Discussing Difficult Career Questions
Last week’s blog focused on answering interview questions about our accomplishments. I noted how important it is to be truthful, thoughtful, and most of all, prepared. But how do we approach questions about unflattering situations? What if interviewers ask about gaps in our employment, or jobs left abruptly, or any “red flags” in our resumés? Do the same rules still apply?
In short, yes. We will almost certainly be asked about what spurred a sudden termination, or lateral movement, lack of promotion, or something concerning from a previous employment. Usually, these questions aren’t as cut-and-dry as simply “Tell me about your accomplishments,” etc. We must be prepared to reframe potentially negative situations in a way which casts them, and us, in a positive light.
As mentioned, the solution to nearly all interview quandaries is preparation. If asked about odd or concerning job circumstances, we must have answers laid-out and prepared, because our phrasing and reasoning are incredibly important. However, what we’re being asked is not actually to explain a situation, but to explain our perspective on a situation.
As an example, say your last company was downsizing, and you were laid off. You wouldn’t want to simply state that situation. It’s impossible to predict what negative insinuations an interviewer will attach to such open-ended information. We want to lead our interviewers towards certain conclusions by identifying ways to instill thoughtful, positive attributes into every scenario. In this example, I might touch briefly on how the layoffs were disappointing, but the bulk of my answers would focus around what an incredible opportunity this is. I might mention any issues at my last employer which limited my creativity and growth, but would use these to springboard the reasons why I’m so excited about this new opportunity before me.
No situation is inherently negative, even if one seems to be. If you are switching industries or careers, talk less about what drove you away from the old, and more about your anticipation for the new. Or maybe discuss how easily-transferable your skills are, or how ripe you are for growth, and why this is the place to do it. Keep the conversation simple --you don’t want to be dragging on endlessly, fumbling over your words-- and keep it consistently positive.
And remember this: Ultimately, you own your own experience. Even if you have “blemishes” upon your job history, it’s your responsibility and right to mine these experiences for value and insight. Remember, interviewers are capable of inference too. They will look at your resumé, and if they see the certain warning signs, it’s natural for them to wonder why. It’s your task to dispel any doubts they have, to not vanish their negative perceptions but to recontextualize these perceptions in a way which makes you appear a fuller and more attractive candidate.
Truthfully, this is simple salesmanship. But that’s the essence of interviewing. Our goal in an interview is to sell our brands and our skills. If you were selling a car, for instance, and if the radio sometimes had trouble turning on, you probably wouldn’t mention the radio at all. But if you were asked directly about it, you’d be remiss if you didn’t go ahead and say, “Oh this radio? It’s great! Has trouble turning on, but it reaches incredible volume! And that bass? I’ve never heard anything better!” Don’t purposefully mislead, always be truthful, but provide a larger context for the thing. That’s key.
The other key? Practice, practice, practice. I highly, highly recommend practicing your answers with someone: A friend or family member, perhaps, or in the best case, a trained Interview Coach. While some interviewers might forgive a foible when asking you about your accomplishments, if they ask you tenuous questions about employment issues, you need to be as prepared as possible, because bad answers can be deal breakers. Make sure your answers are measured and explicative. Practice them until they are. Make them shine.
But let me repeat myself: You own your own experience. You’re the only expert r.e. your circumstances, so think carefully and analytically about your job history, and mold it into a shape that suits you. Present it to an interviewer fully-formed and well-crafted. It’s the end result that matters most. It’s all about how you present your past.
If you’re having any trouble with these answers, or if you’re feeling intimidated, know that help is here! Contact me, Nancy, on LinkedIn, or at www.idealinterviewco.com/contact with questions or concerns. Let’s overcome any obstacle! Let’s get you hired together!