Every question has a meta question behind it, so every answer should have a meta answer behind it as well--ie, take a moment to think why they're asking you this question, and be sure your answer satisfies what they're looking for.

The "What's your biggest weakness" question isn't asked because they want to know that directly, they want to know about how self-aware you are about potential shortcomings and if you are taking steps to improve yourself, etc.

Structure answers to keep from rambling. I like to use STAR: Situation, Task, Action, Result. Clearly state what the situation was for context about everything else you'll say. What part did you play specifically in the plan? What individual actions did you do as your part (and be sure to say "I" as much as possible, saying "we" can make it sound like you were just along for the ride and didn't do anything yourself). Lastly, talk about the outcome and how your actions contributed to it being positive, and anything you've learned to use in the future.

If it’s a job you genuinely want I’d suggest summoning some BDE - Big Dick Energy.

Go into the interview claiming it in your mind as yours. Visualise you in it. It’s your job if you want it.

To clarify BDE isn’t cocky arrogance - it’s just the subtle confidence of having a Big Dick - even if ya don’t have one!!

Ask them what they can offer you? Why would you want it, just as much as why they want you. This is a relationship after all.

Former recruiter...I wouldn't hire most of you

"I don't essentially need a job." This should be the mindset before the interview.

don't forget to interview the company, too

have FU money or at least an FU money attitude prior to the interview.

I've always done really well in interviews when I didn't care about the outcome. I was more relaxed and willing to say what was on my mind. I didn't have concern about "saying the right thing" or giving the traditionally correct answer to the question.

I actually wrote about this recently based on my last interview.

Put yourself in the shoes of the organisation, anticipate how you will need to adapt to that workplace and convince them you have the skill set

Shilling my blog post: https://diaperfinancingfund.blogspot.com/2025/02/the-right-way-to-prepare-for-interview.html?m=1

Prep

Have a bunch of situations ready where you can provide a STAR acronym answer

Practice saying them out loud

Be ready for tell me about yourself

Tell her to insult the interviewer!

try the Dwight Shrute approach :p

Just let her do her best. Best of luck to her.

Really be passionate about what you are talking about. The interviewer can easily tell if you are passionate about something, or if it is okay.

They want someone who will go above and beyond often, so being lively, interested and excited for the role will make you stand out ten fold!

Look in detail at their website. Dig deep, in the jobs, section, etc. Look not just at the website, but at everything you can find about them. Glass Door, etc.

Find something (positive) to say that references the information you dug up. Not creepy, obviously, something that shows that you're interested.

I've got nothing.

Absolutely always sucked at these. From my (failing) point of view, it seems they were some sort of disingenuous game I never managed to crack.

So... crack the game?

My advice is to take a deep breath and trust yourself when answering any question.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? If you could be an animal, which animal would you be?

I think the most important thing is to show confidence and demonstrate why they should hire you and not other people, and what you will bring to the company regardless of the position you are applying for.

Be a person that other people want to work with.

I agree with other posters, don't be desperate for a job. give an vibe of "I don't need this"