Bad Answers to Interview Questions

Your next job interview could literally change your life. If you're out of work, a steady paycheck can put you back in control of your life. If you accept a more lucrative position, your quality of life can skyrocket almost overnight. Bad interview answers can keep you from reaching your maximum potential. Don't let your destiny escape you. Prepare for the most common interview questions now to nail the interview and land your dream job.

Bad interview answers are almost always the result of poor interview planning. As soon as you are notified of your scheduled interview, it's time to start preparing to present yourself in the best possible light.

First, make a list of the most common interview questions. Expect the usual brain-stumping questions that can have a multitude of bad interview answers. These include "Tell me about yourself," "What do you know about us?" "Why do you want to work here?" "What process do you use to overcome challenges?" and "What is your greatest weakness?"

Now, take some time to research the company. Start by analyzing the company's website, and then look for any recent news, awards, mergers or transitions that the company has experienced to help you avoid giving any bad interview answers.

Next, brainstorm a list of personal and professional traits and experiences that show how you can be an invaluable asset to the company. Then, incorporate these traits and experiences into your list of interview questions. For example, if you are changing careers, you can answer the "Tell me about yourself" question with examples of how your education and previous career path led you to realize that your present passions and future goals align perfectly with the open position.

Another good rule of thumb to keep you from giving bad interview answers is to think of the questions in terms of behavioral pattern indicators. What your prospective employer really wants to know about you is if you are trustworthy enough to represent the company in a professional manner, handle work-related stress with finesse and rise up to unforeseen challenges with confidence. Therefore, formulate your interview answers to prove to your prospective employer that your behavioral patterns are consistent, honorable and sincere.

One of the worst bad interview answers can be your response to the "Why should we hire you?" question. This question is designed to give you the opportunity to show the recruiter what you can do for the company, not what the company can do for you. When this question comes up, do your best to show how your education, skills and goals are perfect for the position — and not that you just want the job because you are desperate for the money.

If you get stumped by an interview question, use a personal anecdote in place of a professional accomplishment, if applicable. Sometimes the best way to avoid giving a bad interview answer is to give your prospective employer a glimpse of how you identify personal problems, research various solutions and ask for help or guidance when necessary.

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