It’s been a big couple of weeks here for our clients. We’ve had the privilege to help two people negotiate great offers, and five others nail their big interviews (and all five moved on to the next round). This is proof that things do happen in the summer when you manage your search strategically.
To help you learn from their successes, we’re sharing three things these leaders did differently in the interview process to show up strong.
3 Keys to Winning Your Next Interview
I’ve had the opportunity to work directly with several senior leaders lately to prepare for their high-stakes interviews. And even though they were in different industries (Technology, Finance, CPG, Biotech, and an NGO), they all nailed it.
Here are the three keys we covered that will work for you too.
1. Understand the Assignment
Until the final round, your assignment in the interview isn’t to get the offer. It’s to earn the opportunity to advance in the process.
It’s important to remember that each interview round serves a different purpose, and each interviewer wants different information from you. The initial call with HR or a recruiter is typically just a screening call to make sure you meet the minimum qualifications. A panel or peer interview is about how you’ll work with the team. And a call with your hiring manager/direct boss is more about whether you’re the best person for the job.
Your interview messaging can’t be one-size-fits-all, or it will fall flat.
2. Answer “Tell me about yourself” with Precision
This is not a time to spend 15 minutes rehashing your entire career since college, your family situation, your pets, and your hobbies.
That approach is hurting more than it’s helping. Your answer should be no more than two minutes and focus on the relevant experience you have that aligns with the role you’re interviewing for and includes a couple of accomplishments to demonstrate your impact. And leave all personal information out.
If your interviewer wants more information on a topic, they’ll ask. If you spend too much time giving the history of your career, you waste time that the interviewer could have been asking more questions to get the information they really want to know.
3. Polished & Prepared > Rehearsed & Stiff
When I coach my clients before high-stakes interviews, we don’t script answers to common questions. This method puts the emphasis on rehearsal and memorization, which never comes across naturally in the moment.
Instead, we craft accomplishment stories to demonstrate their ability to perform in all of the key areas the new job requires. That way, no matter what questions are asked, they can communicate their unique value and qualifications in a more natural, conversational tone.
Turning Insights Into Action:
Are you preparing for a big interview? Download our new Executive Interview Strategy guide to map out your own accomplishment stories and more.
And if you want one-on-one support with me or one of our expert coaches, reach out to us to learn how we can help you show up strong in your next big interview.