10 smart ways to answer interview questions

You can win interviewers' hearts and prove you are a potential candidate by giving smart interview answers. In this article, Navigos Search will provide 10 smart ways to answer interview questions to help you stand out from dozens or hundreds of candidates and increase your chance of getting recruited.

1. Share specific facts and data to make your answers more impressive

The first smart way to answer an interview is to give specific data or evidence. The answer “I achieved strong revenue results in the second quarter of 2023.” sounds impressive, but it is not convincing enough.

Let's give specific numbers, the time achieved to make your answer more convincing. For instance, "I achieved high results in revenue in the second quarter of 2023 with 300 orders."

Smart ways to answer interview questions

2. Be brief and concise 

In each interview, the time spent with a candidate is set by the employer. Therefore, don't waste the interviewer's and yours with long and rambling answers.

Once you understand the content of the interviewer's question, ask them for permission to think for a few minutes, then get straight to the point. If the employer asks the question again or re-explains the request after you have finished answering, you may be out of the question and not given enough information that the person wants to know.

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3. Know when to tell a story, and when not to 

The next smart way to answer interview questions is to know when to tell a story. With some interview questions, you can't answer in a few short sentences or just say yes or no. Listen carefully to the interviewer's questions to know whether the answer should be brief or paraphrased.

For example, when the employer asks about your work experience, situations you experienced in a previous job or a project you participated in, you can "tell a story". However, keep in mind that the story must be to the point with all relevant events, developments, and results for the listener to understand.

4.  Take your time and ask for clarification if needed

An interview is a conversation and communication between the candidate and the employer. Thus, you can ask questions if needed or ask again if you did not hear or understand the question. Only when you thoroughly understand the question will you answer exactly.

You should also not ask questions over and over again as the employer will assume you do not listen to them attentively. Pay attention and listen carefully to understand their questions to answer correctly.

5. Speak with high energy and enthusiasm

A smart interview answer always comes with the right attitude. Answering with positive energy and enthusiasm leaves a lasting impression on the employer. Smiling at the right time and being confident and comfortable during the interview also help you answer more accurately and show that you are interested in participating in the interview and genuinely concerned about the position.

6. Treat it like a conversation with HR

Another smart way to answer interview questions is to treat it like a conversation. This makes the interview atmosphere more natural and creates a feeling of comfort for both sides. You will feel relaxed to answer as fluently as possible.

Answer with confidence and positive energy

7. Make eye contact and answer confidently

Eye contact is considered a weapon to impress the interviewer and prove that you respect them and pay close attention to the conversation. While listening to the question and answering, look directly at the employer, smile slightly, and use body language to make the interview go smoothly.

8. Make it about them, not you 

Job seekers always think about their interests. This is not wrong but not "wise". You will have more opportunities for advancement if you focus on the business's benefits instead of seeing yourself as the center of attention.

What are employers worried about and what do they need? Candidates should not focus on saying they are excellent and have extensive experience. Prove the employer that you are a highly qualified candidate for the position you are applying for and that your skills will benefit the company. You can also provide convincing evidence for why joining their team will make their work easier and provide them with more excellent support.

This is a smart way to help you advance to the next round and stand out among candidates who only mention themselves.

9.  End your answer with a question 

Employers often ask candidates if they have any questions at the end of the interview. However, even if the employer does not ask, you should proactively prepare questions to ask them.

You can ask the interviewer about the time and form of notification of interview results, who will be your manager, the opportunities for advancement, and training courses to improve expertise.

10. Tell the truth

Employers may still give you a chance despite your lack of experience if you have good qualifications, a positive attitude, enthusiasm, and crucial skills. However, if you lie and they find out, you will be underestimated and eliminated immediately.

It is not necessary to tell 100% the truth about yourself. You only need to be honest about your professional qualifications, work experience, and achievements. If you want to collaborate with them for an extended period, the trust you establish at the initial interview is essential.

Be honest about what you own

Above are 10 smart ways to answer interview questions that you can apply to get good results. However, many candidates with excellent qualifications and extensive work experience do not know how to express themselves well in the interview rounds. Thus, these candidates regretfully missed their dream job.

Advice for candidates is to contact Navigos Search - the leading professional and reputable headhunter brand in Vietnam today.

Navigos Search's recruitment experts are your companion on the job search path, during the interview, during and after probationary.

You can search for your ideal job at Navigossearch.com's job directory. We regularly update middle and high-level job positions with a variety of occupations such as Sales, Information Technology Software, Finance/Investment, Banking, Human Resources Management, Insurance , and Architecture/interior design.

You can also send us your CV for the opportunity to become a potential candidate in our candidate data source.

Our consultants are all experienced recruitment experts who are knowledgeable about each industry and labor market. Based on a scientific recruitment process, they will proactively contact, advise candidates on recruitment requirements, and reveal ways to negotiate attractive salaries to help them catch the eye of recruiters.

Find your dream job quickly at Navigos Search

Our experts interview a large number of high-quality candidates on a monthly average, providing job seekers throughout Vietnam with quality job opportunities.

With over 20 years of experience in recruitment, Navigos Search is proud to bring quality middle and high-level job opportunities at large enterprises and multinational corporations to job seekers across Vietnam.

We always try our best to help potential candidates reach their dreams through the No. 1 professional recruitment service in Vietnam. Don't hesitate to contact us if you are looking for any middle or senior-level position.

Navigos Search - Vietnam's leading middle and high-level talent hunting company