Your CV got you the interview. Now 60 minutes may decide your career for years to come. In 70% of cases, the difference between the accepted and the rejected candidate isn't competence — it's how they present themselves. This guide covers everything you need.

Before the Interview: Preparation Is 80% of Success

1. Research the Company Deeply

  • Its official website (especially the "About Us" page)
  • Its LinkedIn page
  • Its latest news (past 3 months)
  • Its main competitors
  • Its culture (Glassdoor, Indeed Reviews)

2. Research the Interviewer

  • Look them up on LinkedIn
  • Understand their professional background
  • Understand their interests (if possible)

3. Prepare Your Answers

Not memorization — organizing your thoughts. We'll cover 30 common questions.

4. Prepare Your Questions

Have 5–7 questions ready to ask the interviewer. This shows serious interest.

5. Check the Logistics

  • Exact interview location (if in-person)
  • Link and call time (if online)
  • Tech works (mic, camera, internet)

The 30 Most Common Questions

General Questions (10)

1. Tell me about yourself

This is not a request for your entire CV. Make it 90 seconds focused on: your current role → relevant past → why you're here.

2. Why did you leave your previous job?

Never badmouth your previous employer. Say: "I'm looking for a new challenge to develop my skills in [field]."

3. Why do you want to work with us?

Here your research shows. Connect the company's values, projects, or products to your ambitions.

4. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Show ambition + commitment. "I see myself as an expert in [field] within your company, leading a team of X."

5. What are your strengths?

Choose 3 strengths that serve the role, and back them with specific examples.

6. What are your weaknesses?

Don't say "I'm a perfectionist." Pick a real weakness and explain how you're working to improve it.

7. Why should we hire you?

Your chance to sell. Connect your skills to the job requirements + a unique value you bring.

8. What salary do you expect?

Research the market range beforehand. Give a range (e.g., 12,000–15,000) rather than a single figure.

9. Do you have any questions for us?

Never say "No." That's a killer. (Strong questions explained below.)

10. When can you start?

Be honest. If you have a current job, you need a notice period (usually a month).

Behavioral Questions (10) — STAR Format

Use the STAR format for each answer:

  • Situation: the context
  • Task: the task
  • Action: what you did
  • Result: the outcome (with numbers)

11. Give me an example of a challenge you faced at work

12. How do you handle pressure?

13. Tell me about a mistake you made at work

14. Have you worked with a difficult team? How did you handle it?

15. How do you handle a tight deadline?

16. Give me an example of an achievement you're proud of

17. How do you handle criticism?

18. Tell me about a project you led

19. How do you handle a colleague who isn't contributing?

20. What was the toughest decision you made at work?

Technical/Role Questions (10)

Depends on your role. For an accountant:

21. How do you handle discrepancies in bank reconciliations?

22. What's your experience with IFRS?

23. How do you detect financial fraud?

For a sales manager:

21. How do you build a strong sales pipeline?

22. Give me an example of a major deal you closed

23. How do you handle customer rejection?

Know the top 10 technical questions in your field and prepare them with specific examples.

The 5 Strong Questions You Ask

At the end, when they say "Do you have any questions?", ask:

1. "How do you measure success in this role after 6 months?"

2. "What's the biggest challenge the team is facing now?"

3. "How would you describe the team's culture?"

4. "What opportunities exist for professional growth within the company?"

5. "What's the next step in the hiring process?"

Fatal Mistakes to Avoid

1. Being late — even two minutes is fatal

2. Poor appearance — your outfit matters, whether in-person or online

3. Lack of etiquette — firm handshake, eye contact, smile

4. Flat denials — don't say "I don't know." Say "I haven't faced this specifically, but if it happened I'd handle it by…"

5. Raising salary too early — leave it for the end unless the interviewer brings it up

6. Negative stories about past jobs — keep them to yourself

7. Lack of eye contact — signals lack of confidence

8. Long answers — stick to 60–90 seconds per question

After the Interview: Don't Skip This Step

Send a thank-you message within 24 hours (short email). This simple habit sets you apart from 80% of candidates.

Template:

Dear [name],
Thank you for your time today. I enjoyed the conversation about [specific topic mentioned]. I'm very excited about the opportunity to join [company] and contribute to [project/goal mentioned].
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,
[your name]

Conclusion

The interview is a skill acquired through practice. Don't expect to ace it on the first try. Every interview is a lesson — even if you don't get the job. Most importantly: your confidence comes from preparation, not wishful thinking.