Guide · 7 min read
Job Interview Preparation: Common Questions and How to Answer
Prepare for phone, video and in-person interviews in the US: research the employer, answer common and behavioral questions with the STAR method, ask good questions and follow up.
Updated
Know the interview stages
Most US hiring processes have several steps. A recruiter or HR screen checks basic fit, pay expectations and work authorization. A hiring manager interview goes deeper into your experience. Many roles then add a panel, a skills test, a case study or a technical exercise, and sometimes a final conversation with a senior leader. Ask the recruiter what each stage involves and who you will meet; it is a normal question.
Research before you prepare answers
Good answers connect your experience to the employer's needs, so start with research. Read the job posting closely and list the five or six things the role needs most. Read the company's website, recent news and product pages, and look up your interviewers on LinkedIn. If it is a public company, skim the investor relations page for its priorities. Note one or two genuine reasons you want to work there.
Answer behavioral questions with STAR
Behavioral questions start with phrases like 'Tell me about a time when...'. They assume past behavior predicts future behavior. The STAR method keeps your answer clear and short: Situation (the context), Task (what you needed to do), Action (what you did, in the first person), and Result (what happened, ideally with a measurable outcome and what you learned).
Prepare six to eight stories you can adapt: a success you are proud of, a conflict with a colleague, a mistake and how you fixed it, a time you led without authority, a tight deadline, handling a difficult customer, and learning something quickly. Aim for answers of about one to two minutes.
Common interview questions to practice
You will hear some version of these in most interviews. Practice out loud, not just in your head.
- Tell me about yourself. (A two-minute story: present role, relevant past, why this job.)
- Why do you want to work here?
- Why are you leaving your current job? (Stay positive and forward-looking.)
- What are your strengths? What is an area you are working to improve?
- Tell me about a challenge you faced and how you handled it.
- Describe a time you disagreed with a manager or coworker.
- Where do you see yourself in a few years?
- What are your salary expectations? (See our salary negotiation guide.)
- Do you have any questions for us?
Phone and video interview tips
Treat remote interviews like in-person ones. Test your camera, microphone and internet connection beforehand, and close other apps. Sit facing a light source with a plain background, put the camera at eye level, and look at the lens when you speak. Keep your resume and notes nearby, but do not read from them. Join a few minutes early, and have a phone number ready in case the connection drops.
Real employers use standard video tools and interview you face to face or by voice. An 'interview' held entirely by text chat on a messaging app is a common sign of a job scam.
Questions to ask the interviewer
Asking thoughtful questions shows interest and helps you decide whether the job fits you.
- What would success look like in this role after the first 90 days?
- What are the biggest challenges the team faces right now?
- How is performance measured and reviewed?
- How does the team work together day to day, and what are the expected hours or office days?
- What are the next steps in the process, and when can I expect to hear back?
Questions employers should not ask
Federal and state laws limit questions about protected characteristics. Interviewers generally should not ask about your age, religion, national origin, disability, pregnancy or family plans, or marital status. They may ask whether you are authorized to work in the US and whether you can perform the essential functions of the job. If you get an inappropriate question, you can steer back to your qualifications. The US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) explains your rights.
After the interview
Send a short thank-you email within a day to each interviewer, mentioning something specific you discussed and restating your interest. If the timeline passes without news, a polite follow-up after about a week is reasonable. Keep track of every application and interview so you can follow up on time; AltFTool's saved jobs tracker can help.
General information only, not legal, financial or immigration advice. Written by the AltFTool team; last updated .