How to Nail the Final Interview
If you’ve been pursuing a job and made it to the final interview, you’re likely one of 3, maybe 4 candidates the company is considering for the job. And, at this stage, you’ll naturally wonder about your competition and how you can rise to the top of the heap.
Candidates always ask me how to stand out during this all-important phase, and I provide a lot of pointers. However, one that has consistently proven successful is to encourage candidates to find out what problems the hiring manager is experiencing at work. Maybe he’s lacking a skill set on the team, or a new project is coming next quarter he’s not prepared for.
Regardless of what the problems are, this exercise of digging and finding “pain points” changes the candidate’s role from that of a passive participant in the interview process into an active problem-solver while shifting the hiring manager’s perception of you into someone who can make those problems go away.
The process can be completely natural and conversational. Here are a few times in your interview to start gently digging and probing:
Natural pauses in the conversation
If the manager asks what questions you have
If the manager tells you about a significant issue she is experiencing at work that needs solved
From there, use these cues to ask some clarifying questions:
Can you tell me a little more about that project?
Sounds like you’re in a tough spot. What would help you and the team put this issue behind you?
Keep the conversation natural, don’t press, and listen as much as you can before speaking. Never be shy about asking clarifying questions too. Once you feel you’ve gotten a clear picture of the issue at hand, help the hiring manager see how you can add value to the team. If necessary, gently introduce the topic of you being the problem-solver:
Would you like me to tell you how I’ve handled that situation in the past?
Can I run some ideas by you?
Once the manager has given you permission to assume the role of problem-solver, confidently state your case by highlighting how your unique skills and past experiences make you the ideal candidate for the team.
You don’t have to be forceful. Instead, just be ready to provide compelling, relevant examples of when you’ve added value to your company.
Always remember that the best employees make their managers’ lives easier. Show your future boss how you’ll be that kind of employee!