Before You answer An Interview Question Do This
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Imagine you’re sitting in an interview for your dream job.
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The interviewer asks you a big question, and your answer will make or break your chances of getting the job.
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Everything’s on the line.
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What’s the best way to answer so that you create a strong impression?
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Not the way most people answer. Most folks list every reason they believe qualifies them for the job.
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Why is that a bad strategy?
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Shouldn’t you lay out all the reasons why you’re perfect the job?
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Actually, no.
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Consider this:
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If I asked you to remember a nine-digit number, chances are you’d have a hard time recalling them all later. But if I asked you to remember a three-digit number, you’d have no problem.
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So it goes with interviews.
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If you lay all your cards on the table at once, it’s too much information. At the end of the day, an exhausted interviewer may have a few notes from your interview, but may not be able to remember much of what was actually said.
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The key to giving memorable answers is ONLY responding with one or two clear points that directly answer the question and make a strong impression they won’t soon forget.
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That’s where the “3-Second Rule” comes in:
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Next time an interviewer asks you a question, resist the urge to share everything you think they need to hear. Instead, take three seconds and think to yourself: “What is the one big point I need to make to answer this question?”
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After you’ve decided which card to play, then make your clear, compelling point and stop right there.
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Your answer will be MUCH more memorable, and this will dramatically increase your chances of acing the interview.
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How do you know which card to play?
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It may sound obvious, but the key is crafting solid points ahead of time, and practicing your answers.
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When you rehearse your answers before the interview, you’ll be able to stay cool under pressure. You’ll be able to take advantage of the “3-Second Rule” and choose your best, most succinct answer. And you’ll be able to make your one (or two at most) big points with confidence.
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