It’s a truth universally acknowledged that job interviews make even the most self-confident among us cringe. The idea of sitting in front of a stranger and persuading them that you’re the best possible person for the job makes our hands sweat.

But we also know that preparation is the key to success in job interviews – you’ve got the skills, you just need to allow them to shine. But this is easier said than done when you’re being asked about the things you don’t necessarily excel at. For most of us, a job interview is about treading a fine line between bigging ourselves up and not coming across as arrogant – and it’s not straightforward – it can feel like we’re being tripped up at every turn. 

With this in mind, we’ve mined the collective knowledge of careers industry experts for their take on our most dreaded interview questions ever, plus how to handle them the next time you’re in the hot seat. 

And breathe…

While interview pet hates vary, we all seem to be on the same page when it comes to interview questions we dread. 

1. Tell me about yourself 

We’ve given this question the top spot for good reason, and all the experts agreed that it’s notoriously tricky to answer. “This open-ended question can feel overwhelming, leaving candidates unsure of where to start or how much to share,” says Sam Price, talent solutions director at employment agency Morson Talent. 

How to answer it

Price recommends focusing on your professional story. “Start with your current role, highlight a key accomplishment, and tie it to your career aspirations. Keep it concise and relevant,” she tells Stylist. 

2. Where do you see yourself in a year?  

“One of the questions I think can challenge many candidates is ‘Where do you see yourself in a year’s time or even 10 years’ time?’ The reality is that not everyone has a perfectly mapped-out plan for the future, and that’s OK,” says Sophie Attwood, CEO and founder of SA Communications.  “What really stands out to me in an answer is enthusiasm, drive and ambition.”

How to answer it 

“Rather than saying, ‘I’m not sure’, I appreciate hearing responses like, ‘I see myself successfully leading a team’ or ‘I aim to inspire others to achieve their goals’, says Attwood. “These answers demonstrate a proactive mindset and a desire to contribute meaningfully, which matters far more than having every detail of your future figured out.”

3. What’s your biggest weakness?

This is such a difficult question to answer, because no matter what you say, it can feel like you’re setting yourself up for failure.

How to answer it

“Be honest but strategic,” says Price. “Choose a real but manageable weakness and show how you’re addressing it. For instance: ‘I used to struggle with delegation because I wanted to ensure everything was done perfectly. However, I’ve learned to trust my team and focus on mentorship, which has improved my team’s output and my leadership skills.’”

4. What are your strengths? 

Again, the aim here is to strike a balance between being authentic and not seeming arrogant, and it’s especially difficult for women. “Women often struggle with self-advocacy, sometimes downplaying their strengths or attributing success to others,” says Price. “This question can feel particularly uncomfortable if you’re not used to talking about your abilities confidently. By grounding your strengths in examples, you show how they translate into real value, making it easier to talk about them without feeling like you’re boasting.”

How to answer it 

“Think about your strengths as tools you bring to the workplace, and pair each strength with a tangible example of how you’ve used it to achieve results,” advises Price. “For instance: ‘I excel at building strong relationships with clients and stakeholders, which has consistently led to repeat business. In my last role, my ability to foster trust helped secure a multi-year contract with a key client.’”

5. Describe a time you’ve failed

“Nobody likes talking about failure, but it’s an opportunity to highlight your resilience and learning process,” says Oliver Sidwell, a career expert at Rate My Placement.

How to answer it 

Sidwell recommends using the STAR method:

Situation: set the scene.

Task: explain your role.

Action: describe what you did to address the issue.

Result: focus on the outcome and what you learned.

“For example, you could say something like: ‘During my internship, I underestimated the time needed for a major presentation, leading to rushed preparation. I realised the importance of time-blocking and planning ahead. Since then, I’ve used tools like Asana to manage projects, which has significantly improved my productivity.’”

6. Why should we hire you?

“For many women, this question can feel especially daunting due to societal norms that discourage self-promotion,” says Price. “Women may downplay their achievements, fearing they’ll appear boastful, even though studies show they are often just as qualified than their male counterparts – and often far more qualified.”

How to answer it 

“Try to frame your response around the value you’ll bring to the role,” says Price. “Match your skills and experience to the job requirements and tie it to the company’s success. Practise saying your statements out loud confidently: it’s not boasting; it’s providing facts about why you’re the perfect fit for the job. If it feels unnatural, think of it as advocating for your future self, not just ‘selling’ who you are today.”

7. Why did you leave your last job?

“This question is tricky because it requires honesty,” notes Kevin Fitzgerald, UK MD of Employment Hero. “Questions like this dig into our self-awareness and force us to reflect on our past, goals and weaknesses, so they’re harder to bluff.”

How to answer it 

“Keep your response positive and avoid criticising your current employer,” advises Price. “Also, remember that you don’t owe anyone an explanation about personal life choices unless you want to share them. Keep your answer professional and future-focused. For instance, say something like: ‘I’ve gained valuable experience in my current role, but I’m looking for opportunities that better align with my long-term career goals, such as developing leadership skills or working on larger projects.’”

8. What are your salary expectations? 

Last but not least, there’s something uniquely awkward about discussing money. “This question is generally disliked,” says negotiation expert Florence Rolland. “It’s a sensitive topic, and no one wants to be undervalued.”

How to answer it

“To negotiate this question professionally, be prepared,” notes Rolland. “Research the salary range for your position in the industry and check if this information is provided in the job advertisement. Don’t feel pressured to give a number just to provide an answer. Instead, you can mention that you are open to negotiation and would like to learn more about the full benefits package. This shows your flexibility and opens the door for further discussion.”

“Preparation is key to tackling tough interview questions,” says Price. “Practice your answers out loud and focus on framing every response in a way that showcases your skills and enthusiasm. Remember, interviews are as much about assessing if the role is right for you as they are about impressing the employer.”

All our experts stressed that interviews are tough no matter which side of the table you’re sitting on, and any good interviewer will be hoping you succeed rather than trying to trip you up. They already know (and like) enough about you to have offered you an interview, so now it’s your turn to shine. 

“The interviewer has your CV so they know what your professional experience has been,” agrees Michelle Edge, account director at Eleven Hundred Agency. “What they’re looking for is for you to share some insight into how you see yourself and what you think are your strengths. Are you highly motivated? Do you thrive in fast-paced environments? Highlight what makes you stand out and be genuine. It’s not about answering the question ‘correctly’, it’s about showing the interviewer who you are.”

Good luck! 

Images: Getty