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What are the most researched job interview questions?

Ever wished you'd been better prepared for a job interview?

We decided to find out which questions are causing the sweatiest palms and knotting the most stomachs in interviews.

To find out, we gathered data on which questions the UK had been researching the most.

And... to help the job hunters out there, we gave our answers for the top 10.

See the results for yourself below - you're sure to see some that you recognise!

graphic of two people in an interview
Interview Question
Number of Google Searches in 2020
  • 1

    What questions do you have for me?

    837,380

    What questions do you have for me?

    This question will almost certainly come up, so be prepared with your own questions. Show the interviewer you’re interested, by asking questions about the job. Ask about the company’s values, what they want most from their employees.

    To really improve your answer, do some research on the company beforehand. Ask questions about a certain goal they have, or a previous project they’ve worked on.

    This is your chance to find out more about the job and your employers. Remember, the interview is about what they can offer you – not just why they should hire you.

  • 2

    Describe yourself.

    586,240

    Describe yourself.

    The interviewer wants to get an idea of what you’ll be like to work with.

    Try to not only mention generic traits like: ‘I’m kind. I’m hard-working. I like to work in a team.’ Think of characteristics that make you unique. Are you tenacious? Are you an optimist? Do you enjoy learning new things?

    Try and give concrete examples too – especially with generic traits. Why do you like working in a team? What makes you trustworthy? Why do you value a particular trait?

  • 3

    What are your weaknesses?

    438,030

    What are your weaknesses?

    Rather than simply listing your weaknesses, show the interviewer how you’ve overcome areas of weakness in the past and developed your less prominent skills.

    Don’t be afraid of ‘making yourself look bad.’ Employers want workers who will develop in the job – acknowledging your weaknesses shows you know where you can improve.

  • 4

    Why do you want to work for us?

    302,350

    Why do you want to work for us?

    It goes without saying, but an answer like “I want more money,” is not going to interest your interviewer.

    This is another question where planning is key. Take time to research the company. What are their goals and principles? What is their business model? Find out what they value and see where your own values line up – this should form your answer to this question.

  • 5

    What are your strengths?

    216,210

    What are your strengths?

    Similar to the question on weaknesses, you want to give a bit of context. As well as naming your strengths, go a bit further – why do you believe they are strengths? If you can think of any, give examples of when you have put your strengths to good use.

    Have your potential employer in mind too. Name your strengths that are in line with their company policy/ethos.

  • 6

    Why should we hire you?

    134,910

    Why should we hire you?

    This can feel daunting, because it is so open.

    You should stay away from naming skills, experiences and how much you want the job. Chances are, most candidates will say the same thing. Instead, think about your most unique characteristics – ones that set you apart from other people.

    Or think of a similar job or project you enjoyed or performed well in. Show how you can transfer your skills to this job, with real life examples.

  • 7

    What are your salary requirements?

    91,290

    What are your salary requirements?

    Often in job listings, salary is not up for negotiation – particularly for starting roles or jobs paying close to minimum wage, like bar staff.

    The question is far more likely to come up if you’re applying for a more senior role or have experience in the industry.

    If this question comes up, you want to have a solid idea of what the standard salary is for this role. You can do this by searching on sites like Glassdoor and Indeed for salaries in the role you’re applying for.

  • 8

    What motivates you?

    87,120

    What motivates you?

    Offer an answer that is honest, but also relates to the job. Use something you like about the company and turn it into a motivation.

    If the job is for a company that sells sustainable products, you could say “I like knowing that I’m having a positive impact on the world.” If you work in a media newsroom, you might say you enjoy a dynamic work life with new challenges each day.

  • 9

    Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

    70,870

    Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

    Take a similar approach to the question about your motivations. You want to be honest, while being realistic about your goals.

    Again, you shouldn’t mention money. But show that you are keen to progress and have ambitions of reaching management positions over the years.

    The idea is to show that you are keen to improve and will develop in the role. You’re not content with staying at the same level for 5-10 years without progression.

  • 10

    What can you offer us that someone else can't?

    67,050

    What can you offer us that someone else can't?

    Along the same lines as ‘why should we hire you,’ but less ambiguous.

    Again, planning is key. This way you can avoid basic, boring answers like ‘hard-working’ or ‘dedicated.’

    Take the time to write down your most unique skills and personality traits. Why do your friends like you? What are you good at – and why are you good at it?

    Really think about the greatest things about you. Then think of examples. If you have examples of how these have benefitted you in the workplace, even better. But if not, any examples are still useful to showcase your value.

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