Answer These 10 First Interview Questions Like a Pro

In this guide, MockQuestions walks you through 10 of the most commonly asked first interview questions. We show you the best approach to answering each question and discuss what to avoid when responding. We also provide answer examples and links to additional resources, ensuring you give the best impression in your first interviews!

Answer These 10 First Interview Questions Like a Pro

Now is the time for you to express your enthusiasm for the company and the position of interest. Avoid general statements like, 'I applied for this position because I need a job.' As simple as that may sound, it's a response that interviewers commonly hear!

Show a passion for your field of work and talk about how this role will provide you with the career opportunities you desire. Be sure to compliment the company and offer a compelling reason as to why you applied.

View more answer examples for: Why did you apply for this position?

What are your top responsibilities in your current job?

The interviewer wants to see evidence that you have the knowledge and skills required to succeed. Prepare by reflecting on the primary tasks and responsibilities present in your current or most recent job. Then, comb through the job description of the new role, and find a connection between this opportunity and your current/most recent position.

Think about how the skills you actively apply will help you succeed in this new position. Then, be prepared to verbally express how your skills, knowledge, and range of experiences will make you successful on the job.

View more answer examples for: What are your top responsibilities in your current job?

Regardless of your experience level, it's essential to assure the interviewer that you have the required knowledge to fulfill the role's accountabilities.

If you are interviewing for your first-ever job, tailor your answer to what you see for your future. You can talk about how your existing education, training, or certifications will help you meet specific job requirements outlined in the company's job posting.

Suppose you have some years of work experience. In that case, you can focus your answer on the specific ways your education, training, or coursework has added to your success and accomplishments so far. Target your response to the company, industry, and job as much as possible.

View more answer examples for: How has your education prepared you for this career?

This question is commonly asked in first job interviews because the interviewer wants to know if their hiring timeline fits your current situation and overall availability.

Depending on the job title or industry, your skills could be a hot commodity. In that case, the hiring company knows they need to move fast, or they could lose you to a competitor.

Your answer will also help the hiring company determine if they will engage with you based on their hiring process and timeline. For instance, let's say that you are in the first interview with Company ABC. The interviewer asks if you are actively interviewing with any other companies. In response, you tell them that you're in the final interview stage with Company XYZ. In this case, Company ABC may not ask you to attend another interview, knowing their timing likely isn't on par with the pace of your job search.

View more answer examples for: Are you applying for other jobs?

Before your interview, make sure you have a start date in mind for the new employer. You may need to give two weeks' notice to your current employer. If you are unemployed, perhaps you can start right away. Regardless of your situation, be prepared to give an affirmative answer. If you hesitate when answering this question, the interviewer could see this as a hesitation to join their organization.

You should always show professional courtesy by offering two weeks' notice to your current employer if you are currently working. As exciting as this new opportunity is, no hiring manager wants to hear a candidate say, "I can quit my job today and start tomorrow!" Show your potential new employer that you are professional and reliable in all situations.

View more answer examples for: When would you be available to start?

Many interviews begin with the question, 'Tell me about yourself.' This question can turn any well-prepared candidate inside out. Why? Because it's open-ended. Where do you begin, and where do you end?

A great place to start is to understand the reasoning behind the question. Primarily, the interviewer will use this question as an icebreaker. However, to you as the candidate, it can feel like being put in the hot seat.

The Past, Present, Future interview answer framework is beneficial for this question.

• Past: Provide a brief overview of your career journey.
• Present: Discuss your current career situation as it relates to the job opportunity.
• Future: Talk about your career aspirations and how this future opportunity is a fit.

Framing your response using the Past, Present, Future method helps you keep your thoughts on track, allowing you to deliver a well-organized answer with impact. If it feels more natural to you, you can also frame your answer as Present, Past, Future.

View more answer examples for: Tell Me About Yourself.

Learn more about this question: How to Answer: Tell Me About Yourself.

Recruiters and hiring managers often receive hundreds of applications per job. Suppose you are lucky enough to land an interview. In that case, it's essential to put in the effort by researching the opportunity and going to your interview well-prepared.

You don't need to be an expert on the company's history. Still, you should be knowledgeable about the company mission, its goals, the position requirements, and the role's key accountabilities.

Start by searching the company website and noting recent news articles, events, or stand-out contributions the company has made. Identify the organizations' mission and values, and familiarize yourself with the job description.

View more answer examples for: What do you know about our organization?

Be honest about your current situation, but be careful not to overshare or speak negatively about your current company or position. It is best to focus primarily on your future wishes vs. dwelling on what is going wrong or what went awry in the past.

The three most common mistakes candidates make when answering this question include:

• Being vague
• Speaking negatively
Providing an answer that's the same as everyone else

When forming your response, clearly outline how this new opportunity aligns with your professional goals. Make the connection between your desires and how the hiring company will benefit from choosing you.

Try building your response using this 4-step framework:

1. Set up the situation and mention the challenges you faced/currently face.
2. Outline the positive actions you took/have taken to overcome these challenges.
3. Highlight the transferable skills you have developed despite the situation.
4. Discuss the benefits of these transferable skills and provide measurable examples of how these skills will ensure your success in this new role.

Keeping a positive, opportunity-focused mindset is the most effective approach to answering this question.

View more answer examples for: Why are you looking for a new job?

The best way to approach a salary question is to have a clear idea of the following points:

• What you want to make
• What you need to make
• What your minimum threshold is
• What the market is telling you about your job title and industry in your region

Thoroughly understanding your compensation needs will give the hiring company a solid idea of what you want to see in a competitive job offer.

If you are new to your career and are unsure of a fair salary, take the time to learn using a salary calculator. You can find many reliable resources online like LinkedIn Salary and Payscale.com.

Learn more about this question: How to Discuss Salary in a Job Interview.

At the end of most interviews, the hiring authority will ask if you have any questions for them. Candidates often believe that having zero questions shows they are actively listening or completely understanding the role. However, this isn't the case. If you fail to have questions prepared, this can give the hiring manager the impression that you aren't enthusiastic about the opportunity.

A great interview will go far beyond a question/answer drill session. After all, the opportunity at hand is a two-way street. As much as the hiring company needs to know that you are the right person for the job, you should also feel comfortable knowing that you are making a smart career move.

Having insightful queries prepared will require research. Start by visiting the company's website and its social media profiles. You should also comb through the job description. Then, develop at least 3-5 insightful and customized questions.

View more answer examples for: What questions do you have for me?

View our full list of questions to ask the interviewer: 35 Questions to Ask the Interviewer

If you'd like to learn more about preparing for a first interview, check out our 30 Telephone Interview Questions (with answer advice and answer examples).

If your first interview is with an agency recruiter, we have a guide to get you started: 7 Things to Know When Working With an Agency Recruiter.

First interviews can generate a lot of nerves! If you're feeling uneasy about an upcoming interview, read our guide 6 Helpful Tricks to Calm Nerves in a Job Interview.