Dear Ellen,
I have a job interview coming up.
I always get stressed out about interviews so I’ve been Googling to find tips on how to make a good impression and stand out.
But now I am literally drowning in advice. I feel like I have way too much to remember. Body language, eye contact, mirroring their facial expressions, preparing answers to all the commonly asked questions… OMG!
Can you help simplify things for me so that I can calm down?
I just want to feel confident when I walk into that room — and not seem like a complete spazz. Help?
Stressed To The Max
Dear STTM,
When you’re getting ready for a job interview, plenty of people will offer you plenty of well-meaning advice:
“Don’t forget to talk about your academic awards and club memberships!”
“Make sure to memorize a few of your most impressive accomplishments — that’ll wow them!”
“Make sure you can explain that gap on your resume! Tell them you were ‘taking a break from the workforce’ to focus on volunteer projects and your family.”
My philosophy? It’s a little unorthodox.
But as someone who has been on both sides of the hiring table, I know that it works.
If you want to be incredibly memorable and make everyone want to hire you, here’s a dirty little secret:
Your GPA, your academic awards, your affiliations and club memberships, even your prior work history — none of those things really matter. (At least: not as much as you might think.)
What does matter is telling a true story that your interviewer cannot forget.
A story that convinces your interviewer that you really give a damn about the job you’re applying for.
A story about why you want to make the world — and this company — a better place. Starting NOW.
Let me show you what I mean.
Which “why you should hire me” pitch feels more memorable and exciting?
This:
Interviewer: “So, why do you want this job at Social Media Company Inc.?”
You: “Well, in college I majored in Marketing with a minor in New Media — and as the President of the Debate Team, I was responsible for managing our team’s social media accounts.
I helped to grow our Twitter presence from 500 to 2,500 followers in less than six months and even secured some national media attention.
I feel that I’ve built up a considerable amount of knowledge about social media and I’m excited to grow and learn more at Social Media Company Inc.”
Or this:
Interviewer: “So, why do you want this job at Social Media Company Inc.?”
You: “I’m going to be completely honest and share a story that I don’t tell very often.
When I was a teenager, I was the victim of cyber-bullying at my school. It was a frightening, demoralizing experience. For years, I was afraid to walk down the halls of my high school.
I studied Marketing and New Media at college because I know, from personal experience, that the Internet is a powerful tool — one that can be used to hurt people or help people. Technology itself is not “good” or “evil.” It all depends on how you choose to use it.
I view Social Media Company Inc as a company that is devoted to doing good. I want to be a part of that movement. That’s why I want to work here.”
Exact same candidate.
Exact same credentials.
But the second time, this person told a powerful story. Feel the difference?
Stories are what people remember. Stories are what make us lean in, become fascinated, and want to know more.
Data, percentages, years when you did this or did that — they’re just lines on a resume. Easy to read. Easy to forget.
But a powerful, honest story about why you really want this job?
That’s what will make EVERYONE want to hire you.
My advice to you, STTM, is to stop Googling “interview tips” and instead, spend some time journaling about your past. Come up with a couple of stories that you could tell during your interview to demonstrate why you really, truly care about the position, company, or industry that you’ve chosen. And to help you get started, here are some of my all-time favorite resources on the art of storytelling.
I can tell you, from personal experience, that most people DO NOT walk into the interview room with a good story to tell. The few that do are the ones who get remembered — and often, the ones who get hired.
I believe in you, STTM.
Take a deep breath, tell your story, and you will wow everyone in the room.
Find great work. Do great work. Unlock every door in your way.
Image: Willie Franklin