Nail These Two Basic Interview Questions - and Stand out Instantly

Never go into an interview unprepared! Know your story, organize your thoughts, create a script for yourself, get comfortable with it, and practice aloud. By doing this, you will avoid any last-minute panic.

Be yourself but be your Best Self!

Here are two basic questions that typically start off an interview:

Question 1: Tell Me About Yourself

This is not about your whole life story. It’s not about me-me-me. After a brief introduction about yourself (brevity is golden here) make sure your statements relate to the job and the company. So, when an employer asks this question, take a minute to reframe it to: “What value could I bring to the company,”

Practice your response until it flows like poetry!

Question 2: Why are you Interested in this Job?

This is your chance to tell the company, ‘I've done my homework, I'm genuinely excited, and I can already see myself here.’ Show your curiosity about the company. Before every job interview, you need to do your research. Find out everything you can. Check the company website, search google and LinkedIn. You need to clearly explain why you applied, and you want to show your interviewer that you are the right person for the job.

This question just begs you to make the connection of your skills and experience to the role. So, talk about what excites you and what you're hoping to grow into. Does your passion relate to the position? Speak about what you do best, and how you will leverage your strengths, abilities, and experience to add value to the company.

Smile, relax and let your personality shine: Interviewers don't just hire capability. They hire enthusiasm. Get this answer right, and it can be the edge that tips things in your favor, especially when you're neck-and-neck with other qualified candidates. What makes you unique is your personality. Don’t be afraid to let it come out in your answers. And a smile is just icing on the cake. Research has shown that people who smile come across as more likable. And relax. An interview? Well, it’s really just a conversation.

Visit the Virtual Resource Room at Calgary Career Hub for relevant information on all topics related to job search. Make sure to check out the category on Interview Skills.