I want to begin with a small story from my book. A friend of mine, a recruiting consultant, had two candidates who were equally good. He could not decide. So he asked a last question. "How would you describe a duck to a blindfolded man?"
The first candidate said he would put a toy duck in the man's hand so he could feel the shape. The second took a few more seconds. He said he would tell him that a duck quacks, and if he hears that sound, a duck is nearby. The interviewer picked the second one. Why? Because the first answer sounded nice, but nobody can easily make a duck sit still in your hand. The second answer was practical.
The point is that in an interview any trap can be sprung. You cannot prepare for every question. But you can learn how to answer when it is difficult.
Think aloud
When you get a puzzle or a case, the answer is often not the main thing. The way you think is. Say what you are thinking. Ask a small question if you need information. If you must assume something, say so, "I am assuming this because...". Even a wrong answer reached by clear reasoning will be appreciated.
But finish with an answer. If they ask for a recommendation, give one. Do not leave the interviewer hanging.
Never run down your last employer
You may want to leave because of salary, because you are bored, or because your boss is difficult. Do not say that. In the interview it only shows your attitude.
The book shows how to put it. Instead of "I am bored with the same work", you can say, "I have three years of specialisation in this field. I feel I can now use this experience to tackle higher-level challenges, and I have several ideas about how to do that." That is true, positive, and it shows you will add value.
On salary, if you are a fresher, the book suggests saying you expect something along industry standards. For this you must know what the industry standard is. Do your research before you walk in.
The hard ones
There are uncomfortable questions. "You finished your engineering two years ago. Why have you not got a job?" Or, "Why have you changed jobs so often?"
My advice is to tell the truth, briefly, without making excuses. The book gives a sample answer for a job hopper that I like. The candidate says his first job was excellent. He moved because he thought he could do better things. It did not work out. He tried to solve the problems with his seniors. In less than a year he moved again. And then comes the line. "I know now that moving so soon was a mistake. That is why I would like a chance to return to my original specialisation."
See what happened here. He admitted his mistake. He gave a reason. And he did not go on the defensive. He looked ahead. The interviewer may or may not accept it, but he will respect the honesty.
For a gap, the book suggests that you think about what the gap taught you. A long search for a job teaches patience, tolerance and perseverance. You learn that life does not always give what we want, but we must keep trying. Say the true reason, keep it short, and finish with what you learnt and what you are ready to do now. If the reason is personal and you do not wish to discuss it, you can politely say so.
When you do not know
If you do not know the answer, say so. Giving half-baked answers is worse, because the interviewer will ask more questions. But do not stop there. Add what you can do. The book's example: "I am not familiar with that subject. In college my electives were such and such, and I could answer questions on those." Or, "I am not thorough with it now, but I am confident of learning it quickly."
If you did not understand the question, ask politely. "I beg your pardon" is better than "What?". If you made a mistake and realise it later in the interview, correct it. "I am sorry, I think I made a mistake when I spoke about..." Better late than never.
Never do these
- Never lose your temper or shout back, even if you feel the interviewer was unfair.
- Never lie about previous salary or employers. They can verify it.
- Never express strong views on politics or religion. Stay neutral.
Write your answer today
Choose the one question you fear most. It could be about low marks, a backlog, a gap, or a quick exit from a job. Write your answer in four lines.
- State the fact in one simple sentence.
- Do not blame anyone.
- Say what you learnt.
- Say what you are ready to do now.
Read it aloud to a friend. If it sounds like an excuse, rewrite it. When you have one answer ready for your worst question, the rest of the interview feels easier.
This is one chapter from my book Get That Dream Job.
