You're ready to talk about your qualifications for the job with a new connection that wants to meet you as they consider a new role---you came highly recommended.
But, in the conversation questions seem to come out of the blue and did not match what you've been preparing for. They are more interested in understanding the way
you think as a leader vs. asking about qualifications.
Can you PIVOT to a position of leadership ---what you know how to do well when you're in command?
Be prepared to demonstrate your leadership in the interview instead of just checking the boxes that match qualifications.
You can Call Some of the Shots in an Interview to show how you'll perform for the company...
When you lead the navigation during the interview, the hiring executive will determine that you'll do the same on the company's behalf when you are in the position you're
interviewing for.
Demonstrating Leadership in Real Time
A candidate who listens carefully before answering, who tactfully corrects a faulty assumption in a question, or who asks for clarification rather than guessing at intent is already demonstrating leadership
value in real time.
For example,
leaders want to know the context in any scenario before making a costly decision, so it makes sense to lead your response in the same way.
They are not afraid to get clarity on an interview question and may say this before responding: "Before I answer, I would like to understand what prompted that question for context. Then, I can share a strategy or recommendation for a next step."
Communicators that lead don't always comply with an expected response. They offer an alternative perspective based on their experience---a different frame such as this: "That's one way to look at it; in my experience the constraint was actually on the people side,
not the process side". This statement may be the clue for independent thinking and the confidence to advocate a new perspective --- a clear signal to the hiring manager that their candidate has the backbone they need.
Hiring managers who want leaders don't want someone who will tell them what they want to hear. They want someone who will demonstrate, inside of an interview, that will interject a unique perspective on how
they would evaluate and execute.
Are you willing to take a position on how you lead?
When we work together, the goal is "job offers".
Our work together is a partnership that puts you in a position of entertaining multiple job offers.
You'll have a system to reconnect and meet more connections that build your network, communicates your value and positions you to attract the right new opportunities.
Your career communication means you'll navigate
complex dialogues that open doors to a faster career trajectory.
