Page 30 - How To Answer Interview Questions (II)

Job Interview Question 9

Describe how you would complete
[a typical task on this job]

This behavioral interview question is very job-specific, so the details of your answer depend on the
job itself. The primary reason they are asking this is to make sure that you are what you say you are,
and that you understand what the job is and what you have to do in order to be successful at it.
However, they also want an insight into your thinking style andproblem-solving skills, and this
question helps them get to that.

Think about this question before you answer it.
Break up whatever task it is into maybe 5-10 steps and walk them through the steps.
“If I were going to do this, here’s what I would do: [1, 2, 3, 4, and 5]. I would involve X person in
this, and let Y person know. I would have ABC contingency plan just in case.”
After you walk them through it, you should ask, “Was that correct?” Ask if you answered the way
they were looking for, or if there was something you’re missing. Ask if they would like you to
explain anything further.
Clarifying for understanding is something you especially need to do with these types of questions,
so that you are sure you answered it to their satisfaction before you move on.
If they communicate to you that your answer wasn’t what they were looking for, ask what you were
missing.Turn it into a learning moment. Have this conversation with them and think it through. They’ll
get a chance to see how your mind works, and see what it would be like if they were working with
you and showing you how to do things on the job.
Communication like this, with interaction, is at a higher level, and it will show someone that you are