Working World

Have you ever found yourself in an interview fumbling to respond to questions that require more than a yes or no answer? It can happen with inquiries about your past experience like, “Tell me a little about your last job.” Or the ever popular, “What are you hoping to accomplish in this role?” Or even better, “Why do you want to work for us?”

In any situation like this, what counts is not only the fact of your answer but also its presentation. Do you hem and haw and get flustered?  Do you start off with one point and then find yourself somewhere else? Do you detect boredom on the interviewer’s face before you’ve reached the best part of your history?

In any interview, brevity and succinctness help. You can teach yourself a few basic tricks to use each time you are called on for an answer that might get too lengthy if you are not careful.

1.    Think before you answer — even a few seconds will help.

2.    Concentrate on two or three critical pieces that answer the question and help the interviewer see how you are right for this job.

3.     Mentally label the pieces by number or letter. One, two, three or a, b, c.

4.    Use your hands to reinforce your train of thought. “I would like to work for Fabulous Organization, first, because, it is…, second, because your organization…, and third, because I ….” Literally count on your fingers to keep your mind and mouth on track.