The Perfect Interview Answer Formula
If I had a £1 for every time I was asked about the perfect way to answer interview questions the HMRC would be tracking me down about now for an undeclared income!
I get asked it daily, weekly, monthly, randomly. At work, out with friends, in the shower (did you see the rain we had last Wednesday!) So rather than answering it again to another eager candidate looking to get inside my head, in a non-violent way, I thought I’d type it out here. In my home. On LinkedIn.
The Perfect Interview Answer Formula
Ok, if you want to give the perfect answer to every interview question you need get these three things right:
- Length
You need to get the length of your answer right. Too much detail and you lose the interviewer’s attention. Not enough and you’ve not fully answered the question. Edit, proof read, copy write if you want but stick to the required details only.
- Personalisation
You need to give a personal answer. Not just your version of standard story; one that is unique to you. It will make you stand out and memorable as a candidate – ideally in a good way. (If completing Strengths based interview, you will also appear more enthusiastic & passionate about your example, which will also help you.)
- Relevance
Make your answer/story is relevant to the employer. Everything you say should make the employer want to hire you even more. So pick examples that highlight the skills the perspective employer is looking for.
Yes, you should still use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action & Results) model when structuring your answer and the mini stories you want to use as examples. Yes, you should have 5-6 prepared examples of achievements in your life/career to date you are most proud of as these will help you answer many interview questions. Yes, you will still need to do your research on the company you are applying to. And, no; you will not get every job you apply to.
If recruitment is an art and not a science, then it’s definitely not magic nor a religion. However, I do believe if you are right for the job you will get it and if not for it, you won’t. Simple.
Leave out the unnecessary details, don’t use stock/generic answers that allegedly fit ‘all’ interviews and your potential to pass and get the job will go up.
