How to be more concise with my responses in interviews for questions I do not expect?

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some strategies to be more concise with your responses in interviews, especially for unexpected questions:

1. Practice Active Listening:

   • Really listen to the question being asked. This helps you understand exactly what the interviewer is looking for and prevents you from going off on tangents.
   • Take a moment to think before you start speaking. This pause can help you gather your thoughts and structure your response.

2. Use Pre-Canned Frameworks:

   • Prepare 5-10 frameworks for common behavioral questions (e.g., teamwork, conflict resolution, achievements). These frameworks should be in bullet points, not scripts, to keep your answers structured and concise.
   • Even if the question is unexpected, you can often adapt one of your frameworks to fit the situation.

3. Stick to the Point:

   • Avoid filler words like "um," "like," and "you know." These can make your answers seem scattered and less confident.
   • Focus on delivering the main ideas without over-explaining. If there's an awkward pause, it's better to ask a follow-up question than to keep talking aimlessly.

4. Practice with Mock Interviews:

   • Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors, focusing on unexpected questions. This practice can help you get comfortable with thinking on your feet and delivering concise answers.
   • Record these sessions to review your performance and identify areas for improvement.

5. Prepare for Brain Teasers and Hypotheticals:

   • While brain teasers are declining in popularity, they can still catch you off guard. Practice a few puzzles and hypothetical questions to get used to thinking quickly and clearly.
   • If you encounter a brain teaser, take a moment to think before answering. It's better to provide a thoughtful, concise response than to rush and be unclear.

6. Use the STAR Method:

   • For behavioral questions, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This method helps you stay focused and ensures you cover all necessary points without rambling.

By implementing these strategies, you can improve your ability to deliver concise and effective responses, even for unexpected interview questions.

Sources: Superday Advice From a Tired Interviewer, I'm extremely terrible at interviews, How to nail an interview, Grateful Monkey Giving Back Pt. 1: Questions to Ask Interviewers, SA interviews – an interviewer’s perspective