By Amber Alarid, JVA Consulting

As a young professional with many friends who are also just starting or are still searching for their career, I often find blog inspiration in our conversations. A friend recently asked me for resources and suggestions to nail both common and tough interview questions. As I sifted through my mental filing cabinet, I jotted down a few ideas. Later that evening, I noticed a flyer titled something along the lines of “Ways to Stay Unemployed,” a tongue-in-cheek overview of how not to get a job. I was intrigued by one point in particular that highlighted the danger of vague answers. Having had some experience as an interviewer, I can definitely say that meandering answers can be a deal breaker. In fact, I think keeping you answers to the point should be a strict rule for all who are interviewing.

So what do all good interview answers have in common?

The best answers are:

• Specific: If an interviewer asks about your particular skill set and experience, give examples that demonstrate your past work.
• Brief: Yes, examples are great, but don’t use up the entire interview on one story. If an employer is especially intrigued in a story he or she will ask you to go on; otherwise, hit the major points and move on.
• Results-based: If you give an example of a time you demonstrated a particular quality or performed a task, be sure to let the interviewer know the end result. Did you receive compliments from a boss or client? Was the problem resolved?
• On topic: Do not stray from the topic—doing so can waste valuable time that could be used to address the interviewer’s most pressing concerns.
• Positive: Even if the recruiter asks about a problem you experienced, this is not a free therapy session. You should always focus on what improved, what you learned and other details that are positive in nature.

If you have participated in either side of an interview recently, tell us about some of the best answers you’ve given or encountered in the comments section below.