Interview Answer Templates & Scripts
Fill-in-the-Blank Answers for the 6 Questions You'll Definitely Get
Why Templates Work
You're not trying to memorize scripts—you're building frameworks. When you know the structure, you can adapt to any question. When you don't, you ramble. These 6 templates cover 80% of interview questions. Master them and you'll never feel unprepared again.
The 6 Interview Templates
Tell Me About Yourself
This is your opening pitch. Keep it under 90 seconds and end with why you're excited about THIS role.
Wrong:
"Well, I was born in Mexico City and went to university there, then I worked at a few different companies doing various things, and eventually I ended up in technology because I always liked computers, and now I'm looking for something new..."
Right:
"I'm a [title] with [X years] of experience in [industry/skill]. Most recently at [Company], I [key accomplishment with numbers]. What I'm known for is [your superpower]. I'm excited about this role because [specific connection to the job]."
Why it matters:
Structure: Present → Past highlight → Future fit. No childhood stories, no rambling history.
Action Item:
Write this out and practice until you can deliver it in exactly 60-90 seconds.
Tell Me About a Challenge You Overcame
Use the STAR format: Situation, Task, Action, Result. Keep it under 2 minutes.
Wrong:
"Well, there was this one time when everything was going wrong and the client was really upset and we had to work really hard to fix it and eventually it worked out..."
Right:
"At [Company], we faced [specific challenge—SITUATION]. I was responsible for [your role—TASK]. I [specific actions you took—ACTION]. The result was [measurable outcome—RESULT]."
Why it matters:
STAR forces specificity. Specificity creates credibility.
Action Item:
Prepare 3 STAR stories before any interview—they can be adapted to many questions.
Why Do You Want This Job?
Show you've done your research. Connect their needs to your strengths.
Wrong:
"It seems like a good company and I need a job and the salary is good and the benefits look nice..."
Right:
"Three things excite me about this role. First, [something specific about the company/mission]. Second, [how your skills match their needs]. Third, [growth opportunity that matters to you]. It feels like a strong fit both ways."
Why it matters:
The 'three things' structure sounds organized and shows genuine interest.
Action Item:
Research the company enough to name something specific they're working on.
What's Your Greatest Weakness?
Name a real weakness, then show what you're doing about it. Never say 'I work too hard.'
Wrong:
"I'm a perfectionist and I work too hard. Sometimes I care too much about my work."
Right:
"Honestly, I've struggled with [real weakness]. For example, [brief specific instance]. What I've done to address this is [specific action]. I'm not perfect at it yet, but I've seen improvement in [evidence]."
Why it matters:
Self-awareness + action = maturity. Fake weaknesses = instant credibility loss.
Action Item:
Pick a real weakness that's not core to the job and show genuine growth.
Tell Me About a Time You Failed
Own the failure completely. Focus 70% of your answer on what you learned.
Wrong:
"Well, it wasn't really my fault, but there was this project that didn't go well because of [blame others]..."
Right:
"At [Company], I [specific failure—own it completely]. What went wrong was [honest analysis]. What I learned was [specific insight]. Since then, I've [how you've applied the lesson], and [evidence it worked]."
Why it matters:
Blame = red flag. Ownership + learning = green flag.
Action Item:
Choose a failure that's significant enough to be believable but not catastrophic.
Do You Have Any Questions for Us?
Always have questions. Ask about the role, team, or challenges—not benefits.
Wrong:
"No, I think you covered everything. Actually, how many vacation days do I get?"
Right:
"Yes, a few: What does success look like in this role in the first 90 days? What's the biggest challenge the team is facing right now? Why did the person who had this role before leave?"
Why it matters:
Good questions show you're evaluating them too—that's confidence.
Action Item:
Prepare 5 questions. You'll use 2-3, and the rest show you're prepared.
Robert Cushman
I help Latin American tech professionals communicate with executive-level confidence so they can close bigger contracts, command premium rates, and advance their international careers.
After coaching 200+ professionals from Smarttie, Grupo Kopar, Terramar Brands, and Sourceability, I know that what separates good from great in high-pressure meetings isn't vocabulary—it's leadership communication.