Congratulations on landing an interview! As the big day approaches, you likely feel excitement and anxiety, especially around what questions you may get asked. What if you could know these questions in advance? You could go into the interview ready with well-crafted career stories and engaging talking points. Instead of trying to predict every possible question, you could focus your energy on the ones you will most likely encounter. It turns out you can… to a degree.
This column explores the first three phases of an interview, focusing on the “Big Four” questions you are almost guaranteed to be asked. We will explain what interviewers are asking and how you can respond confidently and authentically. Let’s begin!
The Big Four
The Big Four refers to the most common and predictable interview questions. Research by the Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology found that 60% of interviewers decide if a candidate is suitable within the first 15 minutes — before the interview is halfway over. The Big Four questions are typically asked during this critical window. They are: “Tell me about yourself,” “Why this job?,” “Why this company?,” and “Why this sector/industry?”
Phase 1: Navigating small talk
Nearly all interviews start with small talk — a casual conversation and a key opportunity to build rapport with your interviewers. While it may seem trivial, do not underestimate its significance. Remember, you are being evaluated from the moment you enter the room, join a virtual meeting, or answer the phone. The interviewers will assess your overall fit within the team and company culture, gauging your social skills — like active listening, empathy, and even your sense of humor. Your demeanor matters. Do you come across as friendly and approachable or surly and aloof?
Small talk does not come naturally to everyone, especially introverts or those with social anxiety disorders. To help, try practicing or rehearsing conversations in your head. Like a muscle, small talk gets easier with practice. The key is showing genuine interest in the other person. Let the interviewer lead the conversation. Ask a follow-up question or two if they seem engaged about a topic. If not, move on to something else.
Research has shown that people who ask follow-up questions are perceived as more likable. If you struggle with small talk, here are some good starting point questions: “How is your day going so far?”, “What led you to join [Company Name]?”, and “What are you working on now?” Checking out your interviewer’s LinkedIn profile beforehand can sometimes provide useful insights for conversation.
Phase 2: Tell me about yourself
Tell me about yourself (TMAY) — or its variations like “Walk me through your résumé” or “How would you describe yourself?” — is often the first question to ease into the discussion within the first five minutes. It is easy to answer poorly, yet the most important to get right. Your response must highlight why you are the best candidate for the position. Hint: Review the job posting very carefully and identify your key experiences and skills that align with the qualifications.
A simple approach to TMAY is the present-past-future framework. Start with the present — where you are right now — and then segue into the past — briefly share past experiences and skills gained — and finish with why you are interested in this opportunity. Aim for an answer no longer than two minutes. Remember, your story must make sense in the context of the role and provide clear insight into the motivations that led you to apply for this position.
Phase 3: The “why” questions
Within the first 5–15 minutes, you will likely be asked, “Why this job?”, “Why this company?”, and possibly, “Why this sector/industry?” This is your opportunity to draw upon the company research you conducted earlier and any insights you gained from informational interviews. To approach these questions, the reason-anecdote technique from Steve Dalton’s book, The Job Closer, is a good starting point.
Start with three reasons you want the job: specific skills and attributes that appeal to the employer. Your reasons must be authentic to you, meaning no one else can give that same answer. Then, support each reason with an anecdote or short story that demonstrates your motivation behind the reason. Sometimes, you might mention a connection, such as a current employee, a credible media publication, or other relevant research to reinforce your fit, especially in competitive fields or if you are changing jobs or industries.
Bringing it all together
Nail the small talk and answer the Big Four effectively to set the right tone and make a memorable first impression, even if you stumble on a challenging behavioral-style question later. Keep your answers between 1.5–2 minutes, and ensure they are authentic, specific, and informed. While you might not encounter all four questions in every interview, TMAY or one of its variations is nearly certain. The more effectively you handle these predictable Big Four questions, the greater advantage you will have going into the more challenging questions.
This article originally appeared in the Career Connection column of the October 2024 issue of CEP. Members have access online to complete issues, including a vast, searchable archive of back-issues found at aiche.org/cep.
If you are interested in learning more about professional development, networking, and interviewing, be sure to check AIChE Career DiscoveryTM, which is part of the Institute for Learning & Innovation (ILI). See upcoming instances of the Career Discovery Workshop on AIChE Academy and read more about the process here.
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