How to Provide the Best Interview Answers

When I interviewed candidates for our team at Microsoft, one thing always set the best apart. Specificity. Their answers showed that they did their research. They knew exactly why we were hiring and how their background fit — and they gave specific examples to prove it. This was one of the most consistent things across our best hires, so much so that I actually ended up using it as a screening test. If I could replace Microsoft with a competitor (Google, Amazon, etc.) and their answer still worked, it wasn’t a good answer. The people who gave catch-all answers tended to show that they didn't do much research and the convo progressed. Those interviews were generic and boring. But the people who could tell me exactly what was happening and how they could make an impact? Those conversations were a blast and those candidates stood out. So when you’re preparing for your next interview, use this 3 step process: 1. Research the heck out of the company and hiring team 2. Draft up answers that use specific examples and focus on the company’s needs 3. For each answer, ask yourself, “does this answer make sense if I swap in a competitor?” If it does, you need to be more specific! If it only makes sense with your target company, you’re in great shape to crush this thing.

Friends, many people seek advice for interviews. You'll discover your own method, which is ultimately the best, but here is my guidance based on receiving and accepting four offers from Amazon and conducting nearly 200 Amazon interviews myself. Attached is the Amazon "one sheet" I created for myself. More on this later. It's fully applicable to interviews beyond Amazon as well. First, be authentic and humble. Honesty and acknowledging both strengths and weaknesses are irreplaceable, as people can easily detect insincerity. Second, understand the company and the role for which you are applying. Many applicants fail to demonstrate a convincing passion and suitability for their chosen role. Being non-traditional is fine, but your application shouldn't seem vague or general. Third, have over 30 examples of impactful situations, whether related to Amazon's Leadership Principles (LPs) or general stories, that follow the STAR format. Ensure each story (S+T) clearly illustrates what you (not others) did (A) and the outcomes (R), including metrics if possible. Incorporate layers of thoughtfulness, such as scalability and lessons learned. Fourth, create a one-pager that organizes your preparation and serves as a reference during live interviews. As mentioned above, I've attached the actual edited (with brackets for confidentiality) one-pager I used for my Amazon interviews. I prepared three stories for each LP (42 in total), since interviewers value unique stories and it's uncertain which LPs will be discussed. I prepared three questions for the interviewer, incorporating topics throughout the job process. I crafted a four-point, 60-second summary of my resume, and a 5-minute version, as many candidates overly extend their background discussions. I also practiced delivering every LP response within five minutes, aware that people often extend their answers during the actual interview and in anticipation of follow-up questions. I prepared specific examples of successes in team/stakeholder management. For each past job, I outlined 3-6 examples of impact, serving as backups for LP stories. I noted my interests for the job I'm applying for. In this case, for my ultimate passion for games at Amazon, I went further and listed expertise in games, collectibles, non-endemics, and specific account and platform ideas. Outside of Amazon, prepare 30-40+ general anecdotes and you can make categories for different areas of impact you anticipate wanting to highlight or that they will ask about. I found this one-pager to be an optimal tool for motivation and structuring my preparation. It may seem excessive, but it worked for me, and you'll find what works for you. Given virtual interviews, having a "cheat sheet" seems even more sensible. You can find this reference sheet within resource 9 of 10 ("Career Job Pack") on my LinkedIn profile page, under the 10 video game career resources. I hope this helps, and I wish you the best of luck in all your interviews.

"Why should we hire you?" Many of you are getting this interview question wrong. You think, "I'll tell them I am a great problem solver or build strong relationships. That's what they want to hear, right? Well, sort of. Saying that makes you sound like everyone else. Getting an offer is not about being like everyone else; it is about showing you're uniquely qualified for the role. You need to provide the proof. Instead of: "I'm great at problem solving." Try: "I reduced customer complaints by 40% in six months by creating a new tracking system that caught issues before they escalated." Instead of: "I'm a team player." Try: "I started weekly cross-department check-ins at my last job. Within three months, project delays dropped by 25%." Also, when answering this question, don't forget to talk about your cultural fit. You will be hired not only because you can do the job, but also because you fit in the culture. I worked at an organization that was into its repeatable process for scaling. When interviewing candidates, I enjoyed hearing about their comfort level and preference for our business approach. I knew they could work within our way of doing business. So, here is a cheat sheet on how to answer this question. Before your next interview, write down three specific examples: —A problem you solved (with numbers) —A time you improved something (with results) —How you embody their company values (with a story) Skip the fluff. Give them evidence. That's how you stand out when everyone else is giving the same generic answers. Do you have a different approach? I'd love to hear about it. ---------- 💜 Helping mid-career professionals find clarity, build confidence, and land jobs they love. 📖 Follow me for career tips, job search strategies, and interview advice. 💌 Need support in your career journey? Reach out—I’m here to help!

I've interviewed 100s of people for 6-figure roles. (Here's what nobody tells you...) It's not the most qualified candidate who gets the job. It's the best prepared for the interview. How to prep like the top 1%: 1. Research the company like you already work there. ↳ Know their challenges, victories, and latest news. 2. Practice your answers out loud. ↳ What sounds good in your head may not when spoken. 3. Prepare 3 specific stories that showcase your skills. ↳ Focus on your adaptability and leadership. 4. Study the job description. Find the top 3 skills they want. ↳ Then craft examples proving you have them. 5. Do a mock interview with a trusted person. ↳ Someone who will give you honest feedback. 💡 And 7 questions to ask that make YOU stand out: 99% of candidates ask basic questions at the end. Don't waste this opportunity to impress! Ask these instead: ➟ What does success look like in the first 90 days? ➟ What are the biggest challenges facing the team that I could help solve? ➟ How would you describe the management style of the person I'd be reporting to? ➟ What distinguishes your top performers from everyone else? ➟ How does the company support professional development and growth? ➟ What made YOU decide to join this company, and what keeps you here? ➟ What do new employees find surprising after they start? The best candidates don't just answer questions. They create meaningful conversations. Remember: Interviews are a two-way street. You're evaluating them just as much as they are you. You spend 90,000 hours of your life at work. Choose a company and manager that support your growth. Your career will thank you. P.S. What's your best tip for nailing your interview? Share in the comments to help others prepare. ♻️ Valuable? Repost to share with your network. 🔖 Follow Justin Wright for more on career success. Want my 80 best cheat sheets? Get them here for free: BrillianceBrief.com   

A recruiter said I rambled too much in my interviews. I didn't like it but I appreciated the honesty. How this negatively affects interviews: → Can make you seem unfocused → You might miss the main point → Long-winded answers can bore the interviewer and cause them to disengage 7 strategies I used to cut down the rambling: (and get straight to the point) 1. Cheat Sheets Keep notes handy to jog my memory on certain stories, especially for common interview questions. 2. STAR Storytelling Organize answers using STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to ensure clarity and relevance. 3. Adopt the 'Rule of Three' Limit my points to three when responding. Our brains typically grasp three items most effectively. Example: "Three pivotal experiences that shaped my professional journey were X, Y, and Z..." 4. Embrace the Pause Allow moments of silence between my thoughts, understanding it's OK not to fill every second with words. 5. Minute Mastery Ensure my answers are between 60-90 seconds to stay concise and relevant. 6. Regular Practice Practice by recording myself (I recommend video to see your body language, hand gestures, etc.) 7. Pre-Plan Key Messages Before any interview, I'd identify core attributes or experiences I want the interviewer to remember. Example: For a marketing role, I'd prepare my talk track for 1) Campaign management 2) ROI-driven strategies 3) Cross-channel integration — Once you start doing these, your interview game will change for the better. And remember a detailed answer isn't bad, but it's important to ensure it doesn't become a rambling habit. ♻ Repost to help someone on their next interview And follow me for more posts like this.

My journey to #Google included interviews at #Amazon, #Meta, #PayPal, #Uber, #Pinterest and others. Here are my top tips to help you prep for your next interview: 1. Pre-Interview Prep is KEY: You should be preparing now—before the role is even posted, before you press apply! - Identify impactful projects: Choose projects where you made a real difference and can showcase your skills. - Practice out loud: Rehearse your answers, record yourself, and listen back. This helps refine your delivery and identify areas for improvement. 2. "Tell Me About Yourself" - Your 60-Second Story. Instead of just summarizing your resume, think of this as your chance to tell a concise and engaging story about your career journey. Highlight your: - Past experiences: Briefly touch on relevant roles and accomplishments. - Present skills and qualities: Emphasize your strengths and how they align with the role. - Future aspirations: Connect your #careergoals to the company's #mission. 3. Master the STAR Method: You'll hear me mention this A LOT! That's because the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is what helped me succeed in my interviews and achieve my career goals. - Structure is your friend: For every behavioral question ("Tell me about a time when..."), use the STAR method to tell a clear and impactful story. - OWN your accomplishments: Use "I" statements to highlight your individual contributions. Don't be shy about showcasing your impact! In my mock interview sessions, I hear so many people say "we" when talking about group projects. Remember to focus on what you specifically did. 4. Ask Insightful Questions: ALWAYS ask questions to your interviewer! - Avoid generic questions about company culture. Instead, ask questions that demonstrate your strategic thinking and interest in the role, such as: - How will success be measured in this role? - What are some of the top challenges (internal and external) the team faces? - What are the focus areas for the next year? Key Takeaways: - Preparation is essential: Invest time in pre-interview prep, even BEFORE you have an interview scheduled. - Structure your answers: Use the STAR method to tell compelling stories and showcase your #impact. - Ask insightful questions: Demonstrate your strategic thinking and genuine interest in the role. - Interview prep is an ongoing process: Practice with friends, use #AI-powered tools like Final Round AI, career.io, and Huru - AI Job Interview Preparation App for feedback, and continuously refine your skills. #interviewtips #jobsearch #careerhacks #interviewprep #STARmethod #myjourneyintech #interviewsuccess #journeytotech #blackintech #AIInterviewPrep

95% of job seekers I meet prepare for interviews poorly (here's what to do instead) (1) RESEARCH Spend no more than 15 minutes doing research → Review the company values, culture, and latest product launch, that's it. (2) PREPARE Think of answers for the 3 most common interview questions (write down your answer in bullet point format!) → Tell me about yourself → Tell me about a time when you solved a problem → Tell me about a time something went wrong (3) PRACTICE This is what 95% of job seekers don't do, but makes the BIGGEST difference. → Practice your answers out loud. → Set a timer for 3 minutes (no answer should take longer than 3 min) → Practice each answer 5 times (don't memorize it, let it evolve with each repetition) (4) ASK The questions you ask an interviewer matter even more than the answers you give. → Prepare 5 "smart" questions to ask (see my recommended list below) (5) END STRONG Always end your interview by asking the following question: → "Was there anything I didn't cover in our conversation today you would have liked me to touch on?" ☝ That's how you truly prepare for an interview. Yes it takes more work than just doing research, but it will land you way more offers I promise! 👉 P.S. I'm running a 100% free interview workshop next week, if you're interested in learning some more techniques let me know below and I'll send you the invite. _

One of the things that brings me so much satisfaction in my work with SheFi is helping candidates connect the dots about how to be more effective in their job search and interview processes. Our recent #interview skills workshop was a big hit, with some key takeaways worth sharing more broadly. → Practice your elevator pitch: Be prepared to spend no more than 2-3 minutes sharing a clear picture of your career history, what you’re seeking next, and why you are a fit for the role you’re seeking. No, really. Practice! Clearly articulating your value, experience and career goals at the outset can set the tone for the rest of the interview. → Throughout the interview, be mindful of time. This one commonly trips people up – it’s better to answer a question with a high level overview, pause and say something like “happy to expand on this”, then to ramble with no awareness of time, which flies quickly, especially in a 30-minute interview. It’s natural to be nervous, but rambling can kill an interview. Again, practicing ahead of time can make all the difference! → Have a few STAR stories ready to share. That stands for Situation-Task-Action-Result. This helps your interviewer understand your real experiences about how you’ve solved problems and created impact. These questions usually start with “Tell me about a time when…” or “Share an example of how…”. Include concrete examples and measurable results. These can be challenging to answer on the fly, so spend time preparing. → Be ready to discuss your strengths & weaknesses. Most of us have some idea of our strengths, but it can feel uncomfortable to shine a light on weaknesses. A great way to approach this is to think of your areas of growth. We all have them, and usually the interviewer is seeking to learn more about your self awareness than your weaknesses. → Lastly, have a few thoughtful questions ready, showing your interest in the role and the company. Don’t ask anything that you could easily find on the internet. If you’ve been selected for an interview, CONGRATS! You’re already rising above others in a competitive market. Hoping these tips will help you move to the next round, and eventually, the offer!

💼 First Impressions Matter - And I Can Tell Within 10 Minutes if You Stay Ready, or if you're playing games 💼 As someone who conducts interviews regularly, I've learned that the first few minutes can tell you a lot about how the rest of the interview will unfold. It’s amazing how often the answer to “Tell me a little about your background and yourself” sets the tone for the entire conversation. Whether it’s a well-thought-out response or a rambling, unfocused answer, it’s clear early on if the candidate is truly prepared or just winging it. So, how can you make sure that you stand out in those crucial first moments? 🚀 Preparing for Your Next Interview? Here’s How to Stand Out! 🚀 Interviews are more than just a Q&A session they’re an opportunity for you to shine, showcase your skills, and demonstrate your potential to drive impact. So, how do you prepare for success? Here are a few tips: Research Who You're Meeting With Know your interviewers! Understand their roles, backgrounds, and recent work. This helps you build rapport, tailor your answers, and show that you’ve done your homework. It also allows you to ask thoughtful questions about the company culture or their specific challenges. Come with Ideas Don’t just wait to be asked about how you can contribute- bring ideas to the table. Research the company’s goals, challenges, and recent initiatives. Be ready to share how you could help tackle those goals or provide a fresh perspective on current challenges. Have Your STAR Stories Ready The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is a fantastic way to tell compelling, concise stories that highlight your skills and experiences. Be ready with examples that showcase your problem-solving, leadership, teamwork, and adaptability. Be Ready to Answer 'Why You?' Be prepared to articulate why you’re the best fit for the role. What sets you apart from other candidates? What unique value do you bring? Be confident in your strengths and make sure your answer aligns with the company’s needs. The goal is to show that you’re not just another candidate—you’re the candidate. With the right preparation, you’ll leave a lasting impression and stand out from the rest. 💼✨ #CareerTips #InterviewPrep #JobSearch #ProfessionalGrowth #InterviewSuccess #CareerAdvice

I’ve been fortunate to land roles at Microsoft and Salesforce. Here’s what’s in my job interview prep doc: Let me start by saying, interviewing is a skill. You never know exactly what you’ll be asked during an interview. But you can sure as hell prepare for a lot of different scenarios. For years, I’ve maintained a personal interview prep doc. It’s just a text doc that I duplicate and edit for different roles. I reference this doc during a call to represent myself in the best way, whether it’s a phone or video call. Tons of folks are looking for jobs right now, so I thought I’d break down what’s in my doc, in case it inspires someone interviewing. Each section in my doc: 😎 Tell us about yourself: Contains the simplest version of my career arc in a nutshell, plus a few personal details, like where I’m based. Plus a nod to how we can dive in more to any of these experiences for more details. 📕 Relevant experience for this role: Bullets where I match specific aspects of the job description to my expertise, using as similar of words as possible. 💻 What I’m doing now: A deeper look at my current role. I find a lot of interviewers ask about this. Team size, scope, how success is measured, reporting structure, and so on. 🧲 What attracted you to this role: I always make a section of bullets about why this role, why now. Mix of why this role stood out to me, plus career motivations for seeking a growth opportunity. ⭐️ Personal values: I have a list of personal values that I always reference in interviews. It helps the interviewer see what matters to me so we can both assess if this fits. 📈 Results: List of metrics I’ve nailed in similar roles so I can quickly call upon them. Ideally fast, memorable numbers that tell a story. 🗒️ Company notes: I quickly review the company’s blog, YouTube channel, and social channels and note what seems important to the company right now, so I can drop in these observations as relevant. 🌲 Personal/fun facts: Stuff I’m comfortable sharing. It’s not necessary to share these. But sometimes an interview gets a little dry. Another way I might use this is if the interviewer is, say, from my home state. I’d make a note to talk about Indiana. ❓ My questions for them: I plan in advance, while staying flexible if new ones come up in the moment. I wrote a different post on questions for the hiring team that I will link in the comments. No, I don’t read the doc verbatim like a teleprompter. But the simple act of writing all this down cements it in my brain and helps solidify the story. Plus the notes are there if I do need them, which makes me less anxious. That alone probably helps me present as more confident on the call. I also believe you need to practice interviewing to crush it for that ultimate role! Take a couple interviews, test the waters. How do you prepare for an interview? What other tips do you have for folks? Sending those seeking the right role the best luck this Friday and beyond. ♥️