Serving Up a Good Interview
By Paul Melanson
In the high-stakes game of job interviews, every move counts. We all know the drill: research the company, dress to impress, and have your success stories polished and ready to roll off the tongue. But let's dive deeper into nuances that can truly set your interview game apart from the sea of eager candidates.
Mining Gold from the Company Website
Sure, you've read the job description a few times, but have you explored the depths of the company's website? Look beyond the job description for clues about their culture, values, and recent projects. Aligning your answers with these insights can demonstrate a genuine understanding and enthusiasm for what they do.
It's Not Stalking; It's Strategic Research
Before the interview, take a peek at your interviewer's LinkedIn profile. Do you share any connections or interests? Finding common ground can help break the ice and foster a more meaningful conversation.
Scouting Similar Roles
Who better to learn from than those who are already walking the path you aspire to? Browse LinkedIn for people in similar roles within the company. Their experiences can offer valuable insights and inspiration for your own journey. The “Other Similar Profile” tab on the right side of LinkedIn’s profile pages introduces you to people like you, in similar roles… use this info to help understand where your strengths and development opportunities might lie.
The Art of Storytelling
Your resume tells your story, but your interview allows you to bring it to life. Be a storyteller, weaving anecdotes that highlight your skills and experiences in a compelling and memorable way.
Authenticity breeds trust, so be genuine and transparent in your storytelling. Don't embellish or exaggerate your achievements—instead, focus on sharing real-life experiences and insights. Admitting challenges or setbacks can humanize your stories and demonstrate your ability to learn and grow from adversity.
From Duties to Achievements
Anyone can list job duties, but what sets you apart are your accomplishments. Employers are ultimately interested in how your contributions have impacted the bottom line of the business. Whether it's increasing revenue, reducing costs, improving customer satisfaction, or driving innovation, emphasize the direct impact of your accomplishments on the organization's success. Demonstrating a clear understanding of how your work contributes to the company's goals and objectives showcases your value as a strategic asset.
PRO TIP: Structure your responses using the Challenge-Action-Result (CAR) framework to provide context, detail your actions, and highlight the outcomes of your efforts. Start by describing the challenge or problem you faced, outline the specific actions you took to address it, and conclude with the positive results or accomplishments achieved as a result of your efforts. This structured approach ensures that your answers are focused, relevant, and impactful.
Addressing Weaknesses
The dreaded "weakness" question is inevitable, but it's also an opportunity to demonstrate self-awareness and growth. Choose a genuine weakness and share how you're actively working to improve it. You can also weave “what I learned in that moment” narratives into your examples.
Play Tennis!
Interviewing is all about mastering the art of the volley—engaging in a back-and-forth conversation with your interviewer like a friendly game of tennis. Active listening is crucial in interviews. Pay attention to the interviewer's cues and body language, responding thoughtfully to demonstrate engagement. Asking questions showcases interest and keeps the conversation dynamic. Providing real-life examples illustrates qualifications effectively. Authenticity builds rapport, enhancing likability. Remaining agile allows for adjustment based on interviewer cues and conversation direction. All of these skills get better with practice, just like Tennis!
Asking Intriguing Questions
Don't let the interview end without showing your curiosity and engagement. Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your interest in the company and the role. No questions often equates to “not prepared” or “not interested”. Your MacDonald Search Group consultant can provide suggestions on good questions to ask, or you can AI some question prompts if you need support in coming up with options.
An interview is more than just a Q&A session — they're opportunities to showcase your unique value. With these tips in your arsenal, you'll be well-equipped to leave a lasting impression. Happy interviewing!