Today's Tip -- Want to really impress hiring managers? Know how to answer their questions!

Do you get nervous at the mere thought of having to answer questions during an interview when you’re not sure what the interviewer will even ask?

Don’t be! The details below are extremely helpful in keeping you on track when answering questions. You’ll have the confidence to tackle any question that may be thrown your way.

The following information is based on an article from Bain & Company, one of the world’s leading global business consulting firms.

Even if you’re not seeking a consulting job, these strategies will help you stand out from the crowd of other candidates with which you are competing in any industry. You can apply this method of thought and structure to your responses that truly showcase your value to the company.

It all starts with planning. You must have the ability to:

• Break a complex problem into its component parts


• Apply business judgment to identify value


• Generate a creative range of solutions to a problem’s component parts


• Identify the most likely or attractive solutions through logical reasoning


• Generate thoughtful questions and ask for clarification if you are not sure what is being asked


• Translate your analysis into actionable recommendations


• Effectively communicate solutions in a concise and persuasive manner.

Here are some additional interview tips that will help you:

• Don’t get thrown by the interviewer’s questions. Think of the interviewer as your ally because they use questions to get a better understanding of your thought process – not to stump you!


• Be concise. If asked for the two top issues, confine your response to two items.


• Provide logical backup for your answers. Be sure to explain what facts led you to a conclusion.


• Don’t be afraid to ask questions. It’s kind of hard to accurately answer a question if you don’t totally understand it.

Finally, relax and have fun. You are there to interview the hiring manager just as they are there to interview you. Look at this as an opportunity to learn as much as you can about the company and see if it’s a good fit for you at the same time they are determining your fit for them.

What are some other interview tips that you’ve had success with that you could post replies on this subject?