6 common interview questions
Employers typically ask five to 10 questions during an average in-person interview to get to know candidates. Preparing a consistent set of thoughtful, job-relevant interview questions can help employers create a more structured interview process, improve the candidate experience and make it easier to compare applicants fairly and effectively.
“Interviews may use the same questions for all candidates, and you usually identify what range of answers would be the best fit for the role. This allows you to rate each reply and gauge how strong a fit each candidate might be.”
—Joe Scotto, HR leader
The best interviews are planned and designed to give employers and applicants insights into the potential fit within a team or organization. Preparing questions like these and consistently using them for all applicants can help hiring managers make balanced, fair decisions in bringing new team members into the company.
Indeed Interview can help you streamline the interview process. It offers a variety of tools to help employers prepare for and conduct interviews, including the ability to schedule and conduct video interviews, share candidate profiles with other team members and invite team members to join the interview.
Additionally, Indeed Interview allows you to include pre-written interview questions that can be customized to fit the specific role and company culture, making it easier for employers to gather the information they need to make informed hiring decisions.
What experiences and skills make you a great candidate for this position?
The candidate ideally describes specific experience and capabilities that align with the qualifications detailed in the job description and demonstrate an understanding of the function the role performs.
Effective answers may highlight the following:
- Relevant experience, training and skills
- Understanding of the position applied for
- Consistent, purposeful pursuit of endeavors within the industry
What has been your most meaningful work experience?
Note details of a project or challenge where the candidate showed competence and initiative, even if they weren’t ultimately successful. A great answer may include specifics of a quantifiable outcome or result from a successful experience, or valuable insights and strategy improvements from a meaningful failure.
Focus on answers that demonstrate:
- Industry-specific problem-solving skills
- Creativity and initiative
- Self awareness and an accurate appraisal of business value
What do you look for in an employer?
The best answer to this question highlights the overlap between the candidate's passion and the employer's objective. Pay attention to signs of self-awareness, thoughtful career goals and an appreciation for the company’s needs. This can also help align the applicant to the specific team or manager style.
Effective examples communicate the following:
- Clearly articulated career goals
- Desire to contribute meaningfully
- Recognition of the role employees play in meeting company goals
Describe a major workplace problem you've encountered and how you handled it.
This question allows the candidate an opportunity to describe how well they perform under pressure. They may be able to explain a difficult situation clearly and thoughtfully. A good answer may also describe actions they took and the actions they wish they’d taken upon further reflection.
This type of question can suggest accountability in candidates and can give insight into:
- Ability to cope with/resolve conflict
- Interpersonal skills
- Emotional resilience
What qualities make you a team player?
This question helps employers assess how a candidate contributes to team dynamics and collaborates with others in the workplace. Strong answers often include examples of communication, adaptability, accountability and support for shared goals.
For example, employers may look for candidates who are:
- Aware of team and organizational dynamics
- Able to collaborate effectively and support group success
- Interested in helping improve team productivity and outcomes
- Comfortable giving and receiving feedback
- Reliable, communicative and adaptable in team settings
What are your career goals, and how do you plan to achieve them?
This question can help employers understand a candidate’s long-term motivation, professional interests and commitment to growth. Strong responses often demonstrate self-awareness, initiative and a thoughtful approach to skill development and career progression.
Ideal responses may include the following:
- Clear and realistic professional goals
- Interest in learning new skills and professional development
- Alignment with the industry, role or company mission
- Motivation to contribute and grow within a team or organization
