Picture this: you’re in an interview, the interviewer leans forward, asks you a question…
and your mind races. You know you’ve got a good example, often more than one, but
as you start talking it comes out in a jumble. Halfway through, you realise you’re
rambling. By the end, you’re not even sure if you answered the question properly.

This is exactly why structure is so important. The way you deliver an answer often
determines whether you appear uncertain and disorganised, or confident and
composed. Interviewers aren’t just listening for what you’ve done and how well you’ve
done it, they’re also looking for how you communicate and organise your thoughts.
Structure is a skill you can practise and apply every time.

When you give a structured answer, you make it easy for the interviewer to follow your
story. You also show them that you’re thoughtful, organised and able to cut through the
noise to get to the point. These are qualities every employer values. Think of it like
signposting. Instead of dragging your interviewer on a long, winding journey you’re
giving them a clear map: (a) here’s where we’re going, (b) here’s what happened and
(c) here’s why it matters.

Here’s a straightforward way to keep your answers sharp and professional:

1. Acknowledge the Question

Start by showing that you’ve understood the question. This can be as simple as:
 “For me that question delves into teamwork, something I feel strongly about…”
 “Conflict is part of human interaction… wherever you have people you have
potential conflict…”
This short pause shows engagement and gives you a second to gather your thoughts.

2. Give a Short Overview

Before diving into detail, let the interviewer know where you’re heading. This acts like a
mini-introduction. For example:
 “I’ll talk about a time when my team faced a tight deadline and how I helped
coordinate everyone’s efforts so that and the results we achieved.”
Now your interviewer is primed to listen for those points. They know what’s coming.

3. Use START to Tell Your Story

This is the heart of your answer. START helps you keep it clear and impactful:
 Situation – Set the scene briefly. What was going on? Set the context.
 Task – What was your responsibility or goal? There might be more than one.
 Action – What steps did you take? Use plenty adverbs – this is where you shine.
 Result – What happened in the end? Describe a clear outcome.
 Them – Don’t just stop at the result. Tie it back to the role or company.

That final step, “Them” connects the dots for the interviewer. It says: this isn’t just a
random story – it shows you’re what they’re looking for.

The Importance of Structure
Notice what this structure does:
 It prevents rambling by giving you a roadmap.
 It highlights your most relevant skills through a real example.
 It leaves the interviewer with a clear takeaway about you.

Clarity is everything in an interview. You might have brilliant experience, but if you bury
it in a long, confusing answer, the interviewer won’t remember it. On the other hand, a
structured, well-delivered response makes you sound confident, credible and suitable.

Arthur Geraghty is a Career Coach with Sli Nua Careers.

Make a booking HERE for CV Preparation, Application Form Writing, Interview Training and Mock Interviews.

Featured image courtesy of Pixabay.