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Questions to answer and questions to ask

Every interview offers the opportunity to show your appropriateness for the job through the answers you give and the questions you ask. However, there are two golden rules that should always be remembered:

• listen carefully to every question and answer so you don’t misinterpret what is being said

• Never begin your answer until you know how you intend to end.

If you do find you have not understood a question or have allowed your mind temporarily to wander, there is no harm in asking for it to be repeated. Likewise, if you begin an answer and lose your thread, own up as soon as possible to avoid an embarrassing ramble. When putting your answers together, try not to use vague, tentative, colloquial language like ‘sort of, you know what I mean, right?’.


At the same time, avoid appearing to be dogmatically fixed in your beliefs to the point of becoming argumentative with questioners.

A balance must be struck through the use of appropriate language delivered at a steady pace and moderate pitch and volume.


Be yourself and be honest. Don’t say anything that can be challenged or contradicted (worst of all by you!) at a later date.