Answers to “How Are You Today?” in an Interview – The Best Ways to Respond

The question “How are you today?” in an interview might seem simple at first, but it’s an important part of the conversation that can set the tone for the rest of the interview. How you answer this question not only reflects your mood but can also give the interviewer insight into your personality, communication style, and readiness for the job. While it may seem like a casual question, it can be a subtle way for interviewers to gauge your interpersonal skills and how you present yourself.

In this post, we’ll explore how to approach this question thoughtfully, providing you with strategies, tips, and examples of good responses that will make you stand out in your interview.

Why Do Interviewers Ask, “How Are You Today?”

First, let’s break down the purpose of this seemingly casual question. When an interviewer asks, “How are you today?”, it serves multiple functions:

1. To Set a Positive Tone
   • Starting an interview with this question helps to break the ice and create a comfortable environment. It’s an easy way to help you relax and ease into the more formal parts of the interview.
2. To Assess Your Communication Skills
   • The way you respond can reveal your communication style, how confident you are, and how well you handle small talk. Interviewers want to know if you can engage in friendly conversation and respond appropriately in social situations.
3. To Gauge Your Mood and Attitude
   • Your response can give the interviewer insight into how you’re feeling. If you sound upbeat and enthusiastic, it can convey that you’re excited and ready for the interview. On the other hand, if you’re negative or distant, it may raise concerns about your emotional state or attitude.
4. To Check for Professionalism
   • While it’s a casual question, it’s still part of the professional setting. A well-thought-out and polite response demonstrates professionalism and sets the stage for the rest of the interview.

How to Answer “How Are You Today?”

The key to answering this question well lies in striking the right balance between being polite, confident, and enthusiastic. Here’s a breakdown of how to approach your answer:

1. Keep It Positive

• It’s important to show that you’re in a good mood or that you’re excited to be there. Even if you’re feeling nervous, try to focus on the positive aspects of the situation. A positive response can create a welcoming atmosphere and help you get off on the right foot.
• Example Response:
  “I’m doing great, thank you for asking! I’m excited to be here and have the chance to interview for this position.”
• Why This Works:
  This answer shows that you’re upbeat, enthusiastic, and ready for the conversation. It also gives a hint of excitement about the interview itself, which is a great way to show motivation.

2. Be Honest but Professional

• If you’re feeling nervous or anxious, it’s okay to acknowledge that. However, it’s important to frame your response in a way that doesn’t sound overly negative or off-putting.
• Example Response:
  “I’m doing well, thank you! I’m a little nervous, but I’m really looking forward to our conversation today.”
• Why This Works:
  This response is honest without being too much. Acknowledging a little nervousness shows that you’re human and can relate to how others feel in stressful situations. It also signals to the interviewer that you’re genuinely invested in the interview.

3. Keep It Brief and Focused

• While it’s important to be friendly and show your personality, avoid over-explaining or going into too much detail. Keep your response simple and to the point, allowing the conversation to flow smoothly into the next part of the interview.
• Example Response:
  “I’m doing well, thank you! I’m excited to discuss this opportunity.”
• Why This Works:
  This response is polite and succinct, making it easy for the interviewer to transition to the next question without awkward pauses.

4. Show Enthusiasm for the Role

• If you can tie your response to the position or company, it can be an excellent way to demonstrate your interest in the job. Enthusiasm about the opportunity can help create a positive impression.
• Example Response:
  “I’m feeling great, thank you! I’ve been really looking forward to this interview and the chance to learn more about your team and the exciting projects you’re working on.”
• Why This Works:
  By connecting your response to the company or role, you show that you’re not just going through the motions of the interview but are genuinely interested in the job. It also gives the interviewer a glimpse into your passion and motivation.

5. Use Humor (When Appropriate)

• If it fits your personality and the tone of the interview, adding a little humor can help to break the ice and make you seem approachable. However, use humor sparingly and be mindful of the interviewer’s demeanor to ensure it’s well received.
• Example Response:
  “I’m doing great, thank you! A little bit of caffeine and I’m ready to go!”
• Why This Works:
  A light, humorous response can make you come across as personable and relaxed, which can be a great way to build rapport. Just make sure the humor is appropriate for the setting.

Dos and Don’ts When Answering “How Are You Today?”

To help you craft the best possible response, here are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind:

Dos:

• Do be positive and upbeat.
  No matter how you’re actually feeling, try to frame your response in a way that’s positive. Focus on what excites you about the interview or the role, and your answer will naturally sound enthusiastic.
• Do be sincere.
  Authenticity is key. If you’re nervous, acknowledge it in a professional way. Interviewers will appreciate your honesty and self-awareness.
• Do tie your answer to the job or interview.
  Whenever possible, connect your answer to the interview. It can show you’re excited and engaged in the process, not just focused on yourself.
• Do keep it brief.
  While it’s important to be polite and personable, don’t spend too much time on your answer. A concise, friendly response will make for a smoother interview.

Don’ts:

• Don’t give overly negative responses.
  Avoid saying things like, “I’m exhausted,” or “I’m having a terrible day.” Negative responses can bring down the energy of the interview and may make the interviewer question your attitude.
• Don’t over-explain.
  Keep your response short and sweet. If you start giving long explanations about why you’re feeling a certain way, it can make you seem less focused or professional.
• Don’t be overly casual.
  While it’s important to be friendly, be mindful of your tone and word choice. Keep the conversation professional, as it sets the right tone for the interview.

Examples of Responses for Different Situations

To help you navigate different types of interviews, we’ve compiled a variety of example responses to the question “How are you today?” based on various situations.

What Your Answer Says About You

The way you respond to “How are you today?” in an interview can reveal a lot about you beyond just your emotional state. Here’s a look at some potential insights your answer might provide:

Conclusion

The question “How are you today?” may seem like a small, casual inquiry, but it plays a key role in your interview process. It’s an opportunity to show your communication skills, enthusiasm for the role, and professionalism. By preparing a thoughtful, positive, and engaging response, you can set the tone for a successful interview.

So next time you’re asked this question, take a moment to craft a response that highlights your personality, excitement for the role, and readiness to take on the job. A well-considered answer will not only help you relax but will also help the interviewer feel more at ease and confident in their decision-making process.