Quick Tip – Control the Narrative
Own your story and take charge in job interviews – Issue #85
We were talking about job interviews last night in my Career Accelerator group. All of us had sat on both sides of the interviewing table as candidates and hiring managers.
In particular, we discussed how some interviewing teams seem aggressive. They hammer you with questions and don’t give you much time to ask your own questions.
In the worst cases, it seems like the interview is deliberately structured to trip you up. They ask one type of question, and then they flip it around and ask why you didn’t answer the question differently.
“We really need someone strategic and innovative. Can you tell me about a time that you drove strategy in your past job?”
“I see. Well, we need someone who can get their hands dirty too. It sounds like you only like to operate at a strategic level. Don’t you have any examples of times when you could roll up your sleeves and be more tactical?”
You must control your story and tell it the way you want it to be told.
Don’t wait for them to ask a question you’d rather not answer yet. Don’t ask for their guidance on what they want to hear.
This is more important the more senior the role is for which you are interviewing. If you are pursuing a leadership role with a company, they expect you to take control.
Obviously, you don’t want to behave like a control freak, but you should demonstrate that you are there to learn about them, as well. The interview isn’t just for the company to evaluate you. You are evaluating the opportunity too.
Prepare your elevator pitch, back story, and answers to expected questions. When they ask you, “Tell me about yourself,” you should immediately dive into your intro.
You only have a few minutes to demonstrate that you are the perfect candidate for the role. You can’t take a chance that they will ask a question that weakens their first impressions of you.
Own your story, and take control. Ask the questions you need to ask. Make it clear that you are a strong candidate who is evaluating them as deeply as they are assessing you.