How to make your interview flow like a conversation

After I landed my first internship, I was ecstatic. At the time, it felt like my biggest accomplishment ever. But I was also curious:

Why did my hiring manager pick me over the other 2 candidates?

Seeking the answer to this, I asked him.

And in response, he said it was because our interview felt less like an interview, and more like a conversation.

So taking this feedback to heart, I aimed to replicate that “conversational” feeling in my future interviews.

The results? 3 other internships and a full-time job.

In this article, I’ll explain how to turn your interviews into conversations.

🦜 Topic: How To Get That Conversational Flow

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Why is this important?

The thing is, you and me, we’re early into our careers.

And because of that, we start with barely any experience.

So despite the qualifications those so-called “entry-level” roles require, it’s not as important as it seems.

Hiring managers know they’ll have to train you regardless. And since they know this, they will value personality over experience.

The best way to show off your personality in the interview, is by having a conversational flow.

Cool, so what is a conversational flow then?

Let’s use an example.

Think back to a time you were chatting with a close friend. How did you feel? Most likely you:

These 3 things combined, are what a conversational flow is.

I don’t need to tell you how to talk with your best friend, but how would you mimic this in an interview?

To do this, you must create small talk before the interview starts.

Within the first 5-10 minutes, break the ice. Ask them how their day was, or where they traveled to recently.

Basically, you want to actively listen to what the interviewer is saying and then respond to anything you find interesting.

For example, maybe they mention studying at a university you also went to, or living in a country you’re from.

Call that out!

Say, “Hey! I also studied at X or lived in Y.”

And then ask follow-up questions.

Why would you do this?

Because, unlike traditional interviews, conversational flow has no structure.

Instead of waiting for a question, you should be able to speak at any time. (Without interrupting of course.)

Making interjections will allow you to do this.

In networking, they say the more casual the environment, the stronger the connection.

This same idea works for interviews.

For most people, the goal of an interview is to secure a job offer, which isn’t wrong. But it ups the stakes and creates more pressure.

Instead, change your goal.

Focus less on impressing the interviewer and more on learning about them or the role.

Lessening the stakes will help to create a casual environment.

Closing Thoughts:

The best way to approach an interview is to not think of it as one at all.

Aim to replicate that feeling when you’re catching up with a friend, or having a coffee chat.

See you next Tuesday 🤝

-Michael Ly

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The team and I went for a little cruise!

We just completed the launch of a big project at work, so the company celebrated by hosting a yacht party.

Took this picture while we were out on the lake.

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