20 Common Interview Questions & Answers You Need to Know!
by Ani
Jun 15, 2025
text.at 8:53 AM
20 Common Interview Questions & Answers You Need to Know!
Let’s face it! Interview can be intense. Your hands get clammy, your mind goes blank and suddenly you forget everything you practiced. But what if you could walk in calm, confident and actually excited?
Whether you're fresh out of uni, thinking of switching careers, or making a comeback into the workforce, this blog is your go to prep guide. We’ve put together 20 super common job interview questions that employers love to ask with tips and sample answers to help you sound like a pro. So go grab that kopi or teh o ais, and let’s get you interview ready!
Why It's Important to Prepare for Interview Questions
Preparing for interviews isn’t about memorising. It’s about understanding the intention behind the questions and answering in a way that shows who you are and what you bring to the table.
With competition heating up in Malaysia’s job scene, being prepared gives you an edge. Interviewers are checking:
Can you do the job well?
Will you blend in with the team vibes?
Are you truly interested in this role or just applying for fun?
Alright, let’s dive into those 20 common interview questions!
1. Can You Tell Me About Yourself?
Tip: Talk briefly about your background, relevant skills, and what brings you here.
Example:
"I graduated with a degree in Marketing and have spent the last 2 years working in digital content creation, mainly handling social media campaigns and copywriting. Along the way, I’ve developed strong skills in content strategy, data analysis, and audience engagement. What brings me here is that I’m now looking to take on a role where I can contribute more to big-picture planning while still staying creative and this position feels like the perfect next step.”
2. Why Do You Want This Position?
Tip:Show that you’ve done your homework. Mention something specific you admire about the company, role, or culture.
Example:
"I’ve been following your company for a while and I really love how you promote sustainability through your products. That really resonates with me. I also see this role as a great opportunity to grow my career in brand strategy while helping a brand I believe in reach even more people."
3. What Are Your Strengths?
Tip: Highlight strengths that match the role.
Example:
"I’d say one of my strengths is communication. I’m really good at breaking down ideas clearly, whether it’s in writing or during team discussions which helped a lot when I handled social media content during my internship. I’m also very organised, so I’m great at managing tasks and keeping things on track, especially during fast-paced projects. I think both would be super useful in this role."
4. What’s Your Biggest Weakness?
Tip: Be honest but show progress.
Example:
"I used to struggle with delegating tasks because I always wanted to make sure everything was perfect. But I’ve learned that trusting my team not only helps me manage my workload better but also lets others shine. Now, I’m more confident in sharing responsibilities and it’s made projects run smoother."
5. Where Do You See Yourself in Five Years?
Tip: Keep it relevant to the job/industry. Show you’re thinking about growing in this field.
Example:
"In five years, I see myself growing into a role where I can lead projects and mentor juniors, especially in digital marketing. I want to keep building my skills in data analytics and content strategy, and ideally, contribute to campaigns that really move the needle for the company. Basically, I want to be someone who’s not just doing the job but helping the team win."
Tip: Keep it positive. Focus on what you’re moving towards, not what you’re running from.
Example:
"I really enjoyed my time there and learned a lot, but I felt it was time to take on new challenges that align better with my career goals. I’m excited about this role because it offers the opportunity to grow my skills in areas I’m passionate about, like project management and team collaboration."
7. Share a Challenge You’ve Faced at Work
Tip: Explain how you handled it. Show problem solving skills and calm under pressure.
Example:
"In my last role, we had a tight deadline for a social media campaign, but a key team member got sick last minute. I stepped up by redistributing tasks, communicating clearly with the team, and even learning some new tools to help speed things up. It was stressful, but we pulled it off on time, and I learned a lot about teamwork and staying calm under pressure."
Example:
"Based on my research and experience, I’m looking for a salary in the range of RM3,500 to RM4,500. But I’m definitely open to discussing what fits within your budget and the overall compensation package."
9. Why Should We Hire You?
Tip: Focus on your unique strengths or skills that match the job.
Example:
"You should hire me because I bring a strong mix of creativity and analytical skills. I’m great at understanding what audiences want and translating that into engaging content, backed by data to make sure it works. Plus, I’m a quick learner and a team player, so I can adapt fast and collaborate well to help the company grow."
10. How Do You Handle Pressure or Stress?
Tip: Be honest but positive. Stress happens, but you know how to manage it.
Example:
"When things get stressful, I like to take a step back and prioritize my tasks so I’m not overwhelmed. I break big projects into smaller, manageable steps and set mini-deadlines for myself. Taking short breaks to clear my head also helps me stay focused. For example, during a busy period at my last job, this approach helped me meet tight deadlines without burning out."
11. Do You Work Better Alone or in a Team?
Tip: Show you’re adaptable both solo and team work have their perks.
Example:
"Honestly, I’m comfortable working both ways. When I work alone, I can focus deeply and manage my time efficiently, which helps with tasks that need detail and concentration. But I also really enjoy team settings because brainstorming with others sparks new ideas and helps solve problems faster. In my last job, I balanced solo research with group projects, and both helped me deliver great results."
12. What Do You Know About Our Company?
Tip: Research, research, research! Check their website, social media, news, anything recent.
Example:
"I’ve been really impressed by how your company focuses on innovation and sustainability, especially your recent launch of eco friendly packaging. I also love that you prioritize employee development and have a strong team culture. That’s exactly the kind of environment where I know I can grow and contribute meaningfully."
13. Describe Your Work Style
Tip: Be honest but positive — everyone’s got their vibe, and that’s cool.
Example:
"I’d say my work style is pretty organized and collaborative. I like planning my day with clear priorities so nothing slips through the cracks, but I’m also super open to feedback and enjoy bouncing ideas around with the team. For example, during my internship, this approach helped our group deliver projects ahead of deadlines while keeping the quality high."
14. Share a Time You Made a Mistake or Failed
Tip: Explain what you learned and how you fixed it. Growth mindset is key.
Example:
"Once, early in my internship, I missed an important deadline because I underestimated how long a task would take. It was a wake up call, so I started using better time management tools and checking in more often with my supervisor. Since then, I’ve become way better at planning and meeting deadlines, which really helped my next projects run smoothly."
15. What Keeps You Motivated at Work?
Tip: Tie it back to the role if you can. Show you’re a perfect fit.
Example:
"What really motivates me is seeing how my work makes a difference like when a campaign I helped create actually boosts engagement or helps customers solve problems. I also love setting goals and smashing them, plus working with a supportive team that pushes me to grow. Knowing I’m learning new skills while contributing to something bigger keeps me hyped every day."
16. How Do You Manage Your Time and Tasks?
Tip: Show you’re organized mention tools or methods you use (apps, to do lists, calendars).
Example:
"I’m all about planning ahead and staying organized. I use a mix of digital tools like Google Calendar and to do lists to keep track of deadlines and daily tasks. I prioritize based on urgency and impact, so I tackle high-priority work first but don’t neglect smaller tasks. When I have big projects, I break them down into smaller steps and set mini deadlines to keep myself on track. This system helped me manage multiple campaigns smoothly during my internship without burning out."
17. Do You Have Any Questions for Us?
Tip: Ask about company culture, team, or growth opportunities. Stuff that shows you care about fitting in and growing.
Example Questions to Ask:
“What’s a typical day like for someone in this role?”
“How does the team usually collaborate on projects?”
“What are the biggest challenges the team/company is facing right now?”
“What opportunities are there for professional development and growth?”
“What are the next steps in the interview process?”
18. What’s Your Greatest Achievement?
Tip: Pick something work-related or professional. Something that shows your skills and impact.
Example:
"One of my greatest achievements was leading a social media campaign during my internship that increased our engagement by 40% in just three months. I coordinated content creation, scheduling, and analytics, which taught me a lot about teamwork and data driven strategy. It felt amazing to see the results and know my work made a real difference."
19. How Would Your Colleagues Describe You?
Tip: Think about the positive traits your coworkers actually see in you. Keep it real.
Example:
"My colleagues would probably describe me as dependable and easy to work with. I’m someone who listens well, offers help when needed, and stays calm even when things get hectic. I’ve been told I’m great at keeping the team motivated and organized, which really helps during busy projects."
20. Are You Okay with Relocating or Travelling?
Tip: Be honest. Don’t say yes just to sound good if you’re not cool with it.
Example Answers:
If you’re open:
"Yes, I’m open to relocating or travelling as needed. I see it as a great opportunity to learn new skills, meet new people, and contribute more broadly to the company."
If you prefer limited travel:
"I’m comfortable with occasional travel and understand it’s part of the role. As for relocating, I’m open to considering it depending on the circumstances and how it fits with my career goals."
If you’re not open:
"I’m currently looking for roles closer to my current location and with minimal travel, but I’m very committed to delivering excellent work and contributing fully in that setting."
Final Thoughts: Go Nail That Interview!
You just breezed through the 20 questions that come up in most interviews. Feeling better now? We hope this gave you the boost you needed. Remember, it's not about being perfect. It's about being prepared, staying true to yourself, and showing you're ready to contribute.
And hey, if you’re tired of sending applications one by one, why not make things easier? Just drop your resume at Maukerja, and let employers find you instead.
1. What are the common questions in job interviews?
Popular ones include "Tell me about yourself", "Why do you want to work here?", "What are your strengths and weaknesses?", and "Where do you see yourself in 5 years?"
2. How do I get ready for a job interview in Malaysia?
Know the company, study the job description, practise answers, dress appropriately, and be punctual.
3. What’s the STAR technique for interviews?
STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. It’s a simple way to explain past work experiences.
4. Should I ask anything during the interview?
Yes! It shows you care. Ask about the role, team dynamics, or company culture.
5. What’s the best way to discuss salary in interviews?
Give a range based on market research and your experience. Stay open and professional.
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