You can bet there are two key questions that any job interviewer will ask any candidate, and you really need to nail both in order to have a chance at the job. The answers are open-ended, but you should approach them with strategy:
- Tell me about yourself.
- The second question can be any of these, which are really all the same question:
- What are your strengths?
- Why should we hire you?
- Why are you a good fit for this job?
Stay on the Tree Line: Structuring your Responses
Before we dive into how to answer each of those questions, I always tell my coaching clients to think about “staying on the tree line” when developing their strategy for answers. What I mean by that is maintaining a focused and structured approach to answering questions by staying grounded in the core topics and avoiding tangents.
Think of the “tree” as a structured framework or a breakdown of a question. The “tree line” represents the main branches and key points of the answer’s framework. When you “stay on the tree line,” you are:
- Focusing on the core issues: Addressing the main points without getting sidetracked by irrelevant details.
- Maintaining structure: Using a clear and organized approach to answering questions, avoiding rambling.
- Following a logical flow: Forming your answer in a way that makes sense and connects to the overall question.
- Staying relevant: Ensuring your answers are directly relevant to the interviewer’s questions and the context of the interview.
Use Strong Headlines to Tell your Story
When answering the question “Tell me about yourself” you can stay on the tree line by not going into too much detail about any given job, which can dilute your message and confusing the interviewer. Instead, illustrate your career path with strong headlines.
For example, if you have worked in engineering for the past twenty years, you should not detail all five jobs you have had during your career and your accomplishments at each. That will be difficult for the interviewer to follow.
Instead, you could say, “I graduated from MIT as an engineer and my career trajectory has gone from being an individual contributor to a leader. Let me tell you how that has gone.”
A strong headline captures attention and provides an easy-to-follow framework for your response. The headline is that you have transitioned to a leader, and you can fill in with the story of how that happened.
When to Dive into the Details
While brevity is key, there are times when providing more detail is beneficial. For example, if you are interviewing for a Human Resources position, it can be helpful to list the software that you are proficient in. Since there are many different programs in that industry, that information would be valuable for the interviewer to know.
The Power of Personal Connection
People hire people they know, like, and trust. It is important to be likeable in the interview. An easy way to do this is to share a little bit about who you are as a person.
Providing interesting facts about yourself gives the interviewer a glimpse of who you are outside of work. Were you a chess champion? Do you volunteer at an animal shelter? Do you run marathons? Do you build houses with Habitat for Humanity? All of these hobbies and volunteer opportunities provide insight into what your core values and how you spend your personal time.
When you share personal information (but not too much!) you appear authentic. It also shows a level of self-awareness, especially if you can show a bit of humor. Maybe you poke fun at yourself with a funny personal story relating to one of your hobbies such as a shot gone wrong in your latest pickleball game. Who knows? The person sitting across the desk from you may also be a pickleball player, and you just made a personal connection!
Circling Back to the Job
One challenge I see clients struggle with is transitioning back to the job after sharing a little personal color. That is when your summary comes back into play. To wrap up your answer to “Tell me about yourself,” you could say “I’ve had success at my current position but I’m looking for more growth opportunity, and that’s why I’m excited to be here today.” This serves as a natural landing spot to bring your response back to the job at hand.
Showcasing your Value
The second major question will be some combination of:
- What are your strengths?
- Why should we hire you?
- Why are you a good fit for this job?
At first glance, this might seem easy because no one knows you better than you do. However, answering off the top of your head can lead to unfocused or rambling responses. Instead, structure your answer so it is easy for the interviewer to follow.
Related: How to Overcome Job Interview Nerves and Ace your Next Opportunity
Use the Rule of Four to Keep It Concise
I have a simple strategy for this: prepare well by scripting your answer and setting clear expectations. If I am asked “What are your strengths?” I might answer, “When I think of my strengths, four key things come to mind.”
By stating that upfront, you make it easier for yourself to stay on track and make it easier for the listener to follow. You then list your strengths such as:
- I am a relationship builder.
- I have strong analytical skills.
- I am a strategic thinker.
- I excel in problem-solving.
For each strength, provide a real-life example. The number four works well because it is easy for both you and the interviewer to retain. Too many points can be overwhelming, and too few may lack depth.
Make an Impression on Three Levels
When you are interviewing, you need to make an impression on three different levels:
- Competency: You can do the job.
- Cultural Fit: You are a good fit for the team, and the interviewer picks up a good energy level from you (pro tip: smiling helps!).
- Genuine Interest: You actually want to work there.
Many candidates underestimate the importance of this last point. You could ace the other impressions but if the interviewer thinks you have another interview lined up later that day, which could cost you the job.
Demonstrate genuine interest by researching the company beforehand. You do not need to know everything about it, but have three talking points you can bring up, whether it is an award they have received or a recent product launch.
Weaving a Common Thread in your Story
One of the best ways to hone your message is to develop a personal thread that connects your career story. I once worked with a recent college graduate in engineering and asked him how he got into the field. He responded, “Oh, you know, I just went to robotics club one time, and I never left.”
That is a fantastic, memorable answer! Think about things you did as a young person that relate to your career. If you are a salesperson, did you start by selling sneakers on eBay or running lemonade stands as a kid? These personal threads make your story unique and engaging.
The job interview is your chance to craft a compelling and unique message that sets you apart. By structuring your answers strategically, sharing personal insights, and demonstrating enthusiasm, you can leave an impression. Preparation and practice will make you a confident and compelling candidate.
Do you need help refining your interview strategy?