The plethora of information out there can sometimes lead folks to think that they have an unlimited ability to tailor their responses to each situation in an interview – and that their success in the interview depends on how well they exploit that ability.

This is often not reality. Yes, you can modify your answers to the demands of each situation, but there inevitably comes the point where you’ve reached the limit in spinning your answers! I’m reminded of one janitor who referred to himself as a “sanitation engineer,” or a character on an old television show who called himself a “subterranean engineer” when what he did was work in the sewer system.

Well, what is in a name? You should not necessarily give up on a job that doesn’t mirror your specific work experience. Your challenge is not to stretch the truth of your answers, but rather to persuade the interviewer that your background and skills do indeed qualify you for the position. If you’ve done your homework, you should have a pretty good idea of which skills are required to handle a job. You should be prepared to show how the skills you demonstrated in your previous jobs apply to the job at hand.

You will spend the bulk of your time during a job interview answering three types of questions: closed, open, and leading.

Closed questions

Closed questions require a yes or no answer or a one-to-two-word answer. Some examples:

• How long did you work for ABC Company?
• Where did you get your degree?
• How many employees have you managed?
• Have you ever fired someone?

Interviewers typically ask closed questions to either verify information from your resume; or to set the stage for more probing questions down the line. The key to answering closed questions is to be direct and concise. If you think that the answer doesn’t quite speak for itself, it’s okay to qualify or elaborate upon it, but avoid overexplaining. Answer the question and then let the interviewer take the next step.

Open questions

Open questions need more than a one- or two-word answer. Some examples:

• What was it like working for ABC Corporation?
• Tell me about your last job.
• What is it about our company that draws you to it and this job?

Open questions give you an opportunity to elaborate on answers you give to closed questions. You can frame your responses in a way that is relevant to the job you’re seeking. The main pitfall to open questions is that they are sometimes broad and tough to answer concisely. It’s okay to politely ask the interviewer to narrow down the question. If an interviewer asks you to describe your last job, for example, you might counter with, “Is there any specific aspect of the job you would like to hear about first?”

Leading questions

Leading questions can be a minefield if you’re not prepared to recognize them. Here’s an example:

• “Wow! You worked for XYZ company during a challenging time in economy and market. That must have been a tough environment!”

It’s possible that the interviewer is trying to bait you a bit – trying to get you to show a side of yourself that you’re not prepared to show. The key to answering leading questions is to stay focused and not allow yourself to be drawn into responses that will not help your candidacy. Saying anything negative about a former employer could make you sound bitter. Or worse, it could make you sound like someone who blames other people or situations for your own consequences or shortcomings. Balance is key. Something like, “It was tough, but it had its positives, too, such as _____.”

Of course, questioning gets more complex and categorized. There are skills-based, behavioral and situational questions. But starting first to think in terms of closed, open, and leading questions can prepare you for the subtleties of them all.

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