Oct 26 / Richa Bansal

5 Common Interview Answers That Could Hurt Your Chances—And Fixes

Truth will set you free…

But not always when it comes to interviews. 😉

Here are 5 examples of actual interviews where I helped my clients understand the red flags in their answers, which had prevented them from moving forward in their interviews!
Empty space, drag to resize
1. "Why did you leave your last job?"
Empty space, drag to resize
100% Honest Answer: "My manager was micromanaging, and the team environment was toxic."

Better answer: I learned a lot about [your domain] from the last role, and I’m ready for a new challenge where I can contribute and be part of a team that values growth and innovation.
Empty space, drag to resize
2. "What is your biggest weakness?"
Empty space, drag to resize
100% Honest Answer: “I’m terrible with deadlines and often procrastinate until the last minute.”

Better answer: "In the past, I’ve found myself overcommitting, which sometimes led to tight deadlines. I’ve since implemented better time management strategies, like prioritizing tasks and setting earlier personal deadlines, which has greatly improved my productivity.”
Empty space, drag to resize
3. "Why do you want to work here?"
Empty space, drag to resize
100% Honest Answer: "My current job doesn’t pay market value.”

Better answer: "I’ve always admired your company’s focus on innovation and creating impactful solutions in the industry. I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute my skills to a mission-driven team that is making a difference while also growing professionally in a supportive environment.”
Empty space, drag to resize
4. "Tell me about a time you failed."
Empty space, drag to resize
100% Honest Answer: "I was assigned a project, but I completely dropped the ball and missed the deadline, which caused the team to lose a major client."

Better answer: "I once missed an important project deadline because I underestimated the time required. Afterward, I learned to better assess project scope and allocate resources accordingly. I now use project management tools to track deadlines and keep things on schedule, and I haven’t missed a deadline since.

5. "Why should we hire you over other candidates?”
Empty space, drag to resize
100% Honest Answer: "I don’t really know who the other candidates are, so I can’t say for sure, but I’ll do my best."

Better Answer: "While I can’t speak to the other candidates, I believe my unique combination of [specific skills] and [relevant experiences] makes me a strong fit for this role. I have a proven track record of [specific accomplishment], and I’m confident that my skills in [mention key qualifications] align perfectly with the needs of your team. I’m ready to contribute from day one."
Empty space, drag to resize
My best clients land their next role within 90 days of working together because they get quick feedback on what they are doing right and where they are self-sabotaging.

If you are tired of wondering why you don’t have an offer yet, it’s time for us to chat.

Apply for THE FEARLESS HIRE to learn how you can land your next $200k+ offer in 90 days or less!

Whenever you are ready, here are 3 ways I can help:

1. THE FEARLESS HIRE: The only career accelerator for mid-senior women that are ready to land their next $150k - $400k job offer. Get the proven playbook, personalized coaching, and accountability you need to build your career on your own timeline, and become recession-proof. 

2. WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP ACCELERATOR: The only women's leadership accelerator for mid-senior women across the Government of Canada. This 6-month leadership program will give you the confidence, skills and network you need to fast-track your growth to executive roles.

3. PARTNER WITH PINKCAREERS: Bring our award-winning keynotes, training and women's leadership programs to your organization to solidify your DEIB efforts. 

Your dream career begins here.

Every Saturday, get one actionable strategy to level up your confidence, career, and compensation in less than 5 minutes.
Write your awesome label here.
Created with