Interviews can be daunting — but most hiring managers ask a similar set of core questions to assess your personality, skills, and motivation.
Whether you’re preparing for a graduate role in London, a mid-level corporate job, or a professional shift in your career, understanding the 7 most common interview questions and answers will help you feel confident and stand out.
Let’s break down each question, what it really means, and how to answer it effectively with examples.
1. Tell Me About Yourself
What It Means:
This question is not an invitation to narrate your life story. Instead, it’s a way for interviewers to see how you summarise your professional journey, communication skills, and confidence.
How to Answer:
Structure your answer in three parts: Present → Past → Future.
Present:
Start with your current role and main responsibilities.
“I’m currently a marketing associate at a digital agency, where I manage client campaigns and performance analytics.”
Past:
Briefly mention relevant experience or education.
“Before that, I studied Business Management at King’s College London and interned with a tech start-up, where I learned about customer acquisition.”
Future:
Conclude with what you’re looking for next.
“I’m now looking to take on more strategic responsibility in a dynamic environment where I can contribute to business growth.”
Tip: Keep it concise — around 60–90 seconds.
2. What Are Your Strengths?
What It Means:
Employers want to understand what you excel at and how your strengths can benefit their team. This question also reveals your self-awareness and alignment with the role.
How to Answer:
- Identify Relevant Strengths
Choose 2–3 strengths that match the job requirements (e.g., communication, leadership, analytical thinking). - Use the STAR Method
Support each strength with a short, structured example.
“One of my key strengths is problem-solving. For example, when my team faced a sudden drop in website traffic, I analysed performance data, identified a technical issue, and collaborated with IT to fix it — recovering 30% of traffic in two weeks.”
Tip: Use quantifiable results when possible to make your strengths credible.
3. What Are Your Weaknesses?
What It Means:
This question tests honesty, self-awareness, and your willingness to improve. Employers want to see maturity, not perfection.
How to Answer:
- Choose a Real Weakness
Pick something authentic but not critical to the role. - Show Improvement
Explain how you’re actively working to overcome it.
“I used to struggle with delegating tasks because I wanted to ensure everything met my standards. However, I’ve learned that trusting my team increases productivity and engagement, so I now use project management tools to delegate effectively.”
Tip: Avoid clichés like “I’m a perfectionist.” Focus on progress.
4. Why Do You Want to Work Here?
What It Means:
This question checks if you’ve researched the company and genuinely want the role — not just any job. It also helps the interviewer gauge cultural fit and motivation.
How to Answer:
- Research – Understand the company’s mission, culture, and goals.
- Connect – Explain how your values and skills align with them.
“I admire how your company combines innovation with sustainability. With my background in green marketing, I’m excited to help develop campaigns that align with your mission to reduce environmental impact.”
Tip: Mention something specific from the company’s recent projects, culture page, or news updates to stand out.
5. Where Do You See Yourself in Five Years?
What It Means:
Employers ask this to assess your ambition, career planning, and long-term compatibility with the company.
How to Answer:
- Be Realistic – Show ambition without overpromising.
- Focus on Growth – Highlight skill and leadership development.
- Align Your Goals – Tie your aspirations to company direction.
“In five years, I see myself progressing into a senior role where I can lead cross-functional projects and mentor junior colleagues. I’m excited to grow within a company that values innovation and professional development.”
Tip: Avoid saying you plan to move industries or start your own business.
6. Why Are You Leaving Your Current Job?
What It Means:
The interviewer wants to understand your motivation for change — and whether you’re leaving on positive terms.
How to Answer:
- Positive Framing – Focus on what you’re moving towards, not away from.
- Be Brief and Honest – Avoid criticising your employer.
“I’ve learned a great deal in my current role, but I’m looking for an opportunity with more growth and the chance to contribute to larger-scale projects.”
Tip: Keep it short and future-focused — around 30 seconds.
7. Do You Have Any Questions for Us?
What It Means:
This is your chance to show curiosity and initiative. Asking thoughtful questions signals genuine interest and preparation.
How to Answer:
Avoid asking about salary or holidays during the first interview. Instead, focus on the role, expectations, and company culture.
Smart Questions to Ask:
- “What does success look like in this position after six months?”
- “Can you describe the team I’d be working with?”
- “How does this role contribute to the company’s broader goals?”
Tip: Always prepare 2–3 questions in advance.
Sample Interview Questions and Answers (All 7)
Here’s a quick summary of all 7 sample answers for reference:
| Question | Sample Answer Summary |
|---|---|
| Tell me about yourself | Present → Past → Future format; highlight relevant experience |
| What are your strengths? | Mention 2–3 strengths; support with STAR examples |
| What are your weaknesses? | Choose a real weakness and explain improvement |
| Why do you want to work here? | Connect personal goals with company mission |
| Where do you see yourself in five years? | Be ambitious yet realistic; focus on professional growth |
| Why are you leaving your current job? | Keep it positive and forward-looking |
| Do you have any questions for us? | Ask insightful questions about culture or expectations |
FAQ
What is your 3 strength best answer?
A strong response highlights three key strengths relevant to most UK employers:
“My top three strengths are communication, adaptability, and analytical thinking. I excel at presenting ideas clearly, adjusting quickly to changing priorities, and using data to make informed decisions. For example, in my last role, my ability to adapt during a project restructure helped us meet our client deadline two weeks early.”
Tip: Always choose strengths that directly benefit the company and match the job role.
Final Thoughts
Preparation is the key to confidence.
These 7 most common interview questions and answers form the foundation of nearly every interview you’ll face — whether it’s a start-up, corporate firm, or public sector organisation in London.
By practising structured, authentic answers using the STAR method and connecting your experience to company goals, you’ll demonstrate not only competence but also emotional intelligence and professionalism.
If you’d like personalised support to refine your answers, build interview confidence, or practise live mock sessions, explore JobInterviewology.com — where expert interview coaches help candidates land their dream roles across the UK.