Answer Clearly and Kindly
Eighteen easy tips to answer clearly and kindly, so interviewers enjoy talking with you.
Clear and kind. Stop when done.
26 tips that really help
These ideas come from Knock ’Em Dead (Martin Yate), Power Questions (Andrew Sobel and Jerold Panas), Never Split the Difference (Chris Voss), and everyday practice. Pick one tip and try it today.
Answer the question they asked
The first rule of a good answer is simple. Answer the question that was asked. It sounds obvious, but nerves make many people talk about something else. Listen to the whole question, then reply to that exact point.
Before you answer, say the question in your head in your own words. Then begin with a sentence that answers it.
Pause before you answer
A short pause before you speak makes your answer better. Take a breath, think for two or three seconds, and then begin. It feels long to you, but to the interviewer it looks calm and thoughtful.
Practise pausing in everyday talk. Wait two seconds before you reply to a friend. In mock interviews, count three before every answer.
Put your main point first
Start with the answer, then add the details. For example, say, Yes, I have led a team, and then explain how. Interviewers like to know early where you are going. A clear opening sentence helps them follow everything that comes after.
Practise answering three questions with one opening sentence that gives the answer. Then add one reason or example.
Use the STAR way
STAR is a simple pattern for telling a story. Situation, Task, Action and Result. First, set the scene. Then say what you had to do. Then explain what you did. Finish with what happened.
Write one STAR story on a card, with a short sentence for each letter. Say it aloud in under two minutes.
Keep answers under two minutes
Most answers work best at about one to two minutes. Long enough to give a real example, short enough to keep attention. If the interviewer wants more, they will ask. Practise with a timer, and you will feel the right length.
Time three of your answers. Cut any sentence that does not help the point. Aim for between sixty and one hundred and twenty seconds.
Use plain words, not jargon
Speak in simple, clear language. Avoid long words, secret abbreviations and company jargon that the listener may not know. If you can say it in a simple way, do. Clear words show clear thinking.
Take one of your answers and read it aloud. Replace any difficult word with a simpler one. Ask a friend outside your field if they understand it.
Use numbers and facts
Numbers make your answers stronger. Instead of saying, I improved sales, say, I helped raise sales by fifteen percent in six months. Even small numbers help. They turn a general claim into a clear picture.
Add one number to each of your prepared stories, such as time, size, money, people or percentage. Check that your numbers are true.
Say I, not only we
Teamwork matters, but interviewers want to know what you did. Use I to describe your own part and we to describe the team. A good mix is honest and clear. It shows both your skills and your respect for others.
Review your stories. Mark where you said we. Add a sentence that says what you personally did. Keep one sentence that credits the team.
Speak kindly about past bosses
Never speak badly about your old boss, team or company, even if it was hard. Stay positive and focus on what you learned. If you must mention a problem, describe it calmly and move on. Kind words show maturity.
Write a one-sentence reason for leaving that is true and positive. Practise saying it with a calm voice.
Tell a short, vivid story
Stories are easier to remember than lists of skills. Pick one real moment and tell it in a few clear sentences. Include a person, a problem and a small ending. Keep it simple and true.
Choose one proud moment from your work or life. Write it in five sentences with a beginning, middle and end. Say it aloud twice.
Check in kindly
After a long answer, you can ask, Does that answer your question? or, Would you like more detail? It is polite and shows you care about their needs. Use it only now and then.
Choose a friendly check-in sentence and practise it in mock interviews. Use it after your longest answers.
It is fine to ask for the question again
If you did not hear or understand the question, say so politely. Ask, Could you repeat that, please? or, Do you mean this or that? Better to ask than to answer the wrong thing. Nobody minds a clear request.
Prepare a friendly sentence for asking to repeat, and say it aloud a few times. Also practise rephrasing the question, such as, So you are asking about…
Say so honestly when you do not know
Sometimes you will not know the answer. Say so honestly, then explain how you would find out. For example, I have not done that yet, but I would start by… Honesty builds trust.
Prepare a short honest line, such as, I do not know that yet, but here is how I would learn it. Practise it until it sounds calm.
Handle questions with several parts
Some questions have two or three parts in one. Take a moment to note each part, then answer them in order. You can say, There are a few parts to that, let me take them one at a time.
Practise with a friend who asks you triple questions. Write one word for each part, then answer in order. Keep each part short.
Answer "Tell me about a time..." questions
These questions ask for a real example from your past. They are called behavioural questions. Choose one clear moment and tell it with the STAR pattern. Pick a story that fits the skill they ask about.
Prepare five stories that show different skills: teamwork, problem solving, leadership, pressure and learning. Keep each in STAR form on a card.
Answer "What would you do if..." questions
These questions ask how you would act in a situation. They test your thinking and your values. Explain your steps in order, and say why. Keep your answer practical and calm.
Practise three situation questions out loud. Use the pattern: first, then, finally. Give a short reason for each step.
Think aloud on hard problems
If you get a technical or puzzle question, say your thinking aloud. Explain what you know, what you are unsure of and what you would try first. The interviewer wants to see how you think.
Practise with a friend. Ask for a puzzle, and talk through your steps aloud. Say, Let me think about what I know first.
Be proud without bragging
Talk about your achievements with quiet pride. State what you did and what it achieved, without putting others down. Use facts and thanks to others, not big claims. Warm and confident is the goal.
Write three achievements as plain facts with a result. Add one sentence of thanks to others. Say them aloud with a calm, friendly tone.
Stay positive about change
Employers ask how you handle change. Show that you can adapt, learn and stay calm. Give an example of a time your work changed and how you responded. Speak with a positive tone.
Prepare one example of change that you handled well. Include what you felt, what you did and what you learned. Keep the tone upbeat.
Handle odd or personal questions politely
Sometimes a question feels too personal or unrelated to the job. Stay calm and steer the answer back to the work. You might say, I would be glad to tell you about my skills for this role. Be polite, but firm.
Prepare a polite redirect sentence in advance and say it a few times. Know your local rules about interview questions.
Use a warm, varied voice
Let your voice rise and fall. Use a warm tone, and speak a bit more slowly on the key points. Smile as you speak, because people can hear it. A lively voice keeps people listening.
Record a short answer on your phone. Listen for flat parts and add more life. Underline two key words in each answer to stress.
Watch their face for signals
As you speak, notice how the interviewer reacts. Do they nod, smile, look away or check the clock? Adjust gently. If they look puzzled, explain more simply. If they look keen, add a little detail. This is what good listeners do.
In your next conversation, practise noticing the other person's face while you talk. Adjust your length based on their signals.
Stop at the right time
A good answer has an ending. When you have made your point, stop. A short, confident finish is powerful. A closing sentence helps, such as, That is why I enjoy this kind of work. Then pause and let them respond.
For each prepared answer, write the final sentence. Practise saying it, then staying quiet. Get used to the feeling of a finished answer.
Rescue a rambling answer
If you notice that you are rambling, stop, smile and bring it back. Say, To sum up, or, The main point is… It happens to everyone. A calm return to your point looks skilled.
Learn two rescue phrases: To sum up, and, The main point is. Practise using them. Do this in mock interviews until it feels easy.
Link each answer to the job
End your answers by connecting them to the role. For example, That experience would help me in this job because… It shows that you understand what they need. Keep the link short and clear.
For each of your main stories, write one sentence that links it to the job you want. Use words from the job advertisement.
Look at each interviewer in turn
When several people ask questions, share your eye contact among them so everyone feels included and heard.
Share your gaze.
Easy things to say
When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many networking and career moments.
“Thank you for asking.”
“The main point is this.”
“For example, last year I did this.”
“That is why I fit the role.”
“Does that answer your question?”
“I would be happy to say more.”
Your first week
One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.
Listen fully
Pause
Say the main point
Give an example
Link to the job
Stop
Ask if they need more
Further reading
- Knock ’Em Dead (Martin Yate)
- Power Questions (Andrew Sobel and Jerold Panas)
- Never Split the Difference (Chris Voss)
The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.
More lessons in “Acing Job Interviews”
Keep going. Small steps every day make a big change.
← Previous: Make a Strong First ImpressionNext: Answer "Tell Me About Yourself" →
- Research the Company
- Prepare Three Stories
- Practise Common Questions
- Calm Your Nerves Before You Go In
- Make a Strong First Impression
- Answer Clearly and Kindly
- Answer "Tell Me About Yourself"
- Answer Weakness and Failure Questions
- Answer Salary Questions Calmly
- Ask Smart Questions
- Send a Thank-You Note
- Learn From Every Interview
