How you think shapes how you navigate the world, it's not about having all the answers, but about knowing how to approach every question

Mastering "How You Think" Questions: A Career Coach's Guide to Interview Success

Starter

Interviews can be nerve-wracking, especially when you're faced with questions that go beyond the typical "Tell me about yourself" or "What are your strengths?" Many of my clients, from students to seasoned professionals, often ask me: How should you prepare for interview questions?

It’s a great question because interviews are designed to assess a variety of skills, and the questions typically fall into categories like:

• Experience-based

• Informational

• Relational

• Descriptive

• Critical Thinking

• Technical

• *How You Think*

Today, I want to dive deeper into one of the most intriguing categories: “How You Think” questions. These align closely with strategic communication, a skill that’s vital for career advancement, no matter the industry.

Main Course

What Are "How You Think" Questions?

"How You Think" questions aren’t about getting the “right” answer. Instead, they assess your thought process, problem-solving approach, and how you handle ambiguity. These questions are particularly common in interviews for roles that require critical thinking, creativity, or strategic decision-making.

When I was preparing for my graduate school interviews at Georgetown University, I had an insightful conversation with one of my great friends and Master Certified Coach, Rebecca Dorsey. She posed a simple yet powerful question as an example of a "How You Think" question:
“How would you furnish an apartment?”

At first, I started listing out the steps: measure the space, browse IKEA, rent a truck, unload, and assemble. Then I paused and asked Rebecca, “Is that the right answer?”

Her response was eye-opening:

There is no right answer.

The goal of the question wasn’t to evaluate the specifics of my plan but to understand how I approached the task. Did I logically break down the process? Did I ask clarifying questions? Was I methodical, or did I jump to conclusions?

This was a major revelation. In interviews, it's not always about what you say—it's about how you process and communicate your thoughts. Are you someone who pauses to think? Do you ask for more information if needed? Do you adapt your approach depending on the situation?

Facing "How You Think" Questions in My Own Interview

Fast forward to my Georgetown interview. One of the questions I was asked was:
“What is the hardest class you’ve ever taken, and how did you handle it?”

It was clear to me that they weren't just looking for the name of a difficult course. This was another “How You Think” question. They wanted to assess how I approached and overcame challenges. Did I recognize the complexity? Did I seek help? Did I change my study habits? How did I manage stress?

For a rigorous program like Nurse Anesthesia, my ability to handle difficult classes and intense situations was key. They weren’t interested in whether I’d struggled in a particular subject—they were interested in how I tackled adversity and adapted to overcome it.

Digest

"How You Think" questions can feel intimidating at first, but once you recognize what interviewers are really looking for—your thought process and problem-solving skills—you’ll be better equipped to tackle them. Whether you're asked how to furnish an apartment or how you handled a tough class, the key is to focus on how you approach challenges, rather than the specifics of your answer. This shift in mindset can transform your interview performance, giving you the confidence to showcase your unique strengths as a critical thinker and strategic communicator.

By practicing these techniques, you’ll be able to demonstrate your ability to handle complex problems and communicate your thought process clearly—essential skills for career advancement in any field.

The Insight Toolbox:

Key Takeaways: Preparing for "How You Think" Questions

• Shift Your Focus: Don’t get caught up in finding the “right” answer. These questions are more about your process than your conclusions. Focus on how you can clearly and logically explain your approach.

• Break It Down: When asked a “How You Think” question, think about the steps you would take to tackle the problem. Walk the interviewer through your thought process, demonstrating that you can approach tasks systematically.

• Ask Clarifying Questions: Sometimes, these questions are deliberately vague. It’s okay to ask for more context or details—this shows that you’re not afraid to gather the information you need before acting.

• Highlight Problem-Solving and Adaptability: Emphasize how you navigate challenges, handle ambiguity, and adapt to changing circumstances. Interviewers want to see that you’re flexible and capable of thinking critically under pressure.

• Stay Calm and Confident: Because there’s no “right” answer, you have the freedom to showcase how you think without worrying about giving the perfect response. Use this to your advantage by remaining calm and explaining your reasoning confidently.

About The Author

Patrick Miley Jr. is a business and career coach with a passion for helping individuals navigate career transitions and unlock their full potential. With a diverse background in both healthcare and business, Patrick leverages his unique experience as an ICU nurse and his MBA in Organizational Management to empower solopreneurs, minority business owners, and healthcare professionals to thrive in competitive industries. He is the founder of Insight 2 Action, where he provides strategic coaching and marketing consulting services. Patrick is dedicated to teaching the art of strategic communication—a skill that has transformed his own career.

When he’s not coaching, Patrick enjoys paddleboarding, running half marathons, and leading discussions in the Knox Book Club. You can connect with him on LinkedIn or through his company, Insight 2 Action.