Millionaire says 90% of your success boils down to this skill—and ‘young people are terrible at it’
Before I retire early at 35, I have spent 14 years working in the technology field. In my senior management positions, I have interviewed more than 100 candidates. A surprising number of them didn’t even make it to the second round.
But being good interview It’s not just about landing jobs. Knowing how to develop relationships with people is important in so many aspects of your professional life, such as navigating relationships, solving problems, finding clients, public speakingand negotiate salary and raise.
Based on my experience, 90% of your initial success stems from your ability in nail job interviews. Unfortunately, most young people are terrible.
Here are my five rules for getting it right:
1. There is no such thing as overdressing.
I’ve seen people come to interviews in t-shirts and jeans while I’m wearing a button-down shirt. Even if they qualify in other ways, it shows poor judgment and lack of consideration.
I never think less of a candidate because they are overdressed. If you’re not sure how professional your attire should be, ask your human resources contact about the work dress code.
Carrying a notebook and pen will also help you look prepared and organized.
2. Be honest about where you can improve.
When a job interviewer asks about you biggest weaknessWhat they really measure is your level of self-awareness and problem-solving skills.
The best way to answer is to be honest about the points you’re having trouble with and what you’ve done so far to improve.
Example: “I tend to rush to finish projects and sometimes miss small details, so I started moving at a more steady pace and consulted with other team members. group.”
3. Emphasize unique problem-solving skills.
Two interview questions I always ask:
- Tell me about a time you solved a common problem using a unique solution.
- Describe a time when you failed. How do you manage the situation?
A lot of people get stuck in these things because they don’t want to talk about their mistakes.
But I don’t worry about them getting it wrong; Failure makes us better. I’m more interested in how they evaluate failure and then fix it, as well as how they will do the same on my team.
4. Always ask at least two questions.
Never pass up an opportunity to ask questions at the end of the interview. I’ve hired people because they ask deeper questions than bail at the earliest opportunity.
The best questions show that you want to be of immediate value to the team and that you have a growth mindset.
A few examples:
- What is a challenge you often face in your job?
- What are the most urgent projects that need attention?
- Will there be opportunities for stretches where I can learn and use new skills?
- Does the company provide training programs for employees?
5. Bring compelling stories with you.
One of the best signs that someone is a good fit for my team is their ability to tell stories.
What is your most memorable work experience? Maybe it was an unexpected incident that got you a client. Or how you use humor to save your company from embarrassment. The best stories are engaging, unforgettable, and arouse some kind of emotion.
Having a good story also makes the interview process more interesting and engaging for everyone in the room.
Steve Adcock is a personal and career finance professional who blog on how to achieve financial success and independence. A former software developer, he retired early at the age of 35. Follow Steve on Twitter @SteveOnSpeed.
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