Job interview questions: the 12 most common (and how to answer)

Most interviews revolve around the same questions. The good news: you can prepare for them. Here are the 12 most common questions, the recruiter's logic behind each one, and how to structure your answers — notably with the STAR method.

The STAR method, your best ally

For behavioral questions ("Tell me about a time when…"), structure your answer in 4 steps: Situation (the context), Task (your goal), Action (what YOU did), Result (the impact, quantified if possible). It's concrete, memorable, and avoids vague answers.

1. "Tell me about yourself"

It's not your biography. In 60-90 seconds: who you are professionally, 1-2 key achievements, and why this role now. End on the link with the company.

2. "Why do you want this job?"

Show that you've done your research. Connect the company's mission, values or projects to your skills and your career plan. Avoid the generic ("great company").

3. "What are your strengths?"

Choose 2-3 strengths relevant to the role and illustrate each with a concrete example. A quality without proof convinces no one.

4. "What is your main weakness?"

Avoid fake weaknesses ("I'm too much of a perfectionist"). Name a real area for improvement + what you're doing to progress. Sincerity and self-awareness are reassuring.

5. "Tell me about a failure / a difficulty"

STAR. Own the failure, but focus your answer on what you learned and changed afterward. A candidate who has never failed has never taken a risk.

6. "Where do you see yourself in 5 years?"

Show ambition consistent with the role and the company, without seeming to want to leave straight away. Talk about growing your skills rather than titles.

7. "Why are you leaving your current job?"

Stay positive. Talk about what you're looking for (new challenges, growth) rather than criticizing your current employer.

8. "Tell me about a conflict and how you resolved it"

STAR again. Show your listening, your ability to defuse and to find a constructive outcome. Avoid putting all the blame on the other person.

9. "How do you handle pressure / priorities?"

Describe a concrete method (prioritization, communication, organization) with an example. Recruiters want facts, not assertions.

10. "What are your salary expectations?"

Research the market range for this role and region beforehand. Give a realistic range and stay open to discussion.

11. "Do you have any questions?"

Always have 2-3 ready: about the team, the role's challenges, the culture, the next steps. Never answer "no" — it signals a lack of interest.

12. Technical / scenario questions

They depend on the job. Anticipate them from the offer and the job description. If you don't know, explain your reasoning rather than making something up.

In summary

A good interview is largely won beforehand: prepare your answers to the classic questions, back them with concrete examples (STAR), and align everything with the target offer. That's exactly what our interview preparation tool does, based on the offer you're targeting.