Top 10 English Interview Questions and How to Answer Them

Introduction

Job interviews can be stressful—especially when they’re conducted in a language that isn’t your native one. If you’re preparing for an interview in English, you’re not alone. Many non-native speakers face the challenge of expressing themselves clearly and confidently in front of hiring managers who expect fluency, precision, and professionalism.

Whether you’re applying to a local company that uses English in the workplace or aiming for a job at an international firm, preparing for common interview questions in English is one of the best ways to boost your confidence and improve your performance.

In this article, we’ll introduce the 10 most common English interview questions, along with sample answers and useful tips to help you sound more natural and professional. These questions are not only frequently asked, but also designed to test key communication skills, including your ability to explain past experiences, handle challenges, and demonstrate cultural fit.

We’ll also show you how to structure your answers using simple techniques like the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) and provide useful English phrases that will make your responses stand out. Whether you’re a beginner or intermediate English speaker, this guide will help you prepare effectively and leave a strong impression on your future employer.

Let’s dive in and start building your confidence—question by question.

1. Tell me about yourself

✅ Why They Ask This Question

This is often the first question in any job interview—and it’s more important than it sounds. The interviewer wants to:

• Learn about your background and qualifications

• See how well you can communicate in English

• Get a first impression of your personality and confidence level

This question is your opportunity to set the tone and introduce your professional story in a clear, concise, and engaging way.

How to Structure Your Answer

Use the Present – Past – Future format:

1. Present: Briefly describe your current role or status

2. Past: Highlight relevant experience or education

3. Future: Mention your goal and why you’re interested in this job

Sample Answer (Intermediate Level)

“I’m currently working as a marketing assistant at a small tech company, where I manage social media accounts and create content for our website.

Before that, I studied Business Administration at ABC University and completed an internship at a global advertising agency.

I’m now looking for a new opportunity where I can grow as a marketer and work in a more international environment, which is why I’m very interested in this position.”

Useful Phrases

• I’m currently working as…

• I have experience in…

• I studied… at…

• I’m looking for a position where…

• This opportunity is exciting because…

❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Talking too much about your personal life unless it’s directly relevant

• Listing your resume line-by-line without a clear story or purpose

• Using vague phrases like “I’m a hard worker” without examples

2. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

✅ Why Interviewers Ask This Question

This is a classic interview question that tests more than just your skills—it reveals your self-awareness, honesty, and growth mindset. Employers want to know:

• Can you identify your own strengths clearly?

• Are you honest and reflective about your weaknesses?

• Do you show a willingness to learn and improve?

A strong answer to this question proves that you are both confident and humble—two very desirable traits in a potential employee.

How to Structure Your Answer

Use a simple two-part structure:

1. Strengths

• Choose 1 or 2 specific strengths that relate to the job.

• Back them up with a concrete example or short explanation.

2. Weaknesses

• Choose a real weakness—but nothing that’s critical for the job.

• Show how you’ve taken steps to improve or manage it.

Sample Answer (Intermediate Level)

“One of my strengths is communication. I’m comfortable speaking in front of groups and I enjoy explaining complex topics in a simple way.

For example, in my last job, I gave monthly presentations to clients and received good feedback for making technical topics easy to understand.

As for my weakness, I sometimes focus too much on small details. In the past, this slowed me down, but I’ve started using productivity techniques like time blocking to stay on track.”

Useful English Phrases

For Strengths:

• One of my key strengths is…

• I’m confident in my ability to…

• I’ve been recognized for my skills in…

For Weaknesses:

• One area I’m working on is…

• In the past, I struggled with…, but I’ve been improving by…

• I tend to…, but I’ve learned to manage it by…

❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• ❌ “I have no weaknesses.” → Sounds arrogant or dishonest

• ❌ “I’m a perfectionist.” → Overused and unconvincing

• ❌ Giving a weakness that’s too critical (e.g., “I often miss deadlines” for a project manager)

Pro Tip

If you’re not sure which strengths or weaknesses to use, try this method:

• Review the job description and highlight the required skills

• Choose a strength that matches a key requirement

• Choose a weakness that’s not a dealbreaker, but still shows growth

3. Why do you want to work here?

✅ Why Interviewers Ask This Question

This question is your chance to show the interviewer that you’ve done your homework. They want to know:

• Are you genuinely interested in the company?

• Do you understand their mission, values, and work culture?

• Can you connect your goals to what the company offers?

An impressive answer shows that you are motivated, prepared, and aligned with the company’s direction.

How to Structure Your Answer

Use this simple two-step formula:

1. Talk about the company

• Mention something specific: their projects, mission, culture, growth, etc.

• Show you’ve done your research.

2. Connect to your goals

• Explain how this position helps you grow or contribute.

• Show that you see this job as a good match.

Sample Answer (Intermediate Level)

“I’m really impressed by your company’s commitment to sustainability, especially your latest product line that uses eco-friendly materials.

I studied environmental science and have always wanted to work for a company that shares my values. I believe this role would allow me to contribute meaningfully and also develop my skills in a forward-thinking environment.”

Useful English Phrases

• I admire your company’s work in…

• I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to…

• Your mission aligns with my personal values, especially in…

• This role fits well with my background in… and my interest in…

• I’ve been following your work on… and would love to be part of it.

❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• ❌ Saying only: “Because I need a job.” → Too vague

• ❌ Copy-pasting the company’s mission statement with no explanation

• ❌ Focusing only on salary or benefits without discussing the role or values

Pro Tip

Check the company’s website, social media, and recent news articles. Look for:

• Recent projects or achievements

• Team values or company culture

• Their goals for the future

Pick one or two points that really resonate with you and build your answer around them.

4. Why should we hire you?

✅ Why Interviewers Ask This Question

This question is a golden opportunity for you to sell yourself. The interviewer wants to know:

• What makes you stand out from other candidates

• How well you understand the job requirements

• What kind of value you can bring to the team

In short, this is your chance to connect your strengths directly to the job and prove that you’re the right person for the role.

How to Structure Your Answer

Think of your answer as a mini pitch:

1. Highlight your key strengths or experience

Choose 2–3 that are directly relevant to the position.

2. Match them with the company’s needs

Show how those strengths will help the company succeed.

3. End with confidence

Wrap up by clearly stating your enthusiasm and readiness to contribute.

Sample Answer (Intermediate Level)

“I believe I’m a strong candidate for this role because I have three years of experience in digital marketing, with a focus on SEO and content strategy.

At my previous company, I helped increase website traffic by 60% in one year through targeted campaigns.

I understand that your company is expanding its online presence, and I’m confident I can bring both strategy and execution skills to help you reach your goals.”

Useful English Phrases

• I’m confident that I can contribute because…

• My background in… directly aligns with your company’s goals.

• I’ve successfully done similar work in…

• One of my key strengths is… which I believe is essential for this role.

❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• ❌ Being too generic: “I’m hardworking and passionate” → Not specific

• ❌ Talking only about what you want, not what the company needs

• ❌ Failing to mention concrete skills or results

Pro Tip

Before the interview, list 3 things the company seems to value (based on the job post or website). Then pick examples from your experience that mirror those values.

For example:

• If they emphasize teamwork → Talk about a successful team project

• If they want innovation → Share how you improved a process

• If they value communication → Mention presentations or cross-team collaboration

5. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

✅ Why Interviewers Ask This Question

They want to understand your career goals, check if you’re ambitious but realistic, and see whether your growth plan aligns with the company’s direction.

How to Structure Your Answer

1. Show you have a goal (don’t say “I don’t know”)

2. Keep your answer realistic and positive

3. Align your goals with opportunities at the company

Sample Answer

“In five years, I hope to be in a leadership role where I can guide a team and work on global projects. I’m especially interested in expanding my skills in project management, and I see this position as a great place to start building that experience.”

Useful Phrases

• I hope to grow into a role that involves…

• I see myself developing expertise in…

• My long-term goal is to…

• I’m looking forward to growing with the company.

❌ Mistakes to Avoid

• ❌ “I want your job.” → Too aggressive

• ❌ “I haven’t thought about it.” → Shows lack of direction

• ❌ Talking about unrelated goals (e.g., starting a café)

️ 6. Can you describe a challenging situation and how you handled it?

✅ Why Interviewers Ask This Question

This is a behavioral question that checks how you handle pressure, conflict, and problem-solving.

Use the STAR Method

• Situation: What happened

• Task: What was your responsibility

• Action: What did you do

• Result: What was the outcome

Sample Answer

“Last year, our team had to launch a new product in just two weeks (Situation). As the lead designer (Task), I organized daily check-ins and delegated tasks clearly (Action).

We met the deadline, and the product launch was one of our most successful, with over 1,000 sign-ups in the first week (Result).”

Useful Phrases

• I was responsible for…

• One challenge I faced was…

• I took the initiative to…

• As a result, we were able to…

❌ Mistakes to Avoid

• ❌ Blaming others

• ❌ Choosing a challenge that’s too minor

• ❌ Forgetting to mention the result

7. Why did you leave your last job?

✅ Why Interviewers Ask This Question

To understand your motivation for change and whether you left for professional reasons.

How to Answer Gracefully

1. Keep it positive

2. Focus on what you’re looking for now

3. Avoid bad-mouthing your previous employer

Sample Answer

“I learned a lot in my last role, but I’m now looking for a position that offers more opportunities for growth and challenges. I’m ready to take on new responsibilities in a more dynamic environment like yours.”

Useful Phrases

• I’m looking for a new challenge.

• I want to grow professionally.

• I’m ready for the next step in my career.

❌ Mistakes to Avoid

• ❌ Complaining about your boss or coworkers

• ❌ Saying “I was bored” or “I hated the job”

• ❌ Being too vague or defensive

8. What are your salary expectations?

✅ Why Interviewers Ask This Question

To assess if your expectations fit their budget, and how you approach negotiations.

How to Handle It

1. Say you’re open to discussion

2. Provide a reasonable range based on research

3. Emphasize that you’re flexible

Sample Answer

“I’m open to discussing salary based on the overall compensation and responsibilities of the role. Based on my experience and the market average, I believe a range of $45,000 to $55,000 is reasonable.”

Useful Phrases

• I’m flexible depending on the responsibilities.

• I’ve done some research, and I think…

• I’m more focused on the opportunity for growth.

❌ Mistakes to Avoid

• ❌ Saying “Whatever you think is fair” → Shows lack of confidence

• ❌ Giving a number far above market rate

• ❌ Avoiding the question entirely

9. Do you have any questions for us?

✅ Why Interviewers Ask This Question

To test your interest and curiosity about the role and company. Saying “No” is a red flag.

How to Prepare

Have 2–3 questions ready that show you’re serious and thoughtful.

Sample Questions You Can Ask

• “What does a typical day look like in this role?”

• “How is success measured in this position?”

• “What are the team’s biggest challenges right now?”

• “How do you support employee development?”

❌ Mistakes to Avoid

• ❌ “What’s the salary?” → Better to wait until later

• ❌ “What does your company do?” → Shows no research

• ❌ “No questions.” → Missed opportunity

10. What makes you unique?

✅ Why Interviewers Ask This Question

To learn what differentiates you from other candidates and if you bring a special skill, experience, or attitude.

How to Answer

1. Mention a unique combination of skills or experiences

2. Connect it to value for the company

Sample Answer

“What makes me unique is my background in both software development and customer support. I can communicate clearly with clients while also understanding the technical side, which helps reduce misunderstandings and build trust.”

Useful Phrases

• I offer a rare combination of…

• I bring a unique perspective because…

• My experience in… gives me an edge in…

❌ Mistakes to Avoid

• ❌ Bragging without examples

• ❌ Giving vague or common answers like “I work hard”

• ❌ Being too modest—this is your time to shine!

✅ Conclusion

These 10 questions are the foundation of most English job interviews. By preparing clear, honest, and structured answers, you can boost your confidence and greatly increase your chances of success.

Practice with a friend—or even better, use ChatGPT to simulate real interview situations anytime, anywhere. Remember: Preparation turns nerves into confidence.