In our last YES! Your Human Resources Solution blog, we talked about how the disconnect between job seekers and hiring managers is keeping qualified candidates from getting hired. (Remember how 72 percent of job seekers are confident they know how to present their skills and experience to an interviewer?) We also discussed interview behaviors that can make job seekers stand out in a bad way. This week, we’re going to talk about interview behaviors that can make job seekers stand out in a good way! And the easiest place to start standing out in a good way is by giving creative answers to the questions that crop up during every interview.

Do you want to get lumped in with the pile of cliché answers, or do you want to give an innovative answer that really shines? That’s what we thought. So here’s how to creatively answer four interview questions you’ll encounter every time:

1. Tell us about yourself. This question will often kick off an interview, especially when the interviewer is riffling through a pile of papers, trying to find your résumé. It’s important to prepare your opening statement in advance, to offer a strong first impression of your skills and successes. Talk briefly about your relevant work history, skills, and accomplishments, and how those tie in to your interest in the current position. This answer should be stunning and succinct, and will probably run from 1–2 minutes.
2. Why do you want to work here? An interviewer will ask this question to determine if you are truly interested in the company or if you are just looking for a job. Hiring managers want potential employees who will be loyal and who will support the company’s mission—and who will do their homework before an important meeting—so you should show up to an interview armed with plenty of knowledge about the company, its performance, and its goals. Learn the company’s background and culture, know its products/services, and research any recent news events surrounding the company and where its future might be heading. In your response to this question, use your knowledge of the company to highlight the reasons why you want to work there and why you’d be a great fit for the job.
3. What is your biggest strength and weakness? OK, technically that’s two questions, but since they almost always go hand in hand, we’ll treat them as one. For your biggest strength, choose a soft skill that is mentioned in the job description, such as “team player” or “excellent communicator.” Cite a time when you used this skill to achieve a goal or to overcome adversity. Since you are presenting this skill as your greatest selling point, be sure to choose a compelling example—preferably one with measurable results. For your biggest weakness, try to be honest and talk about an area you could stand to improve. But instead of focusing on the ways in which you’re not so great, focus on what you’re doing to get stronger. If time management has been an issue for you, say so, and draw attention to your growing strength in prioritizing and delegating tasks. Remember, everyone has things they’re less skilled at; what’s important is showing the drive to grow.
4. Why should we hire you? Just as “Tell us about yourself?” is an invitation for your opening statement, “Why should we hire you?” is an invitation for your closing statement, so make it count by tailoring an answer in advance. Highlight your strongest skills and accomplishments, and pair specific examples from your work history with specific information from the job description to demonstrate why you are uniquely qualified for this position.

When it comes to mundane interview questions, don’t fall in with the herd. Stand out to interviewers who have heard the same answer time and time again. They are sure to be refreshed by your creative and memorable responses. All it takes is a little research and preparation to get a leg up on the competition at your next interview!