The pitfalls of relying on internet and AI-generated answers to common interview questions

INTRODUCTION

People often turn to the internet for help when preparing for an interview.  It makes sense.  Websites are a great source of information, advice and guidance on a range of topics, including suggested answers to common interview questions. But care is needed.  

In this article, we explore the dangers of relying on generic answers and discuss the importance of personalised responses and how to prepare them.

 1.  Interviewers want to get to know you

 Authenticity is a valuable trait employers look for when selecting a future employee. They want to learn more about you as a person and potential employee, and can only do that if your answers provide insights about not only your skills and experience, but also your character, personality and values.

Responses regurgitated from a website or generated by AI (artificial intelligence) can create a disconnect between what you’re saying and your true personality, putting doubt in a recruiter’s mind about who you really are.

2.   Lack of differentiation

Using websites that offer suggested answers to common interview questions when preparing for an interview, is sensible. You get a range of ideas and possible wording to use, which is helpful as a starting point and preferable to staring at a blank piece of paper awaiting inspiration!  However, relying solely on generic answers without tailoring these to your skills and experience is problematic.

To make sound decisions, interviewers need to be able to distinguish one candidate from another. But if every candidate gives a similar website or AI-generated answer to their questions, that’s a problem.

Good interview preparation should include anticipating potential questions you may be asked and making notes, prompts and possible answers to those questions. Revisiting the job details and considering how your skills and experience align with the essential and desirable attributes the employer is looking for, helps with this preparation. Then rehearsing your answers before the interview will boost your confidence on the day. See our article: ‘Mastering the Art of the job interview: A Guide to help job seekers succeed at interview’ for more information about interview preparation. 

 3.  Tailor answers to the job and the organisation

Answers lifted from an internet search may not be appropriate for the unique dynamics of a specific organisation or industry. Interviewers want to hear a response that not only answers the question but is tailored to the specific needs and culture of their organisation. If you don’t do this you could be hindering your chance of success.

In addition, employers are looking for candidates who can demonstrate adaptability, critical thinking skills and the ability to think on their feet. If all you’re offering are standard responses that you’ve committed to memory, you could become unstuck at the interview. 

4.  Beware the follow-up question

One thing the internet’s standard answers can’t address is an interviewer's follow-up question. This is their secret weapon! It may be that the interviewer wants to probe your initial response or to take the question in a slightly different direction.  As a follow-up question can’t be predicted, it requires a candidate to think quickly and creatively, a skill that comes with practice.

But if you haven’t prepared personalised answers to questions, you may struggle to provide the interviewer with more detailed information or to substantiate the initial answer you provided.

5.  Promote your individuality

Interviews are the perfect opportunity to present your strengths, skills and experience. Answering with standard responses could reduce your opportunity to highlight your accomplishments, unique viewpoints and the specific value you can bring to an organisation. Which in turn could significantly reduce your chances of being appointed. 

So, be yourself. Personalise your answers and confidently express your personality and unique capabilities.  You’re here to sell yourself. So ensure you express how much you want to join this particular organisation and what the employer will gain by appointing you to the role. 

6.  Self-awareness

 Standard answers from internet sites often focus on presenting a candidate in the best possible light. While it's crucial in an interview situation to highlight strengths and achievements, interviewers also want honesty about where you’ve gone wrong in the past and what you’ve learned from the experience. If you use only generic – and positive – answers, it could be difficult for an interviewer to gauge your level of self-awareness and commitment to growth and development. It may even make you look overconfident and with limited emotional intelligence.

So when preparing for an interview, consider the times and experiences when things haven’t gone according to plan, but from which you’ve grown and learned.

CONCLUSION

Relying on standard answers found on the internet when preparing for interviews, poses significant risks. Example answers to common interview questions can help, but they are there as illustrations to be personalised, not something you learn by rote and then hope that the interviewer asks the questions you’ve prepared for. 

The objective at interviews is to get yourself noticed for the right reasons. So be original. Tailor your answers to your background, skills, experience and personality.  When you provide honest and unique answers, you demonstrate what differentiates you from other candidates. Employers want to see the real you, not just a rehearsed script.

So, the next time you're in an interview, don’t rely on generic answers. Be genuine, be yourself and let your skills and character shine.  Connecting with interviewers on a more meaningful level will improve your performance and increase your chance of securing the coveted position.