Job interviews can be nerve-racking, especially when you don’t know what to expect. The truth is, most interviews follow a pattern. When you understand that pattern, you walk in more confident, prepared, and calm.

Here’s what you should realistically expect during a job interview.


1. Introductions and Ice-Breakers


Most interviews start casually. You may be asked:

“How are you today?”

“Did you find the place easily?”

“Tell me a little about yourself.”

This is not just small talk. Interviewers are checking your communication skills, confidence, and professionalism. Keep your response clear, friendly, and job-focused.


2. Questions About Your Background


You should expect questions like:

“Can you walk me through your CV?”

“Why did you choose this career path?”

“What experience do you have related to this role?”

This is where preparation matters. Interviewers want to see how your skills and experiences match the role, not a life story.


3. Skill-Based or Technical Questions


Depending on the role, you may be asked to:

Explain how you handle certain tasks

Solve a problem

Demonstrate a skill

Answer scenario-based questions

For tech and customer service roles, they often want to know how you think and how you solve problems, not just what you know.


4. Behavioral Questions


These questions usually sound like:

“Tell me about a time you handled a difficult situation.”

“How do you manage pressure or deadlines?”

“Describe a challenge you faced at work and how you solved it.”

Interviewers use these questions to understand your work attitude, emotional intelligence, and reliability.


5. Questions About the Company


You may be asked:

“What do you know about our company?”

“Why do you want to work with us?”

This is to test if you did your research. Even basic knowledge about the company’s mission or services shows serious interest.


6. Salary and Availability Discussion


Some interviews include conversations around:

Expected salary

Work schedule

Remote or onsite availability

Start date

Be honest, realistic, and confident. It’s okay to ask questions for clarity.


7. Your Turn to Ask Questions


Almost every interview ends with:

“Do you have any questions for us?”

Always say yes. You can ask about:

Team structure

Growth opportunities

Next steps in the hiring process

This shows interest and professionalism.


8. Closing and Next Steps


The interviewer may explain:

When to expect feedback

Additional interview stages

Assessment tasks

Thank them for their time and express appreciation for the opportunity.