I’ve been working on my new book, “Job Interview Answers That Work!” due out in the fall, and this is a question that I think many job seekers struggle with. You don’t want to lie, but you don’t want to admit you can’t do something either. My advice, ask a question to see if you can broaden the issue, and if you want to be super polilte, ask if it’s all right to ask a question.

So, the sequence could go like this:

Interviewer:  Jean, have you ever designed courses for college students?

Me: May I ask you a clarifying question?

(I get a nod)

Me: Are you concerned about courses that are age-appropriate or is  your focus more on how to design courses that engage students?

Interviewer: I would have to say both.

Me. Thank you. That is very helpful. I have designed and delivered courses for a wide range of participants from elementary school children to senior executives. My trademark is making sure that the information is easy to understand and that the class is interactive and stimulating. For example, I was asked to teach creative writing in the schools in New York City. I desinged a course that built students’ understanding of the ways language can be used, taught it and received excellent reviews from both the students and the classroom teachers. And I’ve created similar successes for corporate executives.

Debrief: So if I hadn’t taught college courses (and I have) this answer shows I’m comfortable and effective designing materials and teaching many different populations. This is a much better answer than “No, I haven’t taught college students.”

Practice this question-question as I like to call it in your everyday conversations and you’ll find that when faced with a tough interview question, you have an effective strategy for giving yiourself the best shot.