I Need Some Answers – Tips for Tough Interview Questions

Whether you are proactively networking to explore new career options or are fully engaged job search activities, you will find yourself in the position to answer basic, but sometimes tough questions. 

The competition is steep so they key to making the cut is being prepared to confidently and authentically put your best foot (or answer) forward.  You want to provide concise information while showcasing your capabilities. 

Below are three inevitable questions.  So why if there are no surprises, do people struggle with their answers?  Because they are personal, complex, and revealing.   Taking the time in advance to develop and practice your responses will help you present a confident image and give you a competitive edge.  Proficiency (the difference between being in the game and winning) requires that you do two things.

1. Write and rewrite your answers on paper until you have your best answer.  Write it like you talk.  Cull and add to your answers as you refine what will be your ultimate calling cards.  You want others to be able to market you, right?  Absolutely! So you’ll want to make sure what you say is easy for them to repeat when they talk to someone else about you.   
2. Practice saying the answers over and over again. Preferably in front of a mirror so you can see if you look natural or contrived.  It is also important to observe yourself talking so you can eliminate any distracting mannerisms (looking up or down, saying um or ah too much, furrowing your brows, stiff posture, erratic gestures, etc.) that you may be unaware of.

Let’s break down the big three:

Tell me about yourself?  This should be a 2-5 minute summary.  To make a personal connection it is nice to state where you were born and raised.  If you are not originally from the area you now live in, tell when and why you moved.  Include a single sentence about your education, unless you’re applying for a specialized job where your education is your experience, and then expand carefully.  If your degree doesn’t enhance your story, a brief mention of where you went to school will due.  You’ll want to summarize your career by types of roles, industry focus, or company history.  As you get to your current or most recent job, state a relevant objective or accomplishment.   Don’t use all the SAT words you can come up with or the fanciest titles.  No one cares about that.  They want to know your history/experience (leadership, manufacturing, operations, risk, technology, training, service, etc.) not every bloody detail of the job.

Why did you (are you looking to) leave your job?  If you were laid off you will need to do some housecleaning and make sure your exit statement is non-emotional and concise.  State the facts.  Don’t over compensate, show bitterness, and for goodness sakes don’t be embarrassed by it.  I know you’re thinking, “Everyone wonders if I’m so good, why did they let me go.”  Well there was a time where that might have been true, but frankly in today’s economy it’s so common that people are more tuned in to how you are responding to it.  It is sufficient to say, “My position along with X number of others were eliminated.”  If there is an interesting (short) story about the process,  use it, if not don’t.  You will want to immediately follow that answer up with a positive statement.  For example, “The best part is I have had the chance to meet a variety of people I probably would not have crossed paths with had I not been exploring my next career move at this time.”

If you are gainfully employed and are networking (bravo!) then your statement should be positive, show your ingenuity and never give the impression that you’re unhappy or afraid of being let go. For example, you might say, “I have always taken a proactive approach to managing my career. I am not necessarily looking to leave but also recognize if I don’t learn more about what’s going on in the world around me, it might just pass me by.”

What type of work are you looking for?  This will help others help you.  I can’t emphasize enough that you should be specific.  If you say, “I’m open to anything.”  You’ll get nothing, because people will know you haven’t done enough self-reflection to determine what you’re good at and what makes you happy.   If you are looking for a job where you will manage other managers, you might say you are looking for a division leadership role in the healthcare industry.  If you want the role as the next HR Director at a fortune 500 company.  That’s what you should say.  If you are flexible about industry or company, be more specific about the job function you want.  Financial Analyst, Customer Service Representative, Internal Auditor, etc.   Other important things to include – do you want to travel in your job, is location important, what type of culture do you like, do you need benefits?

Knowing your answers in advance will allow you listen more effectively because you will not be thinking about what you’re going to say next.  Active listening is one of the most important parts of the overall process.  It lets others know they have your undivided attention , you’ll learn more, and you’ll come across as polished, relaxed and easy to talk to. 

Lead on!