Why How You Answer Questions Will Determine If You Get The Job Or Not

Why How You Answer Questions Will Determine If You Get The Job Or Not

By Michelle Wanjiku
Last week I was able to sit in an interview for an ICT position. The reason being I wanted to know how employers decide who to hire as well as why you as a job seeker don’t get jobs even after attending interviews.
One thing you need to know is that interviewers always have a list of things they expect to see from candidates and this is what will determine who passes and who doesn’t.
Before the interviews started, the recruitment manager gave a breakdown of what the employer was looking for and what she would be looking at when deciding who to invite for a second interview and who not to.
For this particular position, they wanted someone with good communication skills, good management skills, and extensive knowledge in IT software among other things.
During the interview, I realized that it is how you answer a question that generally determines if you get the job or not.
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Here are a few things I noted when it comes to how you should answering interview questions
1. Be descriptive when answering questions
When it comes to answering interview questions you should never answer with one-word or general answers.
For example, if you are asked “why should we hire you?” don’t just say because you are the best fit and have the experience required. Instead, show the employer how you will be of benefit to the company.
Your aim should always be to paint a picture of what you can do or what you have done.
2. Talk about your achievements freely
Don’t wait until you are asked about your achievements to bring them up. In every question you answer, you should try and incorporate some of your achievements, especially if you feel you have many and can’t list all of them.
If you wait to be asked, it means the employer has not seen what value you added in your previous post which is not a good sign because employers always want to know  why you will be a valuable addition.
Don’t be afraid to list your achievements. However, ensure you don’t cross that line of being too boastful.
Also, always be honest about what you have managed to do, remember that the interviewer could always find out you lied and would never recommend you for any other position.
3. Your answers should reflect what the JD is looking for
When answering the questions, you need to ensure your answers somehow fit what was put in the job description.
Remember the job description is a look into what kind of person the employer is looking for. So if you are able to show them that you do match what their description, you will greatly improve your chances of getting the job.
4. Your answers should always show that you possess the necessary soft skills
Soft skills have become very important nowadays and employers want to hire people with good soft skills that will help them excel at the job. A good way to show that you actually possess these skills is to include them in your answers.
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You don’t have to directly list the skills you have but can give examples of situations where the skills you possess came in handy or you can show how these skills helped you reach your achievements.
5. Talk about what you bring to the table
Last but not least, an employer is looking for someone to help them. They want to hire someone who will add value to their company.
This means that if you fail to show the interviewer that you can actually help the organization, you might not get the job.
You should always strive to prove to the employer that you will bring something to the table. Every answer you give should show the employer that you have something to add to the organization.
In Conclusion,
When it comes to passing an interview, it is how you answer the questions that will determine whether or not you get the job. Even if your answers are good, if you do not deliver them properly you might end up missing out on great opportunities.
If you would like help when it comes to answering interview questions, contact training@corporatestaffing.co.ke to book a mock interview session.

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