In this competitive job market, stacks of resumes exist for every job; top-notch candidates are lined up at every employer’s door and doing interview after interview. As a candidate, that often means facing rejection time and time again. It is easy to become pessimistic which can poison future interviews. However, with the right approach, you can bounce back and pursue your dream job with confidence. The key lies in mastering the art of the interview, a skill that goes far beyond just showcasing your qualifications.
Mindset, Connection, Compatibility and Authenticity
One crucial aspect of acing an interview is your mindset. “Setting a clear intention and bringing positive energy to the table can significantly impact your performance,” explains Erica Rose Ruggeri, founder and CEO of Rose Consulting Group, an executive search and consulting agency. She encourages her clients to determine what they want, claim it, and then bring the energy to the interview to attract the desired outcome. “You’d be surprised at how many people show up to interviews with negative energy and a bad attitude and then wonder why they weren’t hired. Having stellar credentials isn’t enough.” Ruggeri adds that when you have great energy, you are enthusiastic, and you are confident, your chances go up exponentially.
Another key to mastering the art of the interview is connection. “So many people go into the interview like it is an interrogation. No wonder they come off nervous and negative.” Instead, she suggests building rapport first, right out of the gate. “When someone asks ‘How are you?’ Instead of saying, ‘Fine, thanks!’ They should share something interesting that they have been doing that captures who they are and what they are about.” For example, ‘I’m doing great. I just ran a 10K this past weekend, which was an amazing experience.’” She adds, an interview should be a back-and-forth conversation where both parties are gaining value.
Ruggeri explains that compatibility may be the most important criteria when filling a position. “I know people who are overqualified. They’re interviewing, but they’re just talking about their career achievements. They’re just talking about themselves and what they’ve done, and it’s not personable. A big part of it is compatibility and being a fit with the values and mission of the company.” Relying solely on an Ivy League education isn’t going to get a person the job. It can, of course, help, but if a person isn’t compatible with the goals and values of the company, why would they, one, want to work there, two, even if they get hired, how long are they going to stay?
Keep in mind that authenticity is essential to building a connection, determining compatibility and making a lasting impression as well, Ruggeri advises. Being something and someone different than one’s true self can come off disingenuous. Even if it is believable, it doesn’t serve the candidate nor the employer.
Use Your Weaknesses and Uniqueness
Ruggeri advises not shying away from discussing aspects of one’s background that may be unconventional or perceived as weaknesses. Instead, she suggests embracing them as unique strengths that set individuals apart from other candidates. She encourages clients to use them to highlight their individuality and demonstrate how their experiences have shaped them in order to leave a lasting impression.
“Brand your faults. You think it’s a fault, but it is actually a strength because it makes you unique. I had a client who went to culinary school and was an executive chef. He got a degree in business and totally switched gears and industries. Despite concerns about his unconventional background, I encouraged him to leverage his eleven years of culinary experience to connect with interviewers and showcase his diverse skill sets. Food is a universal topic that everyone can relate to, whether they cook or dine out.”
Do Your Due Diligence
Everyone knows they should research the company and, if possible, the person they are interviewing with, but unfortunately, most people don’t take it seriously. Ruggeri explains that by doing in-depth research, candidates can one, see if the company is an actual good fit, and two, find common ground in which to build connections in the interview.
Ruggeri asserts, “If you want to go a step further to nail the interview, I think tying in something you saw on their LinkedIn, their background and tying it into your story, your interests, your experiences is a difference maker. And, just showing you were proactive and took that extra step to care enough to look at their background, I think that’s a great step in landing the perfect job.”
Focus On The Silver Linings
The good news about interview after interview is that each one is an opportunity for a silver lining. Ruggeri notes that the key is taking away something important from each one. “You will, of course, get better at it with each one, but you have to be careful not to get jaded.” She highlights the importance of making connections because even if they aren’t hired, it is a networking opportunity.
“Even if you don’t land the job, the connections you make can open doors to future opportunities. Every interview, even if unsuccessful, is a chance to refine your skills and enhance your interviewing abilities. It’s not just about landing the role; it’s about networking and potentially discovering new avenues where your qualifications may be a better fit. Making connections with people, even if you don’t secure the position, is invaluable and can lead to unforeseen opportunities down the line.”
Ruggeri explains that the interviewer may know another company that is hiring for a position that is a better fit. Or, they may recommend you to a friend who is looking for those exact qualifications, and “You will get moved up to the top of the list.”
Ruggeri adds one final thought to the art of mastering the interview. “Have fun!” From her vast experience she shares that if a candidate goes into it with a mindset to have fun and make a new connection, the outcome will be a good one regardless of whether they get that role or the next one. “Remember, an interview is not just a one-way interrogation but an opportunity for genuine engagement and connection. Make it a fun and enjoyable experience for both parties by turning it into a conversation rather than a rigid Q&A.”
Mastering the art of the interview requires a combination of mindset, preparation, authenticity, and engagement. By approaching each interview with intention, energy and a genuine desire to connect, a candidate can stand out from the crowd and move closer to their career goals. So saddle up, embrace the journey, and move to the top of the stack.
For more information on how to land your next job, visit Rose Consulting Group.
