In an Interview - Answer the Question!

Interviewers are going to ask you all sorts of seemingly weird questions.  Hopefully, none of them are about what kind of tree you would be (infamous Barbara Walters question).  We have reasons for the questions we ask but let me tell you a little secret: the reasons may not be what you think.  First and foremost, as an interviewer, what I am interested in is a) can you listen to what someone is saying and respond appropriately; b) can you answer a question succinctly and  make your point quickly; c) can you answer the question that is being asked, or do you feel like if the interviewer had asked you a different question you would have a better answer so let's pretend the interviewer asked a different question?

The thing is, as interviewers, there is likely no right or wrong answer (sometimes there is but you just have to go with it).  We are really listening for how well you are able to articulate and respond to the question that is asked, regardless of the answer.  Does that make sense?  Because in a meeting or a one-on-one with your boss, no one wants to sit around while you ramble on responding to a question you were not asked.  I kick out more candidates than I care to count because of this very simple deficiency.

Ask your friends and family if they think you do this - ramble on and give an answer to a question you were not asked.  If you do, get them to help you stop doing this.  Because it will cost you interviews and a job you would really love and probably be really good at.