| Understanding the interview question is critical to | | | | interview workshops who was a very qualified |
| answering it correctly. Interview Secrets Click here | | | | Telecom Engineer but whose English was not as |
| Make sure you understand the question completely | | | | strong. I had no doubt that he was a strong candidate |
| before you attempt to answer it. I have seen many | | | | but sometimes he misunderstood the question and |
| candidates, who did not answer an interview question | | | | provided an incomplete answer since he rushed when |
| correctly because they misunderstood what they | | | | responding. Through our interview workshop, we |
| were being asked. If English is not your first language, | | | | provided this candidate some personalized answering |
| here are some tips you can use to help you during an | | | | strategies that included taking notes. He improved his |
| interview. | | | | interview skills dramatically. |
| If you did not understand the interview question asked, | | | | If the interviewer offers you a drink, take it. It is not |
| don't be afraid to ask the interviewer to repeat or | | | | impolite to accept the offer of a drink in an interview. |
| clarify the question. Here it is your responsibility to | | | | Believe me after 20 minutes or more of talking you will |
| request clarification, until you understand the question. | | | | be glad you had a glass of water especially if you are |
| Asking the interviewer to clarify the question is much | | | | nervous and your mouth becomes dry. You will |
| better than attempting to answer a question that you | | | | perform better when you are well-hydrated. It is good |
| misunderstood. | | | | practice to take a sip before answering a difficult |
| Writing notes during an interview can help you | | | | interview question, since you will gain a few precious |
| understand the interview question and prepare your | | | | seconds to gather your thoughts before answering. |
| answer. If you could write faster or if you feel more | | | | In some Eastern cultures direct eye contact with |
| comfortable writing in your native language than do so. | | | | one’s superiors or elders is avoided, since it is a |
| Take note of the key items in the question that you | | | | sign of disrespect. In an interview in North America, the |
| need to address and jot down key answer points. This | | | | exact opposite is true. Direct eye contact, signals to |
| will help you ensure that you do not forget important | | | | the interviewer that you are honest, trustworthy and |
| points in your answer. This technique is especially | | | | dependable. While we are on this topic of body |
| useful with complex more difficult questions. When | | | | language, don't forget that a smile communicates to |
| taking notes, do not transcribe the entire question and | | | | your interviewer your warmth and friendliness. So |
| answer, rather write down a few key words that you | | | | remember eye contact and a smile goes a long way |
| will address. I can recall an attendee from one of our | | | | in developing report with your interviewer. |