Job Interview: Common Questions and How to Answer Them

In a job interview, the recruiter wants to know who you are, what you have done, why you want the job, and whether you fit with the team. Prepare short, truthful answers with examples, research the company, and know that the law prohibits discrimination and the requirement of pregnancy or sterilization certificates.

Before the interview

Reread the posting and your résumé; be able to explain every item.
Research the company: what it does, its products or services, and recent news on its official website.
Confirm the date, time, address or link, and the name of the interviewer.
Bring the documents requested, a copy of your résumé, and something to take notes with.
Arrive early; if it is online, test your camera, audio, and internet connection.

Common questions and how to answer them

Tell me about yourself

Summarize in about one minute your education, the experience most relevant to the job, and what you are looking for. Don't tell your whole life story.

Why do you want to work here?

Connect what you learned about the company with what you want to learn and deliver. Avoid answers focused only on salary.

What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Name strengths with a real example. For weaknesses, choose something true that you are working to improve, without saying "I don't have any."

Why did you leave your last job?

Answer calmly and without criticizing the employer. Focus on what you are looking for now. If you were dismissed, explain it simply.

Where do you see yourself in a few years?

Show a realistic desire to learn and grow, tied to the field of the job.

What are your salary expectations?

Research the market range and answer with a range, not a fixed number. See Job offer: how to negotiate salary and benefits.

Use concrete examples

For behavioral questions, such as "tell me about a difficult situation," organize your answer in four parts: the situation, what you needed to do, what you did, and the result. This avoids vague answers.

Questions that call for care

Lei 9.029/1995 (Law 9,029/1995), art. 1, prohibits discriminatory practices in access to employment on grounds of sex, origin, race, color, marital status, disability, age, among others. Art. 2 makes it a crime to require tests, certificates, or other documents about pregnancy or sterilization.

In practice, if you are asked about plans to have children, religion, or political orientation, you can answer objectively, focusing on your professional ability, or politely ask how it relates to the job. If you notice discrimination, write down the date, place, and names, and keep any messages. See how to report it to the Ministry of Labor or the MPT.

Questions you can ask

What is the day-to-day routine of the role, and what are the main deliverables?
What type of contract, salary, and benefits are offered?
What does the selection process look like, and when will there be a response?
Is there room for training and growth?

After the interview

Say thank you by email or message within a day, briefly. If the job comes with a trial-period contract, learn the rules in the guide Trial-period contract: 90-day limit and rights.

Frequently asked questions

Can I bring notes to the interview?

Yes, as long as you use them discreetly. Writing down what the interviewer says shows interest.

Can I refuse to answer a personal question?

As a rule, you can answer only what is relevant to the job. If the question is discriminatory in nature, consider documenting what happened.

Should I talk about salary in the first interview?

Only if the recruiter asks. Having a researched range helps you answer with confidence.

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Informational content produced by the Human Case editorial team based on official public sources. Does not replace individual advice.