Mastering the Art of Interviewing: Insights from a Conscious Leadership Expert
In my career as an executive recruiter, interviewing has been more than a process—it's an art form. As a conscious leadership expert and workplace advocate, I've gained unique insights into what makes an interview truly effective, both for the interviewer and the interviewee. This blog will explore key strategies to enhance your interviewing skills, whether you're on the hiring side or the candidate side.
Understanding the Interview Dynamics
Interviewing is not just about answering questions; it's about presenting yourself as the solution to a problem the company is trying to solve. As a speaker and leader in the field, I've learned that an interview is a two-way street. It's as much about you evaluating the prospective employer as it is about them evaluating you.
Knowing Your Audience
Before you step into an interview, research is key. Understand who you will be meeting with—whether it's a panel or an individual interview. Learn about their backgrounds, roles, and even their interests if possible. This information will not only help you tailor your responses but also help you ask insightful questions.
Crafting Your Narrative
"Tell me about yourself" is a common interview opener. This is your chance to tell a story that connects the dots in your career. Your narrative should include key decisions, successes, failures, and learnings. It's about giving context to your resume, not just repeating it.
Preparing for Different Types of Questions
1. Behavioral Questions: These require you to draw on past experiences. Focus on how you approached situations, the actions you took, and the results of those actions.
2. Situational Questions: These hypothetical scenarios assess your problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. They are an opportunity to demonstrate how you would handle real-life situations relevant to the job.
3. Skills-Based Questions: Especially common in technical roles, these questions assess your ability to perform the tasks required for the job.
Dealing with Unusual Questions
Sometimes, interviewers ask questions that seem offbeat, like comparing your leadership style to an animal. These questions test your creativity, self-awareness, and ability to think on your feet. Use them as an opportunity to highlight unique aspects of your personality or approach.
Managing Time and Control in the Interview
Be mindful of the time allocated for your interview. Keep your answers concise and to the point. The 3-minute rule is a good guideline—aim to keep your responses within this timeframe. If you feel the interview is veering off track, don't be afraid to steer it back by summarizing your key points or asking if you've addressed the interviewer's question.
Leaving a Positive Impression
Regardless of the interview's outcome, leave on a positive note. Interviews are not just about the current opportunity but also about building relationships for future opportunities. Remember, it's not always personal.
To enhance your interviewing skills and career strategy further, I encourage you to download my Career Mapping Workbook. This resource will guide you in navigating your career path with greater clarity and purpose. Additionally, join our digital community, the "Conscious Leadership Circle," where we discuss topics like conscious leadership, imposter syndrome, employee engagement, and more. Let's embark on this journey of career growth together!
