Best Personal Interview Questions

Do you ever wonder what truly makes a stellar candidate stand out amidst a sea of resumes? Enter the personal interview questions—those seemingly simple inquiries that can peel back layers, revealing the core of a person’s experience, motivation, and even their quirks.

These questions aren’t just about filling seats; they unlock insights into the psyche behind the CV, shaping not only hiring decisions but also transforming workplaces. Prepare for a journey through the essential queries that define personal interviews and expose the tapestry of human experience.

Best personal interview questions

Here are some of the best personal interview questions that can help evaluate candidates’ skills and experiences.

How do you handle stress?
What motivates you?
Tell me about a time when you faced a significant challenge.
How do you manage work-life balance?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Why did you leave your last job?
What kind of compensation are you looking for?
Tell us about yourself.
If you could be an animal for a day, who would you want to be and why?
Describe yourself in three to five words.

These questions are aimed at understanding the candidate’s personality, work ethic, and how they fit into the company culture.

Personal interview questions with answers

Here are some common personal interview questions along with suggested approaches for answering them.

Tell us about yourself. Answer with a brief summary of your education, work experience, skills, and interests.
What are your strengths and weaknesses? Answer with honesty and confidence, and give examples of how you use your strengths and overcome your weaknesses.
If you could be an animal for a day, who would you want to be and why? Answer with creativity and humor, and show your personality and values.
Describe yourself in three to five words. Answer with positive and relevant adjectives that reflect your qualities and skills.
Why did you leave your last job? Answer with professionalism and respect, and focus on the positive aspects of your previous job and the opportunities of the new one.
What motivates you? Answer with passion and enthusiasm, and give examples of what drives you to achieve your goals and perform well.
What kind of compensation are you looking for? Answer with research and realism, and give a range of salary that matches your qualifications and expectations.
Are you a team player? Provide examples of past teamwork experiences and your contributions.
How do you handle stress and pressure? Share techniques you use to manage stress effectively.
Where do you see yourself in five years? Discuss your career goals and how they align with the company’s objectives.
What is your greatest achievement? Highlight a specific accomplishment that showcases your skills and dedication.
How do you prioritize your work? Describe your approach to managing tasks and deadlines.
Can you describe a challenging situation and how you handled it? Provide a specific example that demonstrates problem-solving skills.
Why should we hire you? Summarize your unique qualifications and how they benefit the company.
What do you know about our company? Show your research and understanding of the company’s mission and values.
What are your salary expectations? Be clear and provide a realistic range based on market research.

Best personal interview questions and answers

Here are some of the best personal interview questions along with insights on how to answer them effectively.

Tell us about yourself. – Start with your current role and highlight relevant experiences.
What are your strengths and weaknesses? – Identify strengths that align with the job and discuss weaknesses with a focus on improvement.
If you could be an animal for a day, who would you want to be and why? – Choose an animal that reflects your personality or aspirations.
Describe yourself in three to five words. – Use adjectives that accurately represent your professional persona.
Why did you leave your last job? – Frame your answer positively, focusing on seeking new challenges or growth opportunities.
What motivates you? – Share specific factors that drive your passion and productivity in your work.
What kind of compensation are you looking for? – Research industry standards and provide a range that reflects your skills and experience.
What are your biggest achievements? – Highlight accomplishments that demonstrate your skills and contributions to previous employers.
What is your greatest failure in life? – Discuss a failure that taught you valuable lessons and how you overcame it.
What are your hobbies/What are you passionate about? – Share interests that show a well-rounded personality and relate to the job when possible.
Where do you see yourself five years from now? – Outline your career goals and how they align with the company’s direction.

Personal interview questions for students

Here are some personal interview questions that students may encounter during interviews:

Why X university?
Describe your academic interests and achievements.
Tell us about your involvement in extracurricular activities and leadership roles.
How have you positively impacted your school or community?
What clubs or organizations can you see yourself being involved with on campus?
What prompted you to apply for this position?
What are some of your interests?
Please discuss a few of your greatest strengths and weaknesses.
Can you tell us about yourself?
How did you learn about our organization?
What are your strengths?
What are your weaknesses and how do you overcome them?
Why did you choose your school?
What motivates you?
How do you believe you can contribute to our growth?
Where do you see yourself in the next five years?