Grade These Interviews Answers and Learn How to Make Them Better (Part 1)
“It’s the obvious which is so difficult to see. People say, ‘It's as plain as the nose on your face.' But how much of your nose can you see, unless someone holds a mirror up to you?”
I’ve paraphrased this quote from Asimov’s I, Robot because I think it captures my many years of experience doing mock interviews with my students.
An ideal mock interview experience will “hold a mirror” up to the student and help them see the obvious missteps and gaps in their answers.
And what I’ve realized is that the mock interview process holds a mirror up to myself as well. It makes me more aware of my own biases/perspectives that could cloud my judgment–forcing me to think more like an admissions committee or potential employer.
This brings me to another quote from Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People:
“To change ourselves effectively, we first have to change our perceptions.”
I think there’s a lot to learn from the exercise of seeing/hearing other people’s interview answers–stepping into the position of judge and jury–to help improve your own performance.
This two-part article will take you through 10 common interview questions, invite you to grade them, and then provide tips for how to make them better.
And at the end, I’ll invite you to record a mock interview yourself to test what you’ve learned.
Common Interview Question #1: “Tell me about yourself.”
Context: Law Firm Internship
Hypothetical Answer (Paraphrased from Video):
“Well, I’m currently a student at the local university majoring in political science. I've always liked arguing and standing up for what I think is right, so I figured law might be a good field for me. I’ve taken a few law-related classes and they were pretty interesting. I also enjoy watching legal dramas and find the legal system quite fascinating. I’m looking to get more real-world experience to see if law is definitely the path I want to take, so that’s why I applied for this internship. I think it’d be cool to see how a law firm operates day-to-day.”
Grade This Response:
After watching the video, please select what you see to be the two weakest aspects of the answer (NOTE: more than two choices may apply):
☐ Lack of specificity/memorability ☐ No connection to the law firm ☐ Verbal tics
☐ Too much eye movement ☐ Unprofessional ☐ Cliché
What’s Wrong in This Response:
I would choose the following two issues:
- Lack of Specificity: The answer is generic and doesn't provide details about relevant coursework, skills, or specific interests in the law.
- Cliché: Phrases like “I’ve always liked arguing” and “legal dramas are fascinating” are clichéd and do not convey a genuine understanding of the profession.
An Improved Answer:
“I’m a third-year Political Science major with a passion for public law and its potential for real-world impact. I’ve been an active participant in our university’s debate team, sharpening my ability to think on my feet and argue effectively in a legal context. Last summer, I volunteered with a legal aid initiative, helping to bridge the justice gap for underprivileged communities, which was enlightening and fulfilling. What excites me about [Law Firm Name] is your innovative approach to [specific legal specialty], an area I’m eager to explore further. On a lighter note, I’m known among my peers for my baking skills, especially my cheesecake, and I love hosting potluck parties with my classmates–something I would hope to do with co-workers at the firm.”
Why This Answer Works:
- Relevance: Succinctly covers the candidate’s academic background, skills, and experiences. Directly relates the candidate’s interests to the firm’s specialty areas. Expresses enthusiasm for the firm’s work and subtly implies a good cultural fit by mentioning team contribution and celebration.
- Personality: The fun fact about baking adds a unique and memorable touch, showcasing the candidate’s personality. Expresses enthusiasm for the firm’s work and subtly implies a good cultural fit by mentioning team contribution and celebration.
Common Interview Question #2:
“Why are you drawn to ___ career?”
Context: Medical School Interview, “Why medicine?”
Hypothetical Answer (Paraphrased from Video):
“I want to be a physician because I’ve always wanted to help people. Since I was young, I’ve been fascinated by science and how the body works. I think being a doctor is a great job because you get to solve problems and make a good living. I also really admire doctors and think it would be cool to be like them. Plus, my parents always told me I’d make a great doctor, so I’ve always thought this was the path for me.”
Grade This Response:
After watching the video, please select what you see to be the two weakest aspects of the answer (NOTE: more than two choices may apply):
☐ Lack of depth ☐ Externally motivated ☐ Cliché ☐ Unprofessional
☐ Verbal tics ☐ Too idealistic
What’s Wrong in This Response:
I would choose the following two issues:
- Lack of Depth: The response doesn’t provide a compelling, personal reason for choosing the career beyond generalities. Many people enter medicine to “help people,” so this does not distinguish the candidate.
- Externally Motivated: It suggests that the choice is more about external expectations (e.g., parents' opinions) than an internal calling.
An Improved Answer:
"Growing up, I witnessed my best friend’s battle with leukemia, bringing me closer to the realities of patient care. Through her journey, I saw the impact of compassionate, knowledgeable physicians who provided clinical care and emotional support. This ignited my passion for medicine and inspired me to volunteer at clinics during college. My volunteering solidified my commitment to medicine but also exposed me to challenges patients face, from medical to socio-economic. I learned the importance of advocacy and education in improving patient outcomes. I also engaged in medical research to understand the value of evidence-based practice. Being a physician is challenging, marked by lifelong learning and constant adaptation. But the opportunity to combine scientific inquiry with human service, be involved in a patient’s most critical moments, and contribute to a field that’s at the forefront of innovation is truly compelling. I am eager to develop into a physician who not only treats diseases but also empowers patients and communities to lead healthier lives."
Why This Answer Works:
- Personal Connection: The answer begins with a personal story that clearly defines a deep-seated motivation for pursuing medicine. It expresses a desire to go beyond treating illnesses, aiming to improve overall patient care and community health.
- Understanding of the Profession: The response shows an appreciation for the multifaceted nature of medicine, including patient advocacy and the importance of ongoing education. It cites specific experiences like volunteering and research, showcasing a proactive effort to understand the field.
Common Interview Question #3:
“Why are you drawn to our program (or company)?”
Context: College Honors Program
Hypothetical Answer (Paraphrased from Video):
"I'm interested in your honors program because it's well-known and respected. I've heard it can offer me better opportunities after graduation, and I want to be challenged more than I was in high school. I also think being in an honors program will look good on my resume, and it seems like a great way to meet smart people and expand my network."
Grade This Response:
After watching the video, please select what you see to be the two weakest aspects of the answer (NOTE: more than two choices may apply):
☐ Self-focused ☐ No connection to program ☐ Sloppy delivery ☐ Superficial
☐ Lack of specificity ☐ Poor tone
What’s Wrong in This Response:
I would choose the following two issues:
- Superficial: While it’s not wrong to pursue benefits for oneself, this response lacks a sense of contribution or engagement with the program’s community. It suggests a primary interest in the prestige and external benefits of the program rather than an intrinsic interest in the program’s offerings or how it aligns with the candidate’s academic and personal growth goals.
- Sloppy Delivery: The answer feels like it’s pieced together on the spot with very little practice or preparation. There are lots of verbal tics and long pauses that indicate the candidate had little idea where they were going with their major points.
An Improved Answer:
"I appreciate how the honors curriculum is structured to foster critical thinking and interdisciplinary learning. I am impressed by the program's senior thesis requirement, which would allow me to delve deeply into my interest in renewable energy policy, an area I am passionate about and wish to explore further. The opportunity to learn from and work alongside esteemed faculty members is incredibly appealing. The work of Professor X on sustainable urban development has inspired my own research interests, and the prospect of attending his seminars is one of the reasons your program stands out. I also value your program’s sense of community. During the open house, I conversed with current students who spoke highly of the mentorship and collaborative environment. I am excited about the possibility of contributing to this community, particularly through the service initiatives that align with my commitment to social responsibility. Ultimately, I am seeking an environment where I am pushed to excel and leverage my academic pursuits towards meaningful impact.”
Why This Answer Works:
- Mutual Benefit: The response suggests how the candidate can contribute to the program, not just benefit from it. It demonstrates how the program aligns with the candidate’s academic interests, values, and future aspirations. The candidate clearly appreciates the broader educational and community benefits offered by the honors program. The candidate clearly appreciates the broader educational and community benefits offered by the honors program.
- Careful Preparation: This answer mentions specific elements of the honors program that are attractive to the candidate, such as the senior thesis and the faculty's work. This research and preparation allows for a much more well-informed and fluid delivery.
Common Interview Question #4:
“What’s your greatest weakness?”
Context: Physical Therapy (PT) School
Hypothetical Answer (Paraphrased from Video):
"My greatest weakness is probably that I work too hard sometimes. I get so focused on what I'm doing that I can spend too much time on a task. I also tend to be a perfectionist, which means I don't like to delegate tasks because I prefer to ensure everything is done right. But I think this is also what makes me a good student because I always make sure my work is perfect."
Grade This Response:
After watching the video, please select what you see to be the two weakest aspects of the answer (NOTE: more than two choices may apply):
☐ Disingenuous ☐ Poor tone ☐ Verbal tics and pauses ☐ Unprofessional
☐ Lack of specificity ☐ No strategy for improvement
What’s Wrong in This Response:
I would choose the following two issues:
- Disingenuous: The answer tries to frame a positive trait (hard work and perfectionism) as a weakness, which can come off as insincere. The response is also vague and does not provide concrete examples of how this weakness has manifested in the past, ultimately making it less believable.
- No Strategy for Improvement: It fails to acknowledge how this weakness could actually affect their performance as a PT student or in their future career. It doesn't show any learning or growth from recognizing and working on this weakness–a key aspect interviewers are looking for.
An Improved Answer:
“My greatest weakness is that I sometimes become too emotionally invested in my patients' recovery. While my empathy drives me to provide the best care and encouragement, it can also leave me feeling personally affected by the ups and downs of my patients’ progress. I remember an instance with a patient who was struggling to regain mobility after a knee replacement. I invested a lot of personal time researching additional exercises and resources that might help. When progress was slower than expected, I initially took it hard, wondering if there was more I could have done. It was a learning moment for me; I recognized that I need to balance my emotional investment to maintain my well-being and professional effectiveness. To manage this, I've been working on setting emotional boundaries and developing coping strategies. I've taken up mindfulness and reflective journaling, which help me process my experiences constructively. I’ve also been learning more about the typical recovery trajectories and the factors that influence them, which has helped me maintain a more balanced perspective. I believe this self-awareness will make me a better student and more resilient PT, capable of providing compassionate care while also taking care of my own emotional and mental health.”
Why This Answer Works:
- Genuine Weakness: The weakness is real and relevant to the field of physical therapy, showing vulnerability and honesty. The candidate recognizes how their weakness affects them professionally and personally, demonstrating self-awareness.
- Evidence of Growth: By mentioning specific instances and reactions, the candidate provides evidence of understanding the implications of their weakness. The response outlines concrete actions the candidate is taking to improve, showcasing a commitment to personal development.
Common Interview Question #5:
“Tell me about a challenge you faced and how you overcame it.”
Context: MBA Program
Hypothetical Answer (Paraphrased from Video):
"In my last job, we had a tough deadline for a project, and it was stressful for the whole team. We had to work a lot of extra hours and stay late for a few weeks. It was a challenge because it was tiring and we had to push through even though we were all running out of steam. In the end, we managed to get everything done on time through diligent effort and teamwork.”
Grade This Response:
After watching the video, please select what you see to be the two weakest aspects of the answer (NOTE: more than two choices may apply):
☐ Unoriginal ☐ Exasperated tone ☐ No reflection or learning ☐ Lack of specific detail
☐ Verbal tics ☐ Poor eye contact
What’s Wrong in This Response:
I would choose the following two issues:
- Unoriginal: The answer doesn't specify the nature of the project or the particular hurdles that made the deadline challenging. Working longer hours is a common response to meeting deadlines; there’s no creative or strategic problem-solving displayed.
- No Reflection or Learning: It’s unclear what the candidate personally did to overcome the challenge — it’s all about what the team did. The answer also doesn't share what the candidate learned from the experience or how it contributed to their personal or professional growth.
An Improved Answer:
“During my tenure at my current tech company, I led a project to implement a new customer relationship management (CRM) system. Midway through, we encountered a significant roadblock: the new system was incompatible with our existing data formats, and this risked derailing our launch. I spearheaded a cross-departmental meeting to brainstorm solutions, where it became evident that we lacked a critical piece of middleware to facilitate communication between the two systems. With a constrained budget and looming deadline, I proposed that we develop a custom solution in-house. I worked with the IT team to scope out the requirements and we prioritized this development. To keep on track, I initiated daily stand-up meetings for real-time issue tracking and progress updates. I also organized a rotating schedule for our developers to prevent burnout. By fostering communication and collaboration, the team felt more empowered and took ownership of the project’s success. This project was a learning curve for me in crisis management, resourcefulness, and teamwork. It was challenging, but I learned the value of anticipating the unexpected and the importance of adaptability in leadership. I aim to continue refining these skills during my MBA.”
Why This Answer Works:
- Specific: The response starts by clearly outlining a specific challenge that has direct relevance to business operations. It details a thoughtful approach to solving the problem, emphasizing leadership and initiative.
- Reflection and Growth: The candidate clearly describes their own contributions to overcoming the challenge, showcasing their role as a leader. The candidate reflects on what the experience taught them, evidencing personal and professional growth.
Final Thoughts:
I hope this exercise in developing before-and-after pictures of common questions will help you develop strong, personalized answers for your own interviews.
Our seasoned interview coaches at Passport Admissions have decades of experience working with students of every discipline and aspiration, so don’t hesitate to book a free introductory meeting to see how we can help you crush your interviews.
Want to test what you’ve learned from this interview? Take our Free Mock Interview, where you can practice giving your answers and record yourself to watch it back and do a self-evaluation.
I’ll be back soon to cover common interview questions #6-10. Stay tuned!
- Ryan
For over 11 years, Ryan Kelly has guided hundreds of students towards acceptance into top colleges and graduate schools, with an emphasis on standing out while also staying true to themselves. Read more about Ryan here. Or book a free intro meeting with him here