There is plenty of information online and in professional help books on how to answer basic interview questions and conduct yourself in an in-person interview. The problem, however, is that when you use scripted answers, the hiring manager is less likely to walk away from the interview with the impression you aspire to achieve.
In many cases, being less personal and more scripted during an interview looks like a safer route. And it could be sometime. But what could hurt you is to avoid being yourself and communicating your passion and interest in the job.
Employers want to hire real people — not robots. So be somehow approachable and memorable without crossing the line. How can you achieve this balance if you’re interviewing? Here are a few tips to keep in mind.
Tell true stories
Many interviewers would ask you to tell them a situation where you accomplished a particular task or excelled in a particular role. Have your stories ready, because there is nothing harder than trying to recall the details of the story on the spot and make it interesting, too. If you think of true examples ahead of the interview, you can draw on your good storytelling skills and make sure your point is communicated clearly.
True career stories must serve the question being asked, but they are also a window into your personality, so make sure you describe how the situation felt to you and how you managed its various aspects — helping demoralised team members, for example. Everyone loves a good story, so be ready to make your story memorable.
Break the ice
Hiring managers typically ask a few casual questions ahead of the interview to break the ice. Be ready to chat when you arrive with a relaxed, yet professional, approach. Don’t get too personal however in your presentation of yourself or in your questions to others. For example, don’t get into the details of your personal life, especially if they are unpleasant.
Be courteous to others while you chat with them. For example, don’t get into asking others about their personal lives, countries of origin, or qualifications at this stage. When you have just walked into the office, you want to avoid any exchange of information that might backfire.
Use your own words
When you describe your past job experiences, steer away from recounting your job duties as detailed in your past job descriptions. Find a way to link experiences that built your career. Show your interviewer how you have developed through various roles and reach where you’re today.
Use your way words, but do keep it professional. And remember to incorporate those keywords and traits naturally in your past experiences. Add a remark on how you worked closely with coworkers, how you led a team or how you were the point person for a particular, successful, project.
By doing so you don’t have to claim your people skills, being a team player, etc. Your interviewers can walk away with this impression and feel confident about their choice of a good fit.
Smart follow up
Find a way to remind your interviewers of your meeting. Did you talk about a shared connection? Tell them this person says, “hi” when you email to thank them for the interview. Send extra work samples, portfolio links, or even a hint to something that was discussed during the interview. The point is make your follow up a reminder not only of your skills and interest, but also of the great person you are.
In addition, your follow-up emails must portray in themselves some of positive traits employers want to see in a future employee. For example, include everyone who you met with. If you don’t have everyone’s email address, mention so in your email. And don’t copy others who were not in the interview to get their attention.
Similarly, while it is OK to ask about next steps, don’t pressure the recipients into any action — even a minor action. Interviews don’t end at the end of the in-person interview, everything you do before and after goes toward the impression you create. So make sure that you’re communicating a pleasant, professional personality along with an excellent fit for the job.
The writer, a former Gulf News Business Features Editor, is a Seattle-based editor.
Personality matters at work
Balance personal with professional
Show your passion
Tell your professional story
Be approachable and human
Avoid scripted answers
— R.O.
