Unlike most people who interview to get a job, being interviewed was part of my job. I was a consultant and had to interview continuously. I needed a way to prepare for an interview that was quick, easy, and allowed me to relax and not panic.

What are the three secrets to a successful job interview? They are 1) Know your resume, 2) know your strengths, and 3) know your weaknesses.

Know Your Resume

Know every detail in your resume. I knew my resume inside and out and could tell stories about all of my experiences. When I say stories, I mean true stories (don’t make up stuff). Weaving a story about your accomplishments is much more impactful than just stating the facts (though the facts must be woven through the story).

Your Strengths

I created a list of all my strengths and then selected five that fit the job requirements. Then I prepared two examples to support each strength. Essentially, I could tell two stories that proved to the employer I had the strength and used it to succeed in previous jobs and projects.

Most interviews ask standard questions. I’ve had a few zingers but most of the time I was asked questions like:

“Tell me about yourself.”
“What strengths do you bring to the position?”
“How will you succeed in this job?”
“Give me an example when you….”
“Tell me more about the time you…”
“What would a co-worker say about you.”
“Explain how you’d work with such a team here at XYZ Company.”
“Tell me about you dream job.”

All of these questions are asking the same exact thing. The employer wants to know how you will be an asset to the firm. If you know your strengths and two stories for each you can answer these questions confidently. For example, if you are asked, “Tell me about your dream job.”, you could say that your dream job is one that capitalized on your strengths. Go through two or three strengths that map back to the job description. What did you just do by answering the question in this manner? You told the employer that the job you are applying for is your dream job!

This strategy has worked in every interview I’ve ever had. I’ve been successful in 95% of all my interviews (meaning I got the job or consulting gig). What was incredibly successful for me was having my eight strengths written down with three examples list under each. It was a quick reference sheet I could review before the interview to refresh my memory.

Your Weaknesses

In all of my interview experience, I’ve only been asked about my weaknesses twice. Though it was not common to get the question, I wanted to be prepared. Weaknesses are tricky but all you need to do is select weaknesses that have no relevance to the job you are applying for.

For example, if you are applying for an accounting position and there is nothing in the job description about presenting in public, say, “I’m only an average presenter. I’m not going to wow an audience with my presentation skills.  My strength, however, is supporting those who do present with the facts and knowledge they need. Please understand, however, that I’m not averse to presenting and am willing to improve if this position evolves to needing those skills.”

WARNING: Never, ever take a strength and make it a weakness. Saying that you are such a hard worker that sometimes you don’t have time for anything else in life is blowing smoke and the interviewer will see right through it. Discuss an actual weakness that has absolutely no impact on your ability to do the job in question.

That’s it. 1) Know your resume, 2) Know your strengths, 3) Know your weaknesses. Prepare in this fashion and you’ll ace every interview.

Good luck and I hope you get that job!