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How To Successfully Respond To A Question You Really Don't Want To Answer
Take thinking time
When you're faced with difficult questions, make sure you buy yourself enough time to determine how you want to respond.
Repeating of rephrasing the question could give you some extra time for thinking about how you want to answer.
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Key Ideas
Clarify the question
Make sure you're not assuming what you're being asked and take the time to really understand the question.
Insert parts of the question in your answers, but never repeat the negative language.
Answer part of the question
Find a part of the question you are comfortable answering if answering the whole question is not an option.
This may sometimes be enough to satisfy the other person.
Postpone your answer
Buy yourself some time by stating that you don't currently have enough information to provide a solid answer.
Your use of pronouns
Turn around the pronouns to shift the focus on the other person and take it off of you.
For example, you can use: "It’s interesting that you think that" or "‘Why is this question of interest to you?"
Divert the question
Acknowledge the question, but then divert the conversation to a different topic, one you are more comfortable approaching and that interests you more.
Use phrases such as "That’s an interesting question, but I’d like to point out…"
Give out some control
Difficult questions tend to be emotional because the asker is usually frustrated or anxious.
So it might be a good idea to give the other person some control over the discussion. For example, use "I understand you’re frustrated. Would it be helpful if I shared some information about that?"
Be aware of your tone
Make sure you maintain a polite tone, even if you refuse to answer the question.
Also, mare sure you give out extra information and don't just answer the questions with a “yes” or a “no”.
Watch your body language
The way you hold your body is as important as your tone.
Avoid poses that make you seem defensive (crossing arms or avoiding eye contact).
SIMILAR ARTICLES & IDEAS:
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Key Ideas
Answers To Common Interview Questions
- Can you tell me a little bit about yourself? Don’t tell your life story; answer clearly and concisely. Focus on professional accomplishments.
- Why should we hire you over the other appl...
The Smartest Way To Answer Interview Questions
The interviewer is likely looking for someone who can solve problems, has good interpersonal skills and the ability to get things done using good judgment and effectiveness.
Not every question lets you show skills easily, so reframing a question to get to the answer you want to communicate might be the best way to do so.
7
Key Ideas
Manage your bias
Deceptive people can flood you with truthful answers and make you believe that they are good people.
Filter through all the information that is meant to deceive you to get to the real u...
Recognize evasiveness
A deceptive person will talk around the issue without actually answering the initial question.
Watch for failure to deny
Listen and search for the direct denial of an accusation.
A guilty person will try to qualify the situation by saying words like “not really” or “not for the most part.”
4 more ideas
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Key Ideas
Where you see yourself in 5 years
A regular job-interviewing question is where you see yourself in 5 years.
The purpose of this question is to see if you would like to stay at the company for many years. Bringing on new emp...
Too Much Focus on the Future
The "Where do you see yourself in 5 years" question is about the interviewer wanting to see if you can draw a straight line from the future back to the present. A two-part answer works well.
- " I want this particular job..." reinforces your desire for the position.
- In part two, explain your future plans "... because it will help ..."
What Career Path the Company Offers
You should answer the question honestly, but your answer should also reflect the research you put into the company.
Find out what training programs are offered through the firm while holding down your full-time job. Mention your goal to grow your skills, and you'll impress your interviewer with your future-focused desires.
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