follow up to ensure the resolution was satisfactory. My goal is to turn a negative experience into a positive outcome, a key skill for best interview questions to ask about service."
28. What question haven’t I asked you?
Why you might get asked this:
This is an opportunity to highlight something important about yourself, your skills, or your fit for the role that hasn't come up naturally in the conversation.
How to answer:
Think of a key skill, achievement, or experience that is highly relevant to the job and company but hasn't been discussed. Frame it positively as something you wanted to ensure they knew about your qualifications.
Example answer:
"You haven't asked me about my experience with [specific software or task listed in job description] which is a significant part of the role. In my previous position, I successfully implemented and managed [specific project using that skill], resulting in [positive outcome]. I'm confident my hands-on experience in this area would allow me to quickly contribute to your team's success."
29. Do you have any questions for me?
Why you might get asked this:
Always ask questions! This demonstrates your engagement, genuine interest in the role and company, critical thinking, and preparation. Asking insightful questions reflects well on you.
How to answer:
Prepare 3-5 thoughtful questions beforehand. Ask about the role's challenges, team dynamics, company culture, growth opportunities, training, or next steps in the hiring process. Avoid questions easily answered by a quick website search.
Example answer:
"Yes, I do. Could you describe the typical day-to-day responsibilities for someone in this role? Also, what are the biggest challenges or priorities for the team in the next six months? And finally, what are the opportunities for professional development within this position? Asking insightful questions shows initiative and helps answer some of the best interview questions to ask about your interest."
30. What would your first 30, 60, or 90 days look like in this role?
Why you might get asked this:
This assesses your understanding of the role, your ability to plan, and your proactivity in integrating into a new position.
How to answer:
Outline a realistic plan focusing on learning, contributing, and integrating. In the first 30 days, focus on learning systems, meeting team members, and understanding priorities. By 60 days, aim to take on more tasks and contribute actively. By 90 days, discuss contributing significantly, taking ownership, and identifying areas for improvement.
Example answer:
"In the first 30 days, I would focus on absorbing as much as possible – learning the key systems, getting to know my colleagues, and understanding the team's current projects and priorities. By 60 days, I'd aim to be fully operational, managing my core responsibilities independently and contributing to team discussions. In 90 days, I would hope to be proactively identifying areas where I can add further value and perhaps take ownership of a specific task or small project, demonstrating impact quickly is key to best interview questions to ask about planning."
Other Tips to Prepare for a best interview questions to ask
Preparation is paramount when tackling best interview questions to ask. Beyond crafting answers to individual questions, practice delivering them smoothly. Participate in mock interviews with friends, mentors, or career services. As leadership expert John C. Maxwell says, "Preparation doesn't guarantee a win, but it does guarantee that you're ready." Research the company and role thoroughly to tailor your responses. Understand the job description inside and out to highlight relevant skills and experiences naturally within your answers to best interview questions to ask.
Utilize tools designed to enhance your interview readiness. Verve AI Interview Copilot, available at https://vervecopilot.com, offers a modern approach to practicing best interview questions to ask. It provides simulated interview experiences and feedback to help you refine your delivery and content. Integrating practice with AI, like Verve AI Interview Copilot, can provide objective insights into areas needing improvement. Remember, the goal isn't just to recall facts but to tell a compelling story about why you are the best fit. Use resources like Verve AI Interview Copilot to gain confidence and articulate your qualifications effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How long should my answers be for best interview questions to ask?
A1: Aim for concise answers, typically 1-2 minutes for standard questions, longer for behavioral questions using STAR method.
Q2: Is it okay to pause before answering best interview questions to ask?
A2: Yes, a brief pause shows you are thinking carefully, which is better than rushing into an unfocused answer.
Q3: Should I memorize answers to best interview questions to ask?
A3: Don't memorize word-for-word. Prepare key points and practice speaking them naturally so you can adapt.
Q4: How can I practice answering best interview questions to ask?
A4: Record yourself, practice with friends, use mirror practice, or try AI tools like Verve AI Interview Copilot.
Q5: What if I don't have experience for a specific best interview questions to ask?
A5: Relate it to transferable skills from other areas (academics, volunteering) or explain how you would handle it hypothetically.
Q6: Should I ask questions about salary during the first interview regarding best interview questions to ask?
A6: It's generally better to defer detailed salary discussions until later stages unless the interviewer brings it up or you're asked your expectations (Q15).
