At this time, the best step you can take to increase your impending interview performance is preparation. This may sound obvious. Yet, some candidates do overlook the preparation steps, expecting all interviews to be similar – aren’t they wrong? 

Do your research. Refine your CV. But most importantly, practice your answers to the most common questions asked in an interview setting. You never know, you may crumble in that next interview; difficulties may arise when turning your thoughts into words; you may struggle to stand out through the influx of candidates. Or you can shine in that next interview; you could ooze suitability; you could sell yourself well – all through researching the top interview questions and preparing valuable answers. 

Although a section of the interview will focus on industry specifics, there are general areas hiring managers will aim to examine. You’ll likely be asked questions to showcase your personality and ability to perform in certain situations. This information will then be used to gauge your suitability for the role and company. 



Here are 10 top questions asked in an interview, and how to prepare for them… You never know, they may creep up and throw you off, or help you secure that new job… You decide!

Why should you prepare for common questions asked in an interview?

A simple answer will no longer cut it. Hiring managers expect insightful answers that paint a picture of your whole being – both personally and professionally. 

Within this picture, they are likely to expect answers which follow a STAR approach. Sharing your experience, situations you’ve been in and results you’ve achieved will help you form and communicate high-quality answers. 

This is why it’s recommended to research the most common questions asked in an interview and prepare for them. You’ll have the ability to think of STAR answers, offering quantifiable evidence of your ability. Whether that’s innovating new ideas that have taken off or reaching KPI’s in your existing job, this will work in your favour. 

Share new VR innovations you’ve produced, POS campaigns you’ve designed and the sales figures from them, or even a game demo. 

10 top questions asked in an interview to look out for

Here are common questions asked in an interview that you should prepare for. Your answers should reflect your personal characteristics, experience, goals, intentions, and values. It is important to remember that some questions may differ in your next interview. Yet your prepared answers will have their use, transferring across a wide range of behavioural and situational questions. 

1. Why do you want to work for our company?

This is one of the frequent questions asked in an interview to help hiring managers gauge your intentions. 

Prepare an honest answer, reflecting your motives behind applying for this opportunity. Whether that’s for career progression, higher salary expectations, or in short, you love what the company stands for. 

2. What challenges are you looking for in a role?

Here, hiring managers will want to understand your barriers, your ways of working, your definition of a challenge. 

They will also want to examine your attitude to challenges – whether you’ll see them as an obstacle, or as an opportunity to grow. We advise that you prepare an answer which shares previous challenges you’ve been through, how you’ve overcome them, and how they have helped you learn, to be the professional you are today. 

3. What can you do for us that other candidates can’t?

This is one of the most used questions, asked in an interview. It’s used to test creativity and differentiation. Common answers include… ‘By going above and beyond’, ‘by going the extra mile’ or ‘by utilising my years of experience’.

These answers will not set you apart from other candidates. They, in fact, categorise you in the same, unprepared box. This is your time to prepare an answer that truly combines your key skills, achievements, and personal attributes. Touch on your values, while referring back to the job description. 

For example – “I have 5 years’ experience in developing POS campaigns and have achieved X results for my most successful one. These results, along with my passion for customer experiences, drives my desire to progress in this industry – ultimately, adding value to your team and company”. 

4. What motivates you?

This isn’t a trick. You do not need to try and paint a superhuman picture here (although many do). This is a personal question. It’s used to tap into your personality.

This question is asked in an interview to gauge the exact motive that will carry you through hard or stressful times; what do you work hard for? Is it your family, the money, your own self-worth, or your passion to make a change? 

Whatever it may be, this is one of the likely questions asked in an interview where you can truly express your intentions as an employee. 

5. What is your biggest weakness?

Many candidates struggle to answer this question correctly. This is exactly why preparation is recommended. 

The best way to answer interview questions based on weaknesses or challenges is by honestly identifying your drawbacks. Yet, share strategies where those drawbacks are flipped on their head, using them to your advantage. 

This is what making the best out of a bad situation means.

6. What previous achievements are you proud of?

This again is one of the questions asked in an interview where you can mix both personal and professional life. Hiring managers want to see your passion. They want to see how proud you are of personal success. 

No matter how big or small that achievement may be, if it means something to you, and you worked hard for it, share it. It will promote your work ethic, your desire to meet goals and also strive for more. 

7. Describe a time where you failed and how did you overcome this?

This question isn’t asked to bring back bad memories or put a negative twist on the interview. It’s asked to utilise the STAR approach, which will be very handy to use when preparing your answer. 

Hiring managers will want to see how proactive you are, even when things go wrong. It will identify exactly how you deal with failure, and whether you can surpass negative results. 

We’ve all failed at something whether in personal life or professional – share an honest experience, which you’ve turned into a learning opportunity. 

8. What would your ideal working day look like? 

Do not worry, you do not need to describe every little detail. However, this is a great way for hiring managers to gauge how you best work. What type of environment do you work best in? Do you get important things done in the morning or do you work at your best in the afternoon? How do you tackle a day’s work?

These are all small questions that you can utilise when preparing an answer. You’re ultimately painting a picture of how you spend your day as an employee. 

9. How would you cope in [insert situation]?

You will be asked situational questions, this is inevitable. However, depending on your industry, the situation will always differ.

You may have to think on your feet with questions like this one. Yet, by noting down common challenges in your current role, and how you cope, this will help you prepare. 

Questions asked in an interview which place you in a situation are testing your awareness and problem-solving skills. Show that you can cope through challenges or awkward situations. 

10. What type of working environment do you strive in?

Identifying whether the workplace is suitable for you is a must in an interview. Autonomy is promoted at some companies, offering relaxed environments. Others will follow stricter, organised offices. There’s no right or wrong answer here. This interview is also about finding the right workplace for you. 

Do not try to fit yourself into the ideal answer. It’s important that you’re honest to reach suitability, on both parts. 

Last but not least… Do you have any questions for us? 

Although the above questions may deviate slightly, you will without a doubt be asked if you have any questions. As a result, we recommend that you also prepare your own. This is a topic that can be covered in a blog itself yet ensure that they are valuable and insightful; helping you decide if it’s the role/company for you. 

Above are 10 top questions asked in an interview that you should definitely prepare for. Yet, some others may creep in – so preparation is key, no matter how senior the role may be.

If you’re looking for some support with your job search or application preparation, here at 3ecruit, we can help. We are specialist recruiters, working in industries including additive manufacturing, POS and VR, to marketing and gamification. Get in touch today for more information on our latest vacancies.