Congrats! You’ve applied for a job and perfected your resume and cover letter—now it is time for the final step: the interview. At your interview, you can expect the hiring manager to ask you some short-form interview questions to learn more about you and see if you’re a good fit. These questions do not need a long-winded response, but it’s important you answer them thoughtfully.
Short-Form Interview Questions + Samples
Knowing how to answer interview questions is a skill that takes practice. While you can expect some field-specific and situational interview questions, there are also some common ones you should be prepared for. Here we dive into 19 commonly asked interview questions and will provide example answers for each.
1. Tell Me About Yourself
Why They Ask: This is often the first question asked to break the ice. However, they aren’t looking to hear your whole life story. Keep your answer relevant to the position and present yourself as their ideal candidate.
Sample Answer: “My name is Jane Doe, and I have about five years of experience in marketing. I’ve worked on a variety of campaigns over the years, focusing on social media strategy and content creation. I’m very passionate about finding creative ways to engage audiences and drive results. I’m excited about this role because it aligns with my experience and my love for innovative marketing solutions.”
2. Describe Yourself in Three Words
Why They Ask: This is your opportunity to summarize your key strengths in a few choice words. Choose words that are positive and relevant to the job position.
Sample Answer: “Creative, dependable, and flexible. I enjoy coming up with unique solutions to challenges, always follow through on my commitments, and adapt effortlessly to change, so new or unexpected situations never throw me off.”
Related >> 7 Tips on How to Write A Personal Statement – College Raptor
3. What Do You Know About This Company/Organization?
Why They Ask: The more you know about the company, the more likely you are to get hired. This answer can be open-ended, but make sure you’ve done your research beforehand. Take a look at their website, and social media, or talk to those who already work there to hear their experience.
Sample Answer: “I’ve been keeping an eye on [Company Name] for a while, and I’m really impressed with how you’ve been leading the way in customer satisfaction. I know you’re all about innovation, and I’ve seen how that comes through in your recent projects, like your new product line launch. It’s clear you’re making a big impact in the tech industry, and I’d love to be part of a team that’s pushing the boundaries and doing such exciting work.”
4. How Did You Hear About This Position?
Why They Ask: They want to gauge your interest and what excites you about the opportunity. And if someone recommended you for the job, be sure to mention their name and position.
Sample Answer: “I heard from Michael Johnson, a former teammate and industry contact, that Company X is looking for a new sports management coordinator. He encouraged me to apply and noted that my experience in managing sports events and coordinating team logistics at Company Y would be a great fit for your organization.
I’ve heard a lot about your company from Michael, and I’m impressed by your commitment to fostering athlete development and community engagement. I’ve always admired organizations that blend sports excellence with community impact, which is why I’m excited about this opportunity.”
5. Why Do You Want To Work Here?
Why They Ask: They’re looking to see if you’ve done your research. What is it about this specific company that made you apply? Employers want to understand your motivation for applying and see if your interests align with the role and the company’s goals.
Sample Answer: “I decided to apply for this project manager role because I’m impressed by how Company X invests in the growth and development of its employees. I’ve read about your commitment to ongoing training and professional development, and I value working for a company that prioritizes helping its team members advance their skills. The opportunity to grow within a forward-thinking organization like yours is exactly what I’m looking for.”
6. What Is Your Greatest Strength?
Why They Ask: You’ve likely been asked this question before now and the most important thing is to be self-aware, without being overly confident. You want to provide real insight into who you are by choosing strengths that are relevant to the job.
Sample Answer: “I’d say my biggest strength is my ability to stay organized and manage multiple projects at once. In my last job, I juggled several complex projects simultaneously, keeping everything on track and on time. It’s something I’m really proud of, and I know it’s crucial for the project manager role here, where balancing various tasks is key.”
7. What Is Your Greatest Weakness?
Why They Ask: This question is usually a follow-up to the previous one or they’re mixed together. For weaknesses, you’ll want to highlight something you are working on overcoming. Most employers just want to know that you care about self-improvement.
Sample Answer: “One area I’m working on is my tendency to be a bit of a perfectionist. I sometimes get caught up in making sure everything is just right, which can delay timelines. I’ve been trying to set more realistic goals and prioritize tasks better to keep things moving smoothly without sacrificing quality. It’s an ongoing process, but I’ve seen a lot of improvement.”
8. What Are Your Hobbies?
Why They Ask: This may seem like a random question but there is intention to it. They ask about your hobbies to get a sense of who you are outside of work and to see if you’d be a good cultural fit for the company. Don’t overthink this question—most employers do care to know about you personally.
Sample Answer: “One of my favorite hobbies is hiking. I love exploring new trails and being outdoors—it’s a great way for me to unwind and stay active. Additionally, I enjoy photography, especially capturing landscapes and nature. I find that both hobbies help me recharge and spark creativity, which I believe translates into my work by keeping me energized and inspired.”
9. What Motivates You To Do a Good Job?
Why They Ask: What drives you and keeps you engaged at work? For this question, they want to see if you have ambition and passion for the work you do.
Sample Answer: “I’m motivated by the opportunity to make a meaningful impact and see the results of my efforts. For me, knowing that my work contributes to the team’s success and helps achieve our goals is a huge driver. I find that setting and reaching personal milestones keeps me engaged and striving to improve.”
10. What Skills Are You Currently Working On Improving?
Why They Ask: If you’re committed to personal and professional growth, your answer to this question will show how you handle self-development.
Sample Answer: “I’m currently working on improving my data analysis skills. I’ve been taking online courses and working on projects that involve data interpretation to better understand market trends and customer behavior. This is important to me because I want to enhance my ability to make data-driven decisions and contribute more effectively to strategic planning.”
11. What Are You Looking for in a New Position?
Why They Ask: The best way to answer this question is to explain that this position at this company is what you are looking for.
Sample Answer: “I’m excited to bring my chemistry skills, which I’ve been developing over the past 3+ years in a research lab, into a new setting. In my previous role, I focused on synthesizing and analyzing new compounds, and now I’m eager to dive into large-scale chemical production. This position caught my eye because it’s a chance to apply my knowledge to bigger projects and make a real impact. I’m looking forward to contributing to innovative research and growing my career in a meaningful way.”
Related >> College Raptor Career Finder
12. Can You Describe Your Ideal Job?
Why They Ask: How well does this position really fit with your personal preferences? While they’d be pleased if your ideal job aligns perfectly with what they offer, you don’t need to describe an exact match. Be honest about what your ideal job is, but try to connect your preferences with aspects of the job you’re interviewing for.
Sample Answer: “I’m looking for a role where I can dive into creative social media strategies and really make an impact. I love developing engaging content and analyzing what works best for building a brand’s presence. This position seems like a great fit because it combines those elements with a collaborative team environment, which is exactly what I’m excited about. I’m eager to bring my experience and enthusiasm to your team and help drive your social media efforts forward.”
13. What Is an Accomplishment You’re Most Proud Of?
Why They Ask: They want to know what success looks like to you. In this case, you should try to focus on a professional achievement that reflects your character and values.
Sample Answer: “One accomplishment I’m particularly proud of is leading a project that revitalized our company’s client onboarding process. I spearheaded a team to redesign the entire workflow, which resulted in a 30% reduction in onboarding time and significantly improved client satisfaction. It was fulfilling to see how my leadership and strategic planning made a tangible difference, and it reinforced my passion for optimizing processes and delivering results.”
14. What Kind of Working Environment Do You Work Best In?
Why They Ask: For this question, the interviewer wants to see if your work expectations will match with their company culture. They want to see if you’ll be able to thrive and feel comfortable at work. Before you answer this question, you should do your research. For example, if you prefer a fast-paced, collaborative culture but the company values a more structured, independent approach, it might not be the best fit.
Sample Answer: “I work best in an environment that’s collaborative and dynamic. I thrive when I’m part of a team that shares ideas and works together to solve problems. I’ve found that I’m most productive in fast-paced settings where I can adapt to new challenges and contribute creatively. From what I’ve learned about your company, it seems like you have a vibrant and team-oriented culture, which really excites me. I believe this kind of environment would allow me to make the most of my skills and contribute effectively.”
15. What Are Your Career Goals?
Why They Ask: This question will help the hiring manager learn about your long-term aspirations and how this position fits into your overall career path.
Sample Answer: “My goal is to eventually become a principal. I’m passionate about making a difference in students’ lives, and I see this teaching role as a key step in that journey. I want to build strong connections with students and staff, gain valuable experience, and grow into a leadership role where I can have an even greater impact on the school community.”
16. Where Do You See Yourself in Five Years?
Why They Ask: While this one may feel similar to the previous question, this question gives the hiring manager an idea of how ambitious you are. How realistic are you with your goals and where do you see yourself in a period of time? You don’t have to get too specific here, but you should emphasize how the job you are applying for now aligns with your professional goals. Focus on the skills you want to learn and excel at.
Sample Answer: “In five years, I see myself as a seasoned graphic designer with a strong portfolio and advanced skills in visual storytelling. I’m excited about this role because it offers the chance to work on diverse projects and collaborate with a creative team. I aim to refine my expertise in [specific design tools or techniques] and take on more complex design challenges. My goal is to contribute to impactful projects and grow into a leadership position within the design team, guiding and inspiring others.”
17. Why Should We Hire You?
Why They Ask: This is the moment to sell yourself – but not in an arrogant or desperate way. This is a good time to mention how passionate you are about working at the company, your skills that are relevant to the job, and how you can be a help to the company.
Sample Answer: “I have the right skill set to thrive as a marketing coordinator. While I haven’t worked in a marketing role before, I believe my background aligns well with what you’re looking for.
I’m highly creative and detail-oriented, having led several successful campus marketing campaigns during my time at university. I managed the promotion of a major student festival and coordinated a social media campaign for a local business. These experiences involved working closely with various teams, handling multiple deadlines, and ensuring every detail was executed flawlessly.
I’m confident that my strong organizational skills and enthusiasm for marketing will enable me to effectively contribute to your team and help drive successful campaigns.”
18. What Are Your Salary Expectations?
Why They Ask: This can be a tricky question to answer. You don’t want to give a number that’s too low, but you also don’t want to be rejected because you’ve asked for a salary that’s too high. Consider how much you’re getting paid now and do your research to see what the average salary is for this position. Glassdoor and College Raptor’s Career Finder can give you realistic salaries.
Sample Answer: “My salary requirement is in the $40,000 – $60,000 range, annually.”
19. Do You Have Any Questions for Us?
Why They Ask: This is usually one of the final interview questions and you should definitely have a few of your own lined up to ask. This shows that you are equally as interested in the interviewer’s work experience and advice, as well as the company. Try and choose three to four questions to ask, depending on what time you have left in the interview.
Sample Questions:
- What does a regular day at this company look like?
- Can you describe the team I would be working with?
- What are the most important skills and qualities one must have to succeed in this position?
- What do you like best about working for this company?
- Do you have training programs available to employees?
- What kind of opportunities do you have for professional development and growth?
- Do employees usually hang out with each other outside of work?
- Is there anything else I can help you with at this stage?
- What is the next step in the hiring process?
Go through each of these interview questions and think about how you would answer them for the job you are applying to. Remember, these are just sample answers and they’re meant to inspire you. Only you can answer these questions in a way that is genuine and authentic to yourself. If you understand what the interviewer is looking for with each of these questions, you’ll be able to give the right answer and receive that offer letter. Best of luck!
