Non-technical interview questions with answers

These are some of the most common interview questions that are
not about any technical skills you may have:

1. What are your career goals?

When an employer asks this question, they want to know that your
goals align with what they can offer you. Consider where you want
your career to go and what types of things are most important to
you. If you are interviewing for a job in a field you don't want to end
up in long-term, you may want to emphasize the goals that apply to
the job, such as working in a positive environment or having a
flexible schedule.

Example: "I would like to advance in my career over the next few years
through learning additional skills that increase my value as an employee.
Ideally, I'd work for a company like yours, that has a supportive and
challenging environment and focuses on improving the world. For the
long term, I would like to have room for advancement through additional
training and promotions."

2. What are your strengths?

Employers want you to use this question to sell your skills and
abilities to them and show that you would be a good fit for the
position. Before the interview, it is helpful if you make a list of a few
things you feel are your strengths and that apply to the position
you're interviewing for. You should also prepare an example for each
strength of how you applied that strength in the past.

Example: "One of my greatest strengths is that I am an active and

thoughtful listener. In my current position, I received a call from a client
that needed help but had been frustrated with receiving help prior to
reaching me. I listened to her concerns, clarified that I understood what
the problem was and explained to her how we could resolve the issue. I
then spoke with the colleagues that could help with the resolution and
verified it was taken care of for her. She was appreciative that I had
resolved the problem for her."

3. What are your weaknesses?

When you are being asked this question, your interviewer is

expecting you to provide an answer that shows a weakness that you
overcame and that isn't too negative. Some weaknesses you might
mention include a lack of focus, taking on too much responsibility,
perfectionism, shyness and being too critical of yourself. You should
be prepared to explain how you work to correct those weaknesses in
a work context.

Example: "I find I am often too critical of myself and the work I produce,
which can make it difficult for me to accept praise. At my last job, I was
told I'd be receiving company-wide recognition for a project I had just
completed, and I felt I had not done as well as I should have. Initially, I
felt I should turn down the opportunity to be recognized, however, I
realized that I had done work I should be proud of and that I should use
my self-criticism to push myself to do better on the next project."

Related: Interview Questions: What Are Your Greatest

Weaknesses?

4. Tell me about yourself

Employers ask this question to give you a quick opportunity to

explain your background and experience. You won't want to have an
answer that goes on too long, so try to keep your explanation short.
You will want to list your educational background, key employment
experience, any relevant certifications and what type of career you
want that the company you're interviewing with fits into.

Example: "I graduated summa cum laude from Western University a few
years ago with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. I then pursued
a career in development through an internship at Jessup Tech, where I
learned a great deal about the software development business through
assisting on software like Street School. After graduation, I got a position
as an entry-level software developer at Rufus Media while also pursuing a
certificate in Amazon Web Services from Fisher University."

5. Why should we hire you?

Employers ask this to let you sell your experience and qualifications
and also show them how you feel those apply to the position you're
interviewing for. You should focus on the skills you offer and how
those skills can be used to their benefit. Your answer will vary
depending on your experience and the position you're interviewing
for, but to prepare it might help to review the job listing and consider
how you are a good fit for the role.

Example: "I have ten years of experience in this field, and I feel that
experience will make me a great fit for your team. For instance, the skills
I learned in my previous role as a front end developer including HTML,
CSS, Java, testing and web performance all apply to working as a senior
front end developer within your organization. Beyond that, my dedication
to my exceptional education, advanced certifications and continuing
education help me stay at the forefront of development trends. I believe I
would be the best possible fit."

Related: Top Java Basic Interview Questions and Example

Answers

6. Why did you leave your last job?

This is a bit of a trick question, as interviewers will listen carefully to

your answer to be sure you aren't too negative or that there aren't
any red flags in what you say. The best way to avoid an issue with this
question is to respond as positively as possible while still being
honest.
Example: "I am looking for new opportunities and challenges that were
not available in my current position, such as the ability to learn and grow
with your organization."

7. What did you like about your last job?

Interviewers are trying to find out if the things you want in an

employer are things they can offer you, to be sure that it's a good fit
if they hire you. You can prepare for this question by researching the
company you're interviewing with and comparing what you learn to
your last job. You should avoid mentioning anything that is too
different from the company you're interviewing to work at and
instead focus on the similarities.

Example: "I found the company culture to be extremely welcoming and

inclusive, which I really value in an employer. I also enjoyed working with
many types of people and learning how to balance their needs and
personalities. I find I do best in an environment similar to that employer
that challenges me and allows me to be a part of a team."

8. Why do you want this job?

Your interviewer may ask this to see what about the job listing
appealed to you and to be sure you have an accurate picture of what
the job will entail. It helps to do your research on the job and the
organization before the interview, as you should be able to find at
least a few things about the job that appeal to you.

Example: "I read in the job description that you are looking for a self-
starter with experience with Python, Salesforce and project management,
which are skills I am eager to apply in the workplace. I believe your
company culture sounds like a great fit for me and that I would be an
asset to your team. I am looking to grow with a company and this seems
like the perfect position for me to do so."

9. How long do you want to work here?

Interviewers usually ask this question to be sure that you are
interested in staying with them for more than a brief period, as
turnover can be expensive and time-consuming for employers. You
should be honest in your response but remain a little vague
regarding an exact timeline.

Example: "I am looking for a long-term opportunity with a company, so

I hope to work here for as long as you have a need for me and I am
challenged and able to grow."

10. Where do you see yourself in five years?

This question comes up as employers would like to be sure that you

are a good long-term fit, similar to the previous question. You want
to answer this honestly, but within the context of the job and field
you are interviewing for. It's best to avoid mentioning if you intend to
have moved on by then or anything like that. Instead, think about
ways you intend to grow in your career and how the company and
job will help you with that. If you have specific goals with the
company, it's helpful to mention that.

Example: "My primary goal for the next five years is to learn additional
skills and grow with an organization. I love working as a junior developer
and am proud of my degree, but I intend to get a certificate to be a
Salesforce Certified Developer. I hope to grow with your organization as I
do this, as ideally, I would use that certificate to advance my career
here."

Related: 7 Certifications To Boost Your Software Developer

Career

11. Do you have any questions for me?

This question is a great opportunity to show your interviewer how

prepared you are, as they are hoping you will have at least a few
questions related to the role or the company. A good way to do this is
to prepare three to five generic questions that you could ask any
interviewer with any company as well as a few that are specific to the
job you're interviewing for. If your interviewer has already answered
some of your questions during the interview, at least you will have
others to ask.

Example: "Can you tell me more about the team this role is a part of?
What is the culture like in your organization? What programming
languages are most important for the products you develop? What types
of opportunities for advancement are available within your company?"