How to Answer Any Interview Question
Interviewing is frustrating for everyone, even the hiring manager sitting across the table from you. Studying canned questions and answers is a waste of everyone’s time. Instead, here is a structure you can use to answer any interview question. Let’s make your next interview a bit easier. The next time you answer a question, try this structure.
Philosophy
Most people get this right. Simply make a statement. State what you believe about the answer. This is a high-level statement.
“I believe the two pillars to successfully running meetings are, one, make sure you have the right people attending and spare those who aren’t critical to the conversation. Two, hold a regular meeting with the entire team and use this meeting to share big picture information and ensure everyone is on the same page.”
Example
Show how you’ve done this in the past.
“When at ABC company, we were spending a lot of time in daily meetings with the entire team. One of the first things I did was find out who was responsible for what and reduced our all-team meeting from daily to monthly. Other meetings were ad-hoc on an as need basis with only the required people who owned the tasks being discussed.”
Results
Don’t forget to state the result of your example to show value.
“The result of that change was a 20% increase in efficiency. We were able to process more invoices, do more reconciliations, and close our books 1 day earlier than before. When you combined the time everyone got back, it was like adding a full-time employee to the team without any cost.”
Confirmation
Tell them you can do it again.
“I’m confident if we decide that we want to work together, there won’t be any wasted time on the team and communication will flow just as good or better.”
Toss it back
All good conversations are like a game of catch. Toss the ball back and make sure you have buy-in with your answer.
“How many meetings do you typically have each day? What would you like to see improved in your meetings and communication flow here?
