How to Answer: “Is there anything about my background that concerns you?”
A complete guide to answering this common interview question — including what interviewers are really looking for, practical tips, and a worked example answer.
What interviewers are really asking
This is a bold, effective closing question. It invites the interviewer to raise objections you can then address directly. Show you're confident enough to ask it, and have a strong response ready for common concerns about your background. It's one of the most powerful questions you can ask.
Tips
- Only ask this if you're confident in your ability to handle the answer.
- Listen carefully and don't get defensive.
- Address the concern directly with evidence.
- Thank them for raising it — not sarcastically.
- Use this to clarify any misunderstandings from the interview.
Example answer
Sample response
“(This is a question to ask, not answer.) Say: 'Before we wrap up, I'd like to ask — is there anything about my background or what I've shared today that gives you pause? I'd rather address any concerns directly than leave them unanswered.' If they raise something — say, limited experience in a specific domain — respond with: 'That's fair, and I appreciate you raising it. Here's how I'd approach closing that gap in the first 60 days... [specific plan].' Turning an objection into a plan demonstrates exactly the problem-solving mindset you've been claiming throughout the interview.”
Adapt this to your own experience — never use any example answer verbatim.
Use the STAR method
Structure your answer as: Situation (brief context), Task (your specific responsibility), Action (what you personally did), Result (the quantified outcome). Most strong interview answers follow this pattern.
Full STAR method guide