If you’re willing to think through your answers and select the responses most likely to lead where you want to go, you can turn a potentially difficult interview into an honest, open exchange of relevant information.

When you’re asked, “why were you fired?” don’t play victim or blame the person who fired you. Accept accountability for your role in the outcome and connect your strengths to what employers want and say they need.

Why did your boss fire you?

He fired me because I intimidated him. I was smarter than he was and he was worried I’d take his job away from him.

Instead of assuming what your boss thought, tell me what you knew and what you did.  Try it again.

I knew I was underemployed. I accepted a job that wasn’t challenging. I was frustrated because I wanted to do more and make more decisions. I was second-guessing my boss in front of his boss. I know why he let me go.

That’s the ticket and that’s accepting accountability. Next, move the conversation from the past to the future by connecting your strengths to the job opportunity:

I’m at my best when I’m doing work that’s mentally challenging and I’m part of the decision making process.

That’s more like it.

Here’s a question for someone returning to the workforce:

Your resume indicates you haven’t worked for a few years. What have you been doing?

I’ve been a stay at home mom with two small kids. My husband left me with little financial help and it was up to me to get it all done.

It’s a compelling truth but it’s not a compelling reason to hire you.  Why should the employer hire you? Try it again.

I’ve been a single parent stay at home mom. During that time I’ve had a variety of experiences leading, managing, supervising, training, and developing others, sustaining relationships under sometimes adverse conditions, while remaining positive, encouraging and flexible. I’ve worked under pressure, under budget, coming up with creative solutions to complex problems, for groups of all ages, all while maintaining my balance and sense of humor.  I am more than ready to take on this job!

You nailed it. Now, answer this one:

Describe the worst boss you’ve ever had.

My worst boss acted like I couldn’t please him.

Try again.

My worst boss was also my best: He could be demanding and impossible to please but he caused me to learn more, try harder, and improve my work product.

Here’s a question that, if you’re not careful, can derail a good interview:

What are your biggest weaknesses?

I have trouble getting places on time, I’m impatient with stupid people, and I bite my nails.

Remember, when you answer, keep the employer top of mind. Why should she hire you? Try again.

I get very focused on my work and as a result I can run late to my next appointment. I’m demanding of myself and that can come across as being demanding of others, and I do get impatient with others when deadlines are looming and they’re not as responsive as I’d like them to be.

Here’s a question you can count on being asked:
Tell me about yourself.

I was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan and I have two brothers and a sister and went to…

Whoa. The interviewer wants to know why he should hire you. Try it again.

I’m at my best when I’m working with people who focus on objectives, and teams that work together to get the job done. I’m a strong communicator, a listener and leader, who believes in combining guidance with empowerment and alignment with intention.

Go get ‘em, Tiger.