Good morning!

Christine Cousins

May 21,2021 at 2:29PM UTC

Welcome to Fairygodboss!

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Good morning! I read this interview tip today and figured I'd pass it along since it presents a way of framing things I hadn't thought of before. Wishing everyone out there the best of luck interviewing!

"The words "we" and "our" can be powerful tools in interviews. Finding ways to speak as though you're already a part of the company by using those words can subtly influence the interviewer's view of you.

For example, at the end of an interview when the other person asks you if you have any questions, consider a question using "we," such as "If we're successful over the next 3 years, what would the [business/customer diversification/product portfolio/etc.] look like?" Or another one could be, "What do you believe is our biggest potential challenge/obstacle in achieving our 3-5 year plan?"

It's a subtle word choice that can have a profound impact. The interviewer will subconsciously feel like he/she is already on the same team as you. "

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Maegan, Nike Sales Rep & Career CoachMay 21,2021 at 2:55PM UTC
This is a great tip! It makes them already view/think of you as being part of the team. thanks for sharing!
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Sweet CarolineMay 21,2021 at 4:11PM UTC
I was using "we" a lot in interviews and the feedback I got after not making it to the next round with 2 different companies was that using we emphasizes your not a huge individual contributor. I am a PM so I always think in terms of teams but apparently that is a turn off to some employers, they want you to be a leader and solo voice.
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Christine CousinsMay 21,2021 at 5:47PM UTC
Interesting. Thanks for sharing. It just goes to show it’s all about finding the right fit.
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AnonymousMay 22,2021 at 4:47PM UTC
Sigh. The feedback that you received strikes me as ludicrous.
1. That you are not a leader and an individual contributor is an overly broad conclusion to draw from your use of “we” versus “I”.
2. A leader won’t get very far without followers. Engaging and inspiring followers is a “we” activity.
I guess the takeaway, though, is to vary your pronouns between “I” and “we”.
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AnonymousMay 24,2021 at 3:39PM UTC
Such great tips! Thanks for sharing!
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