Be Memorable: 3 Key Interview Tips
Top 3 Things Employers Look for in Your Interview
It’s interview season. Be memorable.
Whether you are a high school student looking for a worthwhile summer job, a sophomore or junior in college trying to secure a relevant internship, or a recent college grad eager to land your first career; and even if you’re at a crossroads and ready to pivot careers all together, it’s your interview that seals the deal..
Here are three aspects of the interview process that you can prep for:
Are you smart enough?
Do you have the basic qualifications and skills to meet the demands of the job you are applying for?
Do we like you?
Do you exhibit warmth, curiosity, a sense of humor and buoyant energy? Do they see you as a collaborative team player, and someone they want to work alongside or mentor?
Are you self aware? Are you coachable?
Do you know yourself and your values in a way where you can confidently lean into your strengths, and candidly share your gaps? Are you eager to learn? Do they want to invest in you?
Here’s a deeper dive on how to prep for these three attributes:
ARE YOU SMART ENOUGH?
Sometimes it’s a bit of a dance to objectively determine the answer to this question on your own. Yes, you need to take chances and sometimes swing for the fences in the job pursuit, and you need to also temper that eager mindset with realistic and legal expectations so as not to waste yours or an employer’s time.
Zero in on the job post, particularly what is “required” (a license, a degree, certification) vs. what is “preferred” (years of experience and skills)
The required skills are non-negotiable; you either have what they require or you don’t.
When it comes to “preferred” skills, carefully check the job posting to be sure you confidently meet 75% of the skills they are asking for. (Note: Many job recruiters will put every skill and scenario in their job posting knowing full well that no human could possibly meet all that they are asking.)
Almost all tech/programming-related jobs will have you take a coding and/or problem solving test – Befriend google for a few practice tests before you log onto the “real” test.
DO WE LIKE YOU?
Being authentically you, is of course # 1. Job interviews should not be a “fake it until you make it” kind of scenario. Besides, the world and some employer out there needs exactly what you offer, including your authenticity, so be sure the job “feels” like a fit for you first.
It’s true, that likability is 100% a personal preference and varies from person to person, or team to team, however there are some universal qualities that seem to appeal to all employers/ all people. Spend a little time thinking through how you can best exude some of these qualities in your interview:
Start with a smile
Come with an optimistic outlook
Be reliable
Bring questions and curiosity
Exhibit Integrity
Actively listen
Communicate clearly
Be kind (and where appropriate, sometimes a little bit funny)
ARE YOU SELF AWARE? ARE YOU COACHABLE?
Let’s start with Corporate Advisor at Stripe and former VP at Google, Claire Hughes Johnson: “Sure, your experience and skills matter, but they can be learned,” Hughes Johnson noted. “And when someone is highly self-aware, they’re more motivated to learn because they’re honest about what they need to work on.”
One thing you can do in a 30 minute interview to highlight your self awareness is to demonstrate a growth mindset. When asked a question that you don’t really have a clear answer for, respond in a way that says I know myself well enough not to bluff, and I am also confident enough to admit my shortcomings. Say something like: “Hmmm, I don’t have direct experience with “X”, but it sounds interesting and I’d be eager to learn more – and/but here’s what I do know about “X”)
Finally,
BE MEMORABLE
Hook the interview team right away by opening with a noteworthy story to the “Tell me about yourself?” question. (Do not recite your resume – they have that sitting in front of them)
Here’s my memorable true story opener: “I worked summers in remote Naknek, Alaska at a cannery from ages 18-25. With fish slime up to my elbows cleaning and canning thousands of pounds of salmon each summer, it's safe to say I was out of my comfort zone. Yet, it was this experience that opened the door for me to say "Yes!" to new adventure, and truly embrace unknown risk. As I look back, I loved every minute of of this experience; one that built in me resilience, an appreciation for my new definition of what it meant to work hard, and a love for the unexpected.””