Questions to expect in a job interview (and how to tackle them without breaking a sweat)
Let’s be honest—job interviews can feel a little like a first date, but with fewer appetizers and way more questions about your five-year plan. The good news? Most interviewers tend to pull from a familiar script, so if you prep ahead of time, you’ll feel like a total boss walking in.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common questions you’re likely to hear—plus some tips to help you crush it.
1. Tell me about yourself.
Translation: Please summarize your entire career in two minutes or less, while sounding confident, interesting and like someone we’d want to share a microwave with.
Tip: Think of this as your highlight reel. Start with your current role, sprinkle in a few past wins, and finish strong with what brings you to this role. Keep it snappy, relevant and not a life story involving your childhood lemonade stand (unless it’s wildly impressive).
2. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
This question is basically the HR version of “What are your best and worst qualities?”—except you don’t get to say your weakness is “being too much of a perfectionist” without getting the look.
Tip: For strengths, pick something that fits the role and back it up with a quick example. For weaknesses, be honest—but strategic. Pick something real but fixable (e.g., “I used to be terrified of spreadsheets, but now Excel and I are on speaking terms.”)
3. Why do you want to work here?
A great chance to show you did your homework—and not just by scrolling the company’s Instagram five minutes before the interview.
Tip: Talk about what genuinely excites you: the company’s mission, their team vibe or that super cool project they just launched. Bonus points for showing how your skills align with their goals.
4. Can you tell me about a time you faced a challenge at work and how you handled it?
The classic “show us you didn’t fall apart under pressure” question.
Tip: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) like your interview life depends on it. Keep the story focused, with a clear beginning, middle and triumphant end.
5. Why are you leaving your current job?
This is not the moment to say, “because my boss is allergic to joy.” Keep it classy.
Tip: Focus on the pull, not the push. Maybe you’re looking for more growth, new challenges or a workplace where Slack emojis are used responsibly.
6. What are your salary expectations?
Cue internal panic and quick math you’re suddenly bad at.
Tip: If possible, research salary ranges beforehand using sites like Glassdoor. You can give a confident range based on your experience and market value, or say you’re open to discussion as you learn more about the role. Either way—breathe, you got this.
7. Do you have any questions for us?
Yes. Yes, you do. Even if your brain is screaming, “Nope, I’m good!”
Tip: Ask about team culture, what success looks like in the role or how they celebrate wins (Do they do donuts? Karaoke? Pats on the back?). This is your chance to interview them, too.
Final Thoughts
Interviews are just conversation with some nerves. With a little prep, a dash of personality and a good night’s sleep (seriously, don’t doom scroll until 2 a.m.), you’ll be ready to show up as your best self.
So go ahead—put on your favorite “I’ve got this” outfit, take a deep breath and own that interview. You’ve absolutely got this.
Interested in learning more tips and tricks? We offer a comprehensive package for job seekers that includes a full resume review, a tailored job search strategy and a review of your LinkedIn profile. Visit us here or send a note to hello@dev.goldstonepartners.com for more information today!
