Want interview tips? SPEAK CLEARLY AND ELOQUENTLY
A recent Harvard study found that it matters less what you say during an interview then how you say it.
The study (click here for an interview with the authors and to purchase a copy of the study), showed a video of a political debate where the subject answered questions in a series of videos. In the first video, the individual answered the question directly and well; by the third video, he answered the question directly, but inarticulately.
The response from the study showed that people liked the individual answering the question less when he did so inarticulately. Perhaps a good tip for your next job interview is not necessarily to know all the answers, but know how to answer the questions.
Michael Moody
March 1, 2011 @ 10:28 am
The “artful dodger” study just goes to show that most listeners “can’t handle the truth.” An oblique and obfuscated answer is less than honest or courageous. Based upon the study, it would seem that the average listener confuses straight talk with aggressive or rude talk, which is further proof that our society is weak, soft and mushy. Fewer people seem to appreciate honorable candor.
Jason
March 22, 2011 @ 5:57 pm
This is very true. When we evaluate candidates, one of the first impressions we get is the beginning of the interview. Coming off as confident and articulate is extremely important in an interview situation, as it signals competence.
Steven
April 14, 2011 @ 7:36 am
absolutely agree, how a person says something is often more important than how they say it, especially at an interview
Ria from MMO Worlds
May 8, 2011 @ 5:53 pm
The study is quite interesting. Apparently people do prefer style over substance although you can tip the balance too far if the answer is not really related to the question.
Asheville Lawyers
September 30, 2011 @ 9:30 am
A good recent example would be Rick Perry in the GOP debates. He appears to fumble when he does not have script to read, and it is affecting the polls.
Bankruptcy Attorney Grand Haven
October 6, 2011 @ 11:35 am
In today’s job market I guess 3L’s need every additional trick they can find. “Articulate” is certainly a positive adjective to have in front of “Attorney”. But in terms of actual value for interviewees, most new associates won’t need to be articulate anywhere other than in their writings for the first few centuries of their law firm existences.