Do Job Interviews Still Make You Nervous? Here’s How Focused Storytelling Can Get You The Job
According to James Innes, author of the Interview Book, the hiring manager behind the desk wants to know 3 things about you. Once he’s sure about them your chances of being hired skyrocket.
These 3 things come in the form of questions:
- Can you do the job?
- Do you want to do it?
- If you end up being hired, will you do the job?
Can you sense the basic emotion behind each of these questions?
It’s FEAR.
The hiring manager is afraid of several things. Listen to the doubts behind the questions:
- “If I hire this person will he be able to execute each required task?”
- “Even if he’s capable, does he look like someone who desires this job? Or is he going to end up working half-steamed?”
- “Even if he seems motivated now, how can I be sure he’ll stay that way for years to come?”
These fears are the barriers you need to overcome. How can you do that?
Even though you need to communicate your personal qualities and technical skills, you have to do so in a way that conveys your drive and motivation.
This means you need to convey your qualities and skills in a way that paints a vivid picture in his mind.
You want to get him to think: “This is it. This is the person we are looking for.” The hiring manager will reach this conclusion once he can imagine you performing the job as he desires.
But how can you achieve this goal?
Through focused storytelling.
Storytelling For Interviews
Can you remember any occasions where you performed at your peak? You’ll build a story around each of them.
But how?
Ask yourself these questions:
- What did you do?
- How did your technical skills save the day?
- How did your actions demonstrate your qualities?
- What resulted from your efforts?
Notice that it’s about what you did, the results you got, and how you saved the day. If your team finished the project on time, that’s great. But, how did your actions contribute to that outcome? That’s what the hiring manager is eager to know. He’s not pondering hiring your previous team, he’s there to decide if he’ll hire you or not.
If you can come up with lots of examples of peak-level performances that’s great. Pick the best ones. Then, convert each one of them into a compelling story.
How?
By following a simple 3-step method.
The 3-Step Method To Build a Great Focused Story
- Put your characters on a tree.
- Set the tree on fire.
- Take your characters out of the tree, safe and sound.
This is the same process used to build up tension in movies and books.
The first step is all about setting the stage. We learn who the characters are, what they do and where and why they are doing it.
Once something happens — like a tree bursting into flames — these are the characters who’ll react to it. Their reactions will reveal us who they really are.
Maybe Joe seemed like a pleasant chap, but now that the tree’s on fire, he’s stepping over everyone, just so he can get out of there first. And what about John? Well, he’s risking his life to save little Mark. Who would know?
How can you follow each one of these steps to create your own compelling 30-second focused stories? Let’s see:
1. Put your characters on a tree.
First, you set up the stage. As you recall each occasion ask yourself:
- Who was doing what?
- Where?
- When?
2. Set the tree on fire.
Next, determine the tension builder you’ll use when retelling the story. Ask yourself:
- What problem were we they facing?
- What made this problem such a big deal?
- What other solutions were attempted before I did my thing?
3. Take your characters out of the tree, safe and sound.
This is it. Here’s how you come up with your story’s finale:
- How did you save the day?
- What specific actions did you take?
- What techniques did you use?
- What skills did you demonstrate?
That’s it.
Focused Stories In Action
Now, imagine the hiring manager saying, “Tell me about one of your skills,” to 3 different people.
Before, their answers would look like these:
- “I’m good with printers.”
- “I’m great with people.”
- “I’m a great salesman.”
These are common answers. They’re bland and not impactful.
Now, compare their previous answers with their new ones, in the form of Focused Stories:
- “I saved my company nearly 500 dollars in monthly technical support fees by learning to solve one of the most common issues with our large-format printer. That convinced me I’m good with printers.”
- “There were these two members on our team who didn’t get along with each other. This made us fall behind schedule. The next day, I decided to sit down with each of them separately and took note of their issues. Then, the 3 of us met together, and I purposed a solution to their problem. They accepted it well, the team bond straightened, and we end up finishing the project on time. For our next project, I was appointed as the team leader. So I consider myself good with people.”
- “Last year, while working for Blue Blues I made 2,000 dollars in sales. That’s 15% better than the second best salesman for that month. I end up having 4 other similar months. That’s why I believe I’m a good salesman.”
Can you see the difference?
In each case, specific information is given about what the problem was, what actions were taken, and what result was obtained. Then, a conclusion follows. Since this conclusion is backed up by hard facts it’s so much more impactful.
And what do all these examples have in common?
They paint a picture of a skilled individual in the hiring manager’s imagination. Someone with the drive to work, motivated to take action and save the day.
These focused stories are so powerful because they speak directly to the hiring manager’s fears.
How To Apply This Information
Build a list of all your qualities and skills. Then, for each one of the items on your list, ask yourself:
- Why am I sure I have this quality?
- Why am I sure I have this skill?
You are looking for any examples. Then, good or bad, write them down. The more you write the better your brain will get at bringing these to your conscious awareness.
Try to transform each one of these examples in a focused story by following the 3-step method we outlined before.
Once again, the more you practice, the better your focused stories will be.
Then, once you receive an invitation to an interview, ask yourself:
Which skills and qualities will this hiring manager probably be looking for?
Grab your focused stories folder and select the ones highlighting those very skills and qualities. Make sure you prepare them well enough, even memorizing them.
During the interview, look for opportunities to drop each of your chosen 30-second (or less) focused story.
Intertwine them with your remaining answers.
Just be sure to tell them at a natural pace.
Quick tip: Pause for a moment before, and after, the story’s highlight — you saving the day — for the biggest impact.
Also, given the focused nature of these stories, they’ll spark curiosity.
- “What was the technical problem you learned to solve?”
- “Why weren’t the team members getting along? What solution did you purpose?
- “What products or services were you selling for Blue Blues?”
These extra questions are a great sign. The hiring manager is requesting more information so he can paint a more complete picture in his mind. Since these are your best stories, I’m sure these extra details will further contribute to your goal of causing a great impression.
You are in control now, but don’t get too cocky :)
In conclusion, be sure to use the information provided in this article to train for your next interview. Being well prepared is the key to keep anxiety at bay. And constructing focused stories is one of the best ways to do this training.
But… what if you know you lack the qualities or skills the hiring manager will be looking for? In a future article, we’ll be looking at the secret to survive such an interview.
Thanks for reading :)
Let me know of any questions you might have in the comments below.
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