Interviews can be a bit like a game– just when you think you've got the hang of what’s going on, a curveball comes your way. Handling unexpected questions is a skill worth mastering, especially in the competitive arena of office support jobs in London.
Here's how you can knock those curveballs out of the park.
Expect the unexpected
The first rule in tackling curveball questions is to expect them. Anticipate the unexpected. In the world of office support jobs in London, interviewers often throw in curveballs to assess your adaptability and quick thinking. So, prepare yourself mentally for questions that might catch you off guard.
Take a moment and stay calm
When a curveball question comes your way, the key is to stay calm and composed. Take a moment to gather your thoughts before responding. You don’t have to jump straight in but can take a second or two to consider your answer.
You can also buy some time to collect your thoughts. Phrases like "That's an interesting question; let me think about it for a moment" convey confidence and poise. In office support jobs in London, where effective communication is crucial, taking a moment to formulate a thoughtful response is a prized trait.
Bring your answer onto your experience
Even if the curveball question seems unrelated, try to relate it to your experience. Draw parallels between the unexpected query and your skills or previous challenges you've overcome. This demonstrates your ability to think on your feet and stay relevant.
Use it to demonstrate problem solving skills
Curveball questions are often designed to assess your problem solving skills, so use them! Embrace the opportunity to showcase how you approach challenges. Think of the question as a problem and solve it.
Curveball questions are opportunities to shine. Turn the unexpected query into a chance to highlight your strengths and unique qualities. This adaptability in problem solving will win over the hiring manager.
Practice before you go
The more you practice handling curveball questions, the more confident you'll become. Enlist the help of a friend to throw unexpected questions your way. Simulate the interview environment for office support jobs in London as closely as possible. The more you rehearse, the better equipped you'll be.
Learn from every interview
After each interview for office support jobs in London, reflect on the curveball questions you encountered. Consider how you handled them and what you could improve. Learning from each experience helps you refine your approach and build confidence for future interviews. Interviews are like anything – the more you do them, the more comfortable they feel. Stay positive – a job hunt it usually a marathon, not a sprint.
We’re here to help
Mastering the art of handling curveball questions is a valuable skill in your job hunting repertoire. We’re here to guide you through the whole process, including how to master interviews. Give us a call on 020 7870 7177 and see how we stand out from other recruitment agencies in London.