Top 20 Interview Questions & How to Answer Them
Prepare for your next interview with these commonly asked questions and expert-backed answers that actually work.
Interviews are predictable. Most companies use the same 20–30 questions, in various forms. If you've practised answering these well, you're already ahead of 80% of candidates. Here are the top 20 questions with frameworks for answering them confidently.
The Classic Openers
1. Tell me about yourself.
This is not an invitation to recite your resume. Use the Present–Past–Future framework: start with what you do now, briefly mention relevant past, and connect to why you're excited about this role.
2. Why do you want to work here?
Do your research. Mention something specific about the company — a product, initiative, value, or recent news. Generic answers like 'it's a great company' are red flags.
3. What are your greatest strengths?
Pick 2–3 strengths directly relevant to the job. Back each one with a brief, specific example. Don't say 'hard working' — everyone says that.
4. What is your greatest weakness?
Be honest but strategic. Pick a real weakness, then immediately explain the steps you're actively taking to improve it. Avoid clichés like 'I work too hard'.
"I sometimes over-explain things in presentations. I've been working on this by getting feedback from peers after each deck and keeping slides to 5 bullet points max. It's made my presentations much sharper."
Behavioural Questions (Use STAR)
For all behavioural questions, use STAR: Situation, Task, Action, Result. Keep answers under 2 minutes.
5. Tell me about a time you failed.
6. Describe a conflict with a coworker and how you resolved it.
7. Tell me about a time you led a team under pressure.
8. Give an example of when you went above and beyond.
Prepare 4–5 strong STAR stories that can be adapted to any of these questions. The best stories show ownership, impact, and growth.
Role-Specific Questions
9. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Show ambition but keep it realistic and aligned with the company's growth track. You don't need a rigid 5-year plan — just demonstrate you think about growth.
10. Why are you leaving your current job?
Never badmouth your current employer. Focus on what you're moving towards — new challenges, growth opportunities, or a better role alignment — not what you're running from.
Salary & Offer Questions
11. What are your salary expectations?
Research the market rate before the interview. Give a range, not a single number. The bottom of your range should be your actual minimum.
12. Do you have any other offers?
If you do, it's fine to say so professionally. It often creates positive urgency. Never lie about having an offer you don't have.
Questions to Ask the Interviewer
Always have 3–4 questions ready. Asking nothing signals disinterest.
- What does success look like in this role in the first 90 days?
- What are the biggest challenges the team is facing right now?
- How would you describe the team culture?
- What's the growth path from this role?
- What do you enjoy most about working here?
An interview is a two-way street. You're also deciding if this company is right for you.
Set up interview notifications on EkClickJob so you never miss an opportunity to practise with real roles.
Rahul Sharma
Senior HR Manager at EkClickJob