I’ve conducted 100s of job interviews.
I developed a good sense for who might make it.
Spoiler…
There’s only ONE thing separating the good candidates from the OUTSTANDING ones.
The outstanding candidates create a real connection in the conversation.
These 5 speaking tips will get you there.
PS. These tips also helped me land a job at Fortune 50 giant Procter & Gamble.
1:
Be genuinely invested
Get out of your head.
Immerse yourself in the conversation.
Show real interest in the interviewer and company.
Don’t try to fake it.
People can smell fake interest.
Pro tip:
Don’t try to be too positive or too eager to please.
Show why the opportunity is meaningful for you.
Express your honest impressions.
Deep knowledge of company + Link to your own values = genuine interest.
2:
Bring relevant stories
Stories are memorable.
But a lot of candidates get them wrong.
Don’t:
X Answer every question with a story.
X Take long to get to the point.
X Embellish details.
Do:
Use background, conflict, resolution story structure.
Bring a clear & crisp origin story.
Use feedback to refine.
Pro tip:
When preparing your story,
Cut out everything that doesn’t serve the point.
3:
Develop presence of mind
Learn to speak and observe at the same time.
Watch out for the listener’s micro expressions:
Understanding.
Confusion.
Agreement.
Adapt on the fly.
If you see confusion, ask if you should clarify.
If you sense boredom, ask if you should go on.
Pro tip:
Practice “reading” people with friends or family.
4:
Modulate your voice
Don’t settle for a monotone.
When you practice, vary the tones to show different emotions.
Add extra energy to show excitement.
Drop to a whisper to tell a secret.
Your voice keeps the interviewer engaged…
Or puts them to sleep.
5: Target emotions
Your target is not to impart information.
It’s to make the interviewer FEEL what you want them to.
Be in control of what emotions you’re invoking.
Awe.
Inspiration.
Curiosity.
Wonderment.
Resonance.
Pro tip:
When you do practice interviews with friends or family,
Ask them what emotions you evoked.
Every single person I’ve hired first impressed with me with their words.
But finally convinced me with my feelings.
Use every interview as an opportunity to build your speaking skills.
You’ll always come out a winner.
