UK Interview Question Database
Practice with our comprehensive collection of common interview questions tailored for UK job seekers across various industries and job types.
General Interview Questions
Tell me about yourself.
Why they ask this: This is an ice-breaker that gives the interviewer a sense of who you are professionally.
How to answer: Provide a concise summary of your professional background, focusing on relevant experience and achievements. Structure your answer with past (background), present (current role), and future (why you're interested in this position).
Example Answer
"I'm a marketing professional with over five years of experience in digital advertising. I began my career at ABC Agency where I managed social media campaigns for retail clients, increasing their engagement by 45%. Currently, I'm a Marketing Manager at XYZ Company, leading a team of three and overseeing our content strategy. I'm particularly proud of the email marketing programme I developed that improved conversion rates by 30%. I'm now looking to bring my experience to a larger organisation where I can tackle more complex marketing challenges, which is why I'm excited about this opportunity."
What are your greatest strengths?
Why they ask this: Employers want to know if your strengths align with the job requirements and company culture.
How to answer: Choose 2-3 strengths that are relevant to the position. Back them up with specific examples that demonstrate these strengths in action.
Example Answer
"My greatest strength is my analytical thinking. In my previous role as a data analyst, I developed a new reporting system that identified inefficiencies in our supply chain, resulting in a 15% cost reduction. I'm also known for my strong communication skills, which help me explain complex data in accessible terms to non-technical team members. For example, I created visual dashboards that helped our sales team better understand customer trends, which they used to improve their targeting strategies."
What is your greatest weakness?
Why they ask this: Interviewers want to assess your self-awareness and commitment to professional growth.
How to answer: Choose a genuine weakness that isn't critical to the job, and focus on the steps you're taking to improve in this area.
Example Answer
"I've sometimes struggled with public speaking, which can be challenging when presenting to large groups. To address this, I joined Toastmasters last year and have been volunteering to lead team meetings whenever possible. I've also taken an online course on presentation skills. While I still get nervous, I've developed techniques to manage my anxiety, and my manager has noted improvement in my delivery style over the past six months."
Behavioural Interview Questions
Tell me about a time you faced a challenge at work and how you handled it.
Why they ask this: This assesses your problem-solving skills and resilience.
How to answer: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your response with a specific example.
Example Answer
"In my role as a project manager, we once faced a critical situation when our main supplier went out of business just two weeks before a major product launch. My task was to find an alternative supplier without delaying the launch. I immediately researched potential suppliers, contacted my professional network for recommendations, and scheduled emergency meetings with three promising candidates. After vetting them thoroughly, I selected a new supplier who could meet our timeline with only minor adjustments to our specifications. As a result, we launched only three days behind schedule, which the client considered a success given the circumstances. This experience taught me the importance of maintaining a diverse supplier network and having contingency plans in place."
Technical Interview Questions by Industry
Explain the difference between HTTP and HTTPS.
Why they ask this: Tests your understanding of basic web protocols and security concepts.
How to answer: Clearly explain the technical differences and practical implications.
Example Answer
"HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) and HTTPS (HTTP Secure) are protocols for transmitting data between a web browser and a website. The key difference is that HTTPS encrypts this data using SSL/TLS, while HTTP transmits data in plaintext. This encryption means that if someone intercepts the communication between the browser and the website, they wouldn't be able to read or modify the data with HTTPS, whereas with HTTP they could. HTTPS also verifies the identity of the website through SSL certificates, protecting users from connecting to fake websites. Most modern websites use HTTPS, especially for pages handling sensitive information like logins or payments, and search engines now favor HTTPS sites in their rankings."
Interview Preparation Tips
Research the Company
Learn about the company's mission, values, products/services, recent news, and competitors before your interview.
Practice the STAR Method
Structure your answers to behavioral questions using the Situation, Task, Action, Result framework.
Prepare Questions
Have 3-5 thoughtful questions ready to ask the interviewer about the role, team, and company.
Mock Interviews
Practice with a friend or use online mock interview tools to receive feedback on your answers and delivery.