Four Secrets to Nailing Your Interview

Your Interview Panel

Most people are horrible at interviews. Talking about yourself is the equivalent to bragging, which is something grandma told you not to do. Instead of talking about yourself, you should sell your….SELF.

SELF is an acronym that I use in interviews, which acts as a framing device during specific parts of the interview. SELF is easy to remember. It is effective. Plus, it resonates with people.

Most importantly, it does not sound like bragging. It sounds like excitement. Here are the four parts of SELF:

• Skills. Do you have the necessary skills to perform the job (research, design, coding, usability)? Do you know the right tools, platforms, coding language, and methods? Can you prove your skills (portfolio, examples)?
• Experience. Do you have the right experience (leadership, domain expertise)? Have you been on similar types of products, teams, or projects? Do you have a background in this industry?
• Likability. How do you handle stressful situations? What type of person do you become when deadlines are tight? How do you handle confrontation? Do people want to be around you after work?
• Fit. How do you fit into the current group? Are you a cultural fit? Where do you think you can make the most difference on the team? Are there any gaps you think you might be able to fill (i.e. fit into the gap)?

Let’s look at how to use SELF to position yourself in an interview.

Start Your Interview with SELF

After an initial conversation with your interviewer, the discussion will shift into your formal interview. Seize this opportunity to inject SELF into your interview to help frame the discussion. Here is an example of how you might do it.

I am excited to talk with you today. I like what I see. I believe I have the necessary skills and experience to fit into this job.

The above statement acts as a framing device for your interview. Your hiring managers and future co-workers will appreciate it because the discussion is more open, honest, and focused from the start.

Use SELF During Your Interview

Interviews are very fluid: people ask different questions, interviews have different structures, and companies look for different things. You can use SELF during your interview in these ways:

1. Framing Device for the Interview. SELF allows you to focus and organization the entire interview or small snippets of conversation.
2. Present Yourself Using SELF. When you review your resume or portfolio, use SELF to spotlight your skills, experience, and background.
3. Explore One Aspect of SELF. If needed, spend a few minutes on one thing. For example, “likability” shows common interest or common ground.
4. Redirect the Conversation. People can get lost in any conversation. You can redirect back to skills, experience, likability, or fit (whenever needed).
5. Ask Someone About Their SELF. You can create a bond with your interviewers by asking about their skills, experience, likability, and fit.

End the Interview with SELF

Let’s assume the interview is ending and you are interested in the job. I think SELF becomes a powerful way to wrap up your interview, Here is an example of how you might do it.

I like what I heard today. I know I have the necessary skills and experience and fit.

Another way to end with SELF is:

I like what I see here. Is there anything that makes you think I do not have the skills,experience, or fit to do this job?

Put you best SELF into every interview.

Let me know your thoughts. I would love to hear from you.

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