Ace Your Next Interview with These Three Tips

Let’s face it. For most of us, interviewing is not fun. We all know we’re being evaluated. Sometimes we may really want the job, or frankly, we really need the job. Then, when we’re trying to convey confidence, we may be feeling nerves beyond our control. I’ve been there, we all have. And it’s not fun.?

Being based in Silicon Valley with recent layoffs, a lot of our coaching clients are heading into interviews. To help them be more comfortable, confident, and effective, we put together a short video of our favorite tips for before the interview, during, and at the end. Regardless of the industry you are in, these tips can help. You can check out the tips in this video.?

Before the interview - Develop a Mantra

In order to show up confidently in an interview, we have to really feel that confidence internally. We have to be in the right mindset, trusting ourselves and our experience. When I face something high stakes, like an interview with a potential new client, or a presentation in front of a large audience, I always find a mantra that speaks to me at that point in time. This mantra might change depending on the interview and how you’re feeling at that moment.?

For example, during the first few months of Covid, my confidence took a nosedive as I tried to adjust to presenting virtually. I felt overwhelmed by the tech and trying to read the room, so I ended up talking at my audience, rather than with them. To help build back my confidence, I had this mantra on a sticky on my computer:

It’s not a performance, it’s a conversation

Some other mantras I like are:?

• I may not be comfortable, but I can be confident.?
• I’ve got this!
• They’d be lucky to have me on their team.
• I’ve done harder things before.?

The point is, find a mantra that resonates with you, say it, repeat it, believe it!

During the interview - Answer with structure

My husband does a lot of interviewing for his role as a director in technology. After he interviews candidates, I have noticed that his enthusiasm for a certain candidate often comes down to their preciseness in answering questions. If they were very specific yet also brief, he seems excited about their potential. He may say things like, “They were really sharp and prepared!” If they were long-winded and rambling, he’s worried about their ability to be precise in the job and frustrated that he didn’t get to ask more of his planned questions.?

Long story short–You want to be concise. And remember, it’s a conversation, not a performance. If they want to know more about something you said, they can always ask for more details. To help find that balance between informative and concise, use structure. In our last video, link here - we shared PAST/PRESENT/Future as a way of organizing Tell me about yourself.?

Another great structure for interviews is:?

1. Problem
2. Solution
3. Result - Show this structure? in some way that pops

For instance, the interviewer says “Tell me about a time you overcame a challenge.” Use this structure to organize your answer. Briefly tee up the challenge that you faced. Get specific on the solution that you implemented, and share specific results and how that benefited the team or the company.

Finally, PREP is a structure that I love. PREP stands for:

1. Point
2. Reason
3. Example?
4. Point Summarized

You can use PREP for many different types of questions, for example:?

• Why do you want this job?
• What’s your biggest strength?
• What’s a weakness??
• Why should we hire you?

PREP helps you start with your point, then ensures you provide a specific example in the E. For example, If they asked me - What’s your biggest strength, I could say:

Point: My biggest strength is my ability to create forward momentum?

Reason: This is important for teams because you want someone on the team who makes sure things are staying on track and on time.?

Example: For example, in my last role, we had several projects running at once. And I was consistently the one to call the group together to look over milestones and figure out next steps. If we ran into a hurdle or didn’t have consensus on how to move forward, I would call a meeting to make sure we could take that next step.?

Point summarized? - That’s why my biggest strength is my forward momentum.?

At the end of the interview - Ask thoughtful questions?

So if you've answered their questions, they will inevitably say, “Do you have any questions for us?” Not having any questions can seem like you’re not thinking critically and are willing to take any job that comes your way. This can be off putting.?

So show you’re thinking beyond just getting hired bu you’re thinking critically about where you want to work. For example, instead of asking about how many hours a week you’ll have to work, ask what’s your favorite thing about working here??

Examples of effective interview questions are:

• How do you evaluate success here?
• What are the most important qualities for someone to excel?
• What's challenging about working here?
• What's the biggest challenge your team is facing in the next year?
• What does long-term growth look like here?

There you have my favorite tips for interviewing:?

• Before - Have a mantra
• During - Be brief
• At the end - Ask thoughtful questions.

Anne Ricketts