What You’re Getting Wrong with the 7 Most Common Interview Questions (and How to Fix It)
Preparing for a job interview is like rehearsing for a performance, yet far too often, candidates end up sounding rehearsed rather than authentic. This article tackles the seven most common interview questions, pinpointing what so many candidates get wrong and providing practical advice on how to answer interview questions effectively. Let’s dive into each question, break down common mistakes, and explore ways to craft responses that will genuinely impress hiring managers.
If you’d like to see a more in-depth video of what to do and what not to do in regards to answering these top 7 questions, check out my video here!
1. Tell Me About Yourself
What’s Wrong with Common Answers
Many candidates use this question to rattle off their resume or provide a generic summary that doesn’t stand out. This approach feels impersonal and can make you blend into the sea of applicants. The goal here isn’t just to show that you’re qualified but to show the unique qualities that make you the right fit.
How to Answer It Better
Start by asking, “Would you like to hear the personal or professional side of my story?” This approach helps you gauge what the interviewer wants and gives you a moment to compose yourself. In answering, blend a few professional highlights with a personal touch that aligns with the company culture.
For instance, when I interviewed for a technology leadership role, I didn’t just list my experience; I mentioned my passion for tech innovation and my journey from IT support to strategic leadership. In addition, I throughout some of my outdoor hobbies and things I am learning currently. By sharing this mix, I was able to showcase my qualifications and enthusiasm, creating a narrative that felt real and relatable, all while staying within 1-2 minutes in length..
2. Why Do You Want to Work Here?
What’s Wrong with Common Answers
Many people give vague answers like, “I admire your company’s culture,” or, “I’m impressed by your mission.” While these are nice sentiments, they lack substance and often don’t show why you’re specifically drawn to this company.
How to Answer It Better
Do your homework. Look up recent company initiatives, industry contributions, or values that resonate with you. Then, tie these specifics into your response to show genuine interest. For instance, if the company just launched a sustainability program, mention how it aligns with your personal values.
I once interviewed at a company known for hosting conferences to foster community innovation. My response was specific: “I’ve admired your conferences for years and love how you bring industry leaders together. It’s inspiring to see a company take such proactive steps in its field, and I’d be thrilled to contribute to that impact.”
3. What Are Your Strengths?
What’s Wrong with Common Answers
Listing generic qualities like “hardworking” or “trustworthy” without concrete examples falls flat. These answers often feel like empty platitudes that fail to show how you’ll bring real value.
How to Answer It Better
Instead of vague strengths, share specific achievements and outcomes that demonstrate those qualities. If one of your strengths is problem-solving, give an example of how you used it to make an impact.
For instance, you might say: “I have a strong problem-solving mindset, which I used to reduce escalations by 30% in my previous role. By developing a more efficient ticket-tracking system, I was able to streamline the resolution process significantly.”
Sharing a specific accomplishment makes the strength tangible and relatable, proving your value to the employer rather than just stating it.
4. What Are Your Weaknesses?
What’s Wrong with Common Answers
This is often considered the hardest interview question to answer. Many candidates dodge it by framing a strength as a weakness (e.g., “I’m a perfectionist”). While this may sound safe, it often comes off as insincere.
How to Answer It Better
Be honest about a real area for growth, ideally one that is relevant but not critical to the role. Also, mention the steps you’re taking to improve. For example, if you’re transitioning into a new area of expertise, acknowledge that and highlight what you’re doing to get up to speed.
For example, if you’re new to a field, say something like: “As I’m moving from IT infrastructure to software development, I’m working to familiarize myself with coding languages relevant to our projects. I’ve enrolled in an online course and started a mentorship program to build my technical knowledge.”
This approach shows that you’re self-aware and proactive about your growth, which hiring managers respect.
5. Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?
What’s Wrong with Common Answers
Generic answers like “I want to be in a leadership role” or “I see myself growing with the company” are too vague. This question is meant to gauge your ambition and how your goals align with the company’s growth.
How to Answer It Better
Instead of just describing a career title, talk about skills you hope to develop and contributions you want to make. This way, you’re showing that your growth goals can benefit the company as well.
When asked this question, I responded, “In five years, I see myself deeply involved in strategic planning and helping the company innovate in areas like cloud computing. I’d love to continue growing in this field and become a thought leader in tech solutions. Within the career progression system, I’d like to be at least a Director or even VP within an organization” This answer demonstrated ambition and alignment with the company’s direction without making unrealistic promises.
6. Why Are You Leaving Your Current Job?
What’s Wrong with Common Answers
Candidates often fall into the trap of badmouthing their previous employer or giving vague reasons like “I’m looking for growth.” This can make you seem negative or unclear about your goals.
How to Answer It Better
Frame your answer around new opportunities for growth, learning, and contribution. Be positive about what you’re leaving behind and focus on what you’re excited to pursue.
For example, “I’m looking for a role where I can take on more responsibility in leading projects, which aligns with my long-term goal of moving into project management.” This answer is optimistic and forward-focused, helping the interviewer see your motivation clearly.
7. Why Should We Hire You?
What’s Wrong with Common Answers
Many candidates simply repeat points from their resume or list qualifications without demonstrating why they’re uniquely suited for the role. This is a missed opportunity to stand out.
How to Answer It Better
The best way to answer “Why should we hire you?” is to provide a mix of professional and personal qualities that make you an ideal fit. Avoid repeating what’s already on your resume; instead, add value by sharing a unique aspect of your background or character that aligns with the company’s needs.
An example could be: “I have a strong belief in lifelong learning. Recently, I completed a course on agile project management to deepen my skills, and I’m excited to bring that knowledge to improve efficiency here. Additionally, I’m someone who thrives in team-oriented settings, <Insert Team-led Success Here> which I know is a big part of your company culture.”
By framing your answer this way, you showcase relevant skills and personal qualities that align with the company’s values.
Additional Interview Tips for Success
1. Do Your Homework
Research the company’s culture, recent projects, and core values. Mention specifics you discovered in your answers, as these details demonstrate genuine interest. The traditional advice is to review their website, but you should also review their LinkedIn or other social media, as this might have more recent and relevant information for the interview.
2. Practice with AI
Using tools like ChatGPT to rehearse responses can help you improve your delivery. It’s a great way to simulate interviews and refine answers that might feel stiff or unnatural. Make sure to use the Voice Feature in the mobile app for this, so that it’s conversational. It can also give you feedback on your tone, cadence, word-choice and more that won’t be available for feedback when written.
3. Show Genuine Emotion
A big part of interview success is sounding like a real person, not a rehearsed script. Let your personality shine through; people hire people they connect with, not robots reciting lines.
4. Think of It as a Conversation
Make the interview feel like a two-way street. Ask questions when relevant to learn more about the position or team. This builds rapport and shows that you’re genuinely interested in finding the right fit.
Conclusion
Interviewing isn’t just about preparing answers; it’s about making a lasting impression through authenticity and relevance. By understanding what’s often done wrong with these seven common interview questions, you can avoid generic responses and craft answers that stand out.
Embrace these interview tips, focus on value, and let your personality come through in your responses. Remember, interviewers aren’t just looking for skills—they’re looking for someone who adds something special to their team. So next time you’re preparing for an interview, use this honest interview advice to show up as your best, most genuine self.
Ready to take your interview prep to the next level? Dive into more job search advice on my LinkedIn or website, where I share career coaching tips, insights, and strategies to help you land the job you’re aiming for.
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