When Being Interviewed Tell Your Greatest Story

Years ago when I was first building my business, I used to reveal way too much. The more insecure I felt, the more I would blabber on. This need to be heard was just one of the self-protections that had become part of my identity.  I was a performer, and unconsciously I viewed everyone as my audience.  I was convinced that if I could entertain them, I would win their approval, and thus their business. 

On my second date with my husband Steven, he interrupted me as I was regaling him with stories about my college years. He asked, ‘‘will the real Robin Fisher please stand up?’’ I felt exposed, unsure of what to do next.  Only moments earlier I’d felt confident and charming.  

This experience was a turning point in my life.  

With Steven’s support, I slowly began to unpeel my performer layer and disciplined myself to ask questions and listen to the answers.  The more present I was with Steven, with my clients and my friends, the deeper the connections I was able to make.  Through this transformation, I learned that I didn’t need to perform to be loved or valued.  

I have interviewed dozens of unedited people for positions at my company who describe in intimate detail their failed relationships, weaknesses and flaws.  They are desperately seeking approval.  What they are really saying is, ‘‘Hey this is absolutely the most hideous I can be. If you can accept it, we can work together.’’  

On the other hand, I have interviewed people who are so overly self-conscious that they appear guarded.  I end up thinking, “what are they hiding?”  There has to be a balance.  So when trying to make a great first impression, it’s important to show yourself honestly the first time. 

Here’s how to use personal brand strategies to make a positive first impression in situations where you are being interviewed, you’re auditioning, trying to win business or get promoted:

Do a 180-degree turn and stand in the shoes of the interviewer
They want to know why you are the right person to solve their problems, and what proof you have that you can actually make their life easier and better their company’s performance.  

Share what you have going for you instead of what you’re missing
There’s no need to blurt out your list of wounds and weaknesses because you think that revealing them will somehow make others understand you. True alliances cannot be formed through manipulation or by soliciting sympathy. 

Tell your greatest story (not the whole story)
If you want to shape or change perception, talk about how you triumphed in a difficult situation — what goals you set and met, how you turned things around, the ways you personally made a difference.  Believe in yourself and you’ll make a believer of others.

Ask smart questions and practice active listening to get the answers
Being curious is a sign of intelligence.  Come armed with a list of questions that will spark a deeper conversation. Weave in your knowledge of the company and the person whose interviewing you to demonstrate that you’re truly interested in their business.  

Robin Fisher Roffer is a leading brand strategist and reinvention specialist. Founder and CEO of Big Fish Marketing, she is the author of Make A Name For Yourself: 8 Steps Every Woman Needs To Create A Personal Brand Strategy For Success, The Fearless Fish Out Of Water: How To Succeed When You’re The Only One Like You and Reinventing Yourself: 10 Steps To Shifting Your Career Into High Gear. Learn more about Robin at Big Fish Marketing and her Reinvent Yourself! Workshops at http://relevanceinstitute.com/