The interviewing process is crucial for career development. So forget the boring robotic interview answers, and remember that you are not a resume reciting machine. You’re a person with skills, a story and a personality. Your goal should not only be to make it through the interview. It should be for the hiring manager to choose you. You want the hiring manager to see you as not only a candidate but as a future colleague that they are excited to work with. The secret is to stop showing them what you’ve done and start showing them who you are.
The first step to nailing an interview is to stop treating it as an interrogation and start treating it like a conversation. Turn your experiences into interesting stories that give the interviewer something to think about. Instead of just saying, “I am a really good problem solver,” tell them how you saved a project in a high-stakes environment. Describe the situation, the actions you took and the positive results that happened because of you. Speak on your achievements in a way that shows real impact on the company and increases efficiency.
The most powerful stories you can tell are personal and authentic. Don’t be afraid to share a time when you were challenged and how you grew from those experiences. Showing that you’ve learned from challenges will create a sense of vulnerability and form a connection between you and the hiring manager.
Before arriving at your interview, prepare yourself. Use interview methods such as the STAR (Situation, Task, Action and Result) method and research the company and the positions they offer. Taking proactive steps and having exceptional knowledge of the company helps you stand out as a candidate.
Beyond your achievements and storytelling skills, your enthusiasm is a powerful selling tool. Your passion for the role should shine through while being backed up by solid research. When you ask specific, insightful questions about the company culture or team, it shows that you are not only looking for a job but are looking to be a part of a mission. Showing genuine curiosity and preparation will make you a memorable candidate who is seen as knowledgeable and confident.
Ultimately, an interview is a way to get to know the workplace. While they are asking you questions, you are following up and giving them something to think about. Approach the conversation as an equal, with confidence and a smile on your face. The strongest candidates don’t just hope for an offer; they leave the interviewer with a powerful feeling that they have just met the right person for this job.
Heidi is a second-year student majoring in Communication Studies, PR & Advertising and social media. You can connect with Heidi on LinkedIn here.