There are two ways to answer interview questions: the short version and the long version. When a question is open-ended, we always suggest to candidates that they say, "Let me give you the short version. If we need to explore some aspect of the answer more fully, I'd be happy to go into greater depth, and give you the long version."
By using this method, you telegraph to the interviewer that your thoughts are well organized, and that you want to understand the intent of the question before you travel too far in a direction neither of you wants to go. After you get the green light, you can spend your interviewing time discussing in detail the things that are important, not whatever happens to pop into your mind. Be careful not to talk yourself out of a job. Nothing turns off an employer faster than a windbag candidate. By using the short version/long version method to answering questions, you'll never talk yourself out of a job.
The prudent use of questions
Your questions should always be slanted in such a way as to show empathy, interest, or understanding of the employer's needs. After all, the reason you're interviewing is because the employer's company has some piece of work, which needs to be completed, or a problem that needs correcting.
Give it some thought
Here are seven of the most commonly asked interviewing questions. Do yourself and the prospective employer a favor, and give them some thought before the interview occurs.
1. Why do you want this job?
2. Why do you want to leave your present company?
3. Where do you see yourself in five years?
4. What are your personal goals?
5. What are your strengths? Weaknesses?
6. What do you like most about your current company?
7. What do you like least about your current company?
The last question is probably the hardest to answer: What do you like least about your present company?
Rather than pointing out the faults of other people ("I can't stand the office politics," or, "I don't get along with my boss"), it's best to place the burden on yourself ("I feel I'm ready to exercise a new set of professional muscles," or, "The type of technology I'm interested in isn't available to me now."). By answering in this manner, you'll avoid pointing the finger at someone else, or coming across as a whiner or complainer. It does no good to speak negatively about others.
Wrapping it up
At the conclusion of your interview, you can wrap up any unfinished business you failed to cover so far, and begin to explore the future of your candidacy. During your interview wrap-up, it's a good practice to make the interviewer aware of other opportunities you're exploring, as long as they're genuine, and their timing has some bearing on your own decision-making.
The fact that you're actively exploring other opportunities may affect the speed with which the company makes its hiring decision. It may even positively influence the eventual outcome, since the company may want to act quickly so as not to lose you.
Finally, remember to maintain a positive attitude. In today's job market, you'd be surprised how often victory is snatched from the jaws of defeat. By practicing and improving your interviewing skills, you will increase your chances of getting the job.
Author Resource:-
Brian LeCount is a manager for Partner Technology, an IT Career Staffing Firm located in Cincinnati, Ohio.
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