How to answer common interview questions
Interviewers ask the same few questions again and again. Once you understand what they are really looking for, these questions stop being scary — and start being your chance to shine.
Here is a secret: interview questions are not really about the words. Behind every question, the interviewer is trying to work out one thing — can I trust this person to do the job well?
When you understand what they are really asking, you can give them the answer they are hoping for. Let us go through the big questions one by one. If you have not read it yet, it also helps to prepare properly before the day.
"Tell me about yourself"
Usually the very first question — and the one people fear most.
This question feels huge, so people panic and either say too little ("Um… I don't know what to say") or tell their whole life story. Neither works.
How to answer
Keep it short — about one minute. Cover three simple things: who you are and what you do, a bit of your experience, and why you are excited about this job.
"I am a hard-working person with two years of experience as a cashier. I am good with customers and careful with money — my till always balanced. I am looking for steady work where I can do a good job and grow, and that is why I am excited about this position."
See how that stays on the job? It does not wander into personal things. It tells the interviewer: here is what I can do, and here is why I want to be here.
"Why do you want to work here?"
They want to know you actually want THIS job.
Interviewers can tell the difference between someone who wants a job — any job — and someone who wants this job. They are hoping for the second one.
How to answer
Say something real about the company or the job. It does not have to be clever. It can be that you know their shop and respect it, that the job suits your skills, or that you are looking for steady work close to home where you can stay and grow.
"I know this store and I always see how busy and well-run it is. I am good with customers and I work hard, so I think I would fit in well here. I am also looking for steady work close to home where I can stay for a long time."
Never answer this question with only "because I need the money." It may be true, and they understand that everyone needs to earn — but on its own it tells them nothing about why they should choose you. Give them a reason to pick you.
"Why did you leave your last job?"
This one is a trap if you are not careful.
This is where many people make a mistake. They complain about their old boss, or say the job was terrible. Even if it is true, it makes the interviewer worried — they start to wonder if you will complain about them one day too.
How to answer
Always keep it positive, and point towards the future instead of the past. You do not have to lie — just focus on what you are moving towards, not what you are running from.
"I learned a lot in my last job and I am grateful for it. I am now looking for a new chance where I can take on more responsibility and grow. That is what brought me here."
If you were retrenched or the work ended, that is completely fine to say — it was not your fault. Simply say, "The company had to let people go," or "It was seasonal work that came to an end," and then talk about what you are looking for now.
The golden rule for this question: never speak badly about a past employer, even if they deserved it. Stay positive, and the interviewer will see someone easy to work with.
A few more questions you might hear
"What are your strengths?"
Pick two or three real ones that matter for the job — like being reliable, honest, hard-working, or good with people — and give a quick example. "I am very reliable. In my last job I was never late and never missed a shift." It is even stronger when a reference on your CV says the same thing about you.
"What is your weakness?"
Do not say "I have none" — nobody believes that. Pick something honest but small, and show you are working on it. "I used to be shy about asking questions, but I have learned that asking is better than making a mistake."
"Do you have any questions for us?"
Always have one ready — it shows you are interested. Simple ones are best: "What would a normal day in this job look like?" or "What do you look for in a good worker here?"
The three golden rules for every answer
- Stay positive. Never complain about past jobs or bosses.
- Keep it about the work. Show them you can do the job and you want to be there.
- Give a real example when you can. Saying "I am reliable" is good. Proving it with "I was never late in two years" is much stronger.
Would you rather see it than read it? Follow Thabo's interview story — the whole day, picture by picture, from getting ready to walking out.
💡 Practise before the real thing: Send My CV has a free interview practice on WhatsApp. We ask you real interview questions — including these ones — you answer in a voice note, and we give you friendly feedback to help you improve. Type MENU and tap 💡 Interview advice to start. The more you practise, the calmer you will feel on the day.
Practise on WhatsApp →Interviews feel scary because they feel like a test. But really, they are just a chance to show someone that you are ready, willing and able to do the work. Prepare your answers, stay positive, and let them see the good worker you are.
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Frequently asked questions
How do I answer "Tell me about yourself" in an interview?
Keep it short — about one minute — and keep it about work. Cover three things: who you are and what you do, a bit of your experience, and why you want this job. For example: "I am a hard-working person with two years of experience as a cashier. I am good with customers and careful with money. I am looking for steady work where I can do a good job and grow." Do not tell your whole life story or talk about family and childhood.
What is the best answer to "Why do you want to work here?"
Say something real about that company or that job — it shows you want THIS job, not just any job. You can say you know the shop and respect how it is run, that the work suits your skills, or that you want steady work close to home where you can stay and grow. Never answer with only "because I need the money" — it is true for everyone, so it gives them no reason to choose you.
How do I explain why I left my last job?
Stay positive and point to the future instead of the past. Never complain about your old boss or the job, even if it was bad — the interviewer will worry that you will complain about them one day too. Say what you are moving towards: "I learned a lot in my last job and I am grateful for it. I am now looking for a chance to take on more responsibility and grow." If you were retrenched or the work ended, it is completely fine to say so — it was not your fault.
What should I say when they ask about my weakness?
Do not say you have none — nobody believes that. Pick something honest but small, and show what you are doing about it. For example: "I used to be shy about asking questions, but I have learned that asking is better than making a mistake." That shows honesty and that you are willing to learn, which is what they are really testing.
What questions should I ask the interviewer at the end?
Always have at least one ready — it shows you are interested in the job. Simple questions are best, like "What would a normal day in this job look like?" or "What do you look for in a good worker here?" Avoid making your first question about money or time off.
You can practise these questions today. Start your free interview practice on WhatsApp →