Got invited to a job interview? That’s great! In this article, our recruitment expert reveals the most common job interview questions so you can prepare thoroughly and make a lasting impression.
Congratulations—you're at a stage in the job search process that many hope to reach: the interview! It's natural to feel nervous beforehand, as this step often stands between you and your dream job. One way to ease that anxiety is to review common job interview questions and consider how you might answer them.
Barona's recruitment consultant Sanna Minkkinen, who has interviewed hundreds of candidates throughout her career, shares her top tips for the most frequently asked questions.
“Tell me about yourself.”
What should you say about yourself in an interview? This is one of the most common, yet vague, questions. How much background should you share? Should you start with your high school summer job selling strawberries?
Keep your answer brief—just a few sentences. Talk about your education and relevant work experience. Think of it as your elevator pitch, aimed at making a great first impression. Focus on your career journey: how you’ve arrived at this point and how the position you're applying for fits into your path.
Just like your job application, tailor your answers to match the job you're applying for. Link your experience and skills directly to what’s mentioned in the job ad.
You can also mention other relevant skills or hobbies, especially if they’re connected to the role. For example, a coding hobby can be a big plus in IT roles—even if the role itself isn’t strictly about coding.
Avoid sharing irrelevant personal details. Things from your personal life are rarely useful here.
“Why did you apply for this job?”
This is something you should already have considered while writing your job application. If you can’t explain why you want the job, maybe it’s not the right one to apply for in the first place.
Base your answer on your career goals or desire to learn. For example, explain how this job helps you achieve long-term objectives.
Be honest about your hopes. There's no benefit in accepting a job that doesn’t actually meet your expectations. Don’t undersell your ambitions—your future employer needs to know whether they align with what the company can offer.
This question often includes a hidden “Why are you leaving your current job?”—but don’t criticize your current role or employer. Keep the tone positive and focus on what the new opportunity offers that your current role does not, such as growth or development.
“What motivates you?”
This is quite straightforward: the employer wants to know what drives you to perform and achieve results.
Again, be open and honest. It helps the interviewer determine if they can offer you the kind of environment that keeps you motivated. For example, if you thrive in close teamwork but the role is highly independent, it may not be the right fit.
Many people cite meaningful work as a motivator. If you do, try to give a concrete example. Does “meaningful” mean contributing to society through the company’s products or services? Or does environmental impact matter to you? Explore the company’s values online and link your answer to what motivates you about their work.
“What is your greatest achievement?”
Especially early in your career, this question can feel daunting. But don’t worry—it doesn’t need to be a life-changing accomplishment. You might talk about helping a colleague meet a tight deadline by learning a new skill.
Achievements don’t have to be from work. If you’ve recently finished school, mention something from your studies. You can also draw from hobbies or volunteer work.
Remember: few accomplishments happen in isolation. It's perfectly valid to share something you achieved as part of a team—it also paints you as a great colleague.
“Where do you see yourself in five years?”
This can feel like an odd question, since none of us have a crystal ball. Many people also change roles every few years, even within the same company. So should you say you plan to stay in this role for five years?
Tailor your response to the role you’re applying for. Focus on your long-term path and how this job fits into your career vision.
It’s also okay to focus on the near future—especially if you’re early in your career and don’t yet have a clear plan. Some candidates aim for leadership roles in five years, while others prefer to deepen their expertise without management responsibility. Either answer is fine.
“What is your weakness?”
This classic question often makes candidates uneasy. Honesty is key—but how honest should you be?
The safest bet is to share a real but manageable weakness, something you’re working on. Also describe how you’re addressing it. This shows self-awareness and a willingness to grow.
Make sure your answer is relevant to the role. If you’re applying for a job that doesn’t require Swedish or public speaking, it’s not helpful to cite those as weaknesses.
Avoid clichés like “I’m a perfectionist” or “I work too hard.” Recruiters have heard them countless times, and they may come off as evasive or insincere.
“Do you have any questions for us?”
Near the end of the interview, the tables usually turn, and it’s your turn to ask questions.
Remember: an interview is a two-way street. You’re also deciding whether the company is right for you. If you have doubts, now’s the time to speak up.
Always ask something. Interviews can be nerve-wracking, so prepare your questions in advance. It’s totally fine to bring notes and refer to them. If all your planned questions have already been answered, you can simply say so.
Do your research on the company beforehand. The more specific your questions, the more you show genuine interest and understanding.
“Why should we hire you?”
This question often comes at the end of the interview and may feel redundant, since the whole conversation has been about this. But now is your chance to wrap it all up.
Keep your answer short and to the point. Recap the highlights of the interview, including your key strengths and how they align with the role.
By now, you likely have a better understanding of the job than before the interview. Use that to your advantage—show how your skills match the role and the company’s needs.