The secret to acing job interview questions is to realize that they really aren’t about you. Interviews are about what you can bring to the organization, which ultimately takes the spotlight off of you and onto the organization.

Answering job interview questions are about what you can bring to the organization, which takes the focus off you and puts it on them.

Let’s look at how to tackle the most common job interview questions. It’s easier than you think (especially with Career Support Specialists like ours!).

Tell me about yourself

Tell a story about yourself rather than a list of what you did. The interviewer has your résumé and doesn’t need a summary of past jobs. Use your story to link your education, training, and work history into a narrative that culminates with position you’re trying to land.

The interviewer wants to see that you have a motivation to apply other than money. Your story links your drive, skill set, and personality together to produce your personal brand. Working for money isn’t a desirable trait because it tells the interviewer that you won’t put in the effort or become loyal enough to stay with the organization for a long time.

What do you know about this company?

What is your biggest weakness?

Yes, this question sucks—and yes, there is a reason for asking it! People say that it’s an outdated and useless question. It shows that you have a capacity for self-reflection, analytical skills, honesty, and a plan to improve yourself.

Some people do abuse it to establish a hierarchy in the interview. Watch out for that! Those people expect you to become nervous at the prospect of appearing anything less than perfect for a position. It’s silly once you take a step back to think about it, but the interview jitters can get the bravest of us.

Just remember that good places to work ask this question in a non-threatening way.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Do not answer with “starting my own company” unless the job is for a fixed contract length. Similarly, do not answer with “your job,” or a position above the interviewer’s own role. Don’t threaten the person or project arrogance.

With those out of the way we can get to the positive things to say. Articulate where you want to be through the things you want to do or learn! Even if you don’t know the exact position that you want, you can still say that you’d like to be doing something that expands your skills.

For example, our video game development graduates might say something along these lines:

“After becoming an experienced programmer I would like to become involved with the creative direction.”

There may or may not be a predefined role for that at the company in question. It doesn’t matter because it’s contingent on so many things that may or may not happen. The point is that your answer should demonstrate your desire to grow as a person and as a professional instead of just climbing the corporate ladder for a larger paycheque.

Do you have any questions for me?

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