4) How to prove that you’re qualified 👩⚖
Try to figure out what you’d be responsible for in this new role, and use past example as proof that you can do those things well.
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As an interviewer sits on the other side of the table from you, they are rapidly trying to get to the heart of a simple question: “is this person qualified to do this job?”
They must figure out if you’re qualified, must figure out if you’ve done similar things in the past, and possess the requisite qualities to do it well in the future, before they test for more nuanced things like culture fit, problem solving skills, or behavioral traits.
Why are you qualified to work here?
The best and most simple answer is that you’ve done this before, performed at a high level, and are prepared for what this role entails. Citing examples of when you’ve performed well in a similar function, what those functions were, and how they are similar is the right way to go.
If this doesn’t ring true, the best bet is to go the qualitative route. I possess the following qualities, which are absolutely core to doing this role well, and here are several examples. (This role is incredibly analytical in nature, and I possess an analytical mind- here is an example of a time when my analytical outlook made me successful.)
Finally, bring it home by being able to demonstrate that you understand their business, and are passionate about their company and their product.
Mapping responsibilities to accomplishments
If you can research what you would be responsible for in this new role (along with the requirements for their applicants) you’ll essentially have a roadmap for the types of examples and anecdotes you would need to convey in order to prove that you’re qualified for those responsibilities. What are the key responsibilities for this role? And further, what are the examples or anecdotes from your past that you can use to prove that you’re qualified for them, and set up to succeed when faced with similar responsibilities?
For example, if you’re applying for a job as a financial analyst, you might be responsible for building financial models related to financial investments. Do you have a specific story around a time you built this type of financial model successfully in the past? If not, what anecdote or example would you use to show that you’re qualified for this type of responsibility?
Painting a vision for your work ethic
Being able to express how hard you work, and your ability to set your mind to goals to achieve them is important for any team. Being able to describe what motivates you is part of this- the interviewing team should get the sense that you are willing to grind, and that you have experience with tough or difficult circumstances, and that these uncomfortable conditions or circumstances will not faze you.
What is your read on the company culture?
Being able to vocalize what a company’s culture is, and being equipped to provide examples for how you fit in with and believe in that culture, accomplishes two things. First, it shows that you will be a culture fit, which is something interview teams actively try to assess. Secondly, it shows a commitment to the company, and a deep interest that suggests you truly want to be there.
A big fear from interviewing teams is hiring someone who will leave quickly, or doesn’t want to be there long term- this is something that assuages that fear greatly.
Have you used our company/product/service before?
What do you like about the service that the company provides? What would you change about it? Really think through the ways that your company makes money, what they do, where they are in the market- think critically about this and internalize it.
Having a smart, thought out, and nuanced opinion on the product, along with experience using it, is a strong strategy. It serves as evidence that you actually care, and spend time thinking about these types of things on your own.
Your responses must be concise (never rambling)
One incredibly important piece of a job interview is conciseness in your responses, and making sure you don’t ramble (this is something we will reiterate often.) Rambling is a common natural response in an interview setting, where you feel like you are in the hot seat. Take your time to thrink through the question when it’s asked, calmly go over the bulletpoints in your head around how you’d like to answer, and then try to answer the question in a concise way.
If you feel like you’re getting long winded, try to wrap up or wind down your response. If the interviewer wants to hear more, or drill down into your response (which they definitely will at times) they can dig deeper and ask follow up questions. You shouldn’t feel like you need to speak until all possible bases are covered, speak until it feels natural to stop, and know that the interviewer can ask follow up questions if they so desire.
Technical, industry specific details
In every interview, there is a set of technical skills that you’ll be required to know. In a finance role, you’d be responsible for knowing how an income statement, balance sheet, and statement of cashflows works. In a medical role, you’d have to have an incredibly strong working knowledge of human biology. Expect to have your technical prowess tested, and understand that preparing for this aspect is different in every role.
Ask yourself: in their shoes, what would I want to make sure this candidate has mastery of? Then prepare for those things accordingly. We will cover the technical component of the interview in other sections, but it’s good to be aware that a technical or industry specific component is typically part of the interview process.
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