Usually, in Europe, many people tend to go into interviews without much preparation, often relying on their experience and general knowledge. In contrast, in the US, candidates typically spend 1–4 hours preparing for each interview, carefully researching the company, practicing answers, and anticipating possible questions.
If the position you are applying for is truly important to you, it’s crucial to take preparation seriously. Think about your competition—other candidates are likely preparing thoroughly, which means that your success may depend on how well you present your skills, experience, and motivation. Preparing in advance not only boosts your confidence but also increases your chances of standing out and showing the employer that you are the right fit for the role.
Below is a comprehensive list of 50 typical interview questions to help you prepare thoroughly and approach your interview with confidence.
🔹 General & Icebreaker Questions
- Tell me about yourself.
- How would you describe your professional background?
- What are your strengths?
- What are your weaknesses, and how do you work on them?
- How do you handle stress and pressure at work?
- Why should we hire you?
- What motivates you in your work?
- How would your colleagues describe you?
- What are you most proud of in your career?
- What are your career goals for the next 3–5 years?
🔹 Motivation & Company Fit
- Why do you want to work here?
- What do you know about our company?
- What attracted you to this role?
- What do you think makes you a good fit for this position?
- What values are important to you in a workplace?
- Why are you leaving your current job? / Why did you leave your last job?
- What type of work environment do you prefer?
- How do you see yourself contributing to our company’s success?
- If hired, what would be your priorities in the first 90 days?
- What do you expect from your manager?
🔹 Experience & Skills
- Can you walk me through your CV?
- Tell me about a project you successfully managed.
- Give an example of a challenge you faced and how you overcame it.
- What specific skills do you bring to this role?
- Describe a time you improved a process at work.
- Have you ever managed a team? If yes, how many people and what were your responsibilities?
- How do you prioritize your tasks when you have multiple deadlines?
- Tell me about a time you had to learn a new skill quickly.
- Have you ever worked with [specific tool/software relevant to the role]?
- What accomplishments are you most proud of in your last position?
🔹 Teamwork & Collaboration
- How do you handle conflicts in a team?
- Describe a time you had to collaborate with a difficult colleague.
- How do you ensure good communication in a team?
- Have you ever had to lead a cross-functional project?
- What role do you usually take in a team—leader, mediator, executor?
- How do you give constructive feedback to others?
- Tell me about a time you supported a colleague to achieve a goal.
- How do you handle working with colleagues from different cultures or backgrounds?
- What makes a team successful, in your opinion?
- Do you prefer independent work or teamwork? Why?
🔹 Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking
- Tell me about a time you solved a difficult problem at work.
- How do you make decisions when you don’t have all the necessary information?
- What would you do if you noticed a serious mistake in your manager’s work?
- Describe a situation where you had to convince others to follow your idea.
- Tell me about a time when something didn’t go according to plan—how did you handle it?
🔹 Practical & Closing Questions
These questions are often overlooked by candidates, but they are extremely important because they help ensure that both you and the employer are on the same page. Being clear about your expectations, availability, and flexibility allows the employer to understand whether your needs align with what the company can offer. Similarly, asking thoughtful questions at the end shows that you are serious about the role and have done your homework, which leaves a strong impression.
- What salary are you expecting? – It’s essential to know your worth and the market rate while being realistic, so you don’t waste time on a mismatch.
- Are you open to relocation or business travel? – Helps clarify whether the job logistics fit your personal circumstances.
- What’s your availability to start if selected? – Being clear avoids surprises and shows readiness and commitment.
- Do you have any questions for us? – Demonstrates curiosity, engagement, and helps you assess if the company culture and role are truly a fit for you.
- Is there anything else you’d like us to know about you? – A final opportunity to highlight your strengths or clarify anything important that wasn’t covered.
Tip: Approaching these questions openly and honestly benefits both sides. It shows professionalism, prevents future misunderstandings, and helps find a role where you can truly thrive.
✨ If you’d like extra support during your career change, we’re here to help. We can review your CV to make sure it reflects your strengths, and we can prepare you for interviews so you feel confident and ready to succeed in your next role.