Common interview questions and how to answer

"Tell me about yourself"

This question is typically asked at the beginning of an interview to help the interviewer understand your professional background. It’s not an invitation to walk through your CV line by line or share personal details. Employers ask this to assess how well you can summarise your experience, communicate clearly, and connect your background to the role. A strong answer sets the tone for the entire interview and shows focus, confidence, and relevance.

How can I answer this question?

people2people North Shore Branch Manager, Aiden Boast, says that your answer should immediately position you as a strong match for the role.

“This question is about framing your experience, not listing it. Start with your current role, briefly explain what you do well, and then link that to why you’re here today. Keep it professional, structured, and relevant to the job you’re applying for."

A good response follows a simple structure: present role, key strengths or achievements, and what you’re looking for next. Keep it concise and tailored to the job. Practising this answer helps you sound confident rather than rehearsed. If you ramble or go off track, you risk losing the interviewer early. Think of this as your opening pitch, not your life story.

How should I not answer this question?

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“One of the biggest mistakes is starting from school or going chronologically through every role. Another is turning this into a personal story that doesn’t connect to the job. Some candidates speak for five minutes without actually saying why they’re relevant.”

Avoid long timelines, irrelevant personal details, or vague statements. The interviewer is looking for clarity and alignment, not background noise. If the interviewer has to work to find your value, you’ve missed the point.

Key takeaways to remember:

What are your stregnths?

This question helps employers understand what you bring to the role and how self-aware you are. It’s not about listing generic traits but demonstrating strengths that directly relate to the job. Interviewers want to see confidence without arrogance and proof that your strengths translate into performance. Answering this well reinforces your suitability and credibility.

How should I answer this question?

people2people Sydney Manager, Christopher Williams, says that strong answers are specific and evidence-based.

“Choose strengths that are clearly relevant to the role and back them up with examples. It’s not enough to say you’re organised or hardworking — show how that plays out at work. One or two well-explained strengths is far better than five vague ones.”

Focus on strengths that align with the role’s key requirements. Use brief examples to demonstrate impact, keeping your answer concise and grounded. Employers want to understand how your strengths benefit them, not just you.

How should I not answer this question?

Weak answers often rely on vague language or generic traits that don’t stand out.

“Saying things like ‘I’m a people person’ or ‘I work well in a team’ without context doesn’t add value. Another issue is listing strengths that aren’t relevant to the role. Overloading the answer with too many traits can also dilute your message.”

Avoid buzzwords, unsupported claims, or strengths that don’t connect to the role. Clarity and relevance matter more than quantity.

Key takeaways to remember:

What are your weaknesses?

This question assesses honesty, self-awareness, and willingness to improve. Employers are not expecting perfection, but they want to see how you manage development areas. A thoughtful answer shows maturity and accountability. The wrong answer can raise red flags about attitude or awareness.

How should I answer this question?

people2people Legal and Government Recruitment Manager, Mary Savova, says that balance is key when answering this.

“Choose a genuine weakness, but one that isn’t critical to the role. What matters most is showing how you’re actively working on it. Employers respect candidates who can reflect and improve.”

Frame your weakness in a professional context and explain the steps you’ve taken to address it. Keep the answer constructive and focused on growth, not excuses.

How should I not answer this question?

Poor responses either avoid the question entirely or overshare in a damaging way.

“Saying you don’t have any weaknesses comes across as a lack of self-awareness. On the other hand, being overly negative or choosing a weakness central to the role is risky. Avoid clichés like ‘I work too hard’ — they feel rehearsed and insincere.”

Avoid extremes, clichés, or weaknesses that directly contradict the job requirements. The goal is honesty with accountability.

Key takeaways to remember:

Why are you looking to leave your current job?

Employers ask this to understand motivation, values, and potential risks. They want to ensure you’re moving towards something positive, not running from a problem. How you speak about your current employer reflects your professionalism. A strong answer reassures the interviewer about your mindset and intent.

How should I answer this question?

people2people NSW Director, Bianca Luck, says that future focus is essential.

“Always frame your answer around growth and alignment. Employers want to hear what you’re moving towards, not what you’re unhappy about. Keep it factual and neutral.”

Focus on career development, new challenges, or alignment with long-term goals. Demonstrating respect for your current employer goes a long way.

How should I not answer this question?

This is where negativity can quickly damage your credibility.

“Criticising your manager or company is a major red flag. Even if your reasons are valid, negativity raises concerns about attitude. Avoid emotional language or oversharing internal issues.”

Never vent or assign blame. Stay professional and measured.

Key takeaways to remember:

Describe a time you faced a challenge at work

This question assesses problem-solving, resilience, and how you handle pressure. Employers want insight into your approach, not just the outcome. It also shows how you communicate under structure. A clear, logical answer builds trust in your capability.

How should I answer this question?

people2people Specialist Recruitment Manager, Leanne Lazarus, says structure makes all the difference.

“Use a clear structure to explain the situation, your actions, and the result. Focus on what you did, not what others failed to do. Employers are listening for decision-making and accountability.”

Using the STAR method helps keep your response focused and easy to follow. Keep the example relevant and concise.

How should I not answer this question?

Unclear or blame-focused answers weaken your message.

“Some candidates get lost in background detail or focus too much on the problem itself. Others blame colleagues or avoid explaining their role. This weakens the impact of the story.”

Avoid vague stories or shifting responsibility. The interviewer wants to see your contribution clearly.

Key takeaways to remember:

Why do you want to work here?

This question tests preparation and motivation. Employers want to know whether you’ve researched the company and genuinely want the role. A strong answer shows alignment with values, culture, and goals. Weak answers suggest a lack of interest or effort.

How should I answer this question?

Frog Recruitment Temporary and Contract Services Team Leader, Kirsty Henegan, says preparation is non-negotiable.



“This is where research really shows. Connect what the company does with what you value and what you’re good at. Be specific — generic praise doesn’t stand out.”

Link company values, role responsibilities, and your career goals. Employers want to feel chosen, not like one option among many.

How should I not answer this question?

Generic answers signal low engagement.

“Saying you ‘just need a job’ or giving surface-level reasons shows low engagement. Avoid repeating the job ad word for word.”

If your answer could apply to any company, it’s not strong enough.

Key takeaways to remember:

What are your salary expectations?

This question helps employers assess alignment and manage expectations early. It’s also a test of preparation and confidence. Answering poorly can price you out or undervalue you. A balanced, informed response shows professionalism and awareness.

How should I answer this question?

people2people Western Sydney Branch Manager, Mark Green, says preparation and flexibility matter.

“Research the market before the interview so you can give a realistic range. Be confident but open to discussion. Employers appreciate candidates who understand their value without being rigid.”

Base your answer on market data and experience. Framing it as a conversation keeps things constructive.

How should I not answer this question?

Unprepared answers can undermine your credibility.

“Avoid throwing out a number without context or saying ‘whatever you offer’. Both suggest a lack of preparation. Being overly aggressive can also shut down opportunities.”

The goal is alignment, not a standoff.

Key takeaways to remember: