You know that when it comes to acing a job interview, you should research commonly asked questions and practice your answers. But as one of Woodland’s leading employment agencies, Pacific Staffing can also tell you that it’s not always what you say – but how you say it – that makes the biggest impression on a hiring manager.

To help ensure you respond well to stressful interview questions, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Wait for the hiring manager to stop talking before answering.

You might think you know where the hiring manager is going with a certain question and cut them off mid-stream, only to realize a few seconds later, you were completely wrong. Avoid this embarrassing scenario ahead of time by waiting for the hiring manager to finish speaking.

Pause and collect your thoughts before answering.

Don’t just spew out the first thought that comes to mind when you’re answering a question. Instead, take a moment to collect your thoughts and ensure your first instinctual response is really what you want to say.

Be concise.

Don’t offer vague, generic answers to a hiring manager’s interview questions. But at the same time, don’t go into a 10-minute response to a question, either. Instead, be as concise as possible, while still including important details in your answer.

Restate your key strengths.

Before your interview, think of the three or four key strengths that you want to get across to the hiring manager. Then be sure to weave them as often as possible into your answers, making them relevant to the position you’re applying for.

Set yourself apart.

Do you have a unique skill or attribute that will make you stand out? Share it with the hiring manager. For instance, if you speak another language, or have honed your fundraising skills by volunteering at a local non-profit, be sure to offer that information in your interview, as well. Not only will it make you look more well-rounded, but it will also help you stand out in the mind of the interviewer.

Need more help acing your next interview? If you do, give Pacific Staffing a call. As one of Woodland’s leading employment agencies, we can help you prepare for your next interview and give you access to opportunities that are oftentimes not advertised – all so you can land the job you want.

Contact us today to learn more