How to answer the 7 most common interview questions

Preparing for your next Work Winning interview?

Most interviewers will ask common questions designed to assess whether you have the right competencies, how you handle challenges, and if you’ll fit into the company culture.

While your first impression and body language matter, how you answer these key questions will ultimately determine whether you land the job.

To help you feel confident going into your next interview, we’ve put together a guide on how to tackle the seven most common interview questions in roles:

#1 Tell me about yourself

A seemingly simple icebreaker, this question can be tricky because of its vagueness. Instead of giving your entire career history, use this opportunity to highlight your relevant experience and how it connects to the challenges the company is facing.

Prepare a brief ‘elevator pitch’ that outlines who you are, what you do, and why your skills will benefit the company. Focus on how you can address a specific challenge they may be facing, whether it’s securing a large bid or driving new business development.

#2 Why are you thinking about leaving your job / Why did you leave your last job?

This question helps the interviewer gauge whether you left on good terms. Avoid mentioning conflicts or negativity toward your previous company. Instead, focus on positive reasons like wanting to take on new challenges or looking for an opportunity that better aligns with your career goals.

Be specific—talk about the kind of work you’re eager to do, such as leading high-profile bids or expanding into new markets, and explain why this role offers those opportunities.

#3 What are your biggest strengths?

Rather than listing generic traits, focus on strengths that are specifically relevant to the role. For Work Winning professionals, this could include expertise in managing complex bids, negotiating with key stakeholders, or leading successful proposal teams.

Give a concrete example that demonstrates your strength in action, like how your strong relationship-building skills helped secure a major contract or how your leadership on a proposal team led to a significant win.

#4 What are your biggest weaknesses?

This is a tough one, but being honest is key. Choose a weakness that’s real but isn’t critical to the role. For example, you could mention that you used to struggle with delegating tasks but have since learned how to better trust your team.

The key is to show self-awareness and a commitment to improving. Talk about steps you’ve taken to address your weakness, such as seeking training or mentoring to develop in this area.

#5 Tell me about a time you had to deal with conflict on your team.

Conflict is inevitable in team settings, and interviewers want to know how you manage it. Prepare a story in advance that highlights your ability to navigate challenging situations. For example, you could describe a time when differing opinions on a bid strategy led to tension, but you helped resolve it through clear communication and data-driven decision-making.

Frame your story in a way that shows you learned from the experience and that you’re capable of handling difficult conversations professionally.

#6 Tell me about a time that you failed.

Failure can be uncomfortable to discuss, but it’s important to show that you can learn from setbacks. Choose a failure that was significant but manageable, and be clear about how you took responsibility and what you learned from the experience.

For instance, you might talk about a bid that didn’t go as planned, what went wrong, and how you adjusted your strategy for future proposals to improve your win rate.

#7 Where do you see yourself in X years?

This is a common closing question. Rather than naming a specific title, focus on the experiences and growth opportunities you’re looking for. For example, talk about how you’d like to deepen your expertise in securing large-scale projects or take on more leadership in business development.

This is also a great time to ask the interviewer about the company’s long-term goals and how they support professional growth.

Don’t forget to ask your own questions!

An interview is a two-way street. This is your chance to ask about the company’s vision, their biggest challenges, or the development opportunities in the role. Asking thoughtful questions shows your interest in the company and can give you valuable insights into whether the role is a good fit.

Looking for your next Work Winning role?

At CANDR, we specialise in connecting Bids & Proposals and Business Development professionals with top-tier opportunities. Whether you need help preparing for interviews, refining your CV, or finding your next role, our expert recruitment consultants are here to support you.

Get in touch with us to explore how we can help you take the next step in your career.