Do You Talk Too Much In Job Interviews?

You spend so much time prepping for an interview that by the time you get there you probably have countless potential answers swimming in your head. And so when you finally get a chance to answer a real live question it’s easy to let loose and talk too much in interviews. Especially when interview nerves also enter the picture.

And sometimes as a result you say too little that actually matters. Having been an interviewer for many years, we know people are nervous. And we also know they may have prepared a number of answers they’ve memorized that often come out of websites like this. But we don’t want those. The lack of spontaneity shows … and delays our ability to get to know you.

I’m not saying don’t prepare

Preparation is a good thing and will help you come up with your own good answers. But what we’re looking to find in the interview is the real person — and words that sound like they’re actually yours. So first and foremost, take a moment to let yourself think before you answer … and breathe out. (Holding your breath is common when you’re nervous.)

NOTE: An interview second may feel like an eternity, but it’s worth the time. Especially if you thoughtfully engage the interviewer’s eyes and maybe even smile ever so lightly while you prepare what you need to say. It may even help you talk less and say more.

What is talking too much in interviews?

A few obvious signs that you talk too much in interviews:

• You’ve answered more than was asked and keep going.
• Interviewer starts shifting body / eye position or fidgets.
• You keep talking even as interviewer tries to speak.
• Even you begin thinking “why the heck am I saying this?”
• Yawning and / or eyes closing is a clear sign!

But there are some less obvious things you might want to consider. Like telling too much — even if you say it briefly.

What is telling too much?

One major downside when you talk too much in interviews is you wind up telling things you don’t need to. Or shouldn’t. Things that show the less admirable side of you. Or that you might not really be excited about this job for the long haul. Or personal things they don’t need to know in order to hire you. This is an interview. Not a date.

NOTE: You can also spill some unhelpful beans in a sentence or two. So think before you speak. As I said, taking a breath or two before you answer is perfectly ok. Think about what shows your strengths. And what will help them see how well you and your experiences fit into THIS job.

Stick to the point of the question

While you want to be conversational, not to the point of wandering off into other areas or details that water down the power of a good answer. Especially with a question like Tell Me About Yourself. Giving interviewers all the small details leading up to a decision or accomplishment (or failure) won’t win you points. But it may have them checking their watch!

Of course you want each answer to shine. But interview success is about an overall impression. You want to help them see you as a good addition to their team — and great fit for this specific job. You don’t need to pack so much into every answer that you lose the power of making a few great (memorable) points.

Your goal is to make sure you paint a picture of a strong match for the employer’s needs (primarily) while also meeting your own needs so they know you’ll want to stay. The past is the past. A resume and interview are about the future.

So you DON’T talk too much in interviews

When preparing for an interview, avoid spending too much time in advance thinking about all the things you shouldn’t talk about. You might accidentally include it under pressure of the actual interview. (A note to yourself on that is fine.)

Focus instead on what you can and will talk about. Your strengths. The two or three top ways you match what they are looking for (feel free to ask them about that during the interview.) And how you can bring something extra to the job based on what they talk about in the description.

You want to leave the impression of someone who knows what they want and goes after it — even if a lot of personal floundering went into getting you there. They don’t need to know that part unless it helps make a strong point about how committed you are to your current direction and goals.

And also remember they need to like you. So while sharing a few select to-the-point examples that show you are someone who gets things done (think about those in advance), help them see you as someone people enjoy working with.

But are there a specific number minutes???

Unfortunately I can’t give you an exact time that says you talk too much in interviews. Each question and every interviewer are different. But unless it’s a “yes” or “no” question, less than 10 seconds is most likely too short. You’re trying to give them a sense of who you are. And if you’d fit well with the team.

And you can pretty much assume that anywhere from 3 to 5+ minutes is most likely way too long. But again, it depends. If the job is technical and they’ve asked you to describe a process or method, that might be fine. But if you’re telling a story about how you accomplished something, somewhere between 30 seconds and a minute might do the job nicely.

Even when answering “Tell Me About Yourself” (which could get lengthy if not targeted to feed into this job and your current goals) you can keep it under 2 minutes and then let them ask more if they have questions. Again, the main point of that question is to get a feel for you as a person, future employee, and co-worker. If you feel a little extra helps that, fine.

Let your sense of whether you answered the question and left them seeing you as a potential fit guide you. And at least notice their body language. If they’re leaning in with interest, or maybe relaxed & nodding positively, you’re probably ok. And if they seem to be enjoying an answer, longer might be fine. But don’t push it until they start looking away or fidgeting. Leave room for the next question. It’s a mini-marathon not a sprint.

More tips to help

How To Mentally Prepare for a Job Interview

Job Interview Nerves? Tips for Before, During & After

18 Practical Tips to Help You Ace Your Job Interview

15 Things I Look for When I Interview People

 

5 Interview Skills To Help Connect the “Hire Me” Dots

Where Do You See Yourself Five Years from Now?

What’s Your Greatest Strength?

What’s Your Greatest Weakness?

 

How To Handle “What Do You Want To Ask Us?”

How Do I Interview After Being Fired?

Interview Question:  So Why Do You Want THIS Job?

Answering “Why You Left Your Job” When You Quit

 

⇒  EXTRA:   What Are the Basic Hiring Process Steps?