How to ace the job interview question most people fail | Michelle Lederman | Big Think

TL;DR

Authenticity in interviews is key to finding the right fit for a job.

Transcript

One of the most common mistakes I see in interviewing is that the candidate puts on what I call the interview mask. They shift from who they are to “I am now the ideal candidate.” And it almost becomes robotic. And it becomes disconnected. And we sit there in front of somebody and we’re not really us. I’ve always brought who I am to an interview. A... Read More

Key Insights

• 🤩 Authenticity is key in interviews, as wearing an "interview mask" can lead to misalignments.
• 🤳 Providing real, honest answers about weaknesses shows self-awareness and growth mindset.
• 🥺 Building relationships with interviewers can lead to future opportunities and feedback.
• 👔 Interviews start before and continue after formal meetings, emphasizing the importance of every interaction.
• 🤳 Feedback and self-improvement post-interview can enhance future opportunities.
• 😃 Attitude often outweighs aptitude in the eyes of interviewers.
• 🥺 Recognizing the importance of authenticity and relationships can lead to long-term success.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why is authenticity important in job interviews?

Authenticity allows employers to assess if you are a good fit for the organization and role based on your true self, leading to better job satisfaction and performance.

Q: How should candidates handle questions about weaknesses?

Candidates should provide honest answers about weaknesses, show awareness, and demonstrate efforts towards improvement, reflecting self-awareness and willingness to grow.

Q: Why is building relationships with interviewers essential?

Building relationships with interviewers can lead to future opportunities, feedback for improvement, and networking prospects, extending the interview process beyond the formal meeting.

Q: How can candidates maintain authenticity throughout the interview process?

Candidates can maintain authenticity by being themselves from the start, answering questions honestly, and continuing to build rapport even after the formal interview ends, showing genuine interest and commitment.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Candidates often wear an "interview mask," losing authenticity.

• Giving real answers, being aware of weaknesses, and showing improvement are crucial.

• Interviews start before and continue after formal meetings, building relationships matters.