How to Answer the “Think on Your Feet” Interview Question

I've been in the recruiting business for over 20 years; some would consider me an expert in my field - either way, my morals, and values are all about transparency, a genuine desire to help people, and respect for all those I talk to and work with!

So, how to prepare for an interview and answer the 'think of your feet' questions:

Before you go for the interview, consider your long-term goals and evaluate your qualifications against the position you're interviewing for the position. You want to make sure the job aligns with your business and personal goals. If it does, you want to be ready!

Make sure to do your homework and make sure you know what the company does, its core business activities, and what they require in a successful candidate. While a job description can answer a lot of this, I highly encourage you to do online research and even look at recent news articles that involve the company.

The "think on your feet" question is usually one of the first questions asked in an interview. It's designed to catch you off guard and see how you react under pressure. The best way to answer this question is to be prepared with a few key points and have some questions of your own ready to ask. Here are a few questions they could ask that you must be ready for:

1.     Describe your leadership style.

2.     Tell me about a time you worked with a difficult person.

3.     Tell me about a time you had to persuade someone.

4.     Tell me about a time you disagreed with someone.

5.     Tell me about a time you created a goal and achieved it.

6.     Tell me about a time you surpassed people’s expectations.

Let's look at how to answer the question. When you're asked to "think on your feet," the interviewer is looking for a few things like:

- Can handle pressure and react quickly

- Do you have the ability to think critically and come up with solutions

- Can communicate clearly and concisely when under pressure or in a meeting

Tip: To answer this question well, you'll want to have a few key points and examples ready to share. These should be based on your qualifications and why you're the best candidate for the job. For example:

"I'm well-qualified for this position because of my experience in X and Y. In my previous role, I had to think on my feet when X happened. I was able to quickly come up with a solution and implement it, which resulted in Y. This demonstrated my ability to handle pressure and come up with creative solutions."

"I also have experience in Z, which I think makes me uniquely qualified for this role. In my previous job, I had to think on my feet when X happened. I was able to quickly come up with a solution and implement it, which resulted in Y. This demonstrated my ability to handle pressure and come up with creative solutions."

"I believe my qualifications, combined with my ability to think on my feet, make me the best candidate for this job.

Another tip: Once you've answered the question, it's important to ask a few of your own. This shows that you're interested in the position and the company and that you've done your research. For example:

"Could you tell me more about the team I'll be working with?"

"What are the main challenges this department is facing?"

"What is the company's strategy for X?"

By asking questions, you're showing that you're engaged and interested in the role. This will make a good impression on the interviewer and help you stand out from the other candidates. Plus, do not forget to look them up on LinkedIn, you may be able to find out that you have common interests or hobbies which always helps 'break the ice!'

I hope these tips help you be more comfortable during an interview. Please continue to follow me for regular newsletters with tips and secrets :)

Make it a great day and remember: YOU WILL MISS 100% OF THE SHOTS YOU DON'T TAKE! You've got this!

Article by: Gina Matteson, Founder & CEO of GemTek Recruiting

https://gemtek.company

www.ginamatteson.com (if you want to learn more about me)

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