Top 5 Most Common Job Interview Questions

While there’s no way of knowing the exact set of questions you’ll have to answer in your next job interview, you can develop compelling talking points for some of the most common interview questions.

To help you feel confident and prepared before walking into an upcoming interview, we’re taking a look at five of the most common questions and sharing some tips on crafting a perfect, tailored response.

Job coach with young job seeker

“Tell me about yourself.”

Here is your chance to introduce yourself to the interviewer and explain why you’re the best fit for the job. It’s best to keep your answer short and sweet by sharing your knowledge, skills, and relevant experience and how they relate to the position.

“What’s your biggest weakness?”

This can be a tricky question to answer. The point is not to make you dwell on your weakness and make it appear like a red flag to the interviewer. Instead, the best way to answer this question is by reversing the narrative of your weakness and turning it into a positive learning experience. This way, you’re demonstrating to the interviewer that you can take responsibility and learn from any mistakes.

“Why is there a gap in your employment history?”

If you happen to have a gap in your résumé, you’ll want to be authentic and truthful about the reason without going into excessive detail. For example, maybe you took a break from the work world to focus on volunteering or family. Share about that experience and explain how what you learned can relate to the specific position you’re interviewing for.

“Why do you want to work here?”

Answering this question is an opportunity to voice your admiration for the company honestly and enthusiastically. Show your interest by sharing a story about your past work experience and how it relates to the company’s mission and vision. You have the chance to show the interviewer you are serious about the position and the company as a whole.

” Do you have any questions?”

Like the previous question, this is a time to take the initiative and show interest in the job position and the company. Choosing to answer this question with ” no” signals to the interviewer that you’re not very interested in the role. Instead, research the company before your interview and come prepared with one or two thoughtful questions.

For example, ask about the company’s culture and why the interviewer chose to work there. Inquire about specific tasks or projects you’ll be tasked with when working with the company and what success looks like in that position. Remember, an interview is not just about the employer getting to know you; it’s also a valuable opportunity for you to learn about the company and find out if it’s a good fit for you.

Get Interview Ready with Ohio Valley Goodwill!

In addition to preparing for your next job interview, it is just as important to be ready when it comes. As you prepare your responses to these questions, jot down a list of your achievements, skills, and other relevant experiences you can apply when answering. Then, bring a notebook and pen with you to the interview to take notes, print off extra copies of your résumé to give to the interviewer, and don’t forget your smile! These tips will demonstrate your initiative, enthusiasm, and attention to detail.

Helping local job seekers overcome barriers to finding, obtaining, and maintaining meaningful employment opportunities is central to Ohio Valley Goodwill’s mission. Our employment programs and services provide assistance with job coaching and career exploration, résumé help, interview preparation, job skills training, and more to empower individuals with disabilities and veterans to achieve personal and vocational success.

Putting people to work through these life-changing programs and services is only possible with the support of community members like you. We appreciate your decision to donate to Goodwill and shop in our retail stores. To find out more about the impact of donation and shopping support, we invite you to read the inspiring Success Stories of the incredible job seekers we’re so proud to serve!

With your continued support, we’re able to keep Goodwill’s mission strong. Find a donation center or a retail store near you and become a job creator in your community today!