by Dan Silver
The biggest misconception about the
interview is that you are there to answer questions. Your goal, instead,
is to distinguish yourself.
To the common interview question “what’s your management style” most
interviewee’s will answer with a string of clichés: “I’m collaborative,
I give my staff room to grow, I’m a good listener, but know when to be
decisive, I’m a leader, good management starts with clear goals,” etc.
Interviewee’s recycle platitudes because they’re safe. But think about
it, who is going to describe themselves as non-collaborative
micromanagers, or rampaging dictators?
The real question: How can you reply to just about any interview
question with completely original material that distinguishes your
qualifications from the competition? Answer: Communicate through story
telling. Use SAGE (Situation, Action, Gain, Effect) stories to
illustrate the impact you have had upon previous companies. Use SAGE
stories to answer open-ended questions like, “what motivates you?,” or
“what types of employees do you find difficult to work with,” or “what
is your greatest strength?”
SAGE breakdown:
-
Situation: What were the opportunities? What were the obstacles?
-
Action: How did you manage resources? Budget, staff, client, technology, product, deadline, that made this assignment interesting or unique.
-
Gain: What was gained upon the completion of this project? Sales, productivity, savings, profitability, innovation.
-
Effect: Where the long term company benefits? What did you learn?
SAGE stories
transport the interviewer out of the mere content of the conversation to
the visceral and emotional experiences that make up your talents. This
weaves texture, flavor, and nuance into their opinion of how you would
fit within their organization. Your demonstrated experiences will become
a reliable framework for answering just about any interview question
with clarity and confidence. Such self-assurance will soar you above the
competition, who are most likely utilizing the very clichés you have
left behind.
How does one build a repertoire of SAGE stories? Make use of
interview questions to map your past. Choose 25 questions and answer
them in the SAGE format. This will take time and effort, but the rewards
will be enormous. Simply put, your ability to articulate impact through
compelling stories will dramatically boost your chances of being hired.
Dan Silver is the Director of Leadership Development at Team Builders Plus, in Cherry Hill, NJ. With over ten years experience coaching more than 1000 executives from widely diverse backgrounds, Dan specializes in innovative approaches to interviewing, networking, and executing diverse campaign strategies. Dan conducts training programs and coaching sessions to help people both better navigate their careers within their current organization and find a best-fit job for those in career transition. To learn more about the Career Development services offered by Team Builders Plus email Dan Silver or call 856.596.4196 ext. 207.
- 360-Degree Feedback
- DISC Behavioral Styles
- Leadership Training
- Performance Coaching
- Career Development
© 2008 Team Builders
Plus, Inc.
Please send questions, suggestions or comments to
info@teambuildersplus.com.