Have you ever been in an interview keenly listening, and once it’s your turn to speak… you suddenly realize that I missed a key point or the question entirely. We’ve all been there.

You see, attention can be fleeting, and everyone has their unique tolerance of how much attention they can give.

I've had interviews where:

• I'm able to focus on the questions and capture the intent.
• A sound distracted me, and now I'm playing catchup, trying to understand what is asked.
• Both focus and distraction have occurred at different parts.

Regardless of the attention or lack thereof, your next step in this process can determine how well the interview goes. Being humble and aware of how you're showing in that moment (Self-Awareness or presence) will allow you to ask for clarification genuinely.

While not every interviewer is forgiving for repeating questions, remember that you're interviewing the interviewer as much as they are interviewing you.

There is a difference between Clarification and Repetition; as much as possible, you want to have your questions reflect a clarification style.

TLDR;

It's common to miss key points or need clarification on the questions during interviews. This can be due to distractions or fleeting attention. However, how you handle this situation can significantly influence the interview's outcome. A crucial step is asking for clarification. This action shows active engagement and ensures a complete understanding of the question, enabling a correct response.

Employing active listening to help you demonstrate focus and comprehension will ensure you can correct any misunderstandings. It is essential in an interview because it helps ensure you understand the questions correctly before responding, reducing the chances of misinterpretation and incorrect answers.

Clarifying questions can be categorized into three types:

1. Contextual Clarification: Helps understand the background or context of the question, ensuring a complete and accurate answer.
2. Specificity Clarification: This allows for delving deeper into the details of the question, guaranteeing a more precise response.
3. Purpose Clarification: Aids in understanding the underlying intention or rationale behind the question.

By employing these types of clarifying questions during an interview, you can enhance your comprehension of the question and deliver a comprehensive and accurate response.

Asking For Clarification

Asking for clarification in an interview is one of the most critical steps to know and understand that you answer correctly.

Avoid assumptions: Don't assume anything about the question. Instead, ask for clarification on any unclear parts.

When answering interview questions, it's better to clarify what the interviewer is asking rather than giving an incorrect answer. Asking for clarification shows you're actively listening and engaging in the conversation. This understanding of the question will help you provide the correct response.

Side Note on Active Listening

Active listening is a communication technique that involves focusing, understanding, responding, and remembering what is said. It requires the listener to give feedback on what they hear to the speaker by restating or paraphrasing what they have listened to in their own words to confirm what they have heard and understood correctly.

It matters in an Interview because:

During an interview, active listening helps to answer questions correctly as it ensures that you fully understand the question before responding, thereby reducing the chances of misinterpretation and incorrect responses.

I've outlined three clarifying questions to help you get the correct answer.

Types of Clarifying Questions:

🎬 Contextual Clarification: 

To determine the specific context or backdrop of a question, without context, your answer will usually be incomplete. When someone asks you a question, it is crucial to understand the context in which the question is being asked. Context provides the necessary background information that helps you fully comprehend the question and give an accurate and complete answer.

⚖️ Specificity Clarification:

Delving deeper into a question's details guarantees that the response is more precise. Expanding on the specifics ensures that all relevant information is included in the answer. This approach helps avoid ambiguity or confusion and provides a more accurate and comprehensive response.

💬 Purpose Clarification:

To fully comprehend a question, it is essential to understand its underlying intention or rationale. There are instances when the purpose of a question may take time to establish. It's crucial to delve deeper and analyze the context in which the question is being asked. You can unravel the question's purpose by considering the background information, the topic, and relevant clues or cues.

How to ask for Clarification:

Question: What challenges have you had with teammates in cross-functional tasks?

• Contextual Clarification Question: Did you prefer I describe a remote or in-person challenge I've faced with teammates?
• Specificity Clarification Question: Do you mean a single task or a broader project, and I can tie that back into how that was shared with the team?
• Purpose Clarification Question: Would you like me to outline my communication style around team challenges in a remote or in-person situation?

Checklist to help answer a question:

Do you understand the context of the question?

>> Can you relate it to a situation you've experienced? Does the context fit?

Do you know the nuance and specific scope that's being asked?

>> Can you speak to a single situation, task, or project?

Do you understand the purpose of the question?

>> Can you explain your answer that will answer the unasked question? This is the hardest part to understand.

The Wrap

It's common to miss key points or need clarification during interviews. This can be due to various factors, such as distractions or fleeting attention. However, how you handle this situation can significantly impact the outcome of your interview. One crucial step is asking for clarification. This shows that you're actively engaged in the conversation and ensures that you fully understand the question, enabling you to respond correctly.

Clarifying questions can be categorized into contextual, specificity, and purpose. Contextual clarification helps you understand the background or context of the question, ensuring your answer is complete and accurate. Specificity clarification allows you to delve deeper into the details of the question, guaranteeing a more precise response. Lastly, Purpose clarification aids in understanding the underlying intention or rationale behind the question.

By employing these types of clarifying questions, you can enhance your comprehension of the question and deliver a comprehensive and accurate response.

Thanks for reading - Ed