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Spoken English · Guides · October 30, 2026 · 5 min read

Job interview questions and answers in English: 15 common questions with sample answers

A job interview: a candidate and an interviewer across a table with a resume on it

Job interview questions in English are surprisingly predictable. Whether you are a fresher in Bengaluru, a nurse applying to the UK, or an engineer interviewing with a company in Dubai, the same 15 questions come up again and again. If you prepare short, structured answers for them and practise saying them out loud, the interview becomes a conversation instead of a test. Below are the questions, sample answers, phrases that help and the mistakes to avoid.

How to structure any answer

Use a simple three-step structure: answer → example → link to the job.

For behavioural questions (Tell me about a time when…), use STAR: Situation, Task, Action, Result.

15 common questions with sample answers

1. Tell me about yourself.

The most common opening question. Use the present–past–future formula and keep it to 60–90 seconds. We have a full guide with samples: Tell me about yourself.

2. Why do you want to work here?

I’ve followed your company for a while, especially your work in digital payments. I like that you’re growing fast in smaller cities, and I’d like to be part of a team that’s building something new. This role also fits my background in customer data.

3. Why should we hire you?

I have the technical skills you need, I’ve already used Python and SQL in two internships, and I learn quickly. My last manager said I was the person the team came to when something was urgent. I’d bring the same reliability here.

4. What are your strengths?

I’m organised and I communicate clearly. In my last job I coordinated a project between three teams, and we delivered two weeks early.

5. What is your greatest weakness?

Choose a real but manageable weakness and show what you are doing about it.

I used to find it hard to say no, so I took on too much work. Now I check my priorities with my manager every Monday, which has really helped.

6. Where do you see yourself in five years?

I’d like to become an expert in this field and, ideally, lead a small team. I’m hoping to grow with a company like yours.

7. Why are you leaving your current job?

Stay positive. Never criticise your current employer.

I’ve learned a lot in my current role, but there’s limited room to grow. I’m looking for more responsibility and international projects.

8. Tell me about a challenge you faced and how you dealt with it.

(S) Last year our main client wanted a feature in half the normal time. (T) I was responsible for testing. (A) I suggested we test the most important parts first and automate the rest. (R) We delivered on time with no major bugs, and the client renewed the contract.

9. How do you work under pressure?

I stay calm by breaking big tasks into small steps. During the year-end closing, I made a daily checklist, and we finished all the reports on time.

10. Do you prefer working alone or in a team?

I enjoy both. I like working in a team to share ideas, but I’m also comfortable working independently on my own tasks.

11. What do you know about our company?

You were founded in 2012, you work mainly with hospitals, and last year you opened an office in Nairobi. I also read about your new mobile app for patients.

12. Why did you choose this career?

I’ve always enjoyed explaining things to people. During college I taught younger students maths, and I realised I’d like a job where I help people understand something.

13. What are your salary expectations?

Based on my research and experience, I’m looking for something in the range of 6 to 7 lakh per year. But I’m open to discussing the whole package.

14. Are you willing to relocate?

Yes, I’m open to relocating for the right opportunity. / I’d prefer to stay in Lahore, but I’m open to discussing it.

15. Do you have any questions for us?

Always ask one or two. See the next section.

Questions to ask the interviewer

Phrases that help in an interview

Common mistakes

For more spoken mistakes that South Asian candidates often make, see Indian English phrases; for answering without long pauses, how to speak English without hesitation.

Practise with a mock interview

Reading answers is not the same as saying them under pressure. The conversation below this article opens the Interview room on Nomto: Nomi plays the interviewer, asks these questions and follow-ups, and after each reply you see a clearer, more natural version of your answer. Run it a few times before the real interview.

FAQ

What are the most common interview questions?

Tell me about yourself, Why do you want this job, What are your strengths and weaknesses, Why should we hire you, Where do you see yourself in five years and Do you have any questions for us?

How can I answer interview questions in English confidently?

Prepare short structured answers (answer, example, link to the job), practise them out loud, and do at least one mock interview.

How long should an interview answer be?

Usually 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Tell me about yourself and STAR stories can be longer; simple questions should be short.

What should a fresher say about weaknesses?

Choose a real weakness that is not essential for the job and show improvement: I used to be nervous about presenting, so I joined the college debate club, and it has helped a lot.