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Writer's pictureRay Baptiste

The One Difficult Interview Question Candidates Should Avoid Answering Right Away!

Updated: Oct 19

This could make or break your interview!

Female candidate in an interview

By Ray Baptiste


As simple as it may seem the question "Tell me about yourself?" is a potential minefield as many candidates fail to navigate this one question successfully. You may not be aware but, recruiters use the "Tell me about yourself?" question as part of their down-selection process and unfortunately, many candidates fail at this first hurdle, don't let it be you.


Getting this question wrong is normally found with experienced candidates who tend offer overly detailed answers, going off on tangents about past experiences that don’t directly apply to the role they are interviewing for. This is usually because candidates with a long career, often have a lot of stories and examples they want to share. However, they may fail to read the room or recognise when less is more, leading to overly long answers that dilute the effectiveness of their points.


To avoid this mistake, don’t answer the question right away. Instead, respond with a clarifying question such as, “Given my wide range of experience and your specific requirements, it would be helpful if you could highlight the top 3-5 priorities for this role. That way, I may tailor my response to address what matters most to you, ensuring we use our time efficiently.”

This approach is highly effective and benefits candidates who may be nervous or have a tendency to ramble. Here’s why:


  1. It allows the candidate to take control of the interview – Your question will subtly shift the power dynamic, making the conversation flow more smoothly and making it more natural. By asking questions, guiding topics, or steering discussions in areas where you feel confident, you establish a more level playing field. This approach can make you feel more comfortable and demonstrate your engagement, confidence, and initiative, all of which are attractive qualities to employers. When done skillfully, it fosters a balanced dialogue, allowing you to highlight your strengths, ask thoughtful questions, and ensure that the interviewer also addresses your priorities.

  2. It clarifies the employer’s main priorities – This helps you to better understand what they are looking for allowing you to align your responses and demonstrate how your skills and experiences match their specific needs. By asking targeted questions or listening carefully to the challenges they mention, you can gain deeper insight into what the employer values most in a candidate or role. This understanding enables you to tailor your answers to emphasise relevant qualifications, making you appear as the ideal fit for their team. Additionally, it provides you with valuable information, helping you determine if the company’s priorities align with your career goals and values.

  3. It lets you highlight your relevant skills – By understanding the employer's priorities, you can tailor your responses to focus directly on how your expertise aligns with their specific needs. This approach allows you to frame your skills and experiences in a way that demonstrates your value to the company, making your qualifications stand out. For example, if the employer emphasises the need for strong leadership, you can steer the conversation toward your experience managing teams or projects. By connecting your skills to the employer’s challenges and objectives, you show that you’re not just qualified, but a perfect fit for the role.


Interviewing is like a dance where you can either take the lead or follow. For more experienced candidates, this is an opportunity to leverage your years of experience and sound judgment to guide the conversation in a way that best showcases your value - keeping the waffle to the dessert menu!


Ray Baptiste - With over 30 years of recruitment experience, I’ve helped thousands of mid-career professionals and those over 50 find jobs that match their skills and passions. Whether you're just starting your search or fine-tuning your interview technique, I can provide the guidance you need to succeed.


If you're ready to take control of your job search and land your next role with confidence, I’m here to help. Contact me at ray@aionion.co.uk, or book a coaching session to start your journey toward your ideal career.



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