6 Ways to Influence an Interviewer

EP 3035 On this show, we discuss six key principles and illustrate each with anecdotes and practical tips for job seekers to apply these concepts in interviews. ABOUT JEFF ALTMAN, THE BIG GAME HUNTERPeople hire Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter to provide No BS job search coaching and career advice globally because he makes job search and succeeding in your career easier. Schedule a discovery call to speak with me about one-on-one or group coaching during your job search at ⁠www. TheBigGameHunter.us. You will also find great info and job search coaching to help with your job search at ⁠⁠JobSearch. Community⁠⁠ You can get free copies of 25 Interview Questions and Answers, How to Craft a Compelling Elevator Pitch in 20 Seconds or Less, Get Ready for the Job Jungle, Diagnosing Your Job Search Problems, No BS Resume Advice, and Prove Your Worth First, Then Negotiate. Receive free weekly suggestions and more. Subscribe to No BS Job Search Advice Radio, the #1 podcast in Apple Podcasts for job search with more than 3000 episodes. Connect on LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/T⁠⁠heBigGameHunter⁠ We grant permission for this post and others to be used on your website as long as a backlink is included to ⁠www. TheBigGameHunter.us⁠ and notice is provided that it is provided by Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter as an author or creator. Not acknowledging his work or providing a backlink to ⁠www. TheBigGameHunter.us⁠ makes you subject to a $1000 penalty which you proactively agree to pay. Please contact us to negotiate the use of our content as training data.

• 0:00Speaker 00

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• 0:16Speaker 02

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• 0:41Speaker 03

  All right, so you're gearing up for a job interview and want to like totally nail it.

• 0:44Speaker 04

  Well, you've come to the right place.

• 0:47Speaker 03

  Today, we're doing something a little different.

• 0:48Speaker 04

  That's right.

• 0:49Speaker 03

  Think of this deep dive as having your very own interview coach right here in your ear.

• 0:54Speaker 04

  I like that very own interview coach.

• 0:56Speaker 03

  We're going to unpack some seriously cool psychological tricks to help you win over any interviewer.

• 1:02Speaker 04

  Absolutely.

• 1:03Speaker 03

  And to break it all down, we have an absolute expert.

• 1:07Speaker 04

  Oh, you.

• 1:08Speaker 03

  Who has given almost 500 presentations on job searching and interviewing.

• 1:13Speaker 04

  I think it's a little more now.

• 1:14Speaker 03

  So they definitely know their stuff.

• 1:16Speaker 04

  Then they're done that.

• 1:17Speaker 03

  I was lucky enough to be at your presentation for The Breakfast Club a couple of weeks ago.

• 1:20Speaker 04

  Oh, yeah, that was a fun one.

• 1:22Speaker 03

  And you had everyone just captivated.

• 1:24Speaker 04

  It's a great group.

• 1:25Speaker 03

  Especially with that story about the woman who accidentally doubled the price of her jewelry.

• 1:30Speaker 04

  Oh, yeah.

• 1:31Speaker 03

  And then sold out her entire stock.

• 1:33Speaker 04

  That always gets people.

• 1:34Speaker 03

  So what is the secret sauce?

• 1:36Speaker 04

  Wow.

• 1:37Speaker 03

  How can we use psychology to just ace an interview?

• 1:42Speaker 04

  You know, it's all about influence. And I think influence sometimes gets a bad rap.

• 1:48Speaker 03

  Yeah.

• 1:48Speaker 04

  Because people think of it as manipulation.

• 1:50Speaker 03

  Right.

• 1:50Speaker 04

  But it's not really.

• 1:51Speaker 03

  Okay.

• 1:52Speaker 04

  Influence is about persuasion. It's about guiding someone to make a decision that's beneficial for both of you.

• 1:59Speaker 03

  Okay.

• 1:59Speaker 04

  And in the context of a job interview, it's about subtly guiding the interviewer towards saying yes to you.

• 2:06Speaker 03

  I like that.

• 2:06Speaker 04

  Right.

• 2:07Speaker 03

  So it's not just what you say, it's how you say it.

• 2:09Speaker 04

  It's exactly that.

• 2:10Speaker 03

  Okay.

• 2:10Speaker 04

  It's about framing your responses in a way that makes sense to the interviewer and that makes them want to hear more.

• 2:16Speaker 03

  Okay, so give us an example of that. How can we frame our answers in a way that's more persuasive?

• 2:20Speaker 04

  Sure. So let's say you're in line at the copy machine.

• 2:23Speaker 03

  Okay, familiar territory.

• 2:24Speaker 04

  Right, and someone cuts in front of you, just walks up, makes a copy and walks away. What's your reaction?

• 2:30Speaker 03

  Oh, I'd be so annoyed.

• 2:31Speaker 04

  Right, you'd probably be thinking like, who does this person think they are?

• 2:34Speaker 03

  Totally.

• 2:35Speaker 04

  Now imagine the same scenario, but this time the person says, hey, I'm so sorry, but my boss needs this copy, like, right now. Would you mind if I go first? Okay, yeah, that makes a difference.

• 2:46Speaker 03

  Right, because they've given you a reason for their action.

• 2:49Speaker 04

  That's understandable.

• 2:50Speaker 03

  Exactly, and it makes them seem more human, more relatable, and you're more likely to be okay with it.

• 2:54Speaker 04

  I get it. So it's about providing context and justification for what we're saying.

• 2:59Speaker 03

  Exactly, and you can apply this same principle to job interviews.

• 3:03Speaker 04

  Okay, so how do we apply this to like answering those typical interview questions?

• 3:08Speaker 03

  So instead of just stating facts or giving one-word answers, think of every answer as an opportunity to tell a mini-story.

• 3:15Speaker 04

  Oh, I like that.

• 3:17Speaker 03

  Right, a story that supports your skills and experience.

• 3:19Speaker 04

  Okay.

• 3:20Speaker 03

  So for example, instead of just saying, yeah, I increased sales by 10%.

• 3:24Speaker 04

  Right.

• 3:25Speaker 03

  You could say something like, you know, I noticed that our sales were lagging in a particular region, so I took the initiative to analyze the data, identify the problem and come up with a new strategy, and as a result, we saw a 10% increase in sales.

• 3:38Speaker 04

  Oh, so it's like giving them the behind the scenes.

• 3:40Speaker 03

  Exactly. You're painting a picture, you're showing them the why behind your actions, and that makes you much more memorable.

• 3:46Speaker 04

  Okay, so storytelling is key. Absolutely, people connect with stories.

• 3:50Speaker 03

  Yes.

• 3:50Speaker 04

  They remember stories much more than they remember just bullet points on a resume.

• 3:54Speaker 03

  That makes sense.

• 3:55Speaker 04

  So yeah, use storytelling to your advantage.

• 3:57Speaker 03

  I love that storytelling for the win.

• 3:59Speaker 04

  There you go.

• 3:59Speaker 03

  So what is the next psychological principle that we can use to ace these interviews?

• 4:05Speaker 04

  Well, let's talk about reciprocity.

• 4:07Speaker 03

  Oh.

• 4:07Speaker 04

  Which is this idea that people are more likely to do something for you if you've done something for them first.

• 4:13Speaker 03

  Okay, so like karma.

• 4:14Speaker 04

  Yeah, like karma.

• 4:16Speaker 03

  It goes around.

• 4:16Speaker 04

  Kings around. Exactly. There was actually the study where researchers sent out holiday cards to a bunch of complete strangers.

• 4:23Speaker 03

  Okay.

• 4:23Speaker 04

  And guess what? A lot of those strangers sent cards back.

• 4:26Speaker 03

  Really? Just because they got one?

• 4:27Speaker 04

  Just because they received one first. It's like this innate human desire to reciprocate kindness.

• 4:32Speaker 03

  That is so interesting.

• 4:34Speaker 04

  So how does this apply to job searching?

• 4:37Speaker 03

  Yeah.

• 4:37Speaker 04

  Well, when you're networking, when you're helping people out in your network, offering advice, making introductions, sharing resources, people remember that.

• 4:46Speaker 03

  Amazing.

• 4:47Speaker 04

  And when you need a favor down the road when you're looking for a job, they're more likely to reciprocate.

• 4:52Speaker 03

  So it's all about building those genuine relationships?

• 4:55Speaker 04

  Exactly. It's not just about collecting business cards or LinkedIn connections.

• 5:00Speaker 03

  Right.

• 5:00Speaker 04

  It's about building real relationships with people.

• 5:03Speaker 03

  I like that.

• 5:04Speaker 04

  Being helpful, being supportive, and being someone that people want to help in return.

• 5:09Speaker 03

  Okay, so we've got storytelling, we've got reciprocity.

• 5:13Speaker 04

  Uh huh.

• 5:13Speaker 03

  What's next on our influencer checklist?

• 5:15Speaker 04

  All right, so this one might sound a little counterintuitive, but hear me out. It's about standing out from the crowd.

• 5:20Speaker 03

  Okay, so not blending in.

• 5:22Speaker 04

  Exactly, because, you know, as, as humans, we're kind of wired to follow the herd, especially when we're uncertain.

• 5:28Speaker 03

  Right, safety in numbers.

• 5:30Speaker 04

  Exactly. Think about it when you're looking for a restaurant.

• 5:32Speaker 03

  Okay.

• 5:33Speaker 04

  Are you more likely to try the one that's packed with people or the one that's totally empty?

• 5:37Speaker 03

  Yeah, I'm definitely going for the one with the line out the door.

• 5:40Speaker 04

  Right, because you assume it must be good if everyone else is going there. But in a job interview, you don't want to be just another face in the crowd.

• 5:47Speaker 03

  Right, I don't want to just blend in.

• 5:49Speaker 04

  You want to highlight what makes you different, what makes you unique.

• 5:52Speaker 03

  So how do we do that without coming off like we're trying too hard?

• 5:56Speaker 04

  It's a good question, and this is where knowing your strengths, knowing your story really comes in.

• 6:01Speaker 03

  Good.

• 6:02Speaker 04

  Think about that woman with the jewelry.

• 6:04Speaker 03

  Yeah.

• 6:04Speaker 04

  What made her stand out? It wasn't just the price.

• 6:08Speaker 03

  Right.

• 6:08Speaker 04

  It was the story behind it.

• 6:10Speaker 03

  Okay.

• 6:10Speaker 04

  It was the fact that it was handmade, that it was unique, that it had this kind of like scarcity factor to it.

• 6:15Speaker 03

  I get it. So it's about showcasing our unique value proposition.

• 6:19Speaker 04

  Exactly. In an interview, you want to highlight those unique skills, those quirky experiences, the things that make you you.

• 6:27Speaker 03

  So it's that sweet spot between professional and showing off our personality.

• 6:31Speaker 04

  You got it. You want to be memorable, but for the right reasons.

• 6:34Speaker 03

  Right. I don't want to be memorable for like showing up in a costume or something.

• 6:37Speaker 04

  Unless it's relevant to the job.

• 6:38Speaker 03

  Okay, fair enough.

• 6:41Speaker 03

  But I get it. Don't be afraid to stand out from the herd. So we've covered reasoning.

• 6:45Speaker 04

  Yes.

• 6:45Speaker 03

  We've got reciprocity.

• 6:46Speaker 04

  Yes.

• 6:47Speaker 03

  We've got standing out. What other secret weapons do we have?

• 6:50Speaker 04

  All right, let's talk about attraction and familiarity.

• 6:53Speaker 03

  Okay.

• 6:53Speaker 04

  This might seem a little shallow.

• 6:56Speaker 03

  Right.

• 6:56Speaker 04

  But bear with me. We are naturally drawn to people and things that we find attractive and familiar.

• 7:03Speaker 03

  Okay, that makes sense in the real world, but how does that apply to like sitting across a table from an interviewer?

• 7:10Speaker 04

  It's about presentation.

• 7:11Speaker 03

  Okay.

• 7:11Speaker 04

  It's about building rapport.

• 7:13Speaker 03

  Okay.

• 7:14Speaker 04

  Think about it this way. You see two people standing by a mailbox. One is dressed really sharply. The other one looks kind of disheveled. Who are you more likely to assume is the manager?

• 7:24Speaker 03

  Yeah, okay. I see what you're saying is like we make these snap judgments based on first impressions.

• 7:30Speaker 04

  Exactly. And while you can't control your genetics, you can control how you present yourself.

• 7:34Speaker 03

  Right.

• 7:34Speaker 04

  So in a video interview, make sure you have good lighting, clean background, you know, dress the part.

• 7:40Speaker 03

  So even though it's through a screen, I still got to bring my A game.

• 7:42Speaker 04

  You always got to bring your A game.

• 7:44Speaker 03

  So it's all about creating that positive first impression.

• 7:46Speaker 04

  Exactly.

• 7:47Speaker 03

  And making sure my Zoom game is strong.

• 7:49Speaker 04

  You got to, you want to create an environment where the interviewer feels comfortable and receptive to what you have to say.

• 7:56Speaker 03

  All right, we've got reasoning, reciprocity, standing out, attraction and familiarity. What's number five on our influencer checklist?

• 8:02Speaker 04

  Let's talk about authority.

• 8:04Speaker 03

  Okay.

• 8:04Speaker 04

  Whether we realize it or not, we're kind of programmed to respect authority figures. I mean, it's how we're raised, parents, teachers, that one substitute teacher who terrified everyone.

• 8:15Speaker 03

  Oh, I definitely have one. Those Mrs. Smith, sixth grade, terrifying.

• 8:19Speaker 04

  Exactly, and there was this crazy experiment where they put a guy in a police uniform in front of an ATM.

• 8:25Speaker 03

  Why?

• 8:26Speaker 04

  And they even put a sign on the ATM saying it was broken and to deposit your money with the officer.

• 8:31Speaker 03

  What did people actually do that?

• 8:32Speaker 04

  You bet they did. It just shows how deeply ingrained that respect for authority is.

• 8:38Speaker 03

  Wow, that's wild.

• 8:39Speaker 04

  So how do we use this ethically in an interview?

• 8:41Speaker 03

  Yeah.

• 8:42Speaker 04

  It's about subtly aligning yourself with authority figures in your field. Did you report to a high-level executive? Were you mentored by a well-known expert? Did you work on a project with a prestigious client? Mention it.

• 8:53Speaker 03

  So it's less about like, name dropping and more about showcasing those connections.

• 8:58Speaker 04

  Exactly. It adds weight to your experience.

• 9:00Speaker 03

  Okay.

• 9:00Speaker 04

  It makes you seem more trustworthy in the interviewer's eyes.

• 9:04Speaker 03

  Like I have a silent recommendation.

• 9:05Speaker 04

  Exactly, like a silent recommendation.

• 9:07Speaker 03

  Yeah, I bet.

• 9:08Speaker 04

  So use authority to your advantage.

• 9:10Speaker 03

  Okay, so, we've got reasoning, we've got reciprocity, we've got standing out, we've got attraction and familiarity, we've got authority. What is our final secret weapon for influencing the interviewer?

• 9:24Speaker 04

  All right, so this one is a classic marketing tactic.

• 9:27Speaker 03

  Hit me with it.

• 9:28Speaker 04

  But it applies to job interviews, too. It's scarcity.

• 9:31Speaker 03

  Scarcity, okay.

• 9:32Speaker 04

  We tend to put a higher value on things that are rare or hard to get.

• 9:36Speaker 03

  Oh, I am so guilty of this, those limited-time offers when Amazon says there are only three left in stock.

• 9:41Speaker 04

  Exactly, it creates this fear of missing out. So in an interview, you want to highlight what makes you unique and valuable? What are those rare skills or experiences that you bring to the table that other candidates probably don't have?

• 9:55Speaker 03

  So it's like, I'm a limited-edition version of a job candidate?

• 9:58Speaker 04

  You got it. If you have a specific niche, skill set, fluency in multiple languages, a proven track record in a particular industry. Make sure you emphasize that.

• 10:08Speaker 03

  I like that.

• 10:09Speaker 04

  Make the interviewer see you as the solution to their problems.

• 10:12Speaker 03

  Not just another applicant.

• 10:14Speaker 04

  Not just another applicant. You are the solution.

• 10:16Speaker 03

  Okay, so we've got reasoning, reciprocity, standing out from the crowd, attraction and familiarity, authority and scarcity. There is a lot to keep in mind.

• 10:27Speaker 04

  It is.

• 10:28Speaker 03

  So how do we actually weave all of this together during an interview?

• 10:30Speaker 04

  It's about being strategic.

• 10:32Speaker 03

  Okay.

• 10:32Speaker 04

  It's about being genuine.

• 10:34Speaker 03

  Right.

• 10:34Speaker 04

  And it's about telling your story in a way that resonates with the interviewer.

• 10:38Speaker 03

  So not like spitting out all these buzzwords. It's about weaving them into the conversation.

• 10:42Speaker 04

  Exactly.

• 10:42Speaker 03

  Okay, so let's put this into practice.

• 10:44Speaker 04

  Okay.

• 10:44Speaker 03

  One of the most common questions is, tell me about yourself. How do we use these principles to answer that question?

• 10:49Speaker 04

  Okay, so instead of just running through your resume like a robot.

• 10:52Speaker 03

  Right.

• 10:53Speaker 04

  Think about what makes you stand out. What are the key highlights of your career? What are those two or three things that you really want the interviewer to remember about you?

• 11:03Speaker 03

  Okay.

• 11:03Speaker 04

  And then sprinkle in some reasoning. Why are you passionate about this work? What drives you? What are your goals?

• 11:11Speaker 03

  Okay, so far, so good. How do I sneak in some reciprocity?

• 11:14Speaker 04

  Instead of just talking about what you want from the job, talk about how you can contribute to their success.

• 11:20Speaker 03

  Okay.

• 11:20Speaker 04

  Mention how your skills and experience can help them achieve their goals or solve a specific problem they're facing.

• 11:27Speaker 03

  I like that, shifting the focus from me, me, me to we're in this together.

• 11:31Speaker 04

  Exactly.

• 11:31Speaker 03

  What about standing out from the crowd? How do I do that?

• 11:34Speaker 04

  This is where you can share a story.

• 11:36Speaker 03

  Okay.

• 11:36Speaker 04

  That highlights your strengths. Maybe you went above and beyond on a project. Maybe you solved a tough problem in a creative way. Keep it concise, keep it relevant, but make it memorable.

• 11:47Speaker 03

  Okay, so that's where the jewelry story comes in.

• 11:49Speaker 04

  Exactly. It's all about that impactful anecdote.

• 11:52Speaker 03

  I love it. How do I bring in those attraction and familiarity vibes?

• 11:56Speaker 04

  Especially in a video interview, it's all about that nonverbal communication, eye contact, a genuine smile, enthusiasm. Those things make a difference.

• 12:05Speaker 03

  So even though it's through a screen, I still gotta bring that energy.

• 12:09Speaker 04

  You gotta bring the energy.

• 12:10Speaker 03

  Okay, what about authority?

• 12:11Speaker 04

  If it's relevant, subtly mention those connections to big names in your field.

• 12:17Speaker 03

  Okay, and last but not least, scarcity.

• 12:20Speaker 04

  Emphasize those unique skills or experiences that make you a rare find.

• 12:25Speaker 03

  Okay.

• 12:25Speaker 04

  If you have a particular expertise that's in high demand, let them know you're bringing that to the table.

• 12:30Speaker 03

  I am the solution to your problem.

• 12:32Speaker 04

  You are the solution.

• 12:33Speaker 03

  So we've basically turned "tell me about yourself" into like a masterclass in influence.

• 12:38Speaker 04

  That's right.

• 12:39Speaker 03

  But what about all those other tricky interview questions?

• 12:42Speaker 04

  The same principles apply.

• 12:43Speaker 03

  Okay.

• 12:43Speaker 04

  It's all about thinking strategically, about showcasing your value and subtly guiding the interviewer's perception of you.

• 12:50Speaker 03

  All right, let's put this to the test. What about that dreaded, "what is your greatest weakness?" question?

• 12:59Speaker 04

  Oh, yeah.

• 13:00Speaker 03

  How do we spin that into a positive?

• 13:02Speaker 04

  Honesty is key here.

• 13:03Speaker 03

  Oh.

• 13:04Speaker 04

  Choose a weakness that you're actively working to improve and explain why you're committed to growth in that area.

• 13:12Speaker 03

  So it's not about pretending to be perfect.

• 13:14Speaker 04

  Right.

• 13:14Speaker 03

  It's about showing that I'm self-aware.

• 13:16Speaker 04

  Exactly.

• 13:17Speaker 03

  That I'm always trying to learn.

• 13:18Speaker 04

  Exactly. So, for example, you could say something like, "I can be a bit of a perfectionist, which sometimes leads to overthinking, but I'm learning to delegate more effectively and to prioritize tasks based on their impact. I've even started a time management course to help me stay organized."

• 13:34Speaker 03

  I like that it shows that you're not afraid to admit your shortcomings.

• 13:37Speaker 04

  Right.

• 13:37Speaker 03

  And that you're taking action to get better.

• 13:39Speaker 04

  Exactly. It subtly reinforces your commitment to growth and development.

• 13:42Speaker 03

  Okay, we've covered two of the biggest interview question landmines.

• 13:45Speaker 04

  Yes.

• 13:46Speaker 03

  What are some other tips for using these principles to totally nail the entire interview?

• 13:51Speaker 04

  Enthusiasm. Don't underestimate the power of enthusiasm. A genuine upbeat attitude can be contagious and it makes a huge difference in how the interviewer perceives you.

• 14:02Speaker 03

  It's like that saying, "enthusiasm is contagious."

• 14:05Speaker 04

  It is now.

• 14:06Speaker 03

  And remember, the interview's a two-way street.

• 14:08Speaker 04

  Yeah.

• 14:08Speaker 03

  Don't be afraid to ask thoughtful questions.

• 14:11Speaker 04

  Yes.

• 14:11Speaker 03

  That show that you've done your research and are genuinely interested in the company and the role.

• 14:17Speaker 04

  Exactly.

• 14:18Speaker 03

  So what kind of questions should I be asking?

• 14:20Speaker 04

  Ask about the company culture. Ask about team dynamics. Ask about opportunities for growth. Show them that you're not just looking for any job, you're looking for the right job.

• 14:29Speaker 03

  Okay.

• 14:30Speaker 04

  And you're trying to determine if this is the right fit for you.

• 14:32Speaker 03

  So I'm bringing the knowledge.

• 14:33Speaker 04

  Yes.

• 14:34Speaker 03

  I'm bringing the energy. I'm bringing the questions.

• 14:36Speaker 04

  Yes.

• 14:36Speaker 03

  But interviews can be nerve-wracking.

• 14:38Speaker 04

  They can be.

• 14:39Speaker 03

  Any tips for staying cool under pressure?

• 14:41Speaker 04

  Practice makes perfect. Or at least it makes you feel a lot more confident.

• 14:45Speaker 03

  Okay.

• 14:46Speaker 04

  Rehearse your answers to common interview questions and, you know, even do some mock interviews with a friend or a career coach.

• 14:52Speaker 03

  Okay, so it's like anything else. The more I prep, the more comfortable I'll be when the pressure's on.

• 14:57Speaker 04

  Exactly.

• 14:58Speaker 03

  And remember, the interviewer wants you to succeed.

• 15:01Speaker 04

  They do.

• 15:01Speaker 03

  They see potential in you. That's why you're there.

• 15:04Speaker 04

  Exactly.

• 15:05Speaker 03

  Go in with a positive attitude, showcase your strengths, let your personality shine through.

• 15:11Speaker 04

  I love it.

• 15:12Speaker 03

  This has been seriously insightful.

• 15:14Speaker 04

  Yeah.

• 15:14Speaker 03

  I feel like I've learned so much about how to use psychology to my advantage in an interview. Any final words of wisdom before we wrap up this interview coaching session?

• 15:24Speaker 04

  Remember, the most important thing is to be yourself.

• 15:26Speaker 03

  Okay.

• 15:27Speaker 04

  Authenticity is magnetic, and it will help you connect with the interviewer on a genuine level.

• 15:31Speaker 03

  So it's not about putting on a show.

• 15:33Speaker 04

  Right.

• 15:33Speaker 03

  It's about being the best version of myself.

• 15:35Speaker 04

  Exactly.

• 15:36Speaker 03

  And even if I don't get this particular job, every interview is a learning experience.

• 15:41Speaker 04

  It is.

• 15:41Speaker 03

  I could take that experience and apply it to the next one.

• 15:43Speaker 04

  Absolutely. Take the time to reflect on what went well, what you could improve on, and how you can apply these principles in the future.

• 15:52Speaker 03

  This has been so incredibly valuable.

• 15:54Speaker 04

  Yeah.

• 15:54Speaker 03

  Thank you so much for sharing your expertise with us.

• 15:56Speaker 04

  My pleasure. And if you are interested in job search coaching.

• 16:00Speaker 03

  Yes.

• 16:01Speaker 04

  Schedule a free discovery call at thebiggamehunter.us.

• 16:05Speaker 03

  Awesome. Everyone be sure to check that out. So much great advice in this deep dive. And, you know, it's funny, we often think about job interviews as this super formal thing.

• 16:15Speaker 04

  Right.

• 16:15Speaker 03

  Where we have to be perfect, and it's all about like impressing the interviewer.

• 16:19Speaker 04

  It's easy to get caught up in that mindset.

• 16:21Speaker 03

  Right.

• 16:21Speaker 04

  But you know what I've learned over the years is that it's really more about being human.

• 16:25Speaker 03

  Okay.

• 16:26Speaker 04

  It's about connecting with the interviewer on a personal level.

• 16:28Speaker 03

  Right.

• 16:29Speaker 04

  And letting your personality shine through.

• 16:31Speaker 03

  So it's not just about showcasing my skills and experience.

• 16:34Speaker 04

  Right.

• 16:35Speaker 03

  It's also about showing them who I am as a person.

• 16:37Speaker 04

  Exactly. Think about it. Would you rather work with someone who's brilliant but arrogant and aloof?

• 16:43Speaker 03

  Right.

• 16:43Speaker 04

  Or someone who's competent, kind, and easy to collaborate with?

• 16:47Speaker 03

  I'd much rather work with someone who's a team player.

• 16:49Speaker 04

  Exactly. And that's what hiring managers are looking for, too. Okay.

• 16:52Speaker 03

  They want someone who's not only qualified for the job.

• 16:56Speaker 04

  Right.

• 16:56Speaker 03

  But also a good fit for their company culture.

• 16:59Speaker 04

  So how can we show them that we're a good cultural fit during an interview?

• 17:03Speaker 03

  Do your research.

• 17:03Speaker 04

  Okay.

• 17:04Speaker 03

  Understand the company's mission and values.

• 17:07Speaker 04

  Okay.

• 17:07Speaker 03

  And find ways to connect your own experiences and aspirations to what they're all about.

• 17:12Speaker 04

  Okay.

• 17:13Speaker 03

  Show them that you're not just looking for a job. You're looking for a place where you can truly belong and contribute.

• 17:19Speaker 04

  It's like finding that sweet spot where my passions and their needs intersect.

• 17:23Speaker 03

  Exactly, and when you can articulate that connection.

• 17:25Speaker 04

  Yeah.

• 17:26Speaker 03

  It shows the interviewer that you're not just going through the motions. You're genuinely invested in their success.

• 17:32Speaker 04

  I love that it's like we're shifting the power dynamic a little bit in an interview. Yeah. It's not just about them grilling me with questions. It's about me figuring out if this is the right opportunity for me too.

• 17:42Speaker 03

  You're absolutely right. You have just as much power in the interview as the interviewer does.

• 17:46Speaker 04

  I like that. You're both trying to determine if this is a mutually beneficial partnership.

• 17:51Speaker 03

  Okay, I'm feeling really empowered right now. But let's be real, even with all this prep and the right mindset, there will always be those curveball questions.

• 18:00Speaker 04

  Yeah.

• 18:01Speaker 03

  They kind of throw us off guard.

• 18:02Speaker 04

  For sure.

• 18:02Speaker 03

  So what's your advice for handling those unexpected moments?

• 18:07Speaker 04

  Don't be afraid to pause, take a breath and gather your thoughts.

• 18:12Speaker 03

  Okay.

• 18:12Speaker 04

  It's better to take a moment to formulate a thoughtful response.

• 18:16Speaker 03

  Yeah.

• 18:17Speaker 04

  Than to just blurt out something you'll regret later.

• 18:19Speaker 03

  So it's okay to say something like, "That's a great question. Let me think about that for a moment."

• 18:25Speaker 04

  Absolutely, it shows that you're composed and thoughtful.

• 18:28Speaker 03

  Okay.

• 18:28Speaker 04

  And if you're really stumped, don't be afraid to ask for clarification or to rephrase the question in a way that you can better address.

• 18:35Speaker 03

  Okay, so I can take a little bit of control back?

• 18:37Speaker 04

  Exactly.

• 18:37Speaker 03

  And it takes the pressure off.

• 18:38Speaker 04

  Exactly, remember, the interview is a conversation, not an interrogation. It's about connecting with the interviewer, showcasing your strengths, and figuring out if this is the right fit for both of you.

• 18:48Speaker 03

  This has been a game changer. I feel like I have a whole new arsenal of tools and strategies to approach my next interview with confidence.

• 18:56Speaker 04

  That's great to hear.

• 18:57Speaker 03

  This has been an incredible deep dive into the art of influencing the interviewer.

• 19:01Speaker 04

  Yeah.

• 19:02Speaker 03

  Thank you so much for sharing your expertise.

• 19:03Speaker 04

  My pleasure.

• 19:04Speaker 03

  And for everyone listening out there, good luck with those interviews. You got this. And remember, if you want to learn more,

• 19:11Speaker 04

  Yeah.

• 19:12Speaker 03

  you can check out our guest's website.

• 19:14Speaker 04

  That's right.

• 19:14Speaker 03

  for some seriously awesome job search tips.

• 19:16Speaker 04

  We've got a ton of resources there.

• 19:18Speaker 03

  I feel like after this deep dive, I am so ready to go out there and crush my next interview.

• 19:23Speaker 04

  That's what we like to hear.

• 19:25Speaker 03

  But before we sign off, any last words of wisdom for our listeners?

• 19:28Speaker 04

  You know what I'd say? Just remember to be yourself. Authenticity is so important in an interview. You want the interviewer to see the real you.

• 19:37Speaker 03

  So it's not about putting on a facade.

• 19:38Speaker 04

  Right.

• 19:39Speaker 03

  It's about letting my personality shine through.

• 19:41Speaker 04

  Exactly, because at the end of the day, the right company, the right job, will appreciate you for who you are.

• 19:49Speaker 03

  That's a great point, and I think that's a perfect note to end on.

• 19:51Speaker 04

  I agree.

• 19:52Speaker 03

  Thank you so much for joining us today for this incredible deep dive into the art of influencing the interviewer.

• 19:58Speaker 04

  It was my pleasure.

• 19:59Speaker 03

  And for everyone listening out there, go out there and rock those interviews.

• 20:03Speaker 04

  You got this.

• 20:05Speaker 03

  We'll catch you next time for another deep dive.

• 20:07Speaker 04

  See you then.