Interviewing for a new job can be nerve-wracking. We want to make a great first impression, demonstrate our qualifications, and ensure that we thoughtfully answer the interviewer’s questions. But one question often lingers in the back of our minds: How long should my answer really be? After all, it’s easy to get caught up in either over-explaining a point or feeling like you need to rush through your answers. So, where do we find the balance between being concise and giving a thoughtful, expansive response? In this blog, we’ll break down how long your answers should be for some of the most common interview questions and share a quick guide to handling curveball questions with confidence.
Why Does Interview Question Length Matter?
As much as we’d like to, we can’t always predict how an interview will go. We want to answer the interviewer’s questions completely and thoughtfully, but we also want to avoid boring them or overwhelming them with too much information. The ideal interview answer is one that strikes the perfect balance of being comprehensive yet concise.
Why does length matter? Simply put, interviewers are looking for specific qualities when they ask questions: clarity, confidence, and the ability to communicate effectively. If you answer a question in 10 seconds it may come across as though you’re not taking the interview seriously or that you didn’t prepare. On the other hand, if you ramble for 3 or 4 minutes and start repeating yourself, it may give the impression that you’re disorganized, don’t have a clear answer, or struggle to focus your thoughts.
It can be difficult to know exactly how long an interview answer should be. However, if you’re looking for a ‘quick guide’, most interview questions are designed to be answered in 60 to 90 seconds. This is enough time to provide a thorough response without losing the interviewer’s attention.
Related: 10 Common Interview Mistakes to Avoid
Common Interview Questions
Here’s a rundown of 11 of the most common interview questions, how long you should aim to spend answering them, and what your answers should include:
1. Tell me about yourself
(90 to 120 seconds)
This is often the first question you’ll be asked. It’s your chance to introduce yourself and frame the conversation. Keep your answer focused on your professional background, highlighting key experiences and achievements. A good answer should briefly touch on your current role, relevant past roles, and any key skills or accomplishments that make you a good fit for the position you’re interviewing for. You should also throw in a fun fact or hobby you enjoy to personalize yourself.
2. Tell me about a time you made a mistake, and what you learned from it?
(60 to 90 seconds)
This question tests your self-awareness and ability to learn from mistakes. Aim to briefly explain the mistake, then focus on what you learned and how it helped you grow. Your answer should demonstrate your ability to reflect on your actions and your willingness to improve.
3. What’s your greatest strength?
(60 to 90 seconds)
This question is why it’s important to familiarize yourself with the job posting. Focus on a strength that directly aligns with the job’s requirements and explain how it can benefit the company. Be specific (i.e. don’t just say ‘communication’) and provide examples of how you’ve applied this strength in previous roles.
4. Why do you want to work here?
(60 to 120 seconds)
With this question the interviewer wants to gauge your enthusiasm and whether or not you’ve looked into the company. Answer by tying your interest in the role to your understanding of the company’s mission, culture, or values. Mention how your skills and career goals align with the company’s objectives. This question is a great place to compliment the company!
5. How do you handle stress?
(60 to 90 seconds)
Use this opportunity to show that you have a healthy approach to stress. Provide a specific example of a stressful situation you’ve managed well, focusing on the strategies you used to stay calm and productive.
6. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
(60 to 90 seconds)
Interviewers ask this to understand your long-term career aspirations. Answer by aligning your professional goals with the opportunities the company can offer. Be realistic, but also show ambition and a desire to grow within the company.
7. Why should we hire you?
(90 to 120 seconds)
This is your time to shine! Summarize your qualifications, key strengths, and unique skills that make you the best fit for the role. Use specific examples from your experience to back up your claims and highlight why you’re an asset to the team.
8. Tell me about a time you worked in a team.
(60 to 90 seconds)
Being able to collaborate with a team is a key skill for almost every role. Discuss a specific project or experience where you worked well with others to achieve a common goal. Focus on your contributions and the positive results that came from the team’s collective effort.
9. What motivates you?
(60 to 90 seconds)
The goal here is to show that your motivations align with the role and company culture. Whether it’s problem-solving, achieving goals, or helping others, be clear about what drives you and how it will contribute to your success in the position.
10. How do you prioritize your work?
(60 to 90 seconds)
This question tests your time management skills. Talk about a system or method you use to stay organized, meet deadlines, and balance multiple tasks. Provide an example of a time when your prioritization led to a successful outcome.
11. Do you have any questions for us?
(This one’s on you!)
While this question doesn’t require a set time, it’s critical that you ask thoughtful questions. This demonstrates your interest in the role and company. Ask about the company culture, team dynamics, or growth opportunities. Avoid asking questions that could be easily answered by researching the company beforehand. We recommend having at least two or three questions prepared so you come across as thoughtful during this question.
Related: 17 Questions to Ask in an Interview as the Candidate
How to Answer Interview Questions with Timeliness
It’s important to keep track of time when answering interview questions. We recommend trying to face a clock or having a watch you can (inconspicuously) glance at. If you find yourself taking longer than expected, pause and make sure you’re staying relevant to the role. Don’t panic if you go over or don’t have much to say about a question—just make sure to answer as thoroughly as possible and try to stay within the timeframes for other questions.
Here are some tips for keeping your answers concise and impactful:
- Prepare answers to top interview questions and practice with a stopwatch: By timing yourself, you’ll gain a sense of how long each answer should take. If you’re ever caught off-guard by a question, practicing with a stopwatch will help you stay calm and centered.
- Reduce filler words and stay clear: Phrases like “um,” “you know,” and “like” can make you sound less confident. Practice answering questions clearly and confidently.
- Pause and take a deep breath: If you don’t have an answer right away, don’t be afraid to take a moment to think. A brief pause is better than rambling.
- Ask for clarification: If you’re unsure of the question or how to answer it concisely, ask for clarification. This ensures you’re providing the most relevant response.
- Keep your answers relevant to the role: Always tie your answers back to the role you’re interviewing for to make sure the interviewer sees how your experience fits.
- Let your personality shine: While you want to stay professional, don’t be afraid to show your personality in your responses. A little enthusiasm and a human touch can go a long way!
How RPI Can Help
At RPI, we understand how important it is to make the right impression in an interview. We’re here to help you find your dream job and prepare for your next big opportunity! Work with our expert recruiters to learn more about the roles we have available and get tailored advice on how to answer interview questions effectively. We’ll help you feel confident and ready to make your next move with ease.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Contact RPI today, and let’s get started!
