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I’ve done interviews all day/everyday for the last ~3 years. Here’s a thread on how NOT to sabotage your own interview & what to do instead.
1- The #1 you can do to sabotage any interview is to *be longwinded* or ramble. This applies to engineering, sales, product, client roles, etc.
No one thinks of themselves as being longwinded — only others.
No one thinks of themselves as being longwinded — only others.
2- Most interviews start with some form of, “Tell us about yourself.” If you give a longwinded answer to this, your interview might be over before it’s begun.
Aim to answer in ~30 seconds. (I’ve seen 10+ min intros)
Aim to answer in ~30 seconds. (I’ve seen 10+ min intros)
3- Answer other questions in 2-3 statements. If you must say more, preview your answer & summarize your point at the end.
4- Longwinded-ness hurts your chances because a) you lose the attention of your audience, b) it lacks focus or shows that you’re not capable of the role (e.g. sales) & c) you only answer a fraction of the questions planned.
5- Being longwinded / rambling can also be read as ego or being self-centered (i.e. you like to hear yourself talk or you’re not reading the room).
6- Often senior/experienced people struggle most with being long-winded.
Why? Experience = you rely on history/stories which take a long time to explain & often contain too much context to make a point.
Why? Experience = you rely on history/stories which take a long time to explain & often contain too much context to make a point.
7- (If you’re a truly excellent storyteller or can provide great interesting context, you will be able to give longer answers. Don’t assume this is you.)
8- If long-windedness is the greatest detractor, “informed curiosity” is the greatest opportunity.
(Informed curiosity does not mean death by questions.)
(Informed curiosity does not mean death by questions.)
9- It means knowing so much that you can ask the question 3 layers below the surface e.g. the philosophy of _____ (sales, engineering, etc).
10- Informed curiosity allows you to have an interview about ideas — not just facts about the position & your past events. Plus, this makes it conversational and not an interrogation.
11- Standard advice is to research the company, the position, etc. Of course you should do that!
But use that as a lead, not as a question to ask if you already know the answer to.
But use that as a lead, not as a question to ask if you already know the answer to.
12- That means doing most of your work before the interview starts & asking GOOD questions throughout — not just at the end.
But most importantly ask questions that you a) can’t get an answer anywhere else (you’ve already tried) and b) care about the answer.
But most importantly ask questions that you a) can’t get an answer anywhere else (you’ve already tried) and b) care about the answer.
13- If you’re asking questions because that’s what “you’re supposed to do” it will fall flat. It might work, but not if you’re interviewing at a serious company that is selective.
14- Think of any interview more like a dinner party with new friends. If you spend 90% of the time talking, you won’t get invited back.
Similarly, if you don’t share anything about yourself and give short answers, no one will find you interesting & has no reason to follow up.
Similarly, if you don’t share anything about yourself and give short answers, no one will find you interesting & has no reason to follow up.
15 - If you share a bit about yourself, are curious about others' experiences, & share ideas, you’ll have some new friends by the end of the night or another interview or job offer.
16- And yes, employers should care more about your work / outcomes than your interview. Some people are bad interviewers & do incredible work. Fix longwinded-ness, so it doesn’t drown out your strengths/abilities.
17- To recap, don’t be longwinded, ask genuine questions, & do your best to make it a conversation — not a court appearance.
18- Final thought: @ramit has some great material for candidates about how to give direct, powerful answers.
