15 Most-Important
Interview Questions & Answers!
(Hiring Manager Approved™)

These fifteen interview questions are considered the most important by hiring managers because, together, they provide a complete picture of who a candidate is, how they work, and whether they will succeed long-term in the role. Each question reveals critical information that cannot be easily assessed through a CV or resume alone.

“Tell me about yourself” sets the tone. It shows confidence, communication ability, self-awareness, and whether the candidate understands what the employer truly needs.

Questions such as “Why do you want this job?” and “Why should we hire you?” assess motivation, alignment with the company’s values, and whether the candidate has a compelling reason for choosing the organisation over others.

Strength- and weakness-based questions test honesty, self-reflection, and the ability to grow. Employers want people who know themselves and can manage their own performance.

Behavioural questions, such as handling conflict, working in a team, making mistakes, or describing past challenges, are essential because past behaviour is one of the strongest indicators of future performance. These questions reveal resilience, emotional intelligence, accountability, and problem-solving.

Forward-looking questions like “Where do you see yourself in five years?” help hiring managers judge ambition, commitment, and whether the candidate will stay long enough to justify training and development.

Questions about leaving a current job or expectations for a new one highlight professionalism and career priorities.

Even personal questions, such as hobbies or free time, give insight into personality, well-being, and cultural fit. Salary expectation questions determine whether there is a financial match early on, avoiding wasted time for both sides.

Finally, “Do you have any questions for us?” allows employers to see how prepared, genuinely interested, and commercially aware the candidate is. Together, these fifteen questions give hiring managers everything they need to make an informed, confident hiring decision.