It’s often said that “simplicity is key,” but in practice, it can be surprisingly difficult to achieve. Stripping things down to their core essence requires thought, effort, and commitment. Complexity, on the other hand, tends to sneak in naturally. It’s easy to overcomplicate things without even realising it and this has a MASSIVE detrimental effect on the quality of interview answers and hence your success.
In my work with candidates going through promotion or interview processes at bselected, I see a recurring pattern: candidates feel the need to make their answers more complicated than they need to be. They often add irrelevant details or waffle, thinking this will make them sound more impressive or show their depth of knowledge.
Even after I provide clear instructions like, “Stick to the point”, or “give no irrelevant details,” many candidates still find themselves waffling on… and on… and on. It’s almost as if they’re battling an internal voice that says, “The answer can’t possibly be that simple, I’d better throw in some extra ‘stuff’.”
But here’s the truth: It can be that simple, and it should be. Overcomplicating answers is not the way to stand out and it’s always counterproductive.
Why Do Candidates Overcomplicate Their Answers?
After speaking with many candidates, here’s why I think this trend happens:
- They think complex answers sound more impressive – they don’t.
- They believe complexity will improve their chances of scoring higher – it won’t.
- They assume it’s what the assessors expect – it’s not.
- They think adding complexity will help them stand out – it may, but not in a positive way.
Remember the person on the other side of the table – the assessor. If your answer is difficult to follow or overstuffed with details, they might not even fully understand what you’re trying to say. This only makes their job harder and can lead to frustration or even lower marks, even if there’s a good point hidden in the middle of your complicated response.
Candidates often add unnecessary layers of detail when they sense the assessor losing interest. This only makes things worse, spiraling into more confusion. In the end, your answer gets lost in the fluff.
How Do You Keep Your Answers Simple and Effective?
The key to providing simple, impactful answers lies in your mindset. You have to genuinely want to make your responses as clear and concise as possible. It takes effort, but it’s worth it. Here are some tips to help you achieve this:
- Answer the question directly. It sounds obvious, but many candidates fail to do this. If you’re asked about ‘oranges’ but start talking about ‘pears,’ you’re missing the point entirely.
- Keep only the relevant details. Trim away anything that doesn’t directly contribute to answering the question or demonstrating the competency being assessed. If it’s not adding value, get rid of it.
- Revise, don’t overcomplicate. It’s often easier to simplify a complex answer than to add more layers of detail. But sometimes, it’s best to start fresh. Breaking your answer into sections can also help keep things clear and focused.
- Resist the urge to add unnecessary complexity. This is the most important piece of advice. As soon as you feel the temptation to over-elaborate, stop and ask yourself: “Is this helping answer the question clearly?”
- Beware of outside advice. Well-meaning friends, family, or peers may suggest ways to ‘improve’ your answers, but most of the time, their advice will just complicate things. Many successful candidates can’t explain exactly why they succeeded, so take their tips with caution.
- #BeMoreNormal. Adding complexity can often make your answers sound forced or inauthentic. Authenticity matters far more than sounding ‘impressive.’
- Follow expert guidance. If you’re working with an interview coach or using a program like our Online Interview Success Programme, follow the instructions exactly. Trust that simplicity is the most effective strategy.
Final Thoughts
In interviews, simple and clear answers are the most powerful. If you tend to overcomplicate things or struggle with staying on point, consider seeking expert help. At bselected, we specialise in helping candidates deliver answers that are straightforward, effective, and impactful.
If you need assistance in refining your interview responses or preparing for your promotion process, reach out to us at 0161 327 2126 or email support@bselectedpolice.com. We can help – simple.
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