Reference guide
For the full guide, see Interview Preparation
Most interviews follow a predictable pattern. If you prepare for the common questions, you'll walk in feeling confident, not just pretending to be.
"Tell me about yourself"
This isn't an invitation to recite your life story. Give a 60-second summary: your current role, a couple of highlights, and why you're interested in this position. Think of it as a trailer, not the full film.
"Why do you want this job?"
They're checking if you've done your homework. Mention something specific about the company or role that appeals to you, not just "it seems like a great opportunity." If you can connect your experience to what they need, even better.
"What are your strengths?"
Pick 2–3 strengths that are relevant to the role and back each one with a brief example. "I'm good at organisation" means nothing. "I managed the scheduling for a team of 12 across three shifts" means something.
"What's your biggest weakness?"
Don't say "I work too hard." Pick something genuine but manageable, and explain what you're doing about it. "I used to struggle with delegation, so I've been making a conscious effort to trust my team with tasks and check in less often."
"Where do you see yourself in five years?"
They want to know you'll stick around and grow. You don't need a detailed five-year plan. Just show you're thinking about development in a direction that makes sense for the role.
"Do you have any questions for us?"
Always say yes. Ask about the team you'd be joining, what a typical day looks like, or what success looks like in the first six months. Avoid asking about salary or holidays in a first interview.
Written by
Elena Marshall
Careers Editor, Joboru
Elena has written about careers, hiring, and the job market for over a decade. She edits Joboru's career advice and interviews industry specialists for our guides.