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General Interview Questions – Complete Preparation Guide
General interview questions form the foundation of almost every interview — whether it’s for a technical position, HR role, or management job.
These questions help recruiters evaluate your personality, motivation, communication skills, and overall fit for the company.
Unlike technical questions, general interview questions focus more on who you are rather than what you can do.
The key to success lies in giving structured, confident, and honest answers supported by real examples.
Top General Interview Questions and Answers
Let’s go through the most frequently asked interview questions — along with smart and strategic answers designed to leave a positive impression on HR managers.
1. Tell me about yourself
This is often the first question in every interview. It sets the tone of the conversation.
How to answer:
Focus on your education, skills, relevant experiences, and career goals. Keep it professional and concise.
Sample Answer:
“I’m a Computer Science graduate with strong skills in PHP and web development. During my internship, I built dynamic websites using HTML, CSS, and PHP. I’m passionate about creating efficient web applications and continuously improving my technical knowledge. My short-term goal is to join a company where I can apply my coding skills, and my long-term goal is to become a full-stack developer.”
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2. Why do you want to work for our company?
How to answer:
Show that you’ve researched the company. Talk about its projects, culture, or growth opportunities that align with your interests.
Sample Answer:
“I’ve followed your company’s work in open-source PHP development and admire your innovative approach to technology. I believe my skills in backend development and teamwork make me a strong fit for your culture of collaboration and learning.”
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3. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
How to answer:
Pick 3–4 strengths related to the job and 1 genuine weakness you’re improving.
Sample Answer:
“My strengths are problem-solving, teamwork, and quick learning. I adapt quickly to new technologies and environments. As for my weakness, I tend to focus too much on small details, but I’ve been improving by setting clearer priorities and deadlines.”
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4. Where do you see yourself in five years?
How to answer:
Show ambition, but keep it realistic and aligned with the company’s goals.
Sample Answer:
“In the next five years, I see myself growing into a senior developer role, contributing to large-scale web projects, mentoring new team members, and taking part in innovative PHP-based application development.”
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5. Why should we hire you?
How to answer:
Summarize your key skills, achievements, and enthusiasm for the role.
Sample Answer:
“You should hire me because I bring technical skills in PHP and MySQL, strong analytical thinking, and a commitment to delivering high-quality work. I’m a fast learner and always eager to take on challenges that help the company grow.”
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6. What are your salary expectations?
How to answer:
If you’re a fresher, show flexibility; if experienced, provide a reasonable range based on market value.
Sample Answer (Fresher):
“I’m open to any salary that matches the company standards and reflects my skills and learning potential.”
Sample Answer (Experienced):
“Based on my experience and industry standards, I’d expect a package in the range of ₹5–6 LPA, but I’m open to discussion.”
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7. What motivates you at work?
How to answer:
Discuss what drives you — such as problem-solving, teamwork, innovation, or learning.
Sample Answer:
“I’m motivated by solving real-world problems using technology and seeing my code make a positive impact. Learning from challenges and collaborating with passionate teammates keeps me energized.”
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8. Describe your biggest achievement
How to answer:
Highlight a specific event, project, or success where you made an impact.
Sample Answer:
“In college, I developed a PHP-based attendance system that automated manual records. It saved hours of admin time each week and was later adopted by multiple departments. It gave me confidence in applying my knowledge practically.”
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9. How do you handle stress or pressure?
How to answer:
Show that you stay calm, plan ahead, and focus on problem-solving.
Sample Answer:
“I believe in staying organized and breaking large tasks into smaller steps. During high-pressure situations, I prioritize effectively and focus on maintaining quality rather than rushing through tasks.”
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10. Do you have any questions for us?
How to answer:
Always ask at least one question — it shows curiosity and interest.
Sample Questions to Ask:
- What does a typical day look like in this role?
- How does your company measure success?
- What kind of projects will I be working on in the first few months?
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Additional Common General Interview Questions
- What inspired you to choose your career path?
- Tell me about a time when you solved a difficult problem.
- How do you prioritize your tasks?
- What kind of work environment do you prefer?
- What are your hobbies and interests?
- How do you keep yourself updated with new technologies?
Interview Tips for Answering General Questions
- Be confident but humble – Avoid exaggeration.
- Prepare stories – Use examples to make your answers memorable.
- Research the company – Relate your answers to their culture.
- Keep answers concise – Two minutes per answer is ideal.
- Use positive body language – Smile, maintain eye contact, and listen actively.
- Avoid generic clichés – Be authentic and specific.
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General Interview Questions for Freshers
Freshers often face these basic questions:
- What do you know about our company?
- What did you learn from your college projects?
- How do you handle criticism?
- Why did you choose your course or specialization?
Sample Answer:
“I chose Computer Science because I enjoy logical thinking and creativity. I love building things that solve problems, which made web development my focus area. Your company’s work on open-source projects aligns perfectly with my interests.”
General Interview Questions for Experienced Candidates
- How do you manage team conflicts?
- What project are you most proud of?
- How do you balance multiple deadlines?
- What was your biggest professional challenge?
Sample Answer:
“At my previous job, we faced repeated server downtime. I proposed a load-balancing system using Nginx and automated alerts, which reduced downtime by 40%. This experience enhanced my troubleshooting and leadership skills.”
Pro Tips to Ace Any Interview
- Practice out loud — confidence builds with repetition.
- Dress professionally — first impressions matter.
- Bring copies of your resume — always be prepared.
- Listen carefully — answer what is asked, not what you assume.
- Follow up politely — send a thank-you email after the interview.
FAQ – General Interview Questions
Q1: What are general interview questions?
These are common questions asked to understand a candidate’s background, motivation, and personality — not just technical expertise.
Q2: How can I prepare for general HR questions?
Practice by writing down answers, using examples, and recording yourself for tone and clarity.
Q3: Are these questions same for freshers and experienced professionals?
The themes are similar, but experienced candidates should focus more on results and leadership examples.
Q4: How long should each answer be?
Keep answers between 1–2 minutes — detailed but focused.
Q5: What is the most important question in HR interviews?
“Tell me about yourself” — because it defines your first impression.
