The key points needed to be delivered in order to achieve a good interview

Too often candidates will develop verbal diarrhea in an interview and it can especially occur when they really want the job.

They may want to really communicate their skillset by bombarding the interviewer with answers and might list endless examples of what they perceive the interviewer wants to hear. Or they might communicate their extensive knowledge of the company and/or the industry, or think that incessant name dropping will assist them in securing the position.

It is important to remember the adage that often “Less is More.”

As many of you know I preach the executive summary.

Not only because I have a wandering mind, but it is how executives think and prefer their messaging.

Give short tight sound bites so they can also see your summarization skills in action which is essential for executive leadership.

1.

Can you do the job?

Take some time to think of the three top reasons why you are right for the job and concisely deliver them to the interviewer.

2.

Will you love the job? Describe three aspects of the opportunity which you do not currently have and which will make you more satisfied as a result of having them in your next position.

This can include not just the job, but maybe the culture, the company, the industry or the location.

If one of the aspects is about the job description itself that you do not currently have, be sure to add what experience you can bring to the company which will also help them.

3.

Will the team like working with you?

The biggest piece about driving likability is having good listening skills.

Know when to speak and when to listen.

Modesty and a self-deprecating sense of humour are ranked high on the likability index.

Being able to incorporate information uncovered in the interview and re-applying it casually in an answer also proves effective as it displays active listening skills and the ability to empathize with the interviewer and/or the company.

Farewell,

Mike