12 Most Common Interview Questions — With Strong Sample Answers

What are interview questions really testing?

Every question tests one of three things: can you do the job, do you want the job, and will you fit the team? As you answer, ask yourself, "Which of those does this answer prove?" For behavioural questions, use the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action (what you did), Result.

1. "Tell me about yourself"

Not your life story — a 60–90 second professional pitch: what you do now → your strongest achievement → why this role.

• Example: "I've spent three years as a regional sales manager at an FMCG company. Last year I grew sales in my region by 18%, and I lead a team of six. I now want to work on strategic sales in a bigger market, which is why this role caught my attention."

2. "Why our company?"

Show you've done your homework: the product, recent news, the company's values. One genuine reason, linked to your own experience, is enough.

3. "What are your strengths?"

Pick two or three skills and back each with a short piece of proof. Instead of "I'm responsible", say "in two years I haven't missed a single reporting deadline".

4. "What is your weakness?"

Choose a real weakness that isn't central to the job, and explain what you're doing to improve it. Avoid clichés like "I'm a perfectionist".

5. "Tell me about a difficult situation you handled"

Use STAR. Keep the problem short and put the focus on your actions and a measurable result.

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

Stay positive: growth, new responsibility, bigger projects. Never criticise a former manager or employer.

7. "Where do you see yourself in five years?"

Show ambition but tie it to this role: "I want to become a real expert in this field and lead a team."

8. "What do you do when there's conflict in the team?"

Tell a specific story: how you listened, how a shared solution was found, and how it ended.

9. "What is your biggest achievement?"

Pick the achievement closest to this job and tell it with numbers.

10. "What are your salary expectations?"

Research the market first (CodexCV's salary benchmark page can help) and give a well-reasoned range: "Given my experience and the market, I'd consider a range of X to Y appropriate."

11. "Do you have any questions for us?"

Always prepare two or three: what's the team's biggest challenge right now, how do you measure success, what would you expect from me in the first 90 days?

12. "Why should we hire you?"

Take the job's two or three main requirements and briefly remind them of your proof for each. It's the summary of your whole interview.

One last tip

Don't memorise answers word for word — prepare the key points and four or five STAR stories. In CodexCV's interview practice you can rehearse with questions based on your own CV and the job you're applying for.