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Interview tips/over sharing?
Posted on 6/30/16 at 5:55 pm
Posted on 6/30/16 at 5:55 pm
I have been interviewing for new positions recently. I work in nonprofit, routinely meet with a lot of people and provide counseling type services, similar to social work.
Interviews always seem to go great, but then I get a call that someone else has been selected.
During my interviews, I always answer the 'tell us about yourself' with a condensed story of why I chose a field working with people. I talk about facing hardship and not having resources and how that led me to seek a role where I can encourage other people. I keep a positive approach to everything.
Throughout the interview I give situational examples of helping people and making an impact.
Interviewers routinely say 'wow, great answer' or tell me I seem helpful and knowledgable. I always talk about working hard to achieve goals, etc.
I have had 3 interviews now where I left feeling like I had the job.
And I have gotten rejected.
Am I over sharing? Interviews usually last about 45 mins, which I think is a good length.
I usually do try to remain easygoing and relaxed. This last interview they made several jokes, I laughed, so then I made a couple of jokes, they laughed. Seemed like a great fit.
What am I doing wrong?
Interviews always seem to go great, but then I get a call that someone else has been selected.
During my interviews, I always answer the 'tell us about yourself' with a condensed story of why I chose a field working with people. I talk about facing hardship and not having resources and how that led me to seek a role where I can encourage other people. I keep a positive approach to everything.
Throughout the interview I give situational examples of helping people and making an impact.
Interviewers routinely say 'wow, great answer' or tell me I seem helpful and knowledgable. I always talk about working hard to achieve goals, etc.
I have had 3 interviews now where I left feeling like I had the job.
And I have gotten rejected.
Am I over sharing? Interviews usually last about 45 mins, which I think is a good length.
I usually do try to remain easygoing and relaxed. This last interview they made several jokes, I laughed, so then I made a couple of jokes, they laughed. Seemed like a great fit.
What am I doing wrong?
6
Posted on 6/30/16 at 6:38 pm to cfa626
quote:
What am I doing wrong?
Oversharing
quote:
'tell us about yourself'
ask them what they want to know and stick with that. Keep it concise and professional.
Posted on 6/30/16 at 7:18 pm to cfa626
Be more brief about your passion and instead discuss the value you will add if hired. With your background, explain how it's materialized into building stronger relationships that have benefited your employers that were only possible because of your unique connections (especially if you've gained the trust of clients when others without your background failed).
Posted on 6/30/16 at 7:33 pm to cfa626
Maybe you're doing nothing wrong and they just liked someone better or chose not to hire anyone. Three interviews is a very small sample size.
Posted on 6/30/16 at 9:14 pm to cfa626
Career nonprofit person here: Yes to the over sharing.....tell me about yourself answer should be brief, general. No one wants to hear your overcoming adversity rehearsed story in an interview. You should be asking more questions about the job and organization and actively listening, not making jokes and talking about yourself. Employers want to know that you will make efforts to be cooperative, productive, etc; your story and jokes may come off as egocentric/attention seeking. Don't be needy or demanding. The point of the interview is not to make them like you and laugh; point is to convince them you can do the job plus more at a mutually agreeable level of pay.
Posted on 6/30/16 at 9:35 pm to AmosMosesAndTwins
quote:
Be more brief about your passion and instead discuss the value you will add if hired
agreed...an inspiring story may be nice to hear, but at the end of the day, they are looking for the individual who can be most effective at getting the work done...
Posted on 7/1/16 at 10:48 am to hungryone
quote:
No one wants to hear your overcoming adversity rehearsed story in an interview.
Thank you to everyone for your advice.
I guess I always thought if I talk and share my story then they will realize that I'm genuine and I truly want to serve others in their times of struggle.
But I understand now that an interview is not a time to get comfortable and share things like this.
I will try to be more concise and professional in the future.
Thank you again.
Posted on 7/1/16 at 10:51 am to cfa626
Don't forget about the power of word wrap.
Posted on 7/1/16 at 1:07 pm to iknowmorethanyou
But his story fits within the realm of the position he is pursuing. It shows that he has a real understanding of those he is trying to help because he himself has lived it. That is a great skill to have in given position, and something he would want an interviewer to know.
If he were interviewing to become a meat market guy then I could understand not wanting to tell the story of overcoming obstacles in life.
If he were interviewing to become a meat market guy then I could understand not wanting to tell the story of overcoming obstacles in life.
Posted on 7/1/16 at 1:57 pm to Tigers4Lyfe
in this industry it seems like a good connector and personal anecdote to share, given the disclaimer that its actually well crafted.
focus on how you will and have created value, but a truly condensed AND connecting story about it being your passion isnt bad - it just cant be the centerpiece of the experience.
ill also echo that 3 interviews is nearly nothing. they probably simply had several qualified candidates that they connected with.
focus on how you will and have created value, but a truly condensed AND connecting story about it being your passion isnt bad - it just cant be the centerpiece of the experience.
ill also echo that 3 interviews is nearly nothing. they probably simply had several qualified candidates that they connected with.
Posted on 7/1/16 at 6:03 pm to Tigers4Lyfe
The heart warming story doesn't necessarily make him more attractive in a human relations/social services setting. The clients are the focus....identifying too closely with the clients is not always a positive. Again, if it's a counseling type position, don't talk about yourself. Talk about how your skills/knowledge helped someone else...give concrete examples of how you've acquired/honed your skills....don't tell your personal story first. Over sharing may plant seeds of doubt about your discretion and ability to separate the personal and professional.
Posted on 7/2/16 at 1:18 pm to cfa626
I interview a lot of people. Don't overshare. Keep it professional and focused on the job.
"Tell us about yourself" in my interviews means "Tell me why you're a good match for this job." Second to that it means "tell me why you're not going to give me any hassle as an employee.". For me that means someone who seems too emotional about work or having baggage is a red flag. I've had people hired who got too emotionally tied to things and blown up on the job emotionally.(or worse cried)
Look I like positive people. But I want positive like "hey look we'll figure it out and get the job done smooth". Just real grounded problem solving people. Not these folks who've seen too many TV sitcoms with those over emotional interviews. Remember most managers want to just survive their workday with minimal problems and make it home as soon as possible. No potential drama.
"Tell us about yourself" in my interviews means "Tell me why you're a good match for this job." Second to that it means "tell me why you're not going to give me any hassle as an employee.". For me that means someone who seems too emotional about work or having baggage is a red flag. I've had people hired who got too emotionally tied to things and blown up on the job emotionally.(or worse cried)
Look I like positive people. But I want positive like "hey look we'll figure it out and get the job done smooth". Just real grounded problem solving people. Not these folks who've seen too many TV sitcoms with those over emotional interviews. Remember most managers want to just survive their workday with minimal problems and make it home as soon as possible. No potential drama.
Posted on 7/3/16 at 8:40 am to BeerMoney
Don't be afraid to develop some examples of professional leadership and accomplishments that occur outside of the non profit or service related universe. I have little idea about the type of work you're interviewing for, but sometimes when someone is too focused on the customer hiring managers worry about whether you can also maintain focus on the goals of the business unit you're working in as well.
People talk all of the time about tailoring your resume to fit the job you're applying for. That gets you through the door in a lot of cases and it's good advice. But from there you don't need to forget that you need to tailor your examples, delivery and interview responses towards the same thing.
JMO
Good luck brah.
People talk all of the time about tailoring your resume to fit the job you're applying for. That gets you through the door in a lot of cases and it's good advice. But from there you don't need to forget that you need to tailor your examples, delivery and interview responses towards the same thing.
JMO
Good luck brah.
Posted on 7/3/16 at 6:46 pm to cfa626
Most use the STAR methodology in order to look for inconsistencies while viewing your resume during the interview. The Senior Manager or VP of the department will try and trap you with the "How much do you currently make" or "how much do you need to make" question because they like to see if their position they're offering you aligns correctly.
I always state the highest number in that range that applies, based on my work experience, education, and skills. Then, make sure the hiring manager knows that you're flexible. You're communicating that you know your skills are valuable, but that you want the job and are willing to negotiate. This will help set you apart from others interviewing for the same position.
Keep the "tell me a little about yourself" question short and concise, and by all means don't brag, a humble approach will win every time.
I always state the highest number in that range that applies, based on my work experience, education, and skills. Then, make sure the hiring manager knows that you're flexible. You're communicating that you know your skills are valuable, but that you want the job and are willing to negotiate. This will help set you apart from others interviewing for the same position.
Keep the "tell me a little about yourself" question short and concise, and by all means don't brag, a humble approach will win every time.
This post was edited on 7/3/16 at 6:51 pm
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