Avoiding Stupid Answers

Interviews can be enlightening for all parties involved. On one side of the table you have the hiring manager/interviewer, and on the other side of the table, there you sit on the edge of your seat – ready to begin. You were brought in for a face-to-face interview because the company sees something they already like in you. Let’s be sure they continue to like you by ensuring that you will not give one – or any – of the top three stupid answers seen most often during an interview.

1. “I am a people person.”

As compared to what…a Yeti? This stupid answer comes up when a candidate is asked: "Why should I hire you over all the other candidates?" I am trying to ascertain the self-awareness level of the candidate, and if they can persuasively articulate their talents. I’m not even sure what a “people person” is, frankly. It seems this term came into vogue a few decades back and it simply won’t go away! It is used by young and old alike. This answer does not demonstrate any talents. You can demonstrate your interpersonal skills (aka: “people person”) through your coherent answers to other questions. When you are asked why they should hire you, don’t waste your time and the opportunity with this stupid answer.  

2. “I like to help people.”

This stupid answer comes up in many different areas of the interview. I have heard it used in response to many different questions, and generally it is a wasted statement. Look, we all like to help people, and most people will stop to offer directions, help someone pick up a lost item, or even help an elderly woman cross the street. These are admirable traits; however, unless you are interviewing for a position that calls for these actions over and over, this statement does you no good.

3. “I am a hard worker.”

This stupid answer always makes me mentally chuckle. Hard work is a given. I would rather have someone tell me they are a smart worker. The hard worker answer is almost meaningless to your cause of selling yourself in the interview. The hiring manger is looking for your talents and trying to make a decision as to you being a relevant team member. Stating that you are a hard worker should be avoided, as the hiring manager will drill down into “why are you a hard worker?” – over and over again, until you are out of gas. This, ironically, will demonstrate they are a “harder worker" than you.

There are two common threads to stupid answers: 1. They are all given in response to questions which you could insert your personal branding statement. Your branding statement provides a clear, concise, and persuasive statement regarding your skills, talents and abilities, and why they should matter to a company. 2. They are given due to a lack of preparation. Being fully prepared to completely tell the story of YOU and the WHY behind you will help you avoid stupid answers. If you want to avoid giving these or similar stupid answers GET PREPARED!