Whether you’re applying for a corporate role in London’s financial district, a tech job in Shoreditch, or a healthcare position with the NHS, understanding the types of interview questions is essential to success.
Modern interviews are not just about skills — they test your mindset, adaptability, communication, and alignment with company values. Employers often use a mix of question types to assess your suitability for the job from multiple angles.
The main types of interview questions include:
- Behavioural Questions
- Situational Questions
- Technical Questions
- Competency-Based Questions
- Future-Oriented Questions
- Basic Personal Questions
- Other Common Questions
Let’s explore each type in detail.
1. Behavioural Interview Questions
Purpose
Behavioural questions are based on the idea that past behaviour predicts future performance. They’re used to understand how you’ve handled challenges, teamwork, or leadership situations in real life.
Example
“Tell me about a time you had to meet a tight deadline.”
How to Answer:
Use the STAR Method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
“In my previous role, our client requested a full report within 24 hours (Situation). I prioritised tasks and delegated sections to my team (Action), and we delivered on time with 100% accuracy (Result).”
Tip: Focus on your specific contribution and measurable outcomes.
2. Situational Interview Questions
Purpose
Situational questions test how you would handle hypothetical workplace scenarios. They assess decision-making, problem-solving, and adaptability.
Example
“If your team missed a project deadline, how would you handle it?”
How to Answer:
Explain your logical process.
“I’d first analyse what caused the delay, communicate transparently with stakeholders, and create an action plan to get back on track while learning from the experience.”
Learn More: Read our full guide on Situational Interview Questions (With Example Answers) to explore real examples.
3. Technical Interview Questions
Purpose
These evaluate your job-specific knowledge and skills, especially for engineering, IT, accounting, or data roles. Technical questions often involve problem-solving tests, case studies, or coding tasks.
Example
“Can you explain how you’d optimise a website for faster performance?”
How to Answer:
Be concise and methodical.
“I’d begin by compressing images, minimising CSS/JS files, enabling caching, and using a content delivery network (CDN). Then, I’d test using Google PageSpeed Insights to verify improvements.”
Tip: Back up your answers with recent tools or certifications (e.g., “I used Google Lighthouse for performance audits.”)
4. Competency-Based Questions
Purpose
Competency-based questions are used heavily by UK employers, especially in public sector and corporate settings. They assess whether you meet specific competencies such as teamwork, leadership, or communication.
Example
“Give an example of a time when you worked effectively in a team.”
How to Answer:
Use the SBO Method (Situation, Behaviour, Outcome).
“I collaborated with cross-functional teams on a digital project. By maintaining clear communication and aligning goals, we reduced delivery time by 20%.”
Tip: Review the company’s competency framework (often found in job descriptions).
5. Future-Oriented Questions
Purpose
These help employers understand your career goals, motivation, and cultural fit. They assess whether your long-term vision aligns with the company’s direction.
Example
“Where do you see yourself in five years?”
How to Answer:
“In five years, I see myself leading projects and mentoring junior staff within this organisation. I’m excited about contributing to its digital growth journey.”
Tip: Keep your answer aspirational but realistic. Show ambition aligned with company values.
6. Basic Personal Questions
Purpose
These are often used at the start of the interview to break the ice and assess communication skills and personality fit.
Example
“Tell me about yourself.”
How to Answer:
“I’m a marketing professional with three years of experience in digital campaigns, currently focusing on data-driven strategies. I’m particularly interested in roles that combine creativity with analytics.”
Tip: Structure your answer using Present → Past → Future: who you are, what you’ve done, and what you’re looking for next.
7. Other Common Questions
a. Strengths and Weaknesses
“What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?”
Answer Tip:
Pick strengths relevant to the job and weaknesses you’re improving.
“My strength is analytical problem-solving; my weakness was delegating, but I’ve been improving by trusting team members with key responsibilities.”
b. Accomplishments
“What professional achievement are you most proud of?”
Answer Tip:
Focus on a measurable impact.
“I led a marketing campaign that increased lead generation by 45% within six months.”
c. Motivation
“Why do you want to work for this company?”
Answer Tip:
Show alignment with the company’s goals.
“I admire your company’s focus on sustainability and innovation, which aligns with my personal values.”
d. Questions for the Interviewer
Employers expect you to ask smart, thoughtful questions—it reflects curiosity and preparation.
Examples of Questions to Ask:
- “How do you define success in this role?”
- “What are the company’s biggest priorities for the next year?”
- “Can you tell me about the team I’d be working with?”
Tip: Avoid questions about salary too early. Focus on culture, expectations, and growth.
Tips for Answering Interview Questions
- Understand the intent behind each question.
- Pause and think before answering; clarity is better than speed.
- Use structure (STAR or SBO) to make answers memorable.
- Show enthusiasm and interest in both the role and the company.
- Tailor your responses to the specific role requirements.
- Ask insightful questions at the end—it leaves a strong impression.
FAQs
Q1. How many types of interviews are there?
There are several formats:
- Structured interviews (standardised questions)
- Unstructured interviews (conversational)
- Panel interviews (multiple interviewers)
- Technical interviews (skill-based tests)
- Case interviews (problem-solving scenarios)
- Competency-based interviews (used widely in the UK public sector)
Each type tests different aspects of a candidate’s performance and potential.
Q2. What are the different types of interview questions in research?
In research settings, interviews often use:
- Open-ended questions – to explore perspectives in depth.
- Closed-ended questions – to collect specific data points.
- Probing questions – to gain detailed insights.
- Reflective questions – to encourage elaboration or clarification.
These help researchers gather qualitative data effectively.
Q3. What is the best type of question to ask during an interview?
The best questions show genuine curiosity and long-term thinking.
Examples:
- “How does this role contribute to the company’s mission?”
- “What learning or growth opportunities are available here?”
Such questions demonstrate initiative and engagement—traits employers value highly.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the different types of interview questions gives you a strategic advantage. By anticipating what employers will ask and preparing structured, confident responses, you can stand out from other candidates in London’s competitive job market.
For tailored interview coaching, mock sessions, and CV enhancement, visit JobInterviewology.com — where expert guidance helps you unlock your full potential and secure the career you deserve.