Stop Sabotaging Your Interviews: A Look at Common Interview Questions Many People Get Wrong

The Popular Question: “Why Are You Looking for a New Job?”

This question, often one of the first in an interview, is where many people eliminate themselves from the hiring process. Remember: first impressions are everything! 

What You Could Be Answering Wrong and How to Fix It

“I’m looking for more money.”

While this may be an acceptable reason for your job search, it’s best not to mention it at this stage; talk about putting the cart before the horse… Not only is speaking about salary as soon as the interview starts off-putting for many interivewers, but it also puts you at a disadvantage. You’ll be working from then on to prove to the hiring manager why you deserve the salary you think you do. You may also have excluded yourself prematurely from the hiring range before the interview has really started.  

If salary is a deal-breaker, bring it up during the scheduling process well before your interview to not waste anyone’s time. It’s also good to remember that the interviewer will give you the opportunity to ask questions and address salary expectations yourself. 

A Better Answer: 

“I’ve reached the ceiling in my current environment and am looking to grow.”  

“I hate[d] my boss,” “I Didn’t get along with my coworkers,” “It was a toxic environment,” or other negative criticisms of your past or current employer’s work environment.  

As a general rule, avoid responding with any disparaging statements about your current or past employer. It’s not a good look. 

Since you won’t have time in an interview to explain your definition of a “toxic” or less-than-optimal work environment, this seemingly innocent answer may lead the interviewer to question how you would function in their work environment.

A Better Answer: 

Instead, provide an answer that does not dwell on a negative work experience, such as: “I’m looking for a different, or more collaborative team culture,” or “I’m ready for more professional development and experience in a different industry.” 

*Insert a telling of your life’s history here* 

Candidates tend to answer this way very often, and not only does it not answer the question, it’s also not the point! Although a tempting response (especially if you’re nervous), it’s best not to provide your interviewer with unnecessary information. They’re looking to understand why you’re looking for a new position – if they want information on your background, they’ll ask. 

A Better Answer: 

This is your opportunity to give the hiring manager an overview of how you have developed specific skills and experience pertaining to the position at hand. Stay on track and only provide what is relevant! 

If the interviewer is silent after your answer, don’t feel pressured into rambling irrelevant information. Stick to the question they asked and commit to your answer.

When in doubt about how to answer, tell them why you applied for the position: what made it appealing to you in the first place and why does this position align to your job search objectives? Are you looking to grow by facing new challenges in an unfamiliar environment? This is the time to let them know!

“I was terminated.” 

Be mindful of this response and have a prepared answer for the interviewer. Terminations are a normal part of the business environment and can happen to anyone, but be prepared to provide some context with your answer. 

A Better Answer: 

There should be no shame in addressing a termination; however, you should provide some context to help the interviewer better understand your situation. 

Was your termination a result of the company restructuring or changing location, or was your termination the result of a very public and vulgar meltdown? There is a difference. 

Moving Forward…

When answering questions in your interview, be truthful — it's how you convey the truth that can impact the impression you give the hiring manager. It’s also important to be aware of what you’re being asked and to make an effort to address and answer the question. 

If you’re nervous, let the interviewer know! It could provide them with some much-needed context to some of your long-winded answers. Don’t forget that you’re human – take a breath once in a while, and remember to pause between sentences. 

Stay tuned for our next blog in this mini-series where we’ll dive into another commonly asked interview question. 

If you think you could benefit from one-on-one interview coaching to develop clear and concise answers for your next interview, contact People Exchange today.