In a recent Tech Coach session hosted by the NTC, Ebony Butler, a speaker and business coach at Leadershift Focused Solutions, shared invaluable game-changing techniques to confidently navigate interviews and overcome the often-unintentional hurdle of recency bias.
As a seasoned hiring manager, Ebony provided insights from the other side of the table, offering strategies to ensure you leave a memorable impression, regardless of where you fall in the interview lineup. Let’s dive into the key takeaways from this insightful session.
Defining “Recency Bias”:
Recency bias is a common phenomenon where recent information is weighed more heavily than earlier data, leading to potentially skewed or unfair evaluations during interviewing. Hiring managers, even with good intentions, can unintentionally favor the latest candidates simply because their interactions are the freshest in their minds. This means that even if you had a stellar interview early on, your impact might fade as more candidates are interviewed. Therefore, it’s crucial to employ techniques that ensure you remain memorable throughout the entire hiring process.
Key Techniques to Stand Out:
Ebony outlined several key strategies to differentiate yourself and combat recency bias:
1. Show confidence and personality by letting your natural self come through. Confidence and authenticity make you more relatable and memorable.
2. Refer to interviewers by name throughout the conversation. Using names builds connection and shows you’re present and engaged.
3. Incorporate language that’ll perk the interviewer’s ear. Use words that align with the role, company values, or industry buzz to show you’re dialed in.
4. Tie your strengths and personal story to your passion. Personal stories stick far longer than generic answers. Painting a picture of who you are and what you bring is crucial.
5. Ask thoughtful questions. Curious questions show that you’ve done your homework and that you’re seriously interested in the role.
6. End with a memorable, impactful closing statement. Close strong, leaving them with a powerful final impression that sums up your value.
Preparing with the Recruiter: Setting Yourself Up for SuccessEven before meeting the hiring manager, your interaction with the recruiter is crucial. Ask insightful questions to prepare for the next level of discussion.
• Understand the interview process: “Can you talk to me about the process? Who else might I meet throughout this experience?” This helps you understand who you will be speaking with and potentially what their priorities might be.
• Understand the dynamics of the team and the personality of the leader: These questions are game-changers that impress recruiters and provide valuable context for your subsequent interviews
Meeting the Hiring Manager: What They Truly Care About
When you meet with the hiring manager, they are looking for more than just skills:
• Personality: Is this someone pleasant to work with?
• Problem-Solving Abilities: Are you solution-focused? Understand the challenges of the team and organization.
• Credibility: Can you clearly articulate what you did and how you did it? Use the STAR method to structure your responses
The Power of Presence: The Three V’s of Credibility:
Credibility isn’t just about what you say, but also how you say it and how you present yourself:
• Verbal (7%): The words you say
• Vocal (38%): How you deliver words (tone, pace)
• Visual (55%): How you look (body language, eye contact), even virtually. Focus on vocal and visual to enhance the impact of your verbal communication.
While we often focus heavily on the verbal, the vocal and visual aspects significantly impact how credible and trustworthy you appear. Even in virtual interviews, your visual presence matters.
Mastering Storytelling: The STAR Method:
The STAR method is a structured way to respond to behavioral interview questions, allowing you to tell a compelling story:
• Situation (S): Clearly describe the context of the situation.
• Task (T): Explain your responsibilities in that situation.
• Actions (A): Detail the specific actions you took (focus on your actions).
• Results (R): Outline the outcomes of your actions and, importantly, what you learned from the experience.
By focusing on your authentic self, connecting your experiences with your passion, understanding the interviewer’s priorities, and utilizing structured storytelling, you can significantly increase your chances of interview success and overcome recency bias.