How to Answer Job Interview Questions Without Rambling

Presenting the Circumstance, Action, Result Technique (CAR)

Interviewing for a job can be daunting. We put ourselves in a vulnerable position, asking to be judged and hoping to be accepted. Often times we don't land the job we desire not based on lack of skill or experience, but simply due to an inability to clearly articulate ourselves.

Most of us have some level of anxiety walking into an interview. The nervous energy can be so overwhelming, it becomes difficult to concentrate. Here is an effective technique to help you stay focused as you answer interview questions.

The key word to remember is CAR, which stands for Circumstance, Action, and Result.

Circumstance - Give the interviewer a brief description of the challenge or situation and the goal on which you were working.

Action - Describe the specific steps you took in handling the above circumstance.

Result - Explain the result or outcome and express how you influenced that positive outcome. Do not hesitate to brag; this is where you sell yourself!

Here is an example ~

Interview Question:

Please tell me about a time when you were able to overcome obstacles to accomplish your goals.

Answer:

C - I was on pace to meet my sales quota when the company redistributed marketing development funds and I received less money than expected to promote my products.

A - I got in touch with a colleague who handled a different product category and I suggested a new idea of a cross-promotional marketing event. He shared some of his development funds to cross-promote our products and I did the physical and logistical work to set up the event with the goal of increasing sales for both of our product categories.

R - I used our pooled marketing development funds efficiently to meet my sales quota. I saw a higher than average revenue growth with my products and attracted new customers. My cross-promotional idea is now being duplicated by others in the company.