Interviews: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

So here you are, plopped patiently in some marble-floored lobby, anxiously waiting to enter the palm-sweating realms of the job interview. You’ve done your preliminary research, rehearsed answers in the shower, perhaps even engaged in a mock interview or two. But when it comes to the fateful day-of, it’s nerve-wracking every time around. Despite our dress-to-impress attire and impeccably designed answers, who isn’t nervous of mind-blanks and silly slip-ups?

But just as much as those dazzling answers, I’ve found it helps to have an inkling of what NOT to say--the avoid-at-all-costs responses everyone fears might slip out unchecked. So, as a fun accompaniment to all those model self-help guides, I’ve designed an ‘interview gone bad,’ if you will. I’ve used applying to a publication as an example (the field in which I’ve encountered the most interview experience). But these all-too-common interview mistakes cross-sect just about any field and profession. Hopefully if you feel any of these sentences gurgling out of your throat, you’ll know to halt, change gears, and say something more indicative of your potential.

Question: Tell me about yourself.

Answer: Well, I grew up in New Jersey. I have two sisters and a dog. I like to play tennis, read, travel, and listen to music in my spare time...

While we all love personal fun-facts, the ‘tell me about yourself’ query should unearth traits that speak to the job-in-question. Before diving into extraneous details, it’s important to hone in on the facts that pitch you as a compelling job candidate. If applying to a publication, you might tout your love for writing, reporting, and people-interaction--crucial for a successful journalist. The same goes for any other professional position, each requiring specific interests and skills that quick-witted employers carefully track.

Question: Why do you want to work at our company?

Answer: I think your company would be the perfect place to develop my academic and personal interests. It would provide me opportunities for on-the-job reporting, article writing, and help me gauge the setting of a professional publication.

However true, this vague and too often heard answer says nothing about why, out of all the similarly reputable x number out there, you’re trying your bets at this particular firm. This company-specific question doesn’t ask why you’re pursuing a job in your overarching field. It asks what exactly about its own innovative job entity--its slew of distinctive missions, projects, and goals---particularly draws you in. This, of course, requires research. While the company’s homepage is a good starting point, don’t limit yourself; scour out the firm on resources such as Vault Library, online journals, and media sites. Once you’ve accessed the facts, analyze what specifically about this company makes it the best choice for YOU. If you’re a blog-junkie (like myself), citing the organization’s burgeoning shift toward online blogging venues, for instance, can add to your credibility and evidence your compatibility with the firm. Employers don’t only want to know that you’re a solid job candidate, but also how their professional ambient complements your professional interests and long-term goals.

Question: What has working on your campus publication been like?

Answer: It’s been a wonderful experience. As a news editor, I brainstorm topics, work with writers, and edit the articles in my section. It’s really helped me grow as a writer and editor and given me meaningful experience in the field.

There’s nothing technically wrong with this answer--no fateful errors or slip-ups. But at the same point, it just doesn’t really say much. The prime way to distinguish yourself from all other competitive candidates is to qualify your experiences with specific personal examples. Tell your employer about some of the articles you’ve headed, an especially knock-out story, a challenge you’ve overcome. Instead of saying “it helped me grow,” explain how it specifically helped you better master the field’s professional arena. Don’t be too long-winded, of course--one or two quick references that speak to your professional growth should function just fine.

Susannah says: I agree! We often hear our employers say that they would like students to come better prepared with a number of specific examples illustrating skills gained, lessons learned, and notable accomplishments, as opposed to speaking about experiences in generalities.

Question: What would you say your weaknesses are?

Answer: I can’t really think of any. But now that I think of it, I tend to be a perfectionist…

This one is always tough. Here you are, supposed to market yourself as the perfect job candidate, and you’re now being asked to reveal your faults? Won’t your employer slash your name off if you admit to messiness and morning crankiness? But this question isn’t designed to manipulatively weed you out, but to genuinely gauge your persona--beyond the on-paper perfection glimmering on their desks. Saying you don’t have any weaknesses, or that you happen to be “too perfect” then and again, comes off as ingenuous and a tad superficial. We all have weaknesses, even your intimidating employer sitting across from you. Be honest and forthright; convey your flaws not bashfully, but with confidence. Offer ways you’ve improved and gradually turned around your only-human weaknesses. Show your employer that you recognize your faults and can overcome them to achieve job success.

Susannah says: We often discuss 'the weakness question' and other challenging queries in appointments with students. Consider scheduling a mock interview with a career counselor to give yourself the opportunity to practice your answers. When practiced, answers to these questions can illustrate your self-awareness, ability to overcome difficulties, and grace under pressure when answering tough questions.

Question: Why YOU (over all other candidates?)

Answer: My experience and skills cater well to the position and the demands of your firm. I am a strong writer, have meaningful publication experience, and work well in high-stress settings. I have become more comfortable with digging up stories and pitching clear, informative articles of all types.

This might all be impressively true. But how does your employer-to-be know you’re a strong writer, a self-starter, the company’s future portrait of success if you don’t unravel your assertions with evidence? To smartly tackle the mind-boggling ‘why you?’, as we've already said, think specific. Qualify your statements with solid, eye-opening proof. Talk about the time you juggled your publication’s looming high-stress deadlines with burdening school work, and like your deadline-meeting reporter, came out unscathed. Humor your employer with a creative story you contrived, an out-of-the-box interview you landed, a rewarding project you pioneered. Inject colorful life to your assertions; not only will your credibility increase, but you’ll start to materialize as an engaging personality behind the everyday candidate.

Want more information? Read our interviewing packet and schedule a meeting to chat about interviewing.