Use Proven Media Techniques to Answer Tough Interview Questions

The next time you watch the news, notice how officials answer difficult questions. Watch how the best of them address difficult, even controversial issues, and yet, somehow, come out looking pretty good. That's because they use reporters' tough questions as springboards to get their messages across. You can learn how to use these same techniques for job interviews, and answer some of the most rattling questions with ease and confidence.

These days, media training is pretty standard for executive-level officials. Gone are the days when 60 Minutes can shove a microphone in front of a politician, zoom the camera in mercilessly close, and give viewers a great shot of a shifting, sweating official. That's because executives got smart and got training. They've learned how to relax in front of the camera by practicing with consultants and they've learned the benefits of answering questions put forth and how to use their answers to segue into matters they wish their constituents and clients to hear.

By using the same techniques, career coaches say you can deliver the message you want to an interviewer, regardless of the question you're asked. Their first point is that interviews aren't just about answering questions.

Don't, they advise, just sit there and hope the right questions will be asked. Develop two or three key messages and make sure your point is delivered. You will have to answer questions, but you can quickly make the transition from your answer to the important points you want to convey about your qualifications.

Trainers use this formula, Q = A + 1, to illustrate the process. "Q" is the question; "A" is the answer; the plus sign is the bridge to the message you want to deliver; and "1" is the point you want to make.

To apply this formula to your job search and interviews, learn as much as you can about the job, the employer and its executives. This will help you develop good answers to interview questions, which can lead to transitions and a discussion about your qualifications and fit.

Another way to learn about the history and culture of the company is to connect to those who work there now, or have worked there previously. Study annual reports and other documents to learn about the company's performance and profitability. This will help you get a sense of the interviewer's interests and the skills and talent you have that make you a good fit. With this in mind, you're on your way to developing a message you will be sure to want to share.

Also, use interview time to ask your own questions so that, once again, you have a platform for sharing your messages.

Have "your story" ready. When you are asked to tell an interviewer about yourself, think of answering it in terms of their interest, based on the responsibilities of the position for which you are applying and the company's needs. Be prepared to answer questions about your past and how you handled difficult situations or failures. These questions require a story in response, but it's unlikely you have a story that fits every conceivable query. Yet, interviewers are generally interested in only five or six general categories. So, based on your past experiences and what you have learned about this new company, consider what categories are likely to come up. When you are asked a question along one of those lines, you can move to one of the stories you have already developed.

Also, use interview time to ask your own questions so that, once again, you have a platform for sharing your messages.

One enterprising job candidate has prepared seven or so top stories that tell an interviewer what he is good at, he says. Just think, accomplishing all this by using an interview question as a vehicle.

Be ready to answer questions about past mistakes or blemishes on your career record. Jobs taken and not kept for long, firings, and other blank time frames will raise questions, yet don't try to dodge the question. Be prepared to answer the question and ready to move on.

You may, briefly, say how you learned or benefited from bad situations, but don't offer more unless you are asked. And, again, use the question to lead to a positive message you want to share about your work ethic, your abilities and your desire to work for this company, which has given you the opportunity to discuss the possibility of your future with them.

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