Succeeding In Job Interviews: Knowing What To Say
Written by WELL SAID’s Registered Speech Language Pathology Contributors : Chelsea Osei. Clinically Reviewed by: Melissa James., M.H.Sc., Reg. CASLPO | Speech Language Pathologist
Date: Wednesday, January 24, 2024
Job interviews are a crucial part of the hiring process. Making a great first impression is key. It’s essential to prepare by researching the company, understanding the role, and practicing responses to common interview questions. Interviews can be tricky, particularly when the questions are very specific or require an in-depth answer. There is no shame in not knowing the answer to an interview question. It’s all in how you go about it.
I remember being in a challenging interview before. I had prepared for some common interview questions but when it came time to face the real thing, I was caught off guard by a tough question: “Describe yourself in one word”. I had prepared to describe myself in many words, but just one? It felt like an impossible task. I didn’t know what to say and stumbled through a sloppy answer where I said one thing and then changed my mind to something else, then I spent too much time providing rationale that didn’t make any sense. As you can imagine, it was just a hot mess. I felt super embarrassed and it threw me off my game. I lost confidence in my ability to complete the interview and, unfortunately, I didn’t get the job. This experience discouraged me at first, but then it made me come back stronger. I started researching uncommon interview questions to better prepare myself for my next interview. I practiced responses to unconventional questions with friends and family. Then one friend said, “you know, you can practice responding to the weirdest questions all you want, but one of the greatest skills is knowing what to say when you don’t know what to say”. That really got me thinking. Maybe my time would be better spent preparing for what to do when I am completely stumped.
From my own personal experience, I learned that you can still respond to a question when you don’t know the answer. Start by taking a deep breath and collecting your thoughts. No need to rush through an answer nervously – your interviewer will probably pick up on your nerves. It’s more important that you appear authentic. You can explain to the interviewer that you would like to take a moment to think about your response.
The first thing you can do is consider why the interviewer asked you the question. It’s important to take the purpose behind the question into account because that will help to guide your answer, even if you don’t know exactly what to say.
The next thing you can do is acknowledge the question. Repeat back what you’ve understood - maybe there will be a discrepancy between what you understood vs. what the interviewer is looking for, which will give you an opportunity to clarify any misunderstandings. Rather than responding in a way that seems vague or rushed, acknowledging the question also lets the interviewer know that you are focused. Don’t beat around the bush or get lost in an incoherent answer. Stay on track and always reference the original question.
Asking for clarification is another important way to respond when you don’t know an answer. Asking the right questions can showcase good communication skills. It shows that during a high-stress time, you can still articulate yourself well. Asking clarifying questions will also help shed some light on the interviewer’s expectations. It could point you in the right direction by giving you an extra layer of insight.
Using your prior knowledge can also be very effective, especially when responding to behavioural/situational interview questions. You can use examples of similar problems you’ve solved in the past as an anchor. If you have a related example from previous work, describe its relevance to the question at hand. This can highlight your adaptability. Express your willingness to learn and tackle challenges. Focus on demonstrating a problem-solving mindset.
Even though you are unsure of an exact answer, explain your reasoning as much as possible. Sometimes, there is more than one right answer and the interviewer just wants to hear your perspective. After admitting that you are unsure, by still continuing to provide your reasoning, you will show to the interviewer that you don’t give up easily. It will also allow the interviewer to get some insight into how you tackle problems.
Being honest about not knowing an answer to an interview question can go a long way. Instead of simply saying “I don’t know”, follow up by reassuring the interviewer that you are interested in learning the answer to the question. This will show that you are a motivated candidate who can engage in self-teaching.
Nonverbal cues, like body language and eye contact, also play a significant role in making a lasting impression after an interview. In this article about Effective Workplace Communication, it says that about 80% of communication is nonverbal. Positive body language, such as maintaining eye contact, a firm handshake and good posture, can convey confidence and professionalism. In contrast, fidgeting, avoiding eye contact or slouching may be interpreted negatively. Additionally, facial expressions matter. For example, smiling can convey warmth and enthusiasm. If your face suddenly drops when responding to a challenging question, it may show the interviewer that you are not confident in your answer. Your tone of voice will also send information about your confidence. Maintaining a steady, unwavering tone of voice is preferable in the context of an interview.
People with social anxiety may find interviews particularly challenging due to heightened anxiety in social situations. They may experience fear of judgement, excessive worry about making mistakes, or concern about how others perceive them. When faced with a tough question, they may freeze and overthink their answer. You can learn more about the interplay between speech therapy and psychology by reading about the Mind-Body Connection. If you experience social anxiety, it will be crucial to prepare yourself for your job interview by taking the time to do adequate research. You can also make a list of common interview questions and practice your answers to those questions out loud, either in the mirror or with a friend. Some common interview questions include:
Tell me about yourself.
Why are you interested in working for this company?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Describe a challenge you’ve overcome at work.
Give an example of a time you demonstrated leadership.
How do you work in a team setting?
Tell me about a time you disagreed with a co-worker and how you resolved it.
You can also prepare responses to unconventional interview questions, such as:
If you were an animal, what would you be and why.
If you were stranded on a deserted island, what three items would you want to have with you and why?
If you were a superhero, what powers would you have and how would you use them in this job?
If you could have dinner with any celebrity, who would it be and why?
Preparing responses to these questions and tailoring them to your experiences can help you feel more confident during an interview. This article about How to Ace Your Next Interview gives tips on how you can construct your answers using something called the STAR framework. However, it is important to keep in mind that even if you prepare for hours on end, you will still need to be equipped with the tools to respond when you’re not sure of an answer.
Sometimes imposter syndrome can get the best of us when we’re searching for new job opportunities. Imposter syndrome is the irrational belief that you don’t deserve the success you have achieved or the opportunities you are pursuing. Applicants with imposter syndrome may downplay their experience and have a hard time responding to challenging interview questions. Overcoming imposter syndrome for job interviews involves a combination of self-reflection and practical strategies.
First, it is important to recognize that imposter syndrome is a common experience and the feelings of inadequacy that come with it are not a true reflection of your skills and qualifications. You can even keep a record of your accomplishments, positive feedback and moments where you’ve demonstrated competence so that when you’re feeling low, you have something to go back to.
Visualization is a powerful tool that you can use to succeed in an interview if you have imposter syndrome. Visualizing yourself succeeding in your interview can boost confidence and help counteract negative thoughts.
In conclusion, one of the best qualities you can showcase in an interview is your willingness to learn. Preparation for an interview is important, but when caught in a situation that you haven’t prepared for, your candidness will speak volumes. In order to leave a positive impression on your interviewer, be authentic. Your interviewer doesn’t expect you to be perfect. The goal of the interview is to get a sense of who you are and what you bring to the table. If you need extra support in preparing for job interviews, seeking professional guidance can be very helpful.
Speech therapy can help those with social anxiety and/or imposter syndrome thrive in job interviews. Through role playing scenarios, speech therapists can simulate interview situations, providing a safe space to practice responses, refine communication skills, and build confidence. Speech therapists may also address aspects of non-verbal communication, such as body language and facial expressions, to enhance overall communication effectiveness. You may wish to take our Communication Wellness Masterclass if you want to improve your communication effectiveness in professional and interpersonal contexts.
To speak with a psychotherapist or one of the speech-language pathologists at Well Said: Toronto Speech Therapy, schedule an initial consultation by clicking the link below or calling (647) 795-5277.