5 Common Interview Answers That Could Hurt Your Chances—And Fixes

Truth will set you free…

But not always when it comes to interviews. ??

Here are 5 examples of actual interviews where I helped my clients understand the red flags in their answers, which had prevented them from moving forward in their interviews!

"Why did you leave your last job?"

100% Honest Answer: "My manager was micromanaging, and the team environment was toxic."

Better answer: I learned a lot about [your domain] from the last role, and I’m ready for a new challenge where I can contribute and be part of a team that values growth and innovation.

"What is your biggest weakness?"

100% Honest Answer: “I’m terrible with deadlines and often procrastinate until the last minute.”

Better answer: "In the past, I’ve found myself overcommitting, which sometimes led to tight deadlines. I’ve since implemented better time management strategies, like prioritizing tasks and setting earlier personal deadlines, which has greatly improved my productivity.”

"Why do you want to work here?"

100% Honest Answer: "My current job doesn’t pay market value.”

Better answer: "I’ve always admired your company’s focus on innovation and creating impactful solutions in the industry. I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute my skills to a mission-driven team that is making a difference while also growing professionally in a supportive environment.”

"Tell me about a time you failed."

100% Honest Answer: "I was assigned a project, but I completely dropped the ball and missed the deadline, which caused the team to lose a major client."

Better answer: "I once missed an important project deadline because I underestimated the time required. Afterward, I learned to better assess project scope and allocate resources accordingly. I now use project management tools to track deadlines and keep things on schedule, and I haven’t missed a deadline since.

"Why should we hire you over other candidates?”

100% Honest Answer: "I don’t really know who the other candidates are, so I can’t say for sure, but I’ll do my best."

Better Answer: "While I can’t speak to the other candidates, I believe my unique combination of [specific skills] and [relevant experiences] makes me a strong fit for this role. I have a proven track record of [specific accomplishment], and I’m confident that my skills in [mention key qualifications] align perfectly with the needs of your team. I’m ready to contribute from day one."

My best clients land their next role within 90 days of working together because they get quick feedback on what they are doing right and where they are self-sabotaging.

If you are tired of wondering why you don’t have an offer yet, it’s time for us to chat.

DM me CAREER or apply for THE FEARLESS HIRE to learn how you can land your next $200k+ offer in 90 days or less!