Communication · Lesson 2 of 6

Answering common HR questions

Strengths and weaknesses, why this company, career gaps, salary expectations and questions to ask.

HR rounds check attitude, communication and fit. Good answers are honest, specific and short, and they always come back to the job.

Strengths — name one or two that matter for the role, each with a short example.
Weakness — a real but non-critical weakness, plus what you're doing to improve it.
Why our company? — mention something specific you researched: their products, clients, tech stack or growth.
Salary expectations — research the market range first; give a range and say you're flexible for the right role.
Gaps — explain briefly and honestly, then show what you learned or did during the gap.

At the end, always ask one or two questions — about the team, the first 90 days, or how performance is measured.

Model answer

Adapt it — don't memorise word for word

Q: "What is your greatest weakness?"

"I used to find it hard to say no, so I'd take on too many tasks and some deadlines got tight. Now I write my tasks in a simple tracker with dates, and when a new request comes in I check my list and agree on a realistic deadline with my lead. It's helped me deliver on time and communicate earlier when something might slip."

Q: "What are your salary expectations?"

"From my research, the range for this role in Kochi is about 4 to 5.5 LPA for freshers. I'd expect something within that range, but I'm flexible — the learning and the role matter most to me."

Why it works

Weakness answer:
• Real, but not a core skill the job depends on.
• Shows self-awareness and a concrete improvement habit.

Salary answer:
• Shows research, gives a realistic range, stays open to discussion.
• Avoids naming a single number too early.

Names, companies and figures are fictional. Replace them with your real details and practise saying it aloud.

Key points

Strengths need examples; weaknesses need an improvement plan.
Research the company for 'Why us?'.
Give a researched salary range, not a single number.
Always ask the interviewer a question at the end.

Quick check

Which is the best way to answer 'What is your weakness?'

Say you have none Give a real, non-critical weakness and how you're improving it Mention a skill the job depends on Say 'I work too hard' with no example

Practice task

Write answers to 'Why do you want to join us?' for two different companies you'd apply to, making each one specific to that company.

Interview corner

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Show ambition tied to the role: becoming strong in the core skills, taking on bigger responsibility (leading modules or mentoring juniors) and growing with the company. Avoid saying you plan to leave, study abroad or start a business.

Why are you leaving your current job?

Stay positive: focus on what you're moving towards — bigger responsibility, new technology, a better fit — rather than complaining about your current manager or company.