What to Say in a Job Interview

 

A job interview is your golden opportunity to make a lasting impression. What you say can make or break your chances of landing your dream job. But with the right preparation, you can confidently communicate your skills, experience, and enthusiasm.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to say during a job interview—from the introduction to the closing—and share tips to leave the interviewer impressed.

1. Start Strong: Your Introduction

The first impression sets the tone for the entire interview.

What to Say When You Enter

• “Hello, I’m [Your Name]. Thank you for having me today.”
  • Greet with a smile, firm handshake (if applicable), and maintain eye contact.
  • Show confidence but remain approachable.

How to Answer “Tell Me About Yourself”

• Focus on your professional background, not personal details.
• Highlight key achievements, relevant skills, and what excites you about this role.

Example Response:
“I’m a marketing professional with 5 years of experience specializing in digital campaigns. In my last role, I increased website traffic by 40% through targeted strategies. I’m excited about this role because I admire your company’s innovative approach to customer engagement.”

Pro Tip: Keep your introduction concise—1-2 minutes max.

2. Answer Questions with Impact

When answering interview questions, aim for clarity and relevance.

a) Common Questions and How to Respond

1. “Why do you want this job?”

   • Show enthusiasm and align your goals with the company’s vision.
   • Say:
     “I admire your company’s commitment to sustainability, which aligns with my values. I’m eager to use my skills in project management to contribute to your innovative initiatives.”

2. “What are your strengths?”

   • Highlight strengths that are relevant to the job.
   • Say:
     “I’m highly organized, which has allowed me to successfully lead multiple projects simultaneously. My ability to communicate effectively has also helped me build strong team collaborations.”

3. “What are your weaknesses?”

   • Frame a genuine weakness but show how you’re working to improve.
   • Say:
     “I sometimes focus too much on details, but I’ve been learning to prioritize by setting clear deadlines and delegating tasks.”

4. “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?”

   • Show ambition while staying realistic.
   • Say:
     “In 5 years, I see myself growing within this company, taking on leadership responsibilities, and contributing to its continued success.”

3. Use STAR for Behavioral Questions

Behavioral questions often start with “Tell me about a time when…”

STAR Technique:

• Situation: Briefly describe the context.
• Task: Explain the challenge you faced.
• Action: Share the steps you took to resolve it.
• Result: Highlight the outcome and your contribution.

Example Question: “Tell me about a time you solved a difficult problem.”
Response:
“In my previous role, I noticed a major bottleneck in our supply chain (Situation). My task was to identify the root cause and implement a solution (Task). I collaborated with the logistics team to analyze data and introduced an automated tracking system (Action). This reduced delays by 20% and improved efficiency (Result).”

4. What to Ask the Interviewer

Asking questions shows genuine interest in the role and company.

Good Questions to Ask:

1. “What does success look like in this role?”
2. “Can you tell me about the team I’d be working with?”
3. “What are the opportunities for growth within the company?”
4. “What challenges is the team currently facing, and how can I contribute?”
5. “What is the next step in the interview process?”

Pro Tip: Avoid questions about salary or benefits in the initial interview unless the employer brings it up.

5. How to Close the Interview

Reiterate Your Interest

• Say:
  “Thank you for this opportunity. I’m very excited about the role and believe my skills in [specific skills] align well with your team’s needs.”

Express Gratitude

• Say:
  “I appreciate your time today and learning more about the company. It was great to discuss how I can contribute.”

Follow Up

• After the interview, send a thank-you email to the interviewer.
• Include:
  • Gratitude for their time.
  • A brief mention of something specific you discussed.
  • Reinforce your enthusiasm for the role.

Example Email:
“Dear [Interviewer’s Name],
Thank you for the opportunity to interview for the [Job Title] position today. I enjoyed learning about your team’s approach to [specific topic]. I’m excited about the chance to contribute to [company goal]. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need additional information.
Best regards,
[Your Name]”

6. What NOT to Say in a Job Interview

1. Negative Remarks About Previous Employers

   • Avoid sounding bitter or unprofessional.
   • Instead, say: “I’m seeking new challenges and opportunities for growth.”

2. Unprepared Answers

   • Don’t fumble over questions—practice common ones beforehand.

3. Overly Personal Details

   • Stick to professional and relevant information.

4. Exaggerations or Lies

   • Always be honest about your skills and experience.

Conclusion

Knowing what to say during a job interview can make all the difference. From a strong introduction to thoughtful questions and a professional close, preparation is key. Remember, interviews are not just about impressing the employer—they’re also an opportunity to assess if the job is the right fit for you.

What’s the one interview question you find most challenging to answer? Let us know in the comments!