Sometimes the toughest job interview questions are also the simplest and most direct. Here are six common interview questions that many people struggle to answer, along with tips to answer them effectively.
TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF
#1
This question sets the tone for the interview and gives you a chance to present your professional story confidently. Employers use it to understand your background and motivation for applying.
Tips to answer the question:
- Focus on your professional identity and key strengths relevant to the role.
- Structure your answer in three parts — past (your background), present (your current skills or focus) and future (why you are excited about this role).
- Avoid repeating what is already in your resume. Instead, connect your experiences to the role’s requirements.
- Practise your response but sound natural, not memorised.
Sample response:
I am a marketing graduate with hands-on experience in digital campaigns and social media analytics through my internship at XYZ Company. I enjoy using data to understand customer behaviour and optimise engagement. My coursework in consumer psychology also strengthened my analytical and communication skills. I am particularly interested in this role because it offers the opportunity to apply my skills to larger-scale campaigns and learn from experienced professionals in the industry.
WHY DO YOU WANT TO WORK HERE?
#2
This question tests your understanding of the company’s culture and your motivation to contribute.
Tips to answer the question:
- Research the company’s mission, products and values, including diversity, innovation, or sustainability efforts.
- Explain how your personal values or career goals align with the company’s direction.
- Mention specific projects or initiatives that excite you.
- Describe how you see yourself succeeding in the role.
Sample response:
I am drawn to your company’s focus on sustainability and digital transformation in retail. I was particularly inspired by your recent Green Commerce initiative, which aligns with my interest in responsible business practices. With my background in supply chain analytics, I hope to contribute to improving efficiency while supporting the company’s sustainability goals.
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST STRENGTH?
#3
Use specific examples and measurable outcomes to demonstrate your strengths. Choose one or two that align directly with the job description.
Tips to answer the question:
- Avoid making broad statements such as “I am good at multitasking” and stop at that.
- Provide specific examples and use measurable achievements to showcase your strengths, such as internship experiences or project work.
- Tailor your strengths to the requirements of the position you are applying for.
- Be honest.
Sample response:
One of my greatest strengths is my ability to multitask effectively. During my final year, I maintained a 4.5 GPA while managing my final-year project and leading the student consultancy club. I also mentored younger students, helping them with academic and internship advice. I was able to prioritise and stay organised, which allowed me to manage these different responsibilities without sacrificing the quality of my work.
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST WEAKNESS?
#4
Employers appreciate honesty and self-awareness more than perfection. Choose a real area for improvement and show what you are doing to address it.
Tips to answer the question:
- Do not say you have no weaknesses.
- Avoid cliché answers like “I work too hard” or “I am a perfectionist”.
- Focus on a weakness that is not critical for the role.
- Highlight your efforts to improve and put a positive spin on the weakness.
Sample response:
I am working on delegating tasks more effectively. I tend to take on a lot of responsibilities because I want to ensure everything is done well, but I realised that this can sometimes slow things down. I am learning to trust others with tasks and delegate more efficiently. This has helped me become a better collaborator and ensures that projects move forward smoothly.
WHY SHOULD WE HIRE YOU?
#5
This is your chance to highlight your unique combination of skills, motivation and fit, and highlight to the interviewer what sets you apart from other candidates. It is important to answer this question confidently, focusing on your strongest selling point and highlighting skills and experiences relevant to the role.
Tips to answer the question:
- Answer confidently.
- Focus on your strongest selling point and what you can bring to the team.
- Highlight relevant internship experiences, school projects or extracurricular or volunteer activities.
- Show your enthusiasm and readiness to learn.
Sample response:
I bring a strong mix of technical and interpersonal skills. My internship in a fast-paced startup helped me learn to adapt quickly and collaborate effectively across teams. Combined with my coursework in business analytics, I can contribute both data driven insights and creative problem-solving to your projects.
DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS?
#6
Never skip this opportunity even if the interviewer has covered all the points you wanted to know. Thoughtful questions show your curiosity and genuine interest.
Sample response:
I would love to learn more about the team I would be working with. How do they collaborate and what are the key qualities that make someone successful in the team?
OTHER TYPES OF INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
BEHAVIOURAL QUESTIONS
Behavioural interview questions ask you to describe how you handled situations in the past, such as leading a project, solving a problem, or managing conflict. Employers use these to understand how you think, act and collaborate with others.
Examples include:
- “Tell me about a time when you had to resolve a team conflict.”
- “Describe a time when you disagreed with your professor or supervisor and how you handled it.”
If you have not encountered a similar situation, explain how you would handle it.
For example:
“I have not experienced that exact situation before, but if it happened, I would…”
Use the STAR approach — Situation, Task, Action, Result — to structure your answer clearly and highlight what you learned.
SITUATIONAL OR CASE-BASED QUESTIONS
These questions present hypothetical scenarios to assess how you would respond to challenges at work. They test your problem-solving process and ability to think on your feet.
Examples include:
- “What would you do if a key project deadline was suddenly brought forward?”
- “How would you respond if a client was unhappy with your team’s work?”
For case-style questions (common in consulting, product and tech roles), break down your answer logically:
Clarify the problem → Identify key factors → Suggest possible solutions → Explain your reasoning
COMPETENCY QUESTIONS
Competency questions evaluate whether you have the specific skills and behaviours required for success in the role. These can include both technical abilities (e.g. data analysis, coding) and soft skills (e.g. communication, adaptability, teamwork).
Examples include:
- “Describe a time when you used data to make a decision.”
- “Give an example of how you adapted to a major change or challenge.”
Employers may also test these competencies through online assessments, work simulations, or skills-based interviews.
CURVEBALL OR CULTURE-FIT QUESTIONS
While brainteaser questions like “How many manholes are there in Singapore?” are less common today, some employers may still ask unexpected questions to assess your creativity, resilience, and mindset, and judge whether your personality is a good fit for the organisation.
Examples include:
- “How do you handle uncertainty or pressure?”
- “What would your colleagues say is your biggest strength?”
- “If you could change one thing about how teams work, what would it be?”
These questions reveal how you think, stay calm and communicate under pressure. Focus on explaining your reasoning rather than finding a perfect answer.
In conclusion, preparing for job interviews involves more than just knowing your resume; it requires understanding how to effectively answer various types of questions. Whether facing common interview questions, behavioural, situational, or even curveball questions, being well-prepared helps you showcase your skills, experiences, and problem-solving abilities. By practicing thoughtful responses and maintaining confidence, you can make a strong impression and increase your chances of landing the job.