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Interview guide: Common questions & example answers

  • Answering common interview questions
  • Industry specific interview questions
  • Q: Tell me about yourself
  • Q: Why do you want to work for us?
  • Q: What are your salary expectations?
  • Q: What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
  • Q: What is your greatest achievement?
  • Q: Do you have any questions for me?
  • Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
  • Q: Why should we hire you?
  • Q: What are your hobbies and interests?
  • Q: Are you interviewing anywhere else?
  • Q: How do you handle stress?
  • Q: Describe yourself in 3 words
  • Q: What motivates you at work?
  • Q: What makes you unique?
  • Q: Why do you want to leave your current job?
  • Tips for a successful interview
  • STAR Technique
  • More graduate job interview tips

Common interview questions and answers 💬

How to answer common interview questions

From the ordinary to the weird and wacky and sometimes tough interview questions to answer, this series covers the common interview questions an employer might ask.

We start by looking at the most basic interview questions and answers and then work our way through to some more tough interview questions and answers.

For each question, we’ve got the interview tips and tricks to help you nail your answer – breaking down the reasons why employers might choose to ask it, possible responses, as well as what to avoid when answering these interview opening questions.

To find out the best answers to common job interview questions, follow the links in the navigation menu.

We answer:

  1. Tell me about yourself
  2. Why do you want to work for us?
  3. What are your salary expectations?
  4. What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
  5. What is your greatest achievement?
  6. Do you have any questions for me?
  7. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
  8. Why should we hire you?
  9. What are your hobbies and interests?
  10. Are you interviewing anywhere else?
  11. How do you handle stress?
  12. Describe yourself in 3 words
  13. What motivates you at work?
  14. What makes you unique?
  15. Why do you want to leave your current job?

… Plus, we’ve answered industry interview questions for you too!

Do you have an upcoming video interview? Learn about how video interviews differ from traditional interviews, and how to ace them.

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Graduate Video interview tips for virtual interviews

Video interview tips for virtual interviews

3 min read

Industry specific interview questions

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IT Interview questions and answers
marketing-interview-questions-and-answers-guide
Marketing interview questions and answers guide
finance-interview-questions-and-answers
Finance interview questions and answers
sales-interview-questions-and-answers
Sales interview questions and answers
java-interview-questions-and-answers
Java Interview Questions and Answers
sql-interview-questions-and-answers
SQL interview questions and answers

Tell me about yourself

A common interview question to prepare for. Candidates often wonder, what does the interviewer really want to know?

For employers, this is one of the most common interview questions to ask candidates.

Highlight your key skills and experience and don’t just read from your CV.

Avoid listing information and talking for the sake of talking.

Example answer

“I’m [first name] from [area], I studied Marketing Communications at Bournemouth University and have recently graduated with a 2.1.

I am keen to pursue a career in digital marketing, having completed my dissertation on ‘The Impact of Digital Marketing on Businesses Today’, for which I analysed the digital marketing strategies of 10 businesses, giving me a sound understanding of key digital marketing tools and the importance of getting your strategy right.

As well as being part of the marketing society at Uni, I also write a blog in my spare time, educating people about ways in which social media can be used effectively.

Juggling this with my university work has strengthened my organisation skills, I always plan my week’s work in advance, prioritising tasks to ensure that I work efficiently to complete everything on time.

Last year I gained work experience within a digital marketing agency which reinforced my desire to get a job in this sector.

I love maths and have a very analytical mindset so I am keen to build on my SEO and digital analytics knowledge.

I think I would really enjoy the job role and I believe I could bring significant value to your team; it’s always easy to market something you’re passionate about!”

More tips on answering this question

Why do you want to work for us?

Employers want to find out the motivations behind your graduate job application – not just because you stumbled across it on a jobs board.

This common interview question provides an ideal opportunity for you to demonstrate why and how you would be a perfect fit for the company.

Our graduate recruitment experts have provided  example answers to help you prepare for these questions in an interview.

Example answer

“I have always had a keen interest in the technology sector and when I saw the job role advertised online, I was excited at the prospect of working for a top tech brand that’s leading the future of the industry.

You have a very impressive portfolio of high-tech software and big clients, and having worked in sales for 2 years now I am confident that I can help to grow this portfolio and become a strong asset to your team!”

See all example answers

What are your salary expectations?

Choosing the best way to respond to this job interview question requires careful consideration.

Avoid sounding unrealistic however ensure you do not seem indifferent.

We explore answering this interview question looking at ‘what is your salary expectation’ sample answer, how to answer the salary question in an email, as well as how to answer your desired salary online.

Example answer:

“As I mentioned previously, I have gained some really good work experience within PR, I have many contacts within the industry already and I am very eager to engage with both new and existing clients.

For this reason, the salary that I think is right for me is £X. I feel that I can bring significant value to your team and with my hard-working personality, I am confident that I would excel in every challenge I am faced with”.

More tips on answering

What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?

This interview question is to test self-awareness, skillset, composure and communication skills.

We examined this interview question and learned how to answer without sounding smug or giving a cliché answer.

Check out ‘what is your greatest strength’ and ‘what is your greatest weakness’ sample answers and things you should avoid when answering one of the most common interview questions for graduates.

Greatest strength example answer:

“I would say my greatest strength is my ability to pick things up very quickly, I am a fast learner and very keen to acquire new skills.

This has meant that I have always been very willing to take on extra responsibilities as I see it as an opportunity to learn more.

Throughout University I have taken on many additional roles including becoming a mentor, writing weekly articles for the University newspaper as well as volunteering to help at various open days and events held on campus.

This has helped to build my confidence and strengthen my communication and time management skills.”

Greatest weakness example answer:

“One of my weaknesses is that I can be quite forgetful at times. Particularly when I am required to juggle multiple tasks, I have noticed that if I am asked to do something, if I do not write it down straight away then I will forget to do it.

I, therefore, began to make a conscious effort to write everything down, even the smallest of tasks.

Since I started writing everything down and making more ‘to do’ lists, I have noticed that I have become more organised and it has enabled me to prioritise tasks more effectively – I haven’t missed a deadline since!”

More example answers

What is your greatest achievement?

It is critical that you carefully consider how you answer questions like this – you don’t want to sound boastful, but still demonstrate your accomplishment in a way that makes you stand out from other candidates.

Click the link below to find out why employers ask this interview question, as well as professional and non-professional greatest achievement examples and answers to help you construct your own answer to the interview question.

Example answer:

“My greatest achievement so far is completing my Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

Completing both awards meant that I volunteered for a total of 9 months, in a charity garden centre and helping at a local Scouts group.

I was also required to take part in a physical activity or learn a skill for 9 months, I played netball and learnt Spanish, attending language evening classes in my spare time.

Finally, I completed 2 expeditions which involved endurance and teamwork. A group of us hiked from one town to another over 5 days. I took on the role of the group leader, delegating tasks fairly around the group and motivating my team, which helped us to finish the expedition first!

This achievement gave me the opportunity to learn and improve some excellent transferable skills, and I think my Spanish speaking skills would add real value within your Global Team.”​

More example answers

Do you have any questions for me?

The chance to ask questions at the end of your interview is your opportunity to find out details of the role you’ve been wanting to know.

Perhaps you’ve been wondering what the company culture is like, or would like to find out about the day-to-day responsibilities of the job.

It is the best time to find out if the role is right for you.

Plan your interview questions to ask employers, to ensure you sound interested and keen to learn more about the company you’re interviewing at.

Example questions to ask:

  • Why did you choose to work for this organisation and what do you enjoy most about working here?
  • What does a typical working day or week look like here?
  • How would you describe the company culture?
  • Please could you tell me about the team I would be working with?
  • How are employees recognised for their hard work?
  • Do you have regular performance reviews? How often?
  • Are employees involved in the structuring of their own KPIs at all?
  • Is there an opportunity for progression in this role?
  • Would I be managing any of my own projects?
  • Do you offer any training opportunities?
Full list of questions to ask

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

A graduate job interview question like this requires careful consideration. Be sure that your 5-year plan aligns with the company’s 5-year goals.

You need to demonstrate commitment and ambition to the employer.

We examine some example answers to the question, “Where do you see yourself in five years?”

Watch our short video to get some tips on how to respond.

Example answer:

“My career plan for the next five years is to push myself to excel in every challenge I am faced with and take on more and more responsibility.

I saw on your website you have a mentor scheme which I think is a great idea for new employees starting the company and something that I would be keen to get involved in.

If the opportunity arose, I would of course be interested in further job progression, maybe even leading a small team, but I understand that any extra responsibility comes with time once I have proven myself and helped the company to grow.”

More example answers

Why should we hire you?

It may seem like a straightforward job interview questions for graduates, ‘Why should we hire you?’ can actually be one of the toughest questions to answer. You need to sell yourself whilst trying not to sound arrogant.

To decide how best to answer it, it’s important to reflect on why this common interview question is actually being asked. We have constructed best example answers to help you with your interview preparation.

Example answer:

“Based on the research I have done prior to the interview, and from what you’ve said today, you are looking for an individual with excellent time management skills.

Not only did I organise multiple events requiring critical timing throughout University, but during my summer work placement, I worked across two different teams and had two managers to report to.

This strengthened my time management skills significantly, as I had to organise my workload by prioritising tasks, to ensure that I completed activities for each manager within the specific deadlines.”

See more example answers

What are your hobbies and interests?

We look at ‘what are your hobbies’ with example answers. Choose hobbies and interests that are work-appropriate and not too vague, this shows other passions and skills to potential employers.

We dive into why employers ask this common interview question, the difference between hobbies and interests, example answers and what to avoid when answering.

Example hobbies & interests:

  • Involvement in a sports team – indicating to an employer that you will be a good team player
  • An interest in the arts and painting – suggesting that you are a creative person
  • Writing a blog – implying that you use your free time to develop your skills (particularly relevant to marketing graduate jobs!) Practising writing also helps with vocabulary expansion
  • Volunteering or community work – read more about how volunteering can boost your employability.
  • Techy hobbies like learning to code – showing a willingness to upskill and you enjoy a challenge
  • Running your own online store – indicating to an employer that you have an entrepreneurial spirit
  • Music – if you play a musical instrument, or even produce or write your own music it shows that you are a keen learner and committed to practicing
  • Reading – shows intelligence, focus and concentration skills as well as better writing skills. Make sure you explain to the employer what you like to read.
See full list

Are you interviewing anywhere else?

Employers ask this to find out whether you’re interviewing with any of their competitors and to gauge how fast they will have to respond if they were to offer you the role.

Check out these ‘are you applying for other jobs’ best answers.  We have broken down this interview question and provided examples based on whether you are interviewing for jobs in other industries, interviewing for competitors, or not interviewing anywhere else at all.

Example answer:

“I had an interview with ‘We Are Recruitment’ last week and I have two interviews coming up with ‘Quick Jobs’ and ‘Give A Grad A Go’, all for HR Assistant positions.

Based on the job descriptions for each of these, I have been most excited about this interview, as the role entails many different responsibilities and challenges which I am keen to help you overcome.”

More example answers

How do you handle stress?

Employers want to know that you can handle stress in a professional and constructive manner.

Consider different variations of this common interview question. E.g –  ‘what stress management techniques do you use?’ or ‘please give an example of a stressful situation you have been in’.

Example answer:

“I actually believe that a little bit of stress can be a good thing. I work well in a fast-paced and healthy stressful situation, as I enjoy a challenge and I find that extra bit of pressure can spur me on to get tasks completed quicker, pushing me to work even harder!

I think that’s why I enjoy working in sales so much, because I am able to work towards a target; in my current Sales Executive role I have exceeded my target every month, increasing this by around 10% each time.”

More example answers

Describe yourself in 3 words

Attempting to describe your personality in a graduate job interview can be tricky – especially when you’re limited to just a few words.

Choose from our list of words to describe yourself in a graduate job interview, select the words that describe your working style, personality and priorities in the very best light!

Example words to describe yourself

Analyst / Tech

  • Organised
  • Focused
  • Analytical

 

Marketing / Creative

  • Entrepreneurial
  • Inventive
  • Collaborative

 

Client Facing

  • Approachable
  • Trustworthy
  • Positive

 

PR / Comms

  • Open minded
  • Enthusiastic
  • Compassionate

 

Sales / BDE

  • Independent
  • Ambitious
  • Respectful

 

Corporate

  • Diplomatic
  • Patient
  • Confident
See full list of words

What motivates you at work?

Another common job interview question is ‘what motivates you at work?’ This can catch graduates off-guard – so it’s important to make sure you are fully prepared to answer it.

Find out the best way to answer this interview question, example answers and what to avoid when answering.

Example answer:

“I am motivated by professional growth. In my current job role, I am always looking for ways to teach myself new things.

For example, I watch YouTube tutorials and read blogs in order to learn more about different topics.

I find developing my industry knowledge and upskilling really valuable, and that’s something I can really see myself doing in this role.”

See more answers

What makes you unique?

In a graduate job interview, employers will be looking for information to help them make a decision on whether or not they should hire you.

‘What makes you unique?’ is the perfect interview question to help them differentiate between you and other candidates.

We look at a variety of example answers and ways to explore what sets you apart from the hundreds of other candidates applying for the same job as you!

Example answer:

“The unique skill that I can bring to your workplace is my ability to pick anything up and get jobs done very quickly and efficiently.

Having already worked at a small startup company before, I am happy to take on additional responsibilities outside of my ‘remit’, and I am always keen to get involved with new areas of the business.

I understand the importance of being open minded and flexible, particularly within a startup environment.”

More example answers

Why do you want to leave your current job?

Employers ask this interview question to gain an understanding of the reasons behind your job search, and your incentives for leaving your current graduate job.

Click the link below for top advice on how to answer from graduate recruitment experts.

We reveal multiple example answers as well as a list of reasons for leaving a job, and much more!

Example answers:

“I’ve had a fantastic time working at x over the last two years, but I think I’ve learnt all I can in this particular company.

Having joined as a graduate in 2017, I’ve worked my way up from Business Development Executive, to leading my own team of 3 as a Sales Manager.

I’m now looking to leave my job, take on a new challenge and join a bigger team; that’s why this particular role appeals to me so much.”

More example answers

Tips for a successful face-to-face interview

Tip: Change the playback speed in the settings at the bottom right corner, to suit your learning requirements! Please feel free to embed this video on your website (get in touch for more info), or subscribe to our YouTube channel for more great interview questions videos and career advice tips for graduates.

The STAR technique

If you’ve been through all of our killer interview answers for those tricky interview questions, you will have realised there is a pattern we follow for our job interview question and answer samples…

The STAR interview technique! This is a highly effective way of answering graduate job interview questions. The situation, task, action, result format can be used to answer competency-based interview questions, by drawing upon real examples and tangible results. Find out how to use the STAR technique in a graduate job interview:

 

More graduate job interview tips

Now you’ve thought about the common interview questions and answers, take a look at our other advice to ensure that you ace every part of the graduate interview.

From what to wear, to how to relax before the big day, we have got you covered with more interview tips and tricks.

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