How to Interview and Stand Out in a Crowd
April 15th, 2009 Posted in Creating SuccessFor about the last 10 years or so getting a job wasn’t really that difficult. It may not be a dream job, but for the most part you could go out and get one somewhere. Times were good; employers would over hire because profits were up. Well, the opposite is true today, so that means ONLY one thing:
You MUST stand out amongst the crowd.
The days of being average in an interview are long gone. There are just too many choices for employers. The pool of available talent is at an all time high as many very intelligent and more qualified people are also vying for the same position.
I’m going to give you some tips. Not the same boring, tired tips that you read on the Internet, but actual tips of what to do…..or not to do in an interview. If you have not interviewed in quite some time or are fresh out of college, you are going to need some advice…real advice that actually applies. Not “paper” advice. Meaning stuff that sounds good on paper, but when applied is totally useless.
Remember this:
People hire people they like. Likeability is a HUGE player in the interview setting. Use it wisely.
1) Be Confident. NOT Arrogant. There is a large difference. Confidence is demonstrated more in your body mannerisms and voice inflection than in what you are actually saying. Don’t confuse yourself here. When you speak, have a strong voice tone, this doesn’t mean loud, it means have conviction. Believe what you are saying. YES, it is very obvious when people are unsure of themselves. Your voice gives it away immediately.
Sit up straight. Not so straight that you look awkward as if you’re posing for a family picture, but straight so that you appear taller in the chair. This is a visual illusion you are creating for your future employer. Sitting up straight is a subliminal message you send that you are a go-getter. It says you have the confidence to be different than others.
When you slouch down, it comes across as lazy and passive. Be conscious of this the entire time your in the interview…because other people won’t be. They will start out sitting in a strong position, but as they get more comfortable, they will slowly slouch down.
2) Understand how to tell a story. This is where so many people fall of the path of getting hired. Inevitably at some point during an interview, the hiring manager will ask some sort of generic question about how you worked as a team or led a group. It WILL happen so be prepared. But don’t answer it the way they expect.
They think you will tell some boastful story of finding a resolution to some problem that nobody else could figure out. They expect you to tell them your “hero” story. Don’t fall for it. That is what everyone is going to say. All the candidates will speak of how great they performed or how they found the magic antidote. Blah. It’s all false bravado.
Take the interviewer down a different path. Give them a different story. Provide them just a peek at something personal…but not too personal. Don’t give them the details about “what” happened. Show them the details of “why” you acted as you did. What I mean is this; instead of running through a boring story of some random accomplishment, talk about why you did what you did.
Boring Example: In my old position, we had an issue arise with one of our vendors. After going in circles looking for an answer, I got everyone together, devised a plan and we all put it into action. The result was basically that we fixed the problem and everyone was happy. BORING! Everyone has that same basic story. You know what I mean.
Better Example: In my old position, we had an issue arise with one of our vendors. As a result, I met with the effected parties to get a better understanding of how this impacted them. They told me that if they didn’t get this issue resolved quickly, they were going to lose some of their customers which would result in some people losing their jobs. At that point, my mission became helping these people keep their jobs. So my team and I quickly got together an emergency meeting; I explained the ramifications to everyone and the lives of the people it would affect. In short order, we band together, took care of the issue and saved these people and their families from losing their jobs. To this date, this vendor is our most loyal and dependable customer, not because we helped them with an issue, but because we cared about their people.
What story do you think sends a better message? Which story illustrates a better mental picture? Which story do you think the hiring manager will most likely want more details about?
When you tell a story that shows your passion and you turn it into a situation that people can get involved with emotionally on some level, you have achieved creating a memory for someone. Make yourself that memory.
3) Make them Feel your “why.” Do NOT leave the interview without having the hiring manager Feel your “why” reason for wanting the job. This is not a talking statement about how motivated you are or any other boring clichéd talking points.
This is the “why” you must have this job. This is an emotional reason not a statement of fact. Share with them that your reason is to allow your wife / husband to stay at home and take care of the kids and your motivation is providing a better life for your family.
Whatever your “real situation” is, don’t be afraid to share it…within reason. Don’t be creepy honest, be a “real” person honest. This is how you make someone feel your motivation and character. Cliché words and statements don’t help you in an interview. Everyone says the same old stuff.
Here’s the truth. The interviewer can read and they already have your resume. When you show up, it’s a waste of everyone’s time if you are simply going to cover the bullet points listed on it. You most likely got the interview because someone at that company was either intrigued by your resume, or a friend or family member turned in a resume for you with a little build up about what a great person you are. Don’t waste the face to face opportunity by being ordinary and boring.
You must grip the interviewer with your reasons and emotion based stories. Facts and statements make you a robot. Stories and emotions make you a motivated person that any employer would feel lucky to have. People hire people they like and respect. An interview only lends itself to showing a small snippet of you. Make yourself memorable and don’t do what every other candidate does.
If you want to help a friend or family member with an upcoming interview, do them a favor and pass this on to them.