How to Talk About Current Events in a Job Interview

It’s no secret that most job interviews are much more than just questions and answers. You’re being assessed not only on what you say but also on how you respond to curveball questions and other manipulations. So, if during small talk, some aspect of current events comes up, how should you react? Turns out there are right ways and wrong ways. 

When It’s OK to Discuss Current Events 

Employers aren’t just looking for skills and experience—many of them want candidates with a view of the business landscape of their industry. Intelligently weaving relevant current events into the conversation will demonstrate that you’re insightful, informed, and engaged. You want to show that you’re on top of specific market trends and dynamics that affect the company. 

Try to relate a news event to the industry or even better, the company you’re applying to. You could study up on an upcoming regulatory change or new technology and say you read or heard something about it recently. That opens the door to revealing your up-to-date knowledge of a topic—and it can even tie into the expertise you’ve amassed and how you’d apply those insights in the workplace. 

When It’s Best to Avoid Current Events 

Do you hate a politician or social movement? Your job interview is definitely not the place to express it. A candidate with thoughtful opinions is certainly valued—but make every effort to stay clear of polarizing or controversial subject matter. If your interviewer brings up something provocative, it may be a test. Keep your cool and politely steer the discussion into safer waters. Measured, professional notions are the ideal—not heated debate. 

At the same time, whether it was you or your interviewer who initiated it, do not dominate the exchange. Leave room for their thoughts. This isn’t the meat of the interview anyway—the sooner you can turn to your skills, qualifications, and fitness for the role, the better. 

How to Successfully Incorporate Current Events 

• Know your stuff: Just as a good lawyer doesn’t ask any question of a witness without anticipating the answer, don’t bring up a subject if you’re going to quickly get in over your head. Put in the time beforehand to peruse industry publications and reputable news sources so you’ve got solid intel. 

• Respect your host: As we said, try to relate everything you articulate to the situation your prospective employer is in. Bone up on the company’s blog posts, reports, and press releases so you can relate a world or local event directly to their challenges—and even to your interviewer. 

• Practice your spiel: Prepare a few talking points and a plan for connecting a current event with your experience and potential. For each topic you research, ask yourself “How might it affect this industry or company? How could I solve an associated problem or exploit a related opening?” 

Ultimately, your business engagement, strategic acumen, and multidimensional thinking are as much on trial as your hard experience and concrete achievements. Being able to make current events meaningful and relevant in the interview room is one way to show your worth to a prospective employer.