Secrets of Great Interviewers

I recently read CNN Money.com's article, What it Takes To Be Great which debunks the myth that people who are extremely successful at what they do are naturally gifted and instead focuses on the fact that greatness can be achieved through goal setting, observation, frequent feedback, mental visualization, and consistent practice. The article is accompanied by images of Tiger Woods practicing his golf stroke at age 3 and chess king Bobby Fischer who studied intensively for 9 years before becoming a grandmaster at age 16. The article reminded me of a frequent comment I hear from job seekers who often tell me "I just don't interview well". They seem to think that  some people are born with great interview skills and others are not. But this is not the case. Strong interviewers recognize that successful interviews occur when a job seeker builds trust and rapport with a hiring manager by communicating specific stories that validate their past successes. Job search candidates can build enormous credibility and authenticity by practicing and reciting their success stories and constantly making adjustments as they move through the process. Let practice, rather than fate guide your next interview and expect to hear the phone ring for a second interview or possibly a job offer.

Comments

[Kent Blumberg]

This reminds me of something I learned long ago.

Rather than say,

"I can't do X,"

say,

"I can do X, but I haven't yet learned how."

And set out to learn.

Interviewing is the same - all of us can be great at interviewing, but most of us haven't yet learned how.

The difference is in self image - affirming (I can do X) versus belittling (I can't do X).

[Heather Mundell]

Also I ask my clients to evaluate the skills of their interviewer after the interview (with me or a friend that is!) Unfortunately there are many people conducting interviews who haven't been properly trained and make a lot of mistakes. Rather than assuming that the failures in the interview were all their fault, it can help interviewees to consider the role the interviewer played in an unsuccessful or awkward interview.