One of the keys to interviewing well is to be able to tell your story. Almost any question I get about how to answer a specific interview question comes back to looking at the larger story.
For example, last week, one client asked about how to explain that he had left one of his positions for "philisophical differences". If this is the best we could come up with, then he would have to go with that. But is that the story he wants to create and share? The simplest answer is "Better Oppoortunity." If more detail is requested, then he could say "After twenty years of a very positive work experience, I located a better opportunity that allowed me to continue to grow and use my skills with _________________. Those are the same skills I understand you need from someone in this position. That's why I'm glad to get the opportunity to talk with you today."
"But why did you leave?" The interviewer could ask. They are asking for the larger story. When I probed a little further, it turned out that he had been with the company from the outset and helped them to be very successful. He enjoyed the work that they did and they were very pleased with him. After twenty years, a new management team wanted to go some new directions,as new managers often do. He located a better opportunity where he felt he could continue to grow. When he gave his four week notice, they asked him to stay, but he really felt it was time to move on.
Isn't this a more positive story than "philisophical differences"? Still, even this story only needs to be told if the interviewer probes for it. But be ready with the larger story. Each question doesn't come in isolation. It's the larger story that you are creating. Does my client go through his career having "philisophical differences"? Or does he do a great job, encounter workplace changes occasionally, and find the right place where he is a good fit and then continue to make positive contributions wherever he is? It's up to him.
Your story is up to you. What's your story?
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