ANSWERING QUESTIONS EFFECTIVELY

A famous coach, of Green Bay Packer fame, spoke frankly when he said, "Perfect practice makes perfect." Mr. Lombardi's intent was CLEAR. He wanted his players to concentrate on PRACTICE, drilling on the "little things", the basics, so that they became instinct during the heat of real life. Such is productive mindset during any career transition, specifically related to your ability to answer questions effectively.

• Practice your two minute drill every chance you get.... its the fundamental building material of your communication strategy--your verbal collaterals!
• Practice your exit and qualification statements... most all potential employers and networking contacts will want to know your current situation and why you are available.
• Practice answering both common and tough questions... including pre-offer negotiation tactics.
  

Let's apply that perfectly practiced approach with the following guidelines to answering question effectively during career transition....

ANSWER THE QUESTION... The implication, here, is that you have heard and fully understand the nature of the question. If this is true, simply answer the question in a straight forward, brief manner... and then stop talking! Often the challenges come in knowing when to stop talking. If the question is not clear, CLARIFY before answering.

LISTEN FOR OPPORTUNITIES TO INTEGRATE AND CONFIRM YOUR STRENGTHS... Your purpose is to drive home your communication strategy--that set of key words and strengths that define your "message." So, when a question is asked that relative to a job related strength, answer the question and confirm the strength by stating a behavioral example. Whenever possible, state actions and results as a value add to your purpose.

AT LEAST ADDRESS THE ISSUE OF A QUESTION Before blocking, turning around, or in any other way changing the subject... Salary negotiation, illegal questions and other non-standard questions often call for extraordinary responses. Stay focused, get results... but never manipulate or deceive with your answer.

Often you can build in credibility by talking about yourself as others see you, in the third person. "My customers have always valued my responsive problem-solving nature. Why, just last week...." -or- "I have been consistently reviewed for my expertise in..."

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