job interview answer Archives - Job Interview Coaching

October 7, 2021October 7, 2021

How to Answer the Interview Question ‘What can you bring to the team?’

The ‘what can you bring to the team’ is one of the best job interview questions any experienced career professional can be asked.

Why?

The openness of the question allows a skilled interviewee to sell themselves by discussing a skill, quality or experience that would be hard to embedded into an interview answer for a more specific recruitment question such as a ‘give me an example of….’

Open job interview questions, which include:

Tell me about yourself?
What are your strengths?
Why should we hire you?

The barriers and pitfalls to the open interview question

One of the most common mistakes when answering ‘open’ questions, is the tendency to list items.

As an example, for the ‘why do you want to work here?’ open interview question, an applicant may reply with the following list: “Because I like the company, it has a good reputation, and I have always wanted to work.”

It is similar with the ‘strengths’ question: “My strengths include teamwork, the ability to get things done and my work ethic”.

‘Listing’ is a technique that works when embedded into a more detailed job interview answer. As a solo technique it often doesn’t result in a high-scoring answer.

The second pitfall that many nervous job applicants fall into, is the unintentional rambling problem.

Unintentional rambling is common in a job interview because the interviewee knows that they should be giving a longer answer.

As an example, when asked ‘why should we hire you?’ the nervous applicant panics as they search for a high-scoring interview answer.

Initially, they reply using the listing method: “I am highly skilled, experience and qualified.”

Realizing that they need to add more meat to the bone, the candidate adds a second list: “..Also, I’m good with people, a strong communicator and a good listener.”

At this point panic takes over, firing the flight or fight mode, with the interviewee splurting out irrelevant information: “…I am also good at administration, tidying up and making cups of tea!”

You may have done this yourself. You return from an interview and think: ‘What was I saying in there?’

The key to avoid rambling is having a interview answer structure.

Interview Answer Structure

Getting back to the interview question in-hand, before I start going off topic as well!!

Open questions allow the applicant to state whatever it is they want to discuss.

It is key, then, to be a self-promoter during the answering of this question. In fact, all three rules of a successful job interview come into play during the ‘what can you bring to the team?’ interview question.

To plan a high-scoring answer, think about:

What does the current employer need, or what problem are they facing (and do you have the solution, skills or expertise?)
What is the culture of the company?
How can you frame your unique selling point and expertise to be relevant to the interview panel?

To answer the interview question, each applicant must discuss the following three points during the interview answer:

An understanding of the job role/duties
Sector related experience/knowledge
Personal qualities

Below is a breakdown of the interview structure, which needs to be edited to fit the job sector and experiences of each individual job applicant:

Start the answer by referencing a key area of the job role. name a specific duty or industry problem.

Second, explain how you have experience in this area or highlight a relevant skill set.

Finally, end by focusing in on your personal skills and qualities.

Interview Answer Template:

Interviewer: “Tell me what you can bring to the team?”

Interviewee:

“After working in this industry for X number of years, one of the most common problems we face is (add sector related problem) The (problem) is an issue as it (add the negative effects of the problem)….”

“….My experience in (job role/dealing with the problem) has taught me (explain in detail what actions are required to overcome the problem) This is one of the things I can bring to the team, the ability to (summarise how your expertise/experience can overcome the industry problem)….”

“….In addition, I am able to (add second skill or experience relating to the job role/duties). An example of this was when I was working for X organisation and we were tasked to (achieve a goal). To meet the (objective) I (explain steps taken/actions took) which resulted in (outcome)…”

“…To summarise, I can (point 1) and (point 2). And my (add personal qualities/skills, ideally relevant to the company culture)”.

What makes an interview answer effective?

Research has shown what elements help to create a high-scoring interview answer, tehy include:

A structured interview answer
A higher number of words per answer
Varying tonality during the interview answer to help maintain interest
A confident delivery style
Positive language (nervous applicants will self-disclose weaknesses)

August 31, 2021August 31, 2021

How to Answer the Interview Question ‘Why this company?’

The ‘why this company?’ job interview question can be a turning point in the job interview, leading to a potential offer of employment or a rejection.

This article will explain:

Why employers ask the ‘why this company?’ interview question
How you shouldn’t respond to the question
Best interview answer examples

The ‘why this company?’ question can be challenging if the job applicant hasn’t prepared a solid response.

There are two types of job interviews that ask this question. The first is in a structured job interview, where the question is asked to all job applicants as part of sequential process.

In a structured job interview, all questions are scored against the job interview score card.

A second interview style, is the informal job interview where all job interview questions are asked off the cuff. In an unstructured job interview, the employer will generally ask the ‘why this company?’ as they build rapport with the job applicant.

Why is the ‘why this company?’ interview question so important?

The ‘why this company?’ question comes in various forms;

“Why did you apply for this role?”
“What do you like about our organization?”
“Why do you want to work here?”
“Tell me, what made you apply for this position?”
“Do you think you will be a good fit here?”

The goal of the job interview, from the employers perspective is to predict the job performance of each interviewee.

High performing employees perform well when employed in an organisation that has company values and a vision that match that of the employee. In addition, performance and outcomes often improve if the employee works naturally well under the management and leadership styles of company.

It makes sense then, for employers to ask a job interview questions to understand the motivations of each job candidate.

A second reason whey hiring managers ask ‘why do you want to work for this organisation?’ type questions to predict staff retention.

Some research shows that employees, on average, stay in an organization for an average of 4.5 years. Hiring cost for businesses can add up, with the average cost per new recruit being between £2000-£3000.

For large organisations who take on hundreds of new staff each year to replace job hopping employees can see their profits dwindle by the migration of staff.

Due to the barrier of staff turnover, employers now more than ever before are asking recruitment questions to help predict if a new employee is likely to stay for a longer than average duration.

This is why the ‘why this company?’ interview question is frequently featured during recruitment events.

How not to respond to the ‘why this company?’ question.

As mentioned previously, the ‘why this company’ question can be a turning point in the job interview.

This is because the applicants answer will hit a ‘turn on’ or ‘turn off’ button in the recruiters mind.

Business owners are proud of their company. If an applicant has applied because they love the company culture, the visions and values an affinity can be created – you like me (my company) so I will like you.

And the opposite affect can be created when the candidate doesn’t show a real interest in the company itself, they just need a job.

5 ways not to answer the ‘why us’ question.

I applied for so many jobs that I cant remember why I choose this one
I’m desperate for a job
This will be a good experience for my career
The salary is very competitive
I’m keen to develop my skills in this job sector

Employers are looking to employ an applicant who want to work with the organisation to help create a success. Answers that talk about salary and professional-development are one-sided, the answer is seen as selfish.

Answers that focus solely on the candidate themselves, what they want to get out of the job, are viewed as negative. With employers believing that once the employee has taken what they can, they will simple up sticks and leave.

Offence is given when interviewees state they are applying for the advertised job role purely because they are desperate, in need, or struggling to find their ‘ideal’ position. As noted before, employers are proud of their organisation and dislike anyone who disrespects their company.

The best way to answer ‘why do you want to work here?’ question.

5 quick tips to start of the reply to ‘why us’ interview question

Focus on the company not solely on your qualifications, experiences and skills as other interview questions will request this information.
Be enthusiastic about the company. Know the company values, mission and culture.
Link your personal values to that of the companies.
Be specific in your answers
Focus on collaboration

3 Styles of answers that employers love

Specific Company Information.

The first style of interview answer requires research.

In years gone by, job applicants would answer the why would you like to work here interview question by stating the duration the company had been in business, the products the company created and how they (the applicant) would like to progress internally.

This answer is no longer acceptable.

Employers were previously impressed by a candidates knowledge of their organization prior to all company information being readily available on the internet. Previously, to know company insights took research, where todays job hunters gain the same information at the touch of a button.

Instead, interviewees can convince employers that they are the right fit for the organisation by presenting hard to find information, data or statistics.

At a basic level this information can include the company values, mission and vision statement, often found on the ‘about us’ website page. But really, every job seeker should review this information prior to a job interview.

To impress an interview panel, research more specific information which can include:

Newly won contracts and tenders
Understanding the company income structure: government contracts, investors, selling products
Parent companies that the organisation sits under
Duration of the interviewers time in the organisation (easily accessed via LinkedIn)
Information on community activities, sustainability programs, diversity and inclusion polices and other social enterprises
Future proposals – think Tesla creating cars, and now building rockets (sources for this information include: press releases, social media channels and company website)
Positive feedback; this can include being known for being a good employer, or being know for the company green policy
Timeline – how a company started, how the company built up, problems it faced and how it overcame these, and finally the current situation (presented as a positive). Information to support with this can be found in news articles and on the ‘about us’ webpage.

To answer the interview question, use the following formula:

“I liked to work for organisations that (add positive). What I like about (company name) is that you (add researched information) I personally am also (add trait that links nicely to the researched information) which is why I applied for this role.”

Ahead of the game.

The second approach to be future thinking.

Companies are constantly looking at three things:

Cutting overhead cost/increasing profit
New markets to enter or how their products needs to evolve to be kept current
Competition and customer demand

The savvy career professional, using their industry insight can focus the ‘why us?’ interview answer on adding value.

Imagine an applicant who explains how an additional income can be made from a waste product? Or how demand for one of the company products is high in a particular country. Or how automation, AI and robotics data is showing that a certain product/business may be obsolete in the near future.

Giving researched opinions and ideas creates authority. Employers employ people with additional insights, information and advice, as long as they see the suggestions as valuable.

Because of this, the interviewee must state the source of the information to give the answer credit.

To answer the interview question, use the following formula:

“When I was researching the organisation, I saw that you are involved in (add niche/product). For the past X number of years I have been involved in this (niche/product) and seen many changes. One of my reasons for applying for this is that I know that the company are forward thinking, always looking for continued success. I like that. I was recently reading (research) in (source) that explained how (add data) which could effect this company (positively/negatively). To use this to our advantage, one idea would to (add actions that could be taken).”

The outsiders perspective.

Everyone likes being praised, including companies.

A good way to answer the ‘why do you want to work for this organisation?’ is by giving a personal perspective. This technique is useful when applying for low to medium size business, and a must when applying for a role in a family run organisation.

Making it personal can include referencing:

Personally enjoying the service/product – this can be viewed as a live review
Recommendation from a friend who does or has worked for the company
The publics reputation – everyone praises this particular business
An article in a newspaper that talked about (the companies values, green policy, etc)
The leadership style or culture of the company

To answer the interview question, use the following formula:

“When looking for a job I don’t just look at the salary or number of annual leave days, instead I want to work for a company that (add reason). This is why I applied for a position here, because (explain experience, recommendation or source).”

August 25, 2021August 25, 2021

How to Answer the Interview Question ‘What are your greatest strengths?’

The ‘greatest strengths’ interview question is one of the most commonly quoted job interview questions, used across all job sectors.

Why is the ‘strengths’ question utilized so often? Because of the open nature of question.

Employers pick specific interview questions to help gained an understanding of the applicants knowledge, experience and potential.

Specific interview question will be directed at a key competencies:

“Give me an example of doing X?”
“How would you handle Y situation?”
“Have you ever used Z?”

Competency based interview questions are easy to cross-reference against the job criteria, which is why employers favor the structured job interview.

The barrier, when asking very specific job duty related questions, is that the applicant doesn’t have the opportunity to promote their additional skills, knowledge and experiences.

This is one of the reasons why employers ask more open-ended interview questions such as the famed ‘tell me about yourself’ or the ‘strengths’ interview question.

The article will explain how to approach the ‘what are your greatest strengths?’ job interview question. How to create a high-scoring answer, and how to make the high-scoring answer relevant to the job role.

Preparing for the Job Interview.

The key to answering the ‘greatest achievement’ interview question is in the applicants pre-interview preparation.

The barrier with an open question is the high probability of the applicant going off topic.

In a structured job interview, all interview answers receive points based on the number of job criteria referenced in the job interview answer.

Research shows that the higher number of words per interview answer, equates to a higher number of job offers. But, the answers have to be relevant to the job position.

When preparing for a ‘strengths’ interview question, applicants need to plan to talk about strengths required for the advertised position: an eye for detail, for a quality control officer, or calculations expertise, for a civil engineer.

A good exercise is to list of the essential duties for the advertised position, and in a second column write down a list of strengths, that the applicant possesses, that are required for each duty.

This exercise is to generate ideas, so details aren’t required at this stage. Applicants may list skills, qualities or experiences.

Example – Project Manager Job

Essential Duties	Strengths
Stakeholder management	Communication Able to influence and persuade Relationship building Having industry related connections Collaborative working
Project planning	Experienced in achieving project outcomes Analytical and logical approach Report writing Collaborative working
Cost projection
Risk assessments
etc

Next, look at the common skills, qualities and experiences that have been repeated throughout the list technique, in our example this is ‘collaborative working’.

Breakdown the reason why the quality, skill, or experience is a strength:

What do you specifically do?
What is your approach?
How is what you do better the a general approach?
What is the common result from your actions?
Does your attitude/work ethic part of the strength?
Do you plan or use intuition?
Is this a team effort or is the strength a personal achievement?
If a team effort, what is your role within the team?

Finally, think about a real-life (work) example, that will be used during the interview answer.

Make the Strength question strong.

To summarise the post so far.

Employers are likely to ask the ‘greatest strength’ interview question as it is documented as one of the most commonly asked job interview questions.

The interview question may be phrased as:

“Tell about one of your greatest successes?”
“What can you bring to the team?”
“How would you have an impact on the team/project?”

The ‘strengths’ interview question is open to interpretation, which requires the candidate to focus the interview answer on the essential criteria of the job role, to ensure the answer scores high.

The strength question needs to state strengths!

The applicant must talk about their unique selling point, relevant to the job role. The answer should show added value, high achieving examples, and the applicants work ethic, motivation as well as a high level of sector related knowledge and experiences.

Mistakes and mishaps.

There are three common mistakes that career professionals make when answering the ‘strengths’ question.

The wrong path.

Taking the wrong path, often comes from a lack of pre-interview preparation.

The unprepared interviewee is nervous and anxious, coming across as having an ‘incompetent’ interview identity.

When asked a question, the lack of confidence leaves the applicant pleading for an idea – anything to create an answer. Whatever random idea pops into their mind becomes the talking point, the main message of the interview answer.

In many cases, the unprepared interview answer lacks detail, is short, and most importantly doesn’t relate to the job criteria. This results in a low-scoring interview answer.

Self-disclosed weaknesses.

Consistently successful job applicants, in the main, aware of their skill set and possess a good level of confidence.

Being confident increases self-promotion.

Whereas, a lack of self-esteem, or having imposture syndrome increases the number of unprompted self-disclosed weaknesses.

When asked a question, the low self-esteem interviewee will initially list weaknesses before picking a ‘strength’. This self-disclosure, is often outside the awareness of the applicant. It is like they are externalizing their thought process:

Interviewer: “What are you greatest strengths?”

Low self-esteem interviewee: “What are my greatest strengths? Well..urm..im not vey good at IT…urm…I don’t work well under pressure…urm, my greatest strength is my ability to (strength)”.

Bragging.

Some applicants are highly confident, but lack industry experiences.

Highly confident applicants feel comfortable with communication. A high level of self-esteem increases self-promotion.

Confidence without knowledge can create a pretender interview identity, where the interviewee attempts to manipulate the employer by exaggerating their skill set.

Self-promotion is expected in the job interview, but when the applicant lacks experience and sector knowledge they rarely know what examples would meet the job criteria.

Instead of giving specific industry related examples, the candidate will self-praise using generalisations:

Interviewer: “What are your greatest strengths?”

Interviewee: “Everything!”

Other examples include:

“My passion, my attitude, my work ethic”
“I’m a good team player, I finish tasks and I am loyal.”
“In all my roles I put on 100% of effort. My previous managers often tell me that I am an excellent member of staff and that I have a positive impact on the team.”

Some of the examples sound positive, and indeed they are, but they lack the specific data the employer requires to cross-reference the interview answer against the criteria on the interview scorecard.

How to answer the what is your greatest strength interview question.

A simple structure to answer the ‘strengths’ interview question is:

Barriers + strengths + summary

Relevance is key here.

Employers working in the same sector will face similar barriers. By stating the industry barriers at the start of the interview questions creates relevance. It also helps to build intrigue, as the employer will presume you are going to state a solution, which you will do by highlighting your strengths.

“As we all know, one of the biggest barriers we face in this industry is X. This barrier can lead to (add additional negative consequences)…”

The body of the interview answer will state the applicants strengths. The exercise above has resulted in a list of relevant strengths relating to the job criteria.

Don’t fall into the trap of just listing strengths, as this technique doesn’t result in a high-scoring answer.

Instead, give an example of using the listed strengths in a workplace setting.

Initially start the body of the interview answer, by stating a generic selling point. This could include the duration in the industry, a high-level sector related qualification or having worked on a well-known project that may impress the interview panel.

“…My (duration, qualification, experience on project) has taught me that (give the solution to the stated problem or an indication that you have the solution)…”

The example follow the opening statement.

Examples must include the situation, actions taken (highlighting strengths, positive outcome).

“…To give you an example of this, when working (at company/on X project) we faced (problem relating to the initial stated barrier)…

…my ability to (add first strength) allowed me to (state outcome). I achieved this by utilizing my (add second strength) which allowed me to (outcome). Throughout the task I faced (add additional barrier) but I was always able to overcome this by (state third strength)….”

“..the end result was (add positive outcome)….”

Conclude the interview answer by summarizing your key strengths.

A summary reinforces the applicants strengths, and clarifies any ambiguity from the example given.

“…To answer the question, my key strengths include (strength one, two and three).”

July 2, 2021July 2, 2021

How to Answer the Interview Question ‘what is your biggest regret?’

This article will explain how to answer the job interview questions ‘what is your biggest regret?’

To best answer any job interview question, the applicant needs to think about:

The advertised job role
The company culture
Required skills or knowledge.

This is because, an employer will have an ideal answer they are looking for. Meaning, for each interview question there is a reason.

The job interview, in short, is designed to predict the job performance of the further employee. As each interviewer will ask around 8 job interview questions, the recruiter doesn’t want to waste an opportunity to undercovers a required skill or trait by asking a pointless question.

The first thing each applicant should ask, when hearing an interview question, is:

What is the reason for this question?
What skill, knowledge or experience is the employer interested in hearing about?
Is there a hidden meaning?

The ‘biggest regret’ interview question.

The ‘biggest regret’ interview question is another way to ask ‘tell me about a mistake you have made?’ or ‘what are your weaknesses?’

For all negatively framed job interview questions, applicants need to train themselves not to answer the question on face value.

The biggest mistake interviewees make is listing regrets, mistakes and weaknesses.

“My biggest regrets was when I worked at….., also I regret not doing……and…..”

Listing a high number of regrets, mistakes and weaknesses will only result in a low-scoring job interview answer.

In fact, employers aren’t looking for a damaging interview answer – this isn’t a trick question.

What a hiring manager wants to hear is, what the applicant learned from the regret, the employer is wanting to hear the career professionals journey.

Applicants, therefore, should reference the regret, while focusing the main part of the interview answer on lessons learned. It is the journey the employer is interested in.

The job interview formula is: situation x regret x learning journey

How to answer the ‘regret’ interview question.

The 3 stages to the interview anwswer are:

Situation
Regret
Learning/Journey

Situation

In the interview answer opening, it is important to set the scene.

Explain the situation. This could be a problem the applicant, team or organisation faced, a business as usual task that went wrong or a new company objective.

“When working at X company, we were faced with (a problem). If not resolved this could lead to (negative outcome)….”

In the second part of the situation opening, the applicant can explain their role and their actions.

“…as the team leader I was responsible for A, B and C. To resolve the issue I (add actions taken)…”

Regret

The ‘regret’ needs to be reframed as a learning point.

If possible, stay away from over using the word regret. Instead, talk about reflection, or use ‘if I was undertaking the same task I would do it differently’

Remember a ‘regret’ example doesn’t mean that the applicant has to discuss a failure, instead the interview answer can be about a successful event, that could have been completed in a better way.

An example of this could be a career professional regretting not studying at university as they took the apprenticeship route option. What is important is the learning, not the regret.

Start the answer second part of the interview answer by stating the regret

“I regret taking the apprenticeship route rather then studying at university…”
“I regret not looking into other others that could have (saved overhead cost/increased production/etc)…”
“I regret listening to the advice of others when I should has used my own experience….”

The word ‘regret’ can be easily replaced by rewording the interview answer:

“I don’t think taking the apprenticeship route was the best for me….”
“I could have looked into other options that could have saved…”
“I wish I had listened to my own experience rather the listening to the advice of others…”

Learning/Journey

The learning journey comes in two parts.

Part 1 – past choice

Part 2 – future self

Past Choice

Learning comes from reflection.

In the past choice section it is important to expand on the reason for the choice (regret) as this expands on the initial situation.

“…On reflection I made this choice because of (add reasons)…”

The choice, the reason for the regret, could potentially be down to the direction of a manager, company culture or lack of experience.

Next, discuss the other options.

When explain the other options state the reason why they, at the time, didn’t seem appropriate.

“…The other option was to (add option). If I took this option, the benefits would have been (state positives) but the (barrier/risk) included (add negatives) which is why I went with the first option.”

Future Self.

Finally, show learning.

“Looking back, I have preferred (other choice) as this would have (state better outcome)…”

Explain what was learnt because of the experience.

“…but the experience taught me (add lessons leant) which has now (add a benefit from the learning experience)..”

End with a future action.

“..if i was in the same situation again I would A, B and C”

Example interview answer.

Putting all the elements together, an example answer would look like:

“When working at X company, we were faced with (a problem). If not resolved this could lead to (negative outcome)……as the team leader I was responsible for A, B and C.

To resolve the issue I (add actions taken)…I wish I had listened to my own experience rather the listening to the advice of others….On reflection I made this choice because of (add reasons)…..The other option was to (add option). If I took this option, the benefits would have been (state positives) but the (barrier/risk) included (add negatives) which is why I went with the first option.

Looking back, I have preferred (other choice) as this would have (state better outcome)…..but the experience taught me (add lessons leant) which has now (add a benefit from the learning experience)….if I was in the same situation again I would A, B and C”

November 2, 2015November 28, 2020

Interview Question “Do You Know Anyone Who Works Here?”

This interview question is becoming more common. Interviewers ask this question to check if there will be any potential conflict between colleagues

Interview Video Tutorial

Example Generic Interview Answer

“Yes, one of my friends, Rick works for you. He has told me all about the organisation, the team and the training and support you put in place for staff. The company sounds like a great place to work and I feel I would fit in perfectly”

October 25, 2015November 29, 2020

Job Interview Question Video How do you approach a project?

This job interview question video will teach you how to answer that commonly asked interview question “how do you approach a project”

The video explains how you need to keep your answer on point, by stating the 3-5 steps that you take when approaching a new project.

In this article, we have broken down what the interviewer is looking for in a perfect job interview answer and to help you create the perfect answer we have recorded an example answer.

How do you approach a project?

Common asked question in project management jobs, keep this answer short (it is easy to give a long-winded answer to this type of question) and demonstrate how you plan, prepare and approach projects –use an example if possible

Example Interview Answer

“I recently completed a highly valuable project; to start with a look at the outcome of the project and work backward, I work out what resources I need to complete the project on time and write an action plan to follow adding cost, timings and a contingency plan”

October 24, 2015November 29, 2020

Interview Question and Answer Do you think you have enough experience?

Do you think you have enough experience?

When asked a question about your experience and if you have enough, the employer has concerns about you.

When answering this interview question make it clear that you do have what it takes to add value to their organisation.

In this article, we have broken down what the interviewer is looking for in a perfect job interview answer and to help you create the perfect answer we have recorded an example answer

Interview Video Tutorial – do you have enough experience for this position?

Do you think you have enough experience?

Explanation of the Question:

If you’re asked this, then the interviewer does not believe you have enough experience. If you have you need to make this clear, explain about your previous experiences and give detail to the parts that are relevant to this new job role.

If you do not have the experience they need, you need to show the employer you have the skills, qualities and knowledge that will make you equal to people with experience but not necessary the skills. It is also good to add how quick you can pick up the routine of a new job role.

Example Interview Answer

“Altogether I have 8 years experience in this industry, in my current role as a manager I spend a large amount of time auditing accounts as we worked on government contracts and all expenditure had to be accounted for.

I use all the relevant computer packages and understand the importance of double-checking the figures. I have always had an eye for detail and an ability to find errors easily, allowing me to be pro-active rather than reactive”

June 19, 2015November 30, 2020

The Presentation of Your Job Interview Answer The 3 key Steps

The presentation of your job interview answer is often the key reason why employers see you as a weak candidate.

The job interview myth is “the best person gets the job” whereas, in actual fact “the best interviewee” gets the job.

Framing your job interview answers to highlight your unique selling, over-achieving the employer’s expectations, can double the chances of a job offer.

An employer offering £30,000 + salary wants the most for their money. Why would the employer offer the position to you, if the next candidate states in their job interview that they have more skills, more experience and more qualities then you?

Step 1 – Create Interest in Your Answer

When asked an interview question, most interviewees make the mistake of using a misguided opening line “erm, yes I can do that I think” or “I’ve not done that for a while, but…”

Weak answers turn the interviewer off – once turned off they interviewer won’t really be listening to the body of your answer

Instead, open your job interview answer by stating clearly that you have that required skill “In all my roles I have used X skill..” or “This is one of my key strengths…”

By stating that you can do X the interviewer will want to hear your example and the rest of your interview answer.

Step 2 – Examples That Create Desire

A common interview question and the one we will use as an example, is “Can you work within a team?”

As with all common questions, interviewees use common, boring answers “yes I can work well within a team, I communicate well with others, I like to help my team members when they are stuck and together within a team, we achieve more..”

BORING!!

Don’t state your skills as this will easily be forgotten. To create memorable interview answers use stories.

Stories are visual and when someone imagines you being successful they will feel the positive emotions associated with your story (and their visual representation of your story) and emotional interviews are well remembered

For any interview story use a 3 step process

State the Problem
Explain how YOU solved the problem
Give the positive outcome

“In all my roles I have adopted a team approach; an example of this was when I recently worked on a high profile project within a team. I was new to the project team and (add problem) to resolve this I (give solution) the outcome from this was (give positive outcome)..”

Make a Positive Future

Interviewees fall into the natural habit of talking about past successes. Overall this isn’t a bad habit as you are highlighting your strength and experiences from previous employments.

But what is more powerful is when an interviewee explains how they will use X SKILL to improve the team/project/profit in the company they are being interviewed for. This allows the interviewer to imagine you being successful for them, which is highly motivational.