12 Common Job Interview Questions in Sri Lanka and How to Answer Them

18 Oct 2026

Most interviews, whether for a bank, a factory office or a software company, use the same small set of questions. Interviewers are not trying to trick you. They want to know if you understand the job, if you can communicate, and if you will fit into the team. Preparing short, honest answers to the questions below will make you far more confident on the day.

1. "Tell me about yourself."

This is not a request for your life story. Give a one-minute summary: your education, any relevant experience, one or two strengths, and why you applied. End with the job: "…and that is why I am interested in this customer service role."

2. "Why do you want to work here?"

Show that you looked at the company. Mention what they do, a branch or product you know, or their reputation. Avoid answers that are only about you, like "it is close to my house".

3. "What are your strengths?"

Pick two strengths that matter for this job and give a short example of each. "I am careful with numbers – at my last job I handled the petty cash for a year without a mistake."

4. "What is your weakness?"

Choose a real but small weakness and say what you are doing about it. "I used to be nervous speaking English in meetings, so I joined a weekend spoken English class and I practise every day."

5. "Why did you leave your last job?"

Stay positive. Talk about growth, learning or a better fit, not about problems with your old boss. Never criticise a previous employer in an interview.

6. "Where do you see yourself in five years?"

Show ambition that fits the company: "I would like to become a senior member of the accounts team and complete my CIMA or CA qualification."

7. "Why should we hire you?"

Connect your skills to their needs. Repeat two requirements from the advert and show how you meet them.

8. "Can you work under pressure?"

Give a real example – exam time, a busy season at a shop, an event you organised – and explain how you managed your time.

9. "Are you willing to work shifts, weekends or travel?"

Be honest. If you can, say yes clearly. If you have limits, explain them politely now; it is better than problems after you join.

10. "What salary do you expect?"

Find out the usual range for the role before the interview by looking at similar adverts. Give a range rather than one number, and say you are flexible for the right opportunity. Read our salary negotiation guide for more.

11. "Do you have any questions for us?"

Always ask one or two. Good questions: "What does a normal day look like in this role?", "How will my performance be measured?", "What training is given to new staff?"

12. A question in English when you are not confident

If you do not understand a question, it is fine to say, "Sorry, could you please repeat that?" Answer in simple English sentences. Clear and simple is better than long and confused.

On the day

• Arrive 15 minutes early and carry copies of your CV and certificates in a file.
• Dress neatly and simply – a pressed shirt or blouse is enough for most jobs.
• Switch your phone to silent before you go in.
• Greet the panel, sit when invited, and look at the person asking the question.
• Thank them at the end, and send a short thank-you email the same day if you have their address.

Preparing for a government interview? See our separate guide to government job interviews.