TOP
TEN TIPS
To Be Effective
in
Answering Questions
If you are finding that you need to develop a more persuasive interviewing presence... It will be helpful to develop some effective tactics to create rapport and to get the information flow going. Never allow an interview to be an interrogation of YOU... I would always encourage you to remember three practical guidelines that will allow you to participate fully in all networking contacts, phone calls, and interviews. You never know when a simple conversation may become a "screening interview."
This is an important mindset to have as part of your communication strategies and style. It is easier than attempting to memorize glib, well-crafted answers to challenging interview questions.
FIRST... ANSWER THE QUESTION! The implication, here, is that you have listened to and understand the question. Clarify if necessary, but never repeatedly! Pre-practice questions that are standard, anticipated based on your positioning, or aimed at exploration of your weaknesses. Answer the actual question, then simply cease talking.
SECOND... LOOK FOR OPPORTUNITIES TO INTEGRATE YOUR STRENGTHS. When on an issue of FIT, confirming a strength with a behavioral example is always welcomed. When the issue reveals a weakness.... answer the question and stop talking.
THIRD... AT LEAST ADDRESS THE ISSUE OF A QUESTION BEFORE BLOCKING THE SUBJECT, TURNING THE TABLES, OR ANSWERING IN ANY MANIPULATIVE MANNER. This strategy allows you to respond to "illegal, unethical" questions and also money talk.
Often you can build in credibility by talking about yourself as others see you, in the third person.
"My customers have always valued my responsive problem-solving nature. Why, just last week...."
-or- " I have been consistently reviewed for my ..."
For those counting, seven more to make the TOP TEN...
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Anticipate the needs of your listener when talking about yourself. Often before answering questions effectively you must have asked the right questions to direct your personal salesmanship.
Be honest, but be your best, authentic SELF. Narrative, story-like answers are always better received than rigid, practiced responses. Keep it brief, but meaningful... Focused but entertaining... Speak WITH a person, not at them!
Be ready to back up what you say, confirming your qualification and key strengths. Know when to toot your own horn...turn small talk into high impact, BIG talk.
Refresh your communication strategy often to stay in synch with your current marketplace. There is no replacement for research.
Practice enough to be spontaneous... and use humor where appropriate.
You want to make a positive impression with your listener, not get them to roll their eyes. HAVE a sense of humor. Don't expect your market to be as logical as you are.
It should make common sense to employ all your senses... Use your eyes, ears, head and heart when selling yourself.
Bob Maher, CMF... The Careerpilot
Bob created his online presence, www.careerpilot.com, in 1994. He has over twenty years of successful experience in Corporate Recruitment, performance management and Career Management Services. He is an entrepreneur and innovator in the use of information technology in the recruitment and employment process. On the Founder's Council of the Association of Career Professionals - International and quite active in their Professional Development, Technology and Chapter Growth initiatives--a frequent speaker at industry conferences and seminars. Awarded the prestigious "LIFE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD" in 2006.
Other TOP TEN TIPS...
Need TIPS, but can't find your topic of interest? Simply CONTACT the Careerpilot and let him know... he'll get those TOP TEN TIPS up as soon as possible--and thank you for your input!