How not to tell Interview Answers – And What to Say Instead

Have you ever been browsing the web and come across an ad that is specifically targeted to you, but the message doesn't fully resonate because the stock photos distract you? Because they aren't unique, the overused photos detract from the credibility of the advertised product. When you respond to interview questions with a "stock" response, it's similar to what an interviewer feels. They've all heard them before, and the interviewer thinks your response isn't genuine.

If you're new to interviewing and/or haven't been on the candidate side in a while, we've compiled a list of common interview responses to avoid.

• I work too hard” or “I’m a perfectionist” or “I’m too hard on myself”

These and other variations of these responses are frequently given in response to the age-old (and dreaded) question, "What are your flaws?" Employers want you to talk about your flaws because they want to see how self-aware you are and what steps you've taken to address them.

• I become deeply invested in the projects I work on, and in many ways, I feel the work I produce is me, so if a project is scrapped halfway through, I can be deeply disappointed,” a more genuine response might sound like. When it comes to new projects, however, I've learned to be prepared for any outcome. As I've progressed in my career, I've become more aware of the overall business rationale for which projects the company pursues, and I try to communicate this to my team. I recall being in their shoes not long ago, so I am a firm believer in open and honest communication. That way, even if a project is put on hold, they will understand why and remain engaged.
• I always meet my goals.”

It can be tempting to claim that you never make mistakes, that you never miss your deadlines, and that all of your projects are completed on time and on budget if you're trying to stand out from other interviewees. Most experienced interviewers will assume that you are lying or that you lack the necessary experience to have faced and overcome failure.

If you want to stand out, emphasise how you never give up on your goals, even in the face of failure and setbacks, and how you keep moving forward and putting in the effort to succeed. Give specific examples of a problem you encountered, how you overcame it, and what you learned as a result. Most candidates won't go through that – giving you an advantage.

• In five years, I see myself in your position.”

Employers want to know that you're ambitious and can see yourself working for the company in the near future, but you don't want that to be misinterpreted (correctly or incorrectly) as a bid for the interviewer's position. It's fine to express your desire to advance to a managerial position in the future, but we recommend doing so diplomatically. You don't want to put the interviewer on the defensive with your response.

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