Episode Summary

In this episode, Elissa Shuck shares her expertise on interview preparation, revealing how to transform the stressful experience of interviewing into a strategic communication opportunity. Learn how to guide the narrative during interviews by preparing thoroughly, understanding your unique strengths, and presenting yourself as the solution to the employer's problems. Elissa explains that interview success isn't just about answering questions correctly—it's about implementing a comprehensive communication strategy that aligns you with the role and demonstrates your ability to deliver value.

Key Takeaways

Know Your Strengths: Understanding your natural behavioral workplace strengths is foundational to interview success. Elissa recommends a brief assessment that provides comprehensive insights into your traits and characteristics, which can then be combined with your expertise to create a compelling narrative.

Mindset Preparation: Preparing your mindset before interviews is crucial. By reminding yourself of your strengths, experiences, and accomplishments, you can enter the conversation with confidence and reduce anxiety.

Guide the Narrative: You can guide the narrative in the interviewer's mind by addressing potential concerns proactively and using the "Tell me about yourself" question strategically to create an "aha moment" early in the conversation.

Communication Strategy: Think of your interview as a marketing campaign where you communicate "I understand you and I am your solution" rather than trying to prove yourself.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction and the importance of behavioral strengths in interviews

00:52 - Why most people find interviewing difficult

03:15 - LinkedIn poll results about interview challenges

05:40 - Viewing interviews as a communication strategy

07:59 - How knowing your strengths builds confidence and creates vivid impressions

10:27 - Preparing through mindset and emotion regulation

12:54 - Guiding the narrative and making the most of "Tell me about yourself"

15:21 - Managing your internal narrative during interviews

17:48 - Conclusion: The interview is about you, but for them

Notable Quote

"When you're able to bring your behavioral strengths, talk about them during an interview, then you're painting a much more vivid picture for the people that you're speaking with so that they can see you and envision you doing your thing in that role."

Resources Mentioned

• Interview Preparation Worksheet
• Your Answers To Common Interview Questions

Website: elissashuck-careercoach.com

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