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A recruiter said I rambled too much in my interviews. I didn't like it but I appreciated the honesty. How this negatively affects interviews: → Can make you seem unfocused → You might miss the main point → Long-winded answers can bore the interviewer and cause them to disengage 7 strategies I used to cut down the rambling: (and get straight to the point) 1. Cheat Sheets Keep notes handy to jog my memory on certain stories, especially for common interview questions. 2. STAR Storytelling Organize answers using STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to ensure clarity and relevance. 3. Adopt the 'Rule of Three' Limit my points to three when responding. Our brains typically grasp three items most effectively. Example: "Three pivotal experiences that shaped my professional journey were X, Y, and Z..." 4. Embrace the Pause Allow moments of silence between my thoughts, understanding it's OK not to fill every second with words. 5. Minute Mastery Ensure my answers are between 60-90 seconds to stay concise and relevant. 6. Regular Practice Practice by recording myself (I recommend video to see your body language, hand gestures, etc.) 7. Pre-Plan Key Messages Before any interview, I'd identify core attributes or experiences I want the interviewer to remember. Example: For a marketing role, I'd prepare my talk track for 1) Campaign management 2) ROI-driven strategies 3) Cross-channel integration — Once you start doing these, your interview game will change for the better. And remember a detailed answer isn't bad, but it's important to ensure it doesn't become a rambling habit. ♻ Repost to help someone on their next interview And follow me for more posts like this.
Rambling during interviews is not good. It can make you seem unfocused. Use the ‘Rule of Three’. It helps you stay focused during interviews.
Use STAR to highlight outcomes, not just tasks. Interviewers care about results, so focus on the “R” in STAR to leave a strong impression.
A storytelling framework comes in handy in these situations, also remember leave out unnecessary details. Keep your answers focused. Reno Perry
Here’s a reminder that effective communication often trumps having a lot to say.
The ‘Rule of Three’ is genius! It’s easy to overwhelm someone with too many points, but narrowing it down helps make a lasting impact.
Great tips! I love how you're focusing on clarity and conciseness—being direct and to the point can really make a difference in interviews.
This is such great advice! I can totally relate—rambling in interviews was definitely a challenge for me too. 😅 Another strategy I’ve found useful is to always restate the question before answering. It helps me focus on what’s truly being asked and ensures I stay aligned with the interviewer’s expectations.
I'm shocked by how little people practice. You know what questions are coming. And you know words matter. Don't let the interview be the first time you come up with them, Reno.
Pausing can feel unnatural, but it does help you gather your thoughts and deliver a more measured response.
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1wThere's a few more ways to overcome rambling in interviews. 1. You can bring a water bottle with you. When you get stuck on a question, ask the interviewer if it's okay to take a minute to give a good answer. Drink and think. 2. Practice doing mock interviews with someone you trust. 3. Speak slower. It will help you articulate your words more clearly. P.S. Thank you for the tips, Reno.