How to exponentially increase your interview success rate

Summary

In this video, Matt, a Google Strategy and Operations Associate, shares insights on how to ace job interviews. He emphasizes that interviews are more about interpersonal skills than qualifications. Interviewers ask themselves, 'Do I want this person on my team?' To succeed, candidates must be impressive but not arrogant, personable yet professional, and avoid behaviors that could embarrass the interviewer later. Matt advises balancing confidence with humility, adjusting energy to match the interviewer, and conveying warmth through body language to leave a lasting, positive impression.

Takeaways

• 🎯 The primary goal of an interview is to convince the interviewer that you would be a valuable addition to their team.
• 👔 Interviewing is not just about showcasing your qualifications; it's deeply interpersonal and about how well you fit into the team.
• 📚 Even if you have the necessary qualifications, the interview is where you demonstrate if you can do the job well and if you are a good cultural fit.
• 🤔 The interviewer is trying to answer one key question: 'Do I want this person on my team?'
• 🚫 Avoid coming across as arrogant, even if you have many accomplishments; confidence is key, but arrogance is a turnoff.
• 🤝 Be personable but maintain professionalism; it's important to convey warmth and friendliness without being overly casual.
• 🙂 Make an effort to get your interviewer to smile; it helps create a positive association with you.
• 🔍 Be aware of the interviewer's demeanor and adapt your communication style accordingly; be like a chameleon in your energy and approach.
• 💼 Remember that interviews are high stakes for companies; they are making a significant investment in you, so they want to ensure you're a good fit.
• ❌ Never be someone who could potentially embarrass the interviewer or the team; you should leave them with a sense of pride in having interviewed you.

Q & A

What is the main goal of an interview according to Matt?

The main goal of an interview is for the interviewer to decide if they want you on their team, rather than solely evaluating your qualifications or experience.

Why does Matt argue that qualifications alone are not enough to get the job?

Matt argues that qualifications alone aren't enough because many candidates have similar qualifications. What sets people apart is whether the interviewer believes they would enjoy working with you.

How does Matt suggest balancing being impressive without coming across as arrogant?

To balance being impressive without arrogance, Matt suggests being humble while confidently presenting your qualifications, avoiding bragging or acting as though you are better than others.

Why is it important to be personable but still professional during an interview?

It's important to be personable but professional because the interviewer needs to assess whether they would enjoy working with you while ensuring you can handle yourself professionally in client or team settings.

What does Matt mean by 'not embarrassing the interviewer'?

By 'not embarrassing the interviewer,' Matt means the interviewer must feel confident that if they hire or recommend you, you will perform well and not make them look bad in front of their colleagues.

What role does conveying warmth play in a successful interview?

Conveying warmth, such as smiling and being friendly, helps build rapport with the interviewer, making you more likable, which can positively influence their decision.

How does Matt suggest adjusting your behavior to match the interviewer’s energy?

Matt suggests being like a 'chameleon,' adapting your energy level and communication style to match the interviewer’s tone and demeanor to establish better rapport.

Why is an interview considered a deeply interpersonal process according to Matt?

An interview is interpersonal because it involves assessing how well someone can fit into the team on a personal level, not just evaluating their qualifications. It’s about connection and likability.

How does Matt differentiate between confidence and arrogance in an interview setting?

Confidence is being secure in your abilities and presenting yourself clearly, while arrogance involves coming across as superior or dismissive toward others, which can be off-putting.

What should you focus on after demonstrating you have the necessary qualifications for the job?

After demonstrating your qualifications, you should focus on building rapport, showing warmth, and ensuring the interviewer feels you are someone they'd want on their team.