I was trained in acting and improv many moons ago. This discussion makes me think every job seeker should get themselves to a class fast!

Memorization gives you words to say but it also allows you to improvise on them because the material is so well known.

It doesn’t have to foster the canned response no one likes.

Just so you know, Recruiting Animal, I add comments to expand on my take for readers and also to spur some healthy discussion once in awhile. I certainly agree it’s good to have some general responses worked out ahead of time. In fact, I recommend that and like your idea of writing out your personal scripts as the foundation to pull your answers from. Even better to try them out in practice sessions.

But memorized…mais non! And believe me…people come in with memorized (scripted) answers – even if they created them. For so many, it just kills their chances for that lively conversation you suggest because their brains get locked into a memorized box. They shut off their listening too, and miss the moment to riff on something said prior to that, losing all spontaneity. I’ve seen it. And I can’t count the number of folks we hired with ok answers who just felt real, even if they rambled a bit. So I guess that was what I was getting at. (Hope this explains it better for readers.)

But I know that my take just isn’t true for everyone. The one thing I know for sure is that there is no one piece of advice that fits all. There can’t be. Each hirer has their own buttons and triggers and filters and POVs. So RA (we have the same initials) if your advice feels right to a reader, great. Clearly it’s not my advice, but that’s what makes this blogosphere so damn engaging and frustrating for folks looking for THE answer. Just remember RA’s advice about lively conversation, please.

For those who don’t know me…I am careful on this blog to say I don’t know all the answers and do NOT consider myself an expert. So Recruiting Animal, this is not BS…your take is not only welcome, it adds a point of view I can’t possibly add myself, and I like that.

I just have my strong opinion on this one based on my experiences. I have heard the comments after I’ve helped in rounds of interviews and offer advice on my blog based on that. (Some of the comments can be so cruel as I’m sure you know. And stiff is a big one…as is canned answers.) But does that mean I know for sure how to nail every interview? Nope. Just offering what I think works best for the average person. And gosh darn it…so are you.

I happen to like your take; and it isn’t scripted – it’s great preparation. Especially for those who also know how to then break free and just be themselves. Points well taken since my short post did NOT cover the topic to this level.

Peace out and in. ~ Ronnie Ann

When you are talking about a script you mean something copied from someone else that doesn’t express ideas that are appropriate for you.

If, however, you write a personal script that contains a really good answer to a standard question and really memorize it you won’t be looking at the ceiling reciting it like some lame-brain.

It will become the foundation of a lively conversation. Because all of the basic thinking has been done beforehand you don’t have to mentally work that up on the spot.

Instead, are free to process and respond to new information.

When I start working on a search I write a script describing the job. If I really know that basic info I’m free
to focus my attention on whatever questions people ask me that pertains to info that is not in the script.

My main point in this article is simply to remind people not to mouth words they copied from some website – even mine – or memorized like lines in a play. Not only does the answer add nothing, but so often it makes the person come off as stiff. And maybe trying to sneak by with an easy but bogus answer. These things show. Just my take.

The 1st answer was OK but bland. All she did here was add some depth, explaining why she was looking forward to promotion in the company.

Lori’s example provides a good argument against a response that is bland because it is so general — but it does not provide a good argument against scripting.

And I’m sure she would have scripted it if she would have thought of it before.

Happy holidays!

~ Ronnie Ann