HKSM

In an interview, the hiring manager is assessing two main things:

1. Can you do the job?
2. Will you get along with the team? In other words, are you going to be part of the problem or part of the solution?

These two areas are critical because they help the hiring manager decide if you're the right fit for the role and the company. Interviews can sometimes feel like a pressure cooker. One of the most challenging moments in any interview is when you're asked a question that catches you off guard. It's natural to feel a little stressed in such situations, but there are ways to answer even the toughest questions without losing your cool.

Let's break down how you can approach these moments confidently.

Stay Calm

First and foremost, stay calm. It might sound simple, but it's essential. When you're asked a question you're not prepared for, your immediate reaction might be to panic. But remember, it's okay not to have an immediate answer. You're allowed to take a moment to think it through. A few seconds of silence while you gather your thoughts can work in your favor. It shows that you're thoughtful and deliberate, which are qualities any employer would value.

Take your time. You don’t need to rush to answer. Focus on staying positive and keeping your composure. If the question is truly challenging, it’s fine to say, “That’s a great question. Let me take a moment to think about it.” A calm response can help you avoid feeling pressured, which can sometimes lead to less clear answers.

Use Hypotheticals

If you don’t have an exact experience that matches the question, use hypotheticals. Interviewers don’t expect you to have an answer for every specific scenario they ask about. They want to see your problem-solving skills and your thought process. So, if the question is something like, “Tell me about a time you had to manage a difficult situation with a client,” but you haven’t had that exact experience, you can frame your answer with a hypothetical scenario.

For example, if you’ve never managed a conflict with a client, you could say:

"I haven’t encountered a specific conflict with a client, but if I did, I would first listen to their concerns and try to understand their perspective. Then, I would find a way to address their issues while ensuring the company’s interests are also protected."

This shows that you have the skills to manage difficult situations, even if you haven’t faced the exact one they’re asking about.

Redirect the Question

Another strategy is redirecting the question to something that you can speak about with confidence. Sometimes, a question might not be directly relevant to the work you’ve done or your strengths. In such cases, it’s okay to gently redirect to a topic you’re more comfortable discussing, especially if it’s closely related.

For example, you could be asked, "Tell me about a time when you faced an ethical dilemma and how you handled it." This is a tricky question for many people, as ethical dilemmas often happen on the fly, and it’s easy to forget the exact details unless you’ve documented them in your journal. However, you can respond in a way that still addresses the spirit of the question while showing how you would handle similar situations.

For example, you could use hypothetical answer like this:

"I’ve been fortunate enough to work for companies with strong ethical values, so I haven’t encountered any significant ethical dilemmas. But if I did, I would first identify the issue, brainstorm possible solutions, and then discuss the situation with my manager to determine the best course of action. As a PMP professional, I am bound by a code of ethics, and I believe there’s always a way to find a win-win solution without violating ethical standards."

This answer reassures the interviewer that you understand how to handle ethical issues, even if you haven’t faced one directly. It also shows your integrity and understanding of professional standards.

You could also choose to redirect the question entirely, like this:

"While I haven’t faced an ethical dilemma, I did encounter a legal issue at a previous job. Let me share how I handled that…"

By doing this, you're not dodging the question, but you’re adapting it to something you can speak about confidently.

What to Do If You Draw a Blank

In some cases, despite all your preparation and strategies, you might still draw a blank during an interview. If this happens, it's okay. Don’t be afraid to say that you need a moment to think, or even ask to move on to another question. Honesty can go a long way in these situations.

If you're completely stumped and can't come up with a good answer, you can say:

"I’m sorry, I’m drawing a blank right now. Could we move on to the next question? I’ll be happy to come back to this one if needed."

This shows that you're composed and not afraid to admit when you don’t have the answer immediately. It also gives you time to collect your thoughts and think through a better response.

Lessons Learned and Follow-Up

After the interview, it’s important to reflect on the experience and update your "story journal." This journal is a tool that can help you in future interviews. It’s a place where you can write down questions you were asked, the answers you gave, and areas where you could improve. You can also add new stories or examples you can use in future interviews. This practice will help you prepare better for the next time you’re faced with similar questions.

For example, if you were asked an ethical dilemma question and had a great answer, make sure to note it down. If you struggled with a question, write down what you would do differently next time. Keeping a record of your experiences in interviews can help you improve your responses and build confidence.

Interviews Are Learning Opportunities

Remember that every interview is a learning experience. It’s not about winning every battle. You won’t always have the perfect answer, but that doesn’t mean you won’t improve for next time. Each interview adds to your experience, making you more skilled and confident in future ones.

In conclusion, answering questions you’re not prepared for doesn’t have to be daunting. Stay calm, take your time, and don’t hesitate to redirect or use hypotheticals. If you get stuck, be honest and ask to move on. Afterward, update your journal and keep refining your approach. Each interview is a step toward getting better and more prepared for the next opportunity.

Remember: the more you practice and reflect, the better you'll become at handling any question that comes your way!

Key Takeaways:

1. Stay calm and take time to think.
2. Use hypotheticals when needed.
3. Redirect questions when necessary.
4. Be honest if you’re unsure; ask to move on.
5. Keep a story journal to track your progress and improve.
6. Every interview is a learning experience.

By incorporating these techniques into your interview preparation, you’ll be able to handle any curveball with confidence and poise.