Interview Resources

Question

I've been working on getting a new position in my company for the last year, but I consistently blow it when it comes to interviewing. I understand behavioral interviews, but I feel like I'd be able to learn more about what makes a great one if I could actually watch someone else in the interviewee role. I also struggle with having  a diverse range of answers. Does a resource like that exist anywhere? Also, I will take any and all advice that anyone can give.

Anonymous · Answer

Not sure if you can secure an interview partner, but what I've started doing is having a friend interview me with some general questions and they will record me as well. Then (yeah it is painful) I'll listen back to the recording and I'll notice how many times I hesitate or use 'um' or 'like'. I'll hear the times where my story sounds weak. I've found it really useful because there is also the pressure of revealing my work self to a friend.

Something else that I've started doing is:
1. Making a quick anecdote about me and why I want the job, why I'm looking for a new job. I make it REALLY short and I try to make it personal and really sticky. I make sure to write this out on paper.
2. Then I break down all the duties of the job description and make sure that I have a story or activity that I do at my job that relates to it.

I hope this helps!

schoenlegal · Answer

Just like it is possible to hire a career coach to help you in your job search from soup to nuts, there are also experts out there who do nothing BUT focus on interviewing. Yes, there is a great deal of advice that loads of people can help on you from all corners of the world, but if you KNOW that the thing holding you back is your ability to interview, consider hiring an interviewing expert.

Anonymous · Answer

Another resource is probably Youtube! I feel like there are always good options on there!

Maggie B · Answer

Tell stories.
I spent last week doing technical screens for my company - that's where the recruiter says 'yes their resume seems to match what we need' but they need someone in a similar role to really step in and say 'okay but have you actually used these skills.'
The best ones aren't the ones where a candidate says 'yes, I have experience.'  They're the ones where a candidate says 'yes, absolutely! Let me tell you about a time I used X skill on Y problem and got Z result.' 
The STAR method is incredibly helpful here.  What was the SITUATION? What TASK were you given? What ACTION did you take?  What was the RESULT?
I have about five stories prepared at any given time, and I have them formatted on a piece of paper that looks like my resume so I can have it in front of me as a reminder.

Confident Career Woman · Answer

If you struggle during the interview you should focus on 3 things: mindset, preparation strategy which includes communicating best examples that demonstrate skill proficiency, your ability to connect, etc.  and your appearance. Because the Hiring Manager and those on a panel have different personalities and interviewing styles, you want to focus on what you can control.

Interview Resources

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