Here's how you can ace answering interview questions by avoiding common mistakes.

For every question you get in a job interview, understand the question behind the question. 1. For example: you will get questions such as: "Tell me about yourself.", "Why should I hire you?", etc. Pause and think carefully before you answer. 2. Before your interview, come up with different answers as to why you are being asked the question. Look for the true question the interviewer is asking you. 3. Practice doing mock interviews. Mock interviews can help you learn what to improve on.

Know why the interviewer is asking this question Anticipate the interviewer’s expectations, way before entering the interview room This enables you to respond to questions effectively. Before an interview, do your research the company, practice common interview questions, and seek constructive feedback through mock interviews.

To ace answering interview questions and avoid common mistakes, I ensure candidates take several key steps. I advise them to thoroughly research the company and role to tailor their responses effectively. I also encourage them to use specific examples from their past experiences and structure their answers using the STAR method. Candidates must listen carefully to each question and seek clarification if needed. Honesty and authenticity in responses are emphasized to build trust with the interviewer. This approach helps candidates perform better and sidestep typical errors.

Para mejorar tus respuestas en una entrevista y evitar errores comunes, prepárate investigando a fondo la empresa y practicando respuestas claras y concisas que resalten tus logros. Evita divagar o ser demasiado vago; en lugar de eso, utiliza la técnica STAR (Situación, Tarea, Acción, Resultado) para estructurar tus respuestas y demostrar tu impacto. Escucha atentamente las preguntas antes de responder y evita hablar negativamente de empleadores anteriores. Mantén una actitud positiva y profesional, mostrando confianza sin exagerar.

1. Avoid Generic Responses: Tailor your answers to the specific role and company, rather than using generic or rehearsed responses. 2. Don't Ramble: Be concise and stay on topic. Practice clear, structured answers that directly address the question. 3. Skip the Negativity: Focus on positive experiences and avoid speaking negatively about previous employers or roles. 4. Don't Ignore the Question: Ensure you understand the question fully and address it directly; avoid going off on tangents. 5. Avoid Overconfidence: Balance confidence with humility. Acknowledge areas for improvement and demonstrate a willingness to learn and grow.

Understanding the context behind interview questions is crucial, but it's equally important to connect your answers to the company's broader goals and culture. By tailoring your responses to demonstrate how your skills and experiences can directly contribute to the company's mission, you not only show that you're a good fit for the role but also that you see the bigger picture. Additionally, practicing active listening during the interview allows you to pick up on subtle cues from the interviewer, helping you to provide more thoughtful and aligned answers.

Rushing to answer without fully understanding the question can be a mistake. Take a moment to ensure you grasp what’s being asked. If needed, ask for clarification. This shows that you’re thoughtful and attentive.

When you answer a question, it is not just about the words. It is about knowing what the interviewer really wants to hear. Think about the role, the company, and what they are looking for. Then, tailor your answers to fit. It does sound simple, but this makes a big difference.

Employers ask interview questions to determine 1) if you have the skills and experience to succeed in the role, 2) if you are motivated to take on the role, and 3) if you are going to be a good fit. These are the three components they're looking for in a candidate. If you can answer their questions based on these components, you'll do well.

People often forget that the stories and examples need to be relevant to the role to be impactful. Focus on the audience. For example, If you're applying for an MSL position, rather than just talking about generalities on therapeutics and patient care, emphasize how you've successfully trained HCPs on new treatment protocols, aligning with the role's focus on education and training.

Share stories and make sure they are engaging. 1. You want to paint the picture for your audience by talking about what you went through. 2. Use emotions to describe how you felt. 3. Show you are in control of the situation. Mention what you did and what the result was.

Facts are great, but stories? They stick. Share experiences that show how you handled similar situations in the past. People remember stories more than they remember facts. Just keep it relevant and clear.

A well-told story reveals multiple skills, not just the one interviewers ask about. For example, if the question is aimed at determining your leadership abilities, a story can also reveal communication, problem-solving, motivating skills, and more. You might want to help the interviewer understand your story by voicing the outline: "The situation I encountered was...." "My task in the situation was.... "The steps I took to solve the situation were...." "The result/s were...." Make your story crystal clear.

Enthusiasm is huge. It demonstrates how excited you are about the responsibilities of the role, your motivation level, and how you'll be a fit in the org. I interviewed 17 candidates for unemployment rep positions, none of whom had prior experience. The ones who were enthusiastic about the role were the ones I pushed forward.

Try to align your enthusiasm with the specific projects or goals the company is working on. This means doing your homework to understand their current initiatives and expressing how your skills and experiences can contribute to those goals. Engaging with the interviewer on topics related to the company's future directions or challenges also demonstrates a proactive mindset.

Nobody wants to hire someone who looks like they are just there for the salary (Though mostly is true). Show some excitement about the role and the company. Tell them you are excited. Literally. "I'm very excited and looking forward to contribute"

A big mistake a lot of people make would be speaking negatively about previous employers or colleagues. Even if you had a bad experience, frame your answer in a positive light. Focus on what you learned from the situation or how it helped you grow professionally.

I find that the job seekers who are arrogant are the ones who do poorly in interviews. Knowing more than the hiring manager is fine, especially if you have been at your trade for many years; but telling them through your attitude or outright saying it, is just plain wrong.

Find a balance between expressing confidence without sounding arrogant. Instead of just saying how sure you are you can do something, give examples to back it up. If you say you’re a good leader, share a story about a time you led a project, faced challenges, and kept your team on track. This shows you’re capable and that your confidence is warranted and comes from real experience. Talk about how you’ve grown through your experiences. If you say you’re adaptable, mention a time you had to quickly learn something new, like mastering a new process or tool needed by your team. Explain your strategy for learning quickly and effectively. This way, you show you’re confident, but also willing to learn and improve.