What if your next interview was more about storytelling than skill listing?

We’ve all encountered those familiar interview questions: "Tell us about yourself," "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" or "Can you describe a time you faced a challenge at work?" These questions may seem straightforward, but the way you answer them can make or break your interview. During a recent Interview Prep session at the #10KWomen: AI Advantage Bootcamp, the focus was on how to tackle these common questions with a narrative-driven approach.

As someone who has the privilege of working with clients on their interview preparation, it’s always refreshing to listen to others’ perspectives and take a deeper dive into this topic—especially within the tech industry. I always value the opportunity to explore strategies in greater depth and engage with the nuances of tech interviews.

Crafting a Personal Narrative

When asked, "Tell us about yourself," many candidates default to listing their achievements and roles. However, turning this open-ended question into a compelling story that intertwines personal passions with professional goals can set you apart. For example, a software engineer passionate about sustainable energy might describe their journey from a fascination with technology as a child to developing software solutions for the energy sector. This not only tells the interviewer what they do but also why they do it, making the response more memorable and impactful.

Researching with Purpose

Understanding the company and the people within it is crucial when preparing for questions like, "Why do you want to work here?" This isn’t just about knowing the company’s mission; it’s about finding meaningful connections and integrating them into your narrative. Mentioning how you relate to the company’s values or how a conversation with an employee inspired you, can transform your interview from a routine Q&A into a meaningful conversation.

Turning Challenges into Stories of Growth

Behavioural questions such as "Can you describe a time you faced a challenge at work?" provide the perfect platform to showcase resilience and adaptability. The key is to frame your response around how you’ve grown from these challenges. For example, discussing how you led a project that encountered setbacks due to unexpected changes—and how you organised team workshops to brainstorm solutions—demonstrates not just your problem-solving skills, but also your leadership and ability to turn obstacles into opportunities for growth.

Pausing to Reflect

When faced with behavioural questions like "Can you describe a time you faced a challenge at work?" it’s essential not only to have a well-prepared answer but also to take a moment to reflect before responding. During the session, it was highlighted that it’s perfectly acceptable—and often beneficial—to pause and consider your response. Taking this moment allows you to choose the most relevant and impactful example, ensuring that your answer is thoughtful and aligned with the role you’re applying for. This strategy can be particularly useful when asked more complex or unexpected questions, as it gives you the space to frame your answer in a way that showcases your growth, resilience, and problem-solving abilities.

Technical Interviews: More Than Just Code

For those in technical roles, questions like "Tell us about a technical problem you solved" are common. It’s important not only to solve the problem but also to explain your thought process and the rationale behind your decisions. Sharing how you identified the root cause of an issue and optimised a solution—such as improving an application’s performance by refactoring inefficient database queries—reflects your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, painting a complete picture of how you approach challenges.

Applying Strategic Thinking Across All Roles

Even if you're not in a technical role, the principles of strategic thinking and clear communication apply across all fields. Whether you’re in marketing, management, or another area, you might face questions like "Tell us about a project you managed" or "How did you handle a difficult situation with a client?" These are opportunities to demonstrate your ability to analyse situations, make informed decisions, and lead teams effectively. By articulating the steps you took, the reasoning behind your decisions, and the outcomes you achieved, you showcase not only your competencies but also your strategic approach to challenges. This ability to think critically and communicate effectively is invaluable in any professional setting.

The perspectives shared during the session were a powerful reminder that interviews are as much about storytelling as they are about skills. It’s your narrative that sets you apart and makes you memorable.

A huge thank you to Narelle Stefanac and Nidhi Wadhwa for leading such an insightful discussion.

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