Techniques of answering questions.

 A question is a statement that solicits for a response. Some questions a open ended
requiring explanation, elaboration and so on while other questions are close ended requiring
just a Yes or a No.

 As a expert you will have to master the art of how to answer questions effectively.

1. Understand the question –

 Before you plunge into answering a question, make sure you are clear in your mind what
the question is about.

 There is no harm in seeking clarity over what is being asked. Ask politely "I am sorry, I do not
seem to understand what you are asking, and would you mind rephrasing?" You will
communicate better in such an instance than simply blabbing away with no clarity or
understanding.

 Remember that the essence of answering questions is for you to make a positive
contribution to the one who is seeking an answer. Do not waste time. Seek understanding
first.

2. Listen carefully to the entire question –

 One way that can enhance your effectiveness in answering a question in a relevant and
objective manner is when you allow the person asking the question, give him time to finish.

 Some people take time to specify exactly what they are looking for. Answering a question
before it is fully asked may seem disrespectful. Do not assume that you know the direction
the question is going hence you want to help the person to get to the point.

3. Pause and think carefully -

 You have to determine if you are qualified to answer the question or someone else is.

 Are you authorized to speak on that subject. How deep should the answer be?

 Pauses and moments of silence show that you are not simply churning out whatever raw
material you have in your mind but a clearly thought through answer is coming. You can
actually prepare the person expecting an answer by saying "Let me think..., Let me see..".
That way the person does not sit and wait thinking you have not heard, you are simply
ignoring etc.

4. Answer the question and stop –

 Having understood what the question means, your role is to answer to the best of your
knowledge and stop.

 The tendency to volunteer information that has not been asked for does not add value to
you.

 I have come across people who after being asked a simple question like "Where are you
going?" they will stop and think.

 When you always say mouthfuls of information, lies are inevitable. You can easily begin to
confuse yourself or say conflicting statements without noticing it. I have seen people who
 lose cases in court because they keep saying statements which are then used against them
at a later stage of the proceedings.

5. Relax and be confident –

 It is interesting to note that sometimes the same question can be hard to answer depending
on who and what setting the question is being asked.

 If you are asked on a bus by the person sitting next to you; "Would you mind telling me
about yourself", it may be a lot easier to articulate the question than when you have a panel
of four or five people in an interview room where you are looking for a job.

6. Master the general nature of questions –

 The most common questions are centered on what? Where? Why? Who? When? How?
Whose?

 Other questions are like statements that solicit for detail. They give you the indication in
such statements as Illustrate, explain, clarify, state, describe, investigate, list and so on.
Watch out for such words in order to deliver an answer that is relevant to what is being
sought.

7. You may not know answers to every question –

 It is a noble thing to let some questions pass. You are not the encyclopedia of every
question that you come across.

 Admitting that you do not know the answer is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign that you
know yourself and would not want to participate in a guessing game.

 I have great respect for people who even in interviews will tell you "I am yet to come across
that concept but it sounds really exciting" than one who agonizes over the fact that every
question has to be answered and still wastes the next five minutes giving a lecture which is
innocent of the truth

8. Avoid always answering a question with a question

 There are people who will never attempt to respond any other way other than asking a
question back.

 My wife asked me which was simply and to the point "Are you going to the college today".
My immediate response was not about answering but "Why?". My answer would have been
either a "Yes, I am going, is there anything you need, do you want to come along?" instead
of an outright "Why“

9. If you are the expert, then show it –

 Sometimes people ask questions as they know you are the one who know the best solution
out.

 In instances where you know your stuff then provide the rich answer required.

 Backup your answer with relevant examples, where necessary.

  Just avoid giving lengthy explanations where a simple answer would have worked.

10. Avoid judging the person asking –

 It is easy to think that the person who asked a question has no knowledge in a specific area.

 Some people ask questions about areas they have PhDs in. They steer discussions in the
direction of their areas of specialization.

 When a question is asked, avoid attacking the person for asking but stick to the point and
answer what is asked.

Most likely questions during the interview.

Tell me about yourself. –

 This is really more of a request than a question.

 Your response should be focused and purposeful

 Communicate a pattern of interests and skills that relate to the position in question

 Consider your response to this question as a commercial that sells your autobiography.

 Provide an answer that includes information about where you grew up, where you went to
school, your initial work experience, additional education and special training, where you are
now, and what you intend to do next.

 Start with your Name

 Give your place information

 Educational details

 Job experience if any

 Family details in short

 Example –

 My name is Nirmesh Raghav, I live in Agra, I have done M.B.A. in H.R, I have 17 years of
experience in training and development, I have a wife in my family.

Why do you want to join our organization?

 Tell them what you like about the organization.

 Relate it to your long term career goal.

 For Example –

 Sir it is a great privilege for anyone to work in a reputed organization like yours,
when I read about this organization I found that my skills are matching your
requirements. Where I can showcase my skills to contribute to the organization
growth.
What is Your Greatest Strength?

 The best way to respond is to describe the skills and experience that directly correlate with
the job you are applying for.

 When I'm working on a project, I don't want just to meet deadlines. Rather, I prefer to
complete the project well ahead of schedule.

 My time management skills are excellent and I'm organized, efficient, and take pride in
excelling at my work.

 I pride myself on my customer service skills and my ability to resolve what could be difficult
situations.

 The best way to respond is to describe the skills and experience that directly correlate with
the job you are applying for.

 When I'm working on a project, I don't want just to meet deadlines. Rather, I prefer to
complete the project well ahead of schedule.

 My time management skills are excellent and I'm organized, efficient, and take pride in
excelling at my work.

 I pride myself on my customer service skills and my ability to resolve what could be difficult
situations.

What is Your Greatest Weakness?

 When you're asked what your greatest weakness is there are several different ways you can
answer, never tell your actual weaknesses. Include positive point in your weakness.

 Straight forward

 Impatient

 Sensitive

 More talkative

 Trust people very quickly

 I can’t say no if someone ask for help

 When you're asked what your greatest weakness is there are several different ways you can
answer, never tell your actual weaknesses. Include positive point in your weakness.

 Straight forward

 Impatient

 Sensitive

 More talkative

 Trust people very quickly

 I can’t say no if someone ask for help

How Do You Handle Stress / Pressure?

 Stress is very important to me. With stress, I do the best possible job. The appropriate way
to deal with stress is to make sure I have the correct balance between good stress and bad
stress.

 I need good stress to stay motivated and productive.

 I actually work better under pressure and I've found that I enjoy working in a challenging
environment.

 I've done some of my best work under tight deadlines, where the atmosphere was very
stressful.

How Do You Evaluate Success?

 "For me, success is about doing my job well. I want to be recognized as someone who always
does their best and tries their hardest to make my goals.

 "I evaluate success based on not only my work, but the work of my team. In order for me to
be considered successful, the team needs to achieve both our individual and our team goals.

 "I evaluate success based on outcomes. It's not always the path you take to achieve success
that matters. Rather, it's quantifiable results."

Why Should We Hire You?

 At this point you have to market yourself.

 Interviewer is really asking, “What makes you the best fit for this position?”

 Make a list of the requirements for the position, including personality traits, skills, and
qualifications.

 Then, make a list of the qualities you have that fit these requirements

 For Example - If hired, I will bring my leadership abilities and strategies for achieving profit
gains to this position.

 Share your knowledge/talent

 Work experience

 Share skills relate it to the job

 Career goal and related to the job

 For example – (for fresher)

 Sir as I am a fresher I have theoretical knowledge but I can do hard work for my
origination and I will put my all efforts for the good progress of the organization.
Being punctual and sincere, I can finish the work given to me on time and try my
best to fulfill all the requirement of organization from me.

 For example – ( Experienced )

  With reference to my work experience, I will satisfy all the requirement for this job. I
am sincere with my work & would never let you down in anyway. I promise you will
never regret for the decision to appoint me in the organization.

Different stages of Interview.

 1. Walking in the Door –

 Arrive no more than 10 minutes early. 

 Go to the washroom and check your professional appearance. 

 Believe it or not when you walk in the office door, the interview has started.  It’s like being
on stage, your words and actions will be evaluated.

 Your image begins well before the actual interview.

 The secretary or receptionist is often the gatekeeper and may give feedback to the hiring
manager about the first impressions. 

 Be sure you treat them with respect and enthusiasm. 

 You may be asked then to have a seat and wait. 

 Observe the surroundings and get a feel for the work environment.

 Collect your thoughts and think about how you want to prepare for the Greeting stage by
being yourself at your best. 

 Be sure you stay relaxed and control any nervous habits.

 2. Greeting (1 Minute) – Next, your interviewer comes out of their office and meets you for
the very first time.  Stand up straight, smile proudly, look them in the eyes, shake their hand
firmly and introduce yourself with a positive tone.  Say, “It’s very nice to meet you, (and
restate their name)?”  This increases your chances of remembering it.  First impressions and
body language are critical.  The interview is won or lost at this stage.  By pretend this is your
very first day on the job, you will reduce your anxiety.

 3. Breaking the Ice (2 to 3 Minutes) – A good interviewer may assume you are a bit
nervous.  They may open by engaging you in some small talk to put you at ease.  This may
include such topics as traffic, parking, the weather, etc.  Avoid politics, religion or any
controversial topics.  Notice the surroundings very carefully especially for the types of
picture or items that decorate the office.  Make a positive comment and connection to them
to help you break the ice.  By getting the interviewer to like you, this demonstrates your
interpersonal skills and ability to get along with others on the team

 4. Interview Expectations (1 Minute) – The interviewer may begin by outlining the agenda
and scanning your resume.  Be sure you get a sense of how long the interview is so you can
tailor your answers to the time you have.  If you have any urgent questions or need
clarification, then ask.  Otherwise wait to ask later.  Get settled in and be prepared to
respond sincerely in the upcoming stage.
 5. General Interview Conversation (15 to 20 Minutes) – Most interviewers like to start with
“broad-brush” questions then move into a series of questions about your education,
experience, credentials, skills and interest.  Give a flawless performance of your key
achievements and prove your knowledge of the company.  Be clear about the top 3 to 5
things that you want to emphasize in order to convince them to give you an offer.  Be sure to
listen intently, reflect momentarily and then answer optimistically

 6. Further Probing (15 to 20 Minutes) - The interviewer will now probe further to see if you
possess the required qualifications to be successful in the job.  You will need to relate
specific strengths-based examples from your background that match what they seek, but
don’t ramble.  The interviewer will be attempting to get a better understanding of your style,
behavior patterns and potential for a blending with the organization’s culture.  Expect
questions that ask: How?, Why? and What did you do?

 7. Asking Questions (10 to 15 Minutes) - The interview is a two-way conversation in which

both parties form an impression.  Ask intelligent questions that will help clarify your
understanding of the job and organization as well as demonstrate your enthusiasm for the
position.  Do not ask about salary until an offer is made.  The interviewer may sell the
benefits of the position with their answers.

 8. Closing (2 to 3 Minutes) – At this stage, the interviewer should be providing cues that it is
time to wrap-up.  During the final minutes of the interview, be sure you say something
convincing that leaves a positive and lasting impression.  Summarize why you are interested
in the position and why they should hire you – seal the deal!  Lastly, kindly ask them,
“What’s the next step?”  Do they need any additional documents such as a list of references,
transcripts, writing sample, or application form?  When will you hear from them again?  Be
sure you thank them for taking the time for granting the interview.  Request a business
card.  Be sure to firmly shake hands and smile while maintaining eye contact as you part
ways.  Give a warm goodbye anyone else you met at the office.

 9. Follow-up – To stand out, be sure to follow-up with a thank you letter or note
immediately, Don’t wait — do it the very next day..  If you have not heard by the time they
said they would contact you, call to check on the status of your candidacy and reiterate your
interest in the job.