One of the mistakes I notice that candidates make is providing the wrong amount of detail during interviews. Revealing too much detail or the wrong type of information can result in a hole you can’t dig your way out of. Sharing too little information can make you appear to lack requisite experience or otherwise be unqualified.
Providing authentic examples of your experience is a keystone to job search success. What kind of examples should you focus on? Start by reviewing job postings for several positions of interest and for which you are qualified. Identify the requirements that appear in all or nearly all of the jobs. A note here about job requirements, it is not necessary to meet every qualification. As you review the job posting you should meet most of the major requirements and feel confident that you could do the job.
Highlighting relevant accomplishments on your resume is your first priority. Your resume must include a general description of you performing the functions specified in the job posting and actual examples of your success while doing so. During the interview you can add more detail and transform these job-related achievement stories into powerful demonstrations of your expertise.
To get in the door, your resume must demonstrate that you have what the employer needs. However, that is not enough, once you land an interview you’ve got to deliver the goods. That means no general responses to interview questions. Consider every question a request for how you will add value. Vague or hypothetical responses will not get you the job!
Don’t leave your answers to chance. Prepare for the interview conversation by identifying questions you will likely be asked then practice incorporating genuine on-the-job experiences in your responses. These provide context and enable the interviewer to “see” you in the job. Your achievement stories have to be relevant and end on a high note. There are multiple ways to tell any story so make sure you highlight the appropriate angle. Not every story or detail is applicable in every situation.
In some cases, your experience may be in a different industry or reflect proficiency gained outside the United States. It is a good idea to include these examples as long as you frame them in a way that underscores the necessary skills and job requirements for the position you are seeking.
When interviewing, don’t bury the lead. Grab their attention. Vary your approach. You can share the challenge, what you did to overcome it and the positive outcome. Or you can flip it round and share the successful outcome, then explain the problem and how you resolved it.
Skip the tedious details that don’t add value and keep each example short, no longer than 90 seconds. If you are not sure if you fully answered the question, ask the interviewer. In any case, always be prepared to provide more detail, if requested.
When you master showcasing your experience with compelling, real-life examples and you will find employers clamoring to hire you.
Mary Jeanne Vincent, career expert and strategist, has a coaching practice in Monterey. She may be reached at (831) 657-9151, mjv@careercoachmjv.com, or www.careercoachmonterey.com.
