Interviews: we’ve all had them, and let’s be honest – many of us dread them. Whether you’re gunning for that long-overdue promotion, switching careers, securing a high-profile client, or even pitching your startup to investors, an interview can be the gateway to a new opportunity. They’re not just about answering questions – they’re about making an impact.
First Impressions: The Interview Battlefield
Think of an interview like meeting your partner’s parents for the first time – you’re trying to be impressive without looking like you’re trying too hard. Just like how they’ll judge you based on your handshake, choice of conversation, and whether you help clear the table, hiring managers take mere seconds to form an opinion of you. The reality? You’ve got only a brief moment to make an impression. According to research, hiring managers take an average of seven seconds to form an initial opinion of you.
What do you want that impression to be? Confident? Capable? Someone they need on their team? Walking into an interview without a clear intention is like stepping onto a football pitch without a game plan – you might get lucky, but chances are you’ll get benched.
Know Your Why: Defining the Goal of Your Interview
Before you even shake hands (or in today’s world, navigate an awkward virtual wave), ask yourself: What do I want from this? A job? A client? A business partnership? More money? Your goal shapes your approach. If you’re aiming for a leadership role, showcase decision-making skills. If it’s a sales pitch, highlight results and persuasion techniques. Keep that end goal in mind throughout the conversation.
Strategies for Maximum Impact
- The Power of Storytelling – Facts tell, but stories sell. Instead of listing your skills, weave them into a compelling narrative. Example: Instead of saying, I increased sales by 40%, say, When I joined the team, sales were stagnating. I identified new market opportunities, restructured our sales funnel, and within six months, revenue skyrocketed by 40%. A well-told story sticks.
- The STAR Method – When answering behavioural questions (Tell me about a time when…), use the Situation, Task, Action, Result framework. Example:
- Situation: Sales were down.
- Task: I needed to identify the problem.
- Action: I led a customer feedback initiative.
- Result: We revamped our process and increased conversions by 30%.
- Body Language Matters – 55% of communication is non-verbal. Avoid crossing your arms, slouching, or nervously fidgeting. Instead, maintain eye contact, use open gestures, and lean in slightly to show engagement.
- Reverse the Interview – At the end, don’t just ask generic questions like, What’s the company’s culture like? Instead, challenge them: What’s the biggest challenge your team faces right now, and how do you see me helping solve it? It makes you seem proactive and invested.
- Silence is Golden – Don’t rush to fill pauses. Confident candidates take their time. After a tricky question, pause, gather your thoughts, and respond deliberately.
Why Interviewing Skills are Your Secret Weapon
Strong interviewing skills don’t just help you land jobs – they can transform your career. Master communicators negotiate higher salaries, land dream roles, and close major deals. According to LinkedIn, 92% of recruiters say soft skills are just as important as technical ones – and interviewing is the ultimate test of those skills.
In the business world, being skilled at interviewing means you’re also great at networking, persuasion, and influence. These are the skills that turn executives into CEOs and startups into market leaders.
How DCo Can Help
At The Development Company (DCo), we turn interview anxiety into interview mastery. Whether it’s career coaching, executive training, or client pitch workshops, we equip professionals with the tools, confidence, and strategies to shine in any setting. Our expert-led coaching, real-world mock interviews, and personalised feedback ensure you leave a lasting impact – every time. Don’t leave your career to chance. Contact DCo today to elevate your interview game.
