WEBVTT

00:01.560 --> 00:07.920
End this lesson we'll talk about a few general strategies for answering questions in a job interview

00:08.850 --> 00:14.790
and Chapter 5 will give examples of specific answers to typical interview questions.

00:15.030 --> 00:19.830
But for now let's begin with a few words about keeping things positive.

00:19.850 --> 00:27.270
As you answer questions no matter what the question no matter what the answer you always want to convey

00:27.270 --> 00:30.870
an attitude of positivity throughout the interview.

00:30.870 --> 00:37.380
This means that you want to focus on solutions rather than problems opportunities rather than challenges

00:37.710 --> 00:40.050
and growth rather than struggle.

00:40.110 --> 00:46.740
It sounds rather corny at first but employers look for employees who will bring a high level of enthusiasm

00:46.740 --> 00:55.100
to their work and people who phrase their communication positively convey such enthusiasm.

00:55.110 --> 01:01.030
Another good strategy for answering questions is to ask questions as part of your answers.

01:01.050 --> 01:06.140
This builds rapport and allows a more organic conversation to develop.

01:06.300 --> 01:12.090
Asking questions during the interview also demonstrates to the interviewer that you are engaged and

01:12.150 --> 01:14.730
interested throughout the process.

01:14.730 --> 01:20.880
For example if asked about your employment history you might answer the interviewers question thoroughly

01:20.880 --> 01:26.820
and with a positive attitude and then ask something like How does my experience compare with the experience

01:26.820 --> 01:28.850
of current employees.

01:28.860 --> 01:34.570
It's good to use this technique when you're pretty sure the answer you get will be a positive one.

01:34.620 --> 01:39.840
You don't want this strategy to backfire because the interviewer says something like well most of our

01:39.840 --> 01:42.110
employers have a lot more experience than you.

01:43.640 --> 01:46.370
Finally practice good listening.

01:46.370 --> 01:52.860
This means really listening to what the interviewer is asking not just what you think he or she is asking.

01:52.940 --> 01:59.930
Let the questions sink in before you begin your answer and then answer the question directly honestly

02:00.110 --> 02:01.970
and without rambling.

02:01.970 --> 02:08.300
By listening carefully to what the interviewer is asking you can avoid giving responses that seem canned

02:08.330 --> 02:09.830
or overly rehearsed.
