Questions for your job interview

73% of employers rate motivation as the most important factor in an interview. We help you prepare the right answers.

What employers are looking for

When you're invited to an interview, the company has already decided you're qualified. Now they want to see your personality and check if you fit the team.

73%

Value motivation most

Start your self-presentation with why you want the job.

52%

Want specific examples

Use concrete stories to demonstrate your skills.

48%

Open and approachable

Smile, be polite, and show confidence.

5 steps to great preparation

Most companies hold 2 interviews. First, 3-5 candidates are invited. Then 2-3 move to the second round.

Practice your self-presentation

You have 1-2 minutes. Start with your motivation, share your professional skills, and end with something personal. Practice until it feels natural.

Prepare 3 strengths and 3 challenges

Be specific. For challenges: Show how you're working on them. Use quotes from previous managers to support your strengths.

Research the company

Check their website and social media. Do you know their values? Are they in the news? Ask who will be at the interview.

Write down your questions

Prepare 2-3 questions. For example: "What should I focus on at the start?" or "How can I create the most value early on?" This shows genuine interest.

Plan the practical details

Print your CV and cover letter. Check the address and plan your route. Arrive 5-10 minutes early – not more, not less. Dress appropriately.

What to avoid

Avoid these common mistakes to make the best impression.

Lack of research. Don't walk into an interview without having researched the company and position beforehand.

Generic answers. Avoid vague or overly common answers. Be specific and relate your responses directly to the job description.

Negativity. Never speak negatively about previous employers or colleagues – it leaves a bad impression.

Focusing on salary too early. Wait to bring up salary and benefits until you've demonstrated your value.

Being unprepared for surprises. Be ready to think quickly and respond creatively to unexpected questions.

10 tips for a great impression

The interview starts at the front door. Here are the most important tips.

Arrive 5-10 minutes early

Arriving too early creates awkwardness. Arriving late looks unprofessional.

Be ready from the start

The interview starts at the front door. You never know who you'll meet on the way in.

Be approachable

Smile, be polite, and show confidence. 48% of employers value appearing open.

Give a good handshake

Make eye contact when you greet. Greet everyone if there are multiple people.

Nervous? Say so

It's perfectly fine to say: "I've been looking forward to this, but I can feel I'm a bit nervous."

Let them lead

The company sets the agenda. Follow their lead and contribute as best you can.

Focus on your contribution

Make it clear how your strengths benefit them – not just you.

Ask valuable questions

"What should I focus on at the start?" shows you're already thinking ahead.

End with a clear signal

Say clearly: "I'm very interested in this position." Let them know you really want it.

Ask about next steps

"When will I hear from you?" So you're not left guessing afterwards.

How the interview works

A typical job interview lasts 1-1.5 hours and follows this structure.

Welcome

Small talk creates a relaxed atmosphere. Be friendly and calm.

Your presentation

You have 1-2 minutes to introduce yourself. Start with motivation.

The conversation

Discussion about your experience, motivation, and skills. Use concrete examples.

Your questions

Your chance to show interest. Ask the questions you've prepared.

Closing

The company explains next steps. Ask when you'll hear from them.

How to express your motivation

73% of employers value motivation most. Be specific, connect with the company, and be authentic.

Away-from motivation

"I'm tired of being unemployed"

"I just need to get out of the system"

Even if the feeling is real, it's not what companies hire for.

Toward motivation

"I'm excited about an interesting job"

"I want to use my skills at your company"

Focus on what you want to achieve – work tasks, responsibility, making a difference.

12 important interview questions

52% of employers want concrete examples of your skills. Here are the typical questions.

01 Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

You have 1-2 minutes. Use them well with this structure:

1. Start with motivation: Explain why you want the job. What drives you?

2. Professional skills: How do your experiences match the position?

3. Personal: "As a person, I work well with others and care about..." – end with something personal.

02 Why did you apply for this position?

Focus on your intrinsic motivation – work tasks, responsibility, making a difference. Avoid mentioning salary, working hours, or benefits.

Show that you've researched the company. Connect with their needs and culture. It's about what they get from hiring you.

03 What are your strengths?

Prepare 3 strengths tailored to the position. 52% of employers want concrete examples.

Use what others have said: "My previous manager highlighted that I'm really good at..."

Be specific and confident – without exaggerating.

04 How would you describe your weaknesses?

Prepare 3 challenges. Show that you're aware of them and working on them.

Example: "I can struggle with staying organized, but I focus on it and start each day by writing down my tasks."

This shows self-awareness, responsibility, and willingness to develop.

05 How do you handle pressure at work?

Give a specific example of a pressure situation you've handled. Explain your approach: how you prioritized, stayed calm, and delivered results.

Show that you have strategies for handling stress, such as planning, team communication, or breaking tasks into smaller parts.

06 How do you contribute to good teamwork?

Highlight your ability to communicate, listen, and support colleagues. Give an example of a successful team project.

Show that you're flexible and can adapt to different work styles and personalities.

07 How do you handle task prioritization?

Describe your method for organizing tasks. Mention tools or techniques you use, such as to-do lists, the Eisenhower matrix, or project management tools.

Give an example of how you've handled multiple deadlines at once.

08 What are some results you've achieved?

Be specific and use numbers where possible. For example: "I increased sales by 25%" or "I reduced processing time by 40%."

Relate your results to the position you're applying for.

09 What are your long-term career goals?

Show ambition, but ensure your goals are realistic and align with the company's opportunities.

Explain how this position is a natural step toward your long-term goals.

10 How do you stay professionally updated?

Mention specific sources: industry publications, podcasts, courses, conferences, or networks you participate in.

Show that you're proactive about your development and stay current with the industry.

11 How do you handle change?

Show that you're flexible and adaptable. Give an example of a major change you've navigated successfully.

Highlight your ability to see opportunities in change rather than threats.

12 Why are you the right choice for us?

Summarize your key strengths and experiences, and explain specifically how they match the company's needs.

Example: "With my experience in project management and my ability to deliver results under pressure, I believe I can contribute positively to your team. I'm particularly strong in stakeholder management, which fits well with the challenges this position involves."

Start your preparation

End the interview strong

The last minutes matter a lot. Show that you really want the job.

Ask good questions. "What should I focus on at the start?" and "What characterizes your best employees?" show that you're already thinking ahead.

Give a clear signal. Say clearly: "I'm very interested in this position." Also ask when you'll hear from them.

Be prepared for salary discussions. Some employers ask about salary in the first interview. Research market rates and know your value. Read our guide to salary negotiation.

Small things count. Push your chair in, take your cup with you, and say a proper goodbye to everyone on your way out.

After the interview

When the interview is over, there are still things you can do to stand out positively.

Send a thank-you message

Send a short, friendly message the same day. Not many people do this, but it shows you're engaged and professional.

"Thank you for a great conversation. It confirmed that the position is a good fit for me. I look forward to hearing from you."

Evaluate the interview

Take time to reflect on the interview. What went well? What would you do differently? This helps you if there's a second round.

If you get rejected

Send a friendly message and ask if there's anything you could have done differently. Many employers will remember you for next time.

"I respect your decision. May I ask if there's anything I could have done differently?"

Have questions?

We've gathered answers to the most frequently asked questions about job interviews.

01 What should I say in a job interview?

Communicate clearly why you're the right candidate and how your experience matches the company's needs. Start with a brief introduction, focus on relevant experience and results.

02 How do I prepare for a job interview?

1. Research the company thoroughly. 2. Read the job description and match your skills. 3. Prepare answers to common questions. 4. Plan your own questions. 5. Choose appropriate attire. 6. Plan your route so you arrive on time.

03 How long does a job interview last?

A typical job interview lasts 1-1.5 hours. The first round can be shorter (30-45 min). At larger companies, there may be tests, group interviews, or full days with multiple interviews.

04 What questions are employers not allowed to ask?

In Denmark, employers may not ask about: Religion, political beliefs, sexual orientation, family status/pregnancy, health information (unless relevant to the job), age, or ethnicity. These questions are illegal under Danish equality legislation.

05 What should I bring to a job interview?

Bring: Printed copies of your CV and cover letter, notepad and pen, list of your references, any portfolio or work samples, and your prepared questions. Also have the address and contact person's number easily accessible.

06 When will I get an answer after a job interview?

It varies by company, but typically 1-2 weeks. Ask at the end of the interview: "When can I expect to hear from you?" If you haven't heard anything after 2 weeks, it's perfectly acceptable to send a follow-up email.

07 How do I respond to an interview invitation?

Reply quickly and professionally. Express gratitude, confirm your attendance, and specify the date/time. Example: "Dear [Name], Thank you for the interview invitation. I confirm my attendance on [date] at [time]. I look forward to meeting you. Best regards, [Your name]"

08 How do I negotiate salary in a job interview?

Research market rates before the interview. Ask about the company's salary range before mentioning a number. Highlight your value with concrete results. Be open to negotiating other benefits like flexible hours or training. Read our guide to salary negotiation.

09 What if I have to take a personality test?

A personality test isn't something you can fail. There are no right or wrong answers. Answer honestly, quickly, and without overthinking. Don't try to guess what the company wants to hear – it's often obvious.

Tip: There are free personality tests online. Practice them, and use the wording from the results in your application and interview.

10 Can I use my network to prepare?

Yes! 58% of companies use networks for recruitment. Check if you know anyone at the company – they can give you insight into the culture, team, and what they're looking for.

Your network is bigger than you think: Family, friends, former colleagues, people from education, hobbies, or people you've only met once.

11 Who will be at the interview?

In private companies, there are typically 2 people. In the public sector, it's often 3-4, and sometimes up to 6-8 people.

Tip: Ask in advance who will be attending. It shows you want to be prepared, and it gives you peace of mind knowing who you'll meet.