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Common interview questions and how to answer them
Below are seven of the most common interview questions employers use to assess candidates during the hiring process, and sample answers for them that you can tailor to your experiences. While every interview process will differ slightly, these questions are widely used across industries and experience levels.
Preparing your responses in advance will help you answer with confidence and clearly demonstrate why you are a strong fit for the role.
1. Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
This interview question is designed to assess your ambition, long-term thinking, and how well your career goals align with the role. Employers want to see that you have direction and that this position fits into your broader career plan.
Focus on the type of work you want to be doing, the skills you plan to develop, and how the role you are interviewing for supports that progression. Always relate your answer back to the position.
Avoid saying you want the interviewer’s job. Instead, emphasise your commitment to growth and adding value.
Example answer:
“In five years, I see myself in a managerial role within this industry. I want to continue developing my project management skills and deepen my understanding of data analytics, with the goal of leading a team. This role is an important step toward that path, allowing me to learn from experienced professionals while contributing meaningfully.”
2. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Hiring managers ask this question to assess self-awareness and understand how well your skills align with the role. However, if approached correctly, you can avoid 'bragging' when discussing your strengths or seeming excessively negative when talking about your perceived weaknesses.
How to answer “What are your strengths?”
Choose two or three strengths that are relevant to the job description and support each with a specific example of how you have demonstrated these strengths in previous roles. A mix of technical and interpersonal skills works best.
Example answer:
“My strengths include attention to detail, problem-solving, and communication. In my previous role, I led a project that required detailed data analysis and clear stakeholder communication, helping reduce project delays by 20%.”
How to answer “What are your weaknesses?”
Select a genuine weakness and explain how you are actively working to improve it. Employers value candidates who demonstrate self-awareness and a willingness to develop.
Example answer:
“Public speaking has been a challenge for me in the past. To improve, I completed a public speaking course and regularly volunteered to present in meetings. This has significantly improved my confidence and delivery.”
3. Why should we hire you?
This is your opportunity to differentiate yourself from other candidates and show why you would be a good fit in the company. Focus on what makes you unique and how your skills, experience, and approach to work will benefit the organisation.
Go beyond qualifications by highlighting how your background and values align with the company’s goals.
Example answer:
"You should hire me because I bring a unique blend of technical expertise and creative problem-solving skills. My experience in digital marketing has allowed me to develop innovative campaigns that have increased brand engagement by 30%. I believe my proactive approach and passion for data-driven strategies align well with your company’s goals."
4. Tell me about yourself / your work experience
Often one of the first questions asked in an interview, this is your opportunity to make a strong first impression. Keep your response concise and structured, aiming for one to two minutes, and focus on what is most relevant to the role.
Summarise your qualifications, key experience, and most relevant achievements, following the structure of your CV without turning your answer into a full career history.
Avoid oversharing personal information or focusing too heavily on day-to-day responsibilities. Instead, highlight professional examples that demonstrate your impact, strengths, and suitability for the role.
Example answer:
“I have a degree in Marketing and over five years’ experience in digital advertising, specialising in social media campaigns. In my most recent role, I led a team that increased online engagement by 50%. My strengths in data analysis and content strategy have been central to those results.”
5. Why do you want this job?
This question allows employers to assess your motivation and preparation. They want to see that you understand the role, the company, and how your skills align with their needs.
Research the organisation and reference specific aspects of its work, culture, or values. Keep in mind the interviewer is listening for an answer that indicates you've given this some thought.
Example answer:
"I’m excited about this job because your company values innovation and sustainability, which are areas I’m passionate about. I’ve been following your recent projects and admire how you’re pushing the boundaries in the tech space. I believe my experience in managing complex projects would make me an asset to your team."
6. What are your salary expectations?
Interviewers ask this job interview question to determine whether your expectations align with their budget or salary range. It’s important to understand your market value while remaining flexible, without undervaluing your skills or experience.
If asked, reference market research and express openness to discussion, particularly around benefits and development opportunities. This shows that you are informed, reasonable, and open to finding common ground.
If you’re unsure how much you should be earning, the Robert Walters Salary Guide benchmarks salaries across industries and roles in Australia and New Zealand to help you enter salary conversations with confidence.
Example answer:
“Based on market research and my experience, I would expect a salary in the range of $70,000 to $80,000. I’m open to discussing this further, particularly when considering the overall package and growth opportunities.”
7. Why are you the right fit to succeed in this role?
Use this question to reinforce how your skills, experience, and behaviours align with the role and company culture. Employers want clear evidence that you can deliver results.
Think about the key attributes required and support your answer with relevant examples.
Key skills/attributes employers often look for include:
- Project and time management skills
- Problem-solving ability
- Stakeholder management
- Strong technical and commercial understanding
- Consistent delivery against targets
- Effective teamwork and collaboration skills
Example answer:
“I’m confident I’m the right fit because of my strong project management background and ability to deliver results under pressure. In my previous role, I managed multiple high-priority projects simultaneously while consistently meeting deadlines and exceeding targets.”
Bonus question: Why are you leaving your current job?
Another common interview question, this is used to understand your motivations, decision-making, and how you approach change.
When answering, stay positive and focus on what you are moving towards, such as new challenges, career development, or better alignment with your long-term goals. Avoid speaking negatively about colleagues, managers, or workplace culture, as this can raise concerns about professionalism and cultural fit. Instead, offer a clear and balanced explanation.
Example answer:
“I’ve gained valuable experience in my current role, but I’m now looking for an opportunity that offers greater scope for growth and development. This role aligns more closely with my long-term career goals and allows me to build on the skills I’ve developed so far.”
