When it comes to interview questions, there’s a difference between giving a creative answer, a cliché answer, and a flat-out bad answer. In this blog, we’ll face the flat-out bad answers to five common questions, with some tips on how to get them right.

1. Tell us about yourself.

It’s important to show recruiters straight away that you’re amazing. You can’t do that if your first answer dwells on your love of cosplay or addiction to flavored rice cakes. You also can’t do that if you shoot down the question with “There’s not much to tell” or if you ask a question back, like “What do you want to know?” The right answer is a well-rehearsed introduction to your professional journey.

2. Why do you want to work here?

This question begs you to show how your personality and skills fit in with the job opening and the company. You need to show recruiters that you’re interested in this job with this company, not just any old job. So even if the honest answer is “Because you pay well” or “Because you’re close to home,” keep that to yourself or risk seeming shallow, selfish, or uninterested. The right answer involves doing your homework before the interview.

3. What is your biggest weakness?

By now, you should know to avoid stale answers like “I work too hard” or “I’m a perfectionist” (unless those issues truly impact your work). Trying to skirt the question with “I don’t have any” will only show lack of humility and self-awareness. Trying to confront the question with brutal honesty, as in “I’m habitually late,” won’t win you any points either. And finally, don’t give a skill the position depends on, such as applying for a customer service position and admitting you’re terrible at conflict management. The right answer is honest without oversharing.

4. Why should we hire you?

This question often crops up at the end of the interview, which is the ideal time to hit home why you’re perfect for the job. Don’t let this opportunity go with an answer like “I don’t know,” “I’m unemployed,” or “My family needs the money.” Even if an answer is the most honest choice, interviews are not the time to bare your soul. The right answer is a practiced summary of your qualifications.

5. Do you have any questions?

The right answer is always “YES”! But think twice before asking about drug testing, background checks, salary increases, or vacation time. Before you ask a question, consider how recruiters may interpret your motivation for asking; questions about drug testing or background checks can make you seem sketchy or dishonest, while questions about salary increases or vacation time can make you seem greedy or lazy. On the other hand, smart questions will show that you’re job-ready and thinking about the details. The right answers (questions?) will discuss the job’s challenges, goals, and growth opportunities; examine the company’s culture or ambitions; investigate the next steps in the hiring process; and will look toward the future of the job and the company—with you working there.

Use these tips to nail the tough questions at your next interview!