Anticipating job interview questions can be stressful. There are some common questions that everyone should know. Some companies throw out curveball interview questions.
Preparation is the key to a successful interview.
There is usually time for somewhere between five to seven quality interview questions. You will need to put in the necessary work to determine which questions are vital.
Knowing which questions might be asked is challenging.
Here are 44 potential interview questions.
Master the pertinent questions and crush your next interview (my friend, Peter’s site).
Standard Job Interview Questions
It’s easy to take these for granted. Resist that urge. These questions need to be thought through and rehearsed until the answer flows effortlessly.
#1 Tell me about yourself.
This is a crucial question. Resist the urge to get personal by talking about hobbies. Focus on the job at hand and eliminate the hiring manager’s pain.
I have ten years of experience in the hospitality industry. My first job was a Tito’s Taco Truck. I fell in love with serving people! As my skills expanded I took on increased responsibilities with other companies. Late nights and weekend work are part of my life now. I’ve grown to love the ‘upside down’ schedule. I am confident that my experience has prepared me for this role.
#2 What interests you about this opportunity?
Pride is awful. Everyone desires to be wooed and hiring managers are no different. This is where they want you to tell them how great they are!
I’ve admired Cleo’s Cajun Cafe for many years as a customer. The Monday red beans & rice special is my favorite. I’m a night owl and dinner rushes are where I am at my best. The recent article about how Cleo uses only fresh ingredients caught my attention. I’ve noticed that on some nights Cleo’s is understaffed. Hiring and motivating is one of my key skills. I am confident that I can help in that manner.
#3 What is your biggest strength/weakness?
I find this question to be incredibly intrusive and devoid of class. Interviewers who ask such questions are suspect.
If you want the job you must play the game.
Behavioral Job Interview Questions
Behavioral questions remain popular with many companies. Experts recommend answering these using the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, and Results.
#4 Share a time when a co-worker did not pull their weight on a group assignment.
#5 Describe a time when the customer was 100% wrong and you had to communicate that to them.
#6 Tell me about a project that you managed that didn’t go as planned.
#7 Share a time when you had to persuade someone who “outranked” you in the company hierarchy.
Brainteaser Questions
I hate these questions. They will be asked in certain situations and need to be answered.
Hiring managers are often drawing a conclusion as to how you answer. What is your thought process for thinking through the problem? Accurate answers are rarely the goal with these questions.
When asked one of these questions listen attentively. Resist the urge to remain in the box. Think freely and creatively with these questions. Conduct your thought process out loud.
#8 Two U.S. coins add up to 30 cents. If one of them is not a nickel, what are the two coins?
#9 A farmer has 17 sheep and all but 9 die. How many are left?
#10 Describe the color purple to a blind person.
#11 How many pizza joints are in Chicago?
These types of questions are falling out of favor, thankfully.
Situational Interview Questions
We must clearly and objectively think through our work history. Stories are compelling. Facts and figures can be boring. Take your past work experience and be prepared to craft it in a compelling story.
#11 Tell me about a time when you had to deliver bad news to a customer.
#12 Walk me through your biggest work blunder.
Answer these in a story format. Make it quick, concise. It should be entertaining but not melodramatic.
If the story is negative be sure to tell the lesson learned.
We all make mistakes on the job. Share the most appropriate one.
Practice, practice, practice.
Management Questions
Management and leadership are nuanced. Managers are not always great leaders and vice-versa.
When asked management questions be sure to tell a compelling story! Are you getting the hint?
#13 Walk me through your delegation process.
#14 How do you plan your days, weeks, months, and years?
#15 Share with me how you prioritize work assignments.
Leadership Interview Questions
Leadership is a bit different than management. Leaders often decide the course of the ship. Managers ensure that the course is maintained.
#16 You need to cut 10% of the workforce tomorrow. How do you decide who stays?
#17 How do you motivate your team for optimum results?
#18 What three values drive your life?
#19 How would your team describe your leadership style?
#20 You’ve inherited a toxic workplace. Walk me through how to drive a cultural change.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Questions
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) have been part of the workforce longer than most admit. DE&I has finally become part of our lives.
I encourage you to think deeply about DE&I before getting into an interview.
Here are a few DE&I interview questions.
#21 How do you advocate for DE&I in the workplace?
#22 What do you consider to be the most challenging part of working in a diverse environment.
#23 Of the three components of DE&I which one is most needed today and why?
Sales Interview Questions
Sales results are easy to quantify. Even with great sales results interview questions are still required.
#24 Motivation is needed daily. How do you keep yourself motivated when going through a sales slump?
#25 Tell me about a time when a client backed out of the sale but you salvaged it.
#26 What do you not like about sales?
#27 If you could start a business what type of company would it be?
Interview Questions About Your Last Job
Last job interview questions can be a deadly minefield. Tread cautiously when answering these.
Never badmouth past employers. Focus on the positive. Even my worst boss, Ivan the Terrible, taught me something.
#28 Tell me about your last manager.
#29 Why did you leave or are you considering leaving your last place of employment?
#30 What did you like most about your last job?
Goofy Interview Questions
When I hear any of these types of questions I automatically tune out. You might get some of these.
#31 If you were shrunk to the size of a pencil and put in a blender, how would you get out?
I actually had this interview question not too long ago. Good thing it was a phone interview. I am sure that my eye roll was audible.
#32 If you were a dog what type would you be?
#33 You’ve been given an elephant. It can’t be given away or sold. What would you do with it?
The same guy that asked me #31 asked #33.
I think I dodged a bullet with that company.
Illegal Interview Questions
Hopefully, illegal interview questions have been eliminated. Some will slip through the cracks, however.
When asked an illegal interview question you have a few options.
- Answer the question directly
- Politely decline to answer the question without further elaboration
- Provide a vague answer and avoid the illegal portion
- Refuse to answer the question and brashly tell the interviewer the question is illegal
- Ask the interviewer how this particular question is relevant to the job
- Get your stuff and exit stage left
Illegal interview questions don’t necessarily mean there is intentional malfeasance. It could be ignorance or weak internal controls. Still not a good thing.
Here are a few illegal questions.
#34 You look to be around twenty-five or thirty years old. Do you have plans to get pregnant anytime soon?
#35 I detect a slight accent. Were you born in this country or are you a foreigner?
#36 You are dressed sharply for a man. Are you gay or a metro-sexual?
#37 We offer twelve paid holidays per year. What additional holiday do you practice for your religion?
Salary Interview Questions
Salary can get brought up at any time by the recruiter, other interviewers, or the hiring manager. If you’re transferring internally your current salary is known. It’s when we go outside that salary discussions can get a bit sketchy.
#38 What is your current salary?
It’s regrettable that this question is even asked. A current salary has zero relevance to a new salary. This question should send off flashing lights and alarms in your brain. Why?
Companies asking this question are preparing a low-ball offer. If your salary is $x they might offer $x plus a bit more than a typical raise.
It’s unclear to me why my current salary is relevant. Perhaps you can clarify why the company is interested in my salary. The salary range I am considering is $y – $z.
If they press you will need to decide if your dignity is worth working for a low-balling company.
This question is becoming illegal in many states. Unscrupulous companies will find ways to circumvent the law, though.
#39 What kind of salary do you need to make a move?
This one is a little better but still a bit problematic. Jobs should have salary ranges. Ethical and honorable companies provide clear information.
Salary is just one component. Benefits are another. Benefits have not been discussed. Additionally, the job responsibilities have not been fully explained. I would be interested in knowing the salary range for the job. Could that be provided?
Salary discussions can quickly go sideways. Do your homework. Know your value in the marketplace and don’t settle for less (link to my article on dramatically increasing your salary).
Questions To Ask The Interviewer
Always, always, always ask the interviewer a few questions. Take notes during your session if you’re able.
Here are a handful of job interview questions for your consideration.
#40 What do you enjoy most about working here?
#41 What skills and attributes do your most successful employees display?
#42 Share with me your leadership and management style.
#43 What are the expectations for this role in the first 100 days.
#44 Do you have any concerns about me as a candidate? I would love to address them now if possible.
Preparation Is The Key
The more you interview the easier it will become. I cringe thinking back on some of my previous interviews. All one can do is learn, move on, and not repeat bone-headed answers the next time.
Keep a journal of every interview question you receive. Go back and review them before each interview. Search for specific interview questions for a role or a company.
Practice your answers verbally. Memorize your answers and repeat them until they flow smoothly.
I dare you to profit!