Confidence in Q & A comes from the 3 Ps: Preparation, Planning and Practice. Preparation and planning were discussed in previous newsletters. If you missed it, please check out my blog. Today I will focus on practice.
Athletes know the importance of practice. You can’t perform at optimal levels without it. Q & A is no different. If we only practice Q & A a few days before an interview we will not be adequately prepared to execute effectively. Here are some ideas to practice Q & A on a regular basis.
1. Identify what type of questions you can best utilize the examples you have collected in your Compelling Story Collection(TM) described in the last newsletter
2. Review the company preferred responses weekly that I described in the preparation segment.
3. A few times a month get together with others in the company and practice responding to questions.
4. Have a few Q & A buddies with whom you can practice 15 minutes a week.
By doing this, you will develop greater comfort and confidence in the Q & A portion of the interview.