Top: 27 Most Common Job Interview Questions and Answers

During a recruitment interview, you will certainly be asked questions about your motivations, your qualifications and your experience. It is therefore important to prepare well in advance. If you are looking for a job, you have probably already faced a job interview. This interview is an opportunity for the recruiter to get to know you better and to check whether you are qualified for the position. It is therefore important to prepare well in advance.

To avoid the stress of the job interview, it is important to anticipate the questions you will be asked. To make it easier for you, we have grouped together the most frequently asked questions during a job interview (or internship), with for each the type of answer expected by the recruiter.

In this article, we have researched and compiled a list of 27 most common job interview questions with sample answers to help you pass your interview and get your new job.

Knowing that it is essential to provide personalized answers to the recruiter's questions, we have preferred to indicate the way to guide your answers, rather than giving you ready-made answers. Always keep in mind that in the interview your answers must be both clear and concise.

Top: 10 Most Common Job Interview Questions and Answers

Before going to a job interview, it is essential to prepare. To do this, you need to know the most common questions to expect as well as how to answer them.

The ideal answer should be concise, but contain enough information about your experience and skills, so that the recruiter can understand what you can bring to the company. In other words, talk about your background, what made you stand in front of the recruiter today.

The recruiter asks me: What are my professional strengths? My most important professional assets are my ability to adapt and my versatility. I was able to demonstrate these qualities throughout my career, especially when I had to perform new or unfamiliar tasks. I am also a very motivated person, who likes to take up challenges and work in a team. Finally, I have an excellent level of English, which allows me to communicate easily with international clients.

Here are some tips for a successful job interview: 

• Prepare to answer classic questions about your motivations, qualifications and experience. 
• Anticipate difficult questions and work on them in advance. 
• Be honest and genuine in your answers.
• Prepare a list of questions to ask the recruiter.
• Show enthusiasm and motivation.
• Listen and show that you are interested in the job.

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The following questions are ones you are likely to face during your job interview. Good preparation is essential, especially if your last interview is a bit old (but that goes for all cases). Indeed, it would be silly to find yourself short of answers from the first question. Below you will find a list of frequently asked questions by recruiters.

1. Do you have professional experience?

Yes, I have professional experience as a communication consultant. I worked for a public relations company for three years. I helped clients manage their image and improve their visibility with the public. I also worked as a freelancer for two years, which allowed me to develop a solid experience in the field of communication.

2. Why are you looking for a new job?

I am looking for a new job because I want to have a job that will allow me to use my talents and skills. I also want a job that will allow me to progress in my career.

See also: When are you available ? How to respond to a recruiter convincingly and strategically

3. What are your strengths?

One of my main qualities is my adaptability. I have already joined several teams and I have always known how to adapt to their functioning. I think it's an essential quality in today's professional world.

4. What are your weak points?

I am sometimes too much of a perfectionist and that can slow me down. I also work too much sometimes and forget to take breaks.

Also read >> 7 concrete examples of conflict management in business: discover the 5 foolproof strategies to resolve them

5. Do you have computer knowledge?

Yes, I have computer knowledge. I took computer courses and had the opportunity to familiarize myself with various software during my studies and professional experience.

6. Are you bilingual or multilingual?

I am fluent in French and English, and I can get by in Spanish.

7. Are you available immediately?

Yes, I am available immediately.

8. How much time can you devote to us?

I am available for an indefinite period.

9. Are you ready to work weekends?

Yes, I am willing to work weekends.

10. Are you willing to work odd hours?

Yes, I am willing to work odd hours. I am Flexible and can adapt to different work schedules.

11. Are you ready to work abroad?

Yes, I am ready to work abroad. I have lived abroad before and am bilingual in English and Spanish. I am adaptable and I love learning about new cultures.

12. Are you ready for training?

Yes, I am always ready to learn new things and acquire new skills. I think training is important to maintain a high level of knowledge and I am willing to take training if necessary.

13. Are you transported?

Yes, I am transported. I have a car and am able to move quickly and easily from place to place. This allows me to be very flexible in my schedules and where I can work.

13. Do you have a driver's license?

Yes, I am a holder a driving license. I got my driver's license about five years ago and use it regularly. I had no accidents or traffic violations. I am a careful and experienced driver.

14. Do you have any mobility difficulties?

No, I am not disabled and I have no mobility difficulties.

15. What have you done since your last job?

It is important here, especially if you are going through a fairly long job search period, to explain how you structure your days. What is important is to give the image of someone who wants it, who does not give up, who is dynamic and organized.

Example answer: I have done several things since my last job. I took courses to improve my skills, worked on my resume and cover letter, and applied for several jobs. I also spent a lot of time looking for jobs on the internet and reading the classifieds. I also contacted several companies to find out if they were hiring.

16. How do you organize your job search?

Explain your method, the networks (Anpe, Apec, professional association, former students, recruitment firm, etc.) that you have contacted to find a job. Be dynamic in your presentation.

Example of answer: I start my search by doing research on the internet, by consulting job offers on different websites and by registering on job search sites. Then I contact the companies directly and ask them if they have any job offers. I also try to find professional contacts who could help me find a job.

17. Why did you leave your last job?

Talk about impossible career prospects in the company, difficulties in the economic sector of the company left, etc. Avoid emotional considerations.

Example of answer: I left my last job because I did not see any prospect of possible professional progression in the company. Difficulties in the economic sector also contributed to my decision.

18. What position would you like to hold in 5 years?

If you do not have a very precise vision of what you would like to do, talk about developing responsibilities (more turnover, people to supervise, being associated with the launch of new products, etc.).

Example of answer: I would like to hold the position of general manager of a company in 5 years. I want to expand my responsibilities, mentor more people and launch new products.

19. What are you most proud of in your career?

Be sincere. If you can think of specific events, say so.

Example answer: I am proud of my work in the recording industry. I had the opportunity to work with some of the best artists and musicians in the world. I also had the opportunity to travel around the world and meet people from all cultures.

20. Why did you respond to our ad? 

Explain the link with your studies or the professional progression that this would make you do (discovery of new functions, a new sector, new responsibilities, etc.). Also explain what you think.

Sample answer: I have decided to respond to this ad because I am looking for an internship that will allow me to gain experience in the human resources sector. In addition, this internship will allow me to put into practice my knowledge of human resources management and personnel administration. Finally, I think this internship will be very useful for my professional career.

21. What do you know about our company?

Respond in terms of importance (turnover, number of employees, place among companies in the sector) and activity: products and/or services sold. If you can slip in news about the company (takeover, big contract won, etc.), it's the icing on the cake that will really prove that you follow its news. A practical source of information for this: stock exchange sites provide all the latest news from listed companies.

Example of answer: Prenium SA is a solid company, having generated a turnover of more than 8 billion euros in 2018. It is present in many countries in Europe and Asia and offers a wide range of products and insurance and wealth management services. Prenium SA is a growing company, which recently signed a major contract with the Japanese company Nomura Holdings.

22. Can you tell me what you understood from the position? 

Avoid reciting the text of the recruitment advertisement here. But for all that, do the work of noting everything that seems important to you in this text. To structure your answer, cite the 3 essential elements in a job description: the title of the function, the department to which you are attached, the missions which will be entrusted to you.

Example of answer: The position of secretary is an important position in a company. This is the link between the public and the company. The secretary must be able to handle telephone calls, take messages, manage mail, draft documents and manage files. The secretary must be organized, discreet and able to work in a team.

23. What do you think you bring to our company? 

Knowledge of a market, of different working methods, of specific products, of a rare technology... Respond also from the point of view of your human qualities: joie de vivre, ability to manage, creativity... and conclude on the final goal of any corporate action that is to contribute to the growth of the company's results.

Example answer: I think I bring many things to our company, including my knowledge of a specific market, the different working methods, my unique products and my rare technology. Moreover, I believe that my human qualities, such as my joie de vivre, my ability to manage and my creativity, will also be an asset for the company. Finally, I want to contribute to the growth of the company's results, because I think that is the final objective of any action in business.

24. What are your motivations?

“What are your motivations for joining our company? Recruiters expect a precise and personal answer. The purpose of this question is to check your understanding of the position, its environment, its missions, and the working methods required. This is why it is very often asked during a job interview.

You can express the fact that you are motivated by the different missions assigned to the position because you liked working on them. You may also have the skills necessary to perform these missions but you have not had the opportunity to apply them in your previous experiences.

The desire to learn may be a reason why you want to get this job. Indeed, you may wish to deepen the different skills you have acquired during your previous experiences or learn new ones.

Do you share the same values ​​as the company? Say it! For example, if the company is focused on sustainable development, indicate that these values ​​are important to you and that at the same time, you will feel good in this company.

The business sector of the company attracts you and you want to work in it? Share this motivation with your interlocutor and list the different points that you appreciate in this sector and why you would be perfect to work in this field. For example, talk about how you appreciate the challenges of innovation in the technology industry.

25. Destabilizing Questions

• What type of difficulty do you have trouble dealing with?
• Aren't you afraid of getting bored at this post?
• Do you like the job?
• Do you have other recruitment appointments? For what type of function?
• If you have two positive answers, on what criteria will you choose?
• Don't you think that your young age will be a handicap for this position?
• How would you spend the first 30 days of taking office?
• What are your salary expectations ?
• Do you have any questions for me?

What are your 3 flaws? Flaws to admit

As already mentioned before, feeling is a very important decision-making factor during a job interview, in the same way as the skills sought by the recruiter. This is why your interpersonal skills and your way of acting within a professional environment will be of direct interest to the recruiter. 

The latter may ask you the famous question of qualities and defects, although this trend is less and less present in startups and other liberated companies (among others). Many consider this question irrelevant, but it remains classic in certain recruitment processes.

Here are the professional shortcomings that you can confidently admit during your job interview.

• Shy / reserved : you don't talk much but you are all the more efficient. And you bond with more sincerity.
• patient : you are sometimes frustrated by internal slowness. But that hides an unfailing energy as soon as you have the opportunity to accelerate.
• Authoritarian : having responsibilities leads to making decisions that do not please everyone. Remaining firm also allows these decisions to be respected.
• Likely : the slightest criticism can hurt you, but you don't hold grudges and it allows you to improve.
• Nervous, anxious : you are naturally stressed. It also helps you to better organize yourself to avoid the unexpected.
• Slow : slowness is often synonymous with perfectly executed work.
• Obstinate : you have a strong head but nothing discourages you to overcome obstacles.
• Talkative : it is true that sometimes you could abstain. But you've never been made to feel bad about it, because you bring a good vibe.
• Mistrustful : you always prioritize your personal opinion but you remain open to the opinion of others.
• Passive : you are docile and you rely on your superior to give you a vision and a framework.
• Formalistic : you attach yourself to the established framework, to the norms. It also allows you to avoid deviations in a company that sticks to procedures.
• Impulsive : You sometimes make hasty decisions, but you still get things done. Failing fast to bounce back fast works better than succeeding very slowly.
• scathing : your sometimes aggressive judgments also allow you to burst abscesses and open minds to new opportunities.
• Emotional : it also makes you more sensitive, emphatic and creative.
• Capricious : you want to have it all, it also makes you ambitious.
• Carefree : You don't let problems or obstacles slow you down.
• Influenced : you keep your mind very open to the points of view of others, this does not prevent you from remaining yourself.
• Lack of confidence : you remain humble about your achievements. You don't take credit for yourself alone.
• Plaintive : you complain daily about late suppliers. It's your way to release your stress and stay positive with your colleagues.

What are your qualities ? (listing)

The human qualities are among the most sought-after qualities by recruiters in a job interview. Here is our list of interview qualities to enhance your profile:

• Team spirit : you know how to collaborate, share successes and overcome failures with others, even in a very heterogeneous group.
• Curious : you want to discover new skills, new projects and you are pro-active when information escapes you.
• Meticulous : you leave nothing to chance. You don't finish your work until it's perfect for the person who will benefit from it.
• Patient : you know how to manage your emotions and wait for the right moment to act with discernment.
• Dynamic / Energetic : things move forward with you, you allow no inertia to hover in your work and your energy is contagious.
• Serious / Thoughtful : you are a reliable person, you do not talk to say nothing, you coldly analyze the information. You then act with more haughtiness, avoiding any haste.
• Ambitious / Motivated : you are not satisfied with the present results, you want to exceed them. You are very invested in your work and see further.
• Pugnacious / Obstinate : Obstacles and competition motivate you. You get your energy from that.
• Friendly / Smiling : you project a pleasant environment to those around you, we like working with you and we return it to you.
• Sociable : you are extroverted. It is easy for you to interact with different business areas to bring them together around a common goal.
• Neat / Conscientious : the devil is in the details, and you strive to avoid the slightest unpleasant surprise. You like a job well done.
• Autonome : you are not alone. On the contrary, you know how to take the lead while communicating your progress.
• Rigorous / Organized : you structure the subjects and you know how to plan the projects according to the priorities to make you efficient.
• Optimistic / Enthusiastic : you are positive in adversity. You don't close yourself to any opportunity until it has already been tested.
• Voluntary : you are always ready to give your help, to learn and to take part in new projects.
• Responsible / Confident : know how to make decisions, even some that make people unhappy. Being uninfluenced by others.
• Upright / Frank / Honest : you are transparent, you leave no room for doubt. Your employees and customers trust and appreciate you professionally and personally.
• Critical mind : you question preconceived ideas and you do not follow common thinking by default. We appreciate your "fresh" look that inspires new opportunities.

How to answer Why does this position interest you?

Like the dreaded "Introduce yourself" question, "Why are you interested in this position?" is also cause for apprehension. To answer, it is necessary to show interest in the position and demonstrate that you are the best candidate.

First, it's a great opportunity for you to show off what you know about the company. You can talk enthusiastically all day about your ability to fit into the team, but there's no reason to assume you know anything about the company you're interviewing for. So, to prepare, spend some time brushing up on your knowledge of the company and select a few key factors to incorporate into your pitch to explain why you're a good fit.

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Then you want to sell yourself: why are you made for this position? You can do this in two ways: you can either focus more on your experiences (which you have done before in your career) or on your skills (especially useful if you are in pivotal roles or industries) .

Finally, you want to show that the position makes sense for your further career. Ideally, don't give the impression that you're just using the post as a starting point. Show that you want to join the company for the long term, so your contact will feel more comfortable investing in you.

Job interview questions and answers pdf

To better prepare for your job interview, we offer you here to download the PDF document “Job interview questions and answers pdf” which includes several common job interview questions, as well as the best way to answer them. ' answer to.

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