Job interviews can be incredibly stressful. Whether you’ve changed jobs frequently or stayed in one place for years, most candidates don’t walk into an interview feeling fully prepared. In fact, studies show that 78% of job candidates wing their interviews, regardless of experience or role. And that’s a big reason why many interviews go poorly.
One of the most common traps is underestimating how impactful your answers to “simple” questions can be. The way you answer can reveal much more than you realize. Let’s take a closer look at two questions that often catch people off guard—and how you can answer them like a pro.
1. Why Do You Want to Work Here?
This question seems innocent enough, but it’s actually one of the most critical parts of the interview. Many people answer it in a generic way:
“I’ve worked in this industry for years. I think I can make a difference here.”
While that may sound okay, it lacks specificity and sincerity. A great answer to this question demonstrates that you’ve done your homework and understand the company’s mission, challenges, and goals.
✅ How to Craft a Strong Answer:
- Start with specific details you’ve learned through research. Mention things like their recent expansion, a unique product they offer, or a mission statement that resonates with you.
- Relate those details to your experience or values. For example, if the company is launching a new marketing department and you love building teams from scratch, say so—and give an example of when you’ve done it before.
- Don’t focus on what you want to get from the job. Focus on how you can contribute to the company.
Tip: Even if the company is small or not well-known, you can find valuable insights through their website, press releases, or local news articles. Use those to craft a meaningful and tailored response.
2. Tell Me About Yourself
This question seems like a good chance to relax and talk freely—but it’s a dangerous trap if you’re not prepared.
Some candidates ramble. Others give vague, forgettable answers. The best candidates treat this like a personal elevator pitch—a clear, concise summary of your professional identity.
✅ What to Include:
- A brief timeline of your career progression
- A few highlights of your key accomplishments
- Why you’re interested in the role and the company
Keep it to 2–3 minutes maximum. Practice it aloud several times so it sounds natural, not memorized. Avoid going into your personal history or life story unless it directly relates to the role.
Tips to Boost Your Interview Success
- Prepare and rehearse. Practice answering key questions, including these two, with a friend or in front of a mirror.
- Customize your answers for each company and role. What works for one interview might not work for another.
- Know your value. What are your biggest accomplishments? What can you bring to the table? Have examples ready.
- Close strong. If you feel the interview went well, don’t be afraid to say, “Based on what we’ve discussed, I’m even more excited about the opportunity.”
Final Thoughts
A good resume gets you the interview, but how you answer questions lands you the job. Interview preparation—especially for core questions like “Why do you want to work here?” and “Tell me about yourself”—is not optional. It’s essential.
As Peter Handal of Dale Carnegie Training put it:
“You only have one chance to make a really good impression.”
So take it seriously. Prepare for every interview like it’s your last chance to impress. Because in a competitive market, it just might be.