Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Being open to a wide variety of roles is one of the quickest ways to get rejected in today's job market.
Companies aren’t looking for someone who is willing to do the job—they’re looking for someone who is EXCELLENT at THAT job.
Employers want to know:
🍊How will you address their challenges?
🍊 How can they be confident that you'll be successful at the job?
🍊Why do you want this specific role?
One of the best places to communicate this is during the “Tell me about yourself” question.
It’s your chance to show that you’re the right person for the job which is why I’ve linked a free guide that breaks it all down.
Download your free Tell Me About Yourself Worksheet here: madelinemann.kit.com/f963bd6465
Stay focused in the job search!
Being open to a wide variety of roles is one of the quickest ways to get rejected in today's job market.
Companies aren’t looking for someone who is willing to do the job—they’re looking for someone who is EXCELLENT at THAT job.
Employers want to know:
🍊How will you address their challenges?
🍊 How can they be confident that you'll be successful at the job?
🍊Why do you want this specific role?
One of the best places to communicate this is during the “Tell me about yourself” question.
It’s your chance to show that you’re the right person for the job which is why I’ve linked a free guide that breaks it all down.
Download your free Tell Me About Yourself Worksheet here: madelinemann.kit.com/f963bd6465
Stay focused in the job search!




![Automatic Disqualification in the Job Interview
Answering this question incorrectly in a job interview will get you instantly disqualified:
Its such a common one, and yet I see candidates say something damaging when asked this all the time.
It is: “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?”
Theyre actually asking:
Does this role align with your long-term goals, or will you quickly leave when you find something better?
Companies don’t expect you to stay forever.
But if your answer makes it clear that youre already eyeing a different path like switching departments, starting a business, or opening a coffee shop, you’ve just flagged yourself as a flight risk.
Avoid saying things like:
🚫 “I hope to transition into [other department].”
🚫 “I want to start my own company.”
🚫 “I want your job.”
Even if it’s true, saying it out loud is costing you offers.
Instead, frame your answer around how this role builds the skills and experience you genuinely want to grow over the next few years.
Get the best questions to ask in your interview guide here: https://madelinemann.kit.com/2ee7ea0f9f
The way you answer this one question can either position you as a perfect fit or quietly take you out of the running. Choose your words wisely! Automatic Disqualification in the Job Interview](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/wSuHSE0qcuA/mqdefault.jpg)



![Soft disqualifiers lead to more job offers
This interview trick gets hiring managers to sell YOU on the role.
It’s called a soft disqualifier.
It’s when you say both what you’re looking for and NOT looking for in a role.
This builds trust with the interviewer because you are showing sincere preferences.
Such as, you could say, “If the job is mostly [thing I don’t want], then it’s not the right role for me.”
For example, when I would interview for roles like the head of human resources.
I would say something like:
“If more than 50% of my time in a job is focused on administrative work, then its not a good fit for me.
I am good at the administrative side, but I need at least 50% of my time focused on projects and strategic initiatives to stay motivated.
When this resonated with the company it got them to start selling me on the opportunity.
Why it works:
So I want you to go into your next interview being clear about your skills, interests, and priorities.
Before your next interview, fill in these blanks:
🍊 I’m motivated by...
🍊I’m strong in...
🍊 I’m building skills in...
🍊If the job is mostly.... it’s not for me
And make sure your answers are specific.
Dont say I am motivated by teamwork.
Pick something concrete such as I am motivated by building out brand facilitations.
PS: If youre currently job searching, I have a free Job Shopping masterclass that helps you attract the right job opportunities.
Watch the free Job Shopping masterclass here: https://www.selfmadeway.com/job-shopping-class
Use a soft disqualifier in your next interview! Soft disqualifiers lead to more job offers](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/xDr6nxYzeP0/mqdefault.jpg)

