Turn Job Interviews Into Job Offers: The Secret Strategies to Building Instant Connections
Matthew Rodriguez
Improve outcomes and relationships with neuroscience and psychology-backed communication.
Navigating job interviews is no small feat. Most interview advice focuses on demonstrating your skills and talents, but there's more to it than showcasing a list of accomplishments. To truly stand out, you need to use the interview as an opportunity to build a connection. Your goal is not only to confirm that you’re qualified but to make the interviewer see you as the person they want around them. Achieving this requires a strategic approach that goes beyond just answering questions. Here’s how you can transform your next interview into a memorable conversation and leave a lasting positive impression.
Ask Questions to Build a Connection
Many candidates fall into the trap of doing all the talking during an interview. However, the real magic happens when you engage the interviewer in a conversation. One simple but powerful way to do this is by asking questions—even small ones. When faced with a broad prompt like, "Tell me about yourself," instead of launching into a rehearsed monologue, respond with a clarifying question such as, "Where would you like me to start?" This approach achieves two key things:
1. It makes the question smaller and more focused, allowing you to tailor your response to what they want to hear.
2. It subliminally signals to the interviewer that they have control, making them feel safer and more comfortable in your presence.
People recall events by the most intense moment and the last moment. When interviewers feel good while talking to you, they’re more likely to associate those positive feelings with your candidacy.
Highlight Relevant Experience with a Collaborative Focus
It’s easy to get caught up in discussing your past roles and achievements, but remember, the interviewer wants to know how your experience applies to their environment. Even if you're interviewing for a "lone-wolf" role, you'll need to collaborate with others at some point. Tailor your responses to emphasize the impact you’ve made and showcase your collaborative mindset. This shows that you're not just a talented individual, but someone who is thinking about how to contribute positively to the team and company.
How to Do This Effectively:
By framing your experience in terms of how it can serve their needs, you not only prove your qualifications but also signal that you are a team player who will enrich their work environment.
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End Strong: The Power Finish Questions
One of the most overlooked parts of an interview is the closing. The last impression is the lasting impression. When the interviewer opens the floor to your questions, it’s your chance to make a lasting impression. Use this opportunity to strengthen the personal connection and gather valuable insights. Here are two powerful questions to keep in your arsenal:
"Can you share what you love about this company or team?"
This question prompts the interviewer to talk about their positive experiences, which helps build rapport. It also gives you a glimpse into the company culture and what makes people excited to work there.
"How will you know you've hired the right candidate?"
This is a strategic question that can provide critical information about what the company values most in its employees. It also signals to the interviewer that you’re focused on delivering results and contributing meaningfully to their goals.
Finally, be sure to close the interview by understanding the next steps. Ask, "When can I expect to hear about the next steps in the process?" This not only shows your interest but also helps manage your expectations post-interview.
Key Takeaways for Your Next Interview:
By adopting these techniques, you shift the focus from merely proving your qualifications to building a strong, positive relationship with the interviewer. The better they feel during and after the interview, the more likely they'll be to advocate for you as the candidate they want on their team.