Cracking the Code to a Successful Interview

1. Master the REAPRICH formula for interview success

REAPRICH is more than a road map; it's a science.

Results, Energy, and Attitude: Begin your interview by showcasing your top achievements with enthusiasm and a positive mindset. This sets the tone for the entire conversation and immediately differentiates you from other candidates.

Process and Relationships: Explain how you achieved your results and highlight your ability to build and maintain professional relationships. This demonstrates your problem-solving skills and interpersonal abilities.

Interview, Close, and Humanity: Take control of the interview by asking insightful questions, confidently asking for the job, and showing your human side. This well-rounded approach addresses the hiring manager's conscious and unconscious concerns.

2. Deliver a powerful results statement in 90 seconds

Results are what differentiate you from everyone else.

Prepare your pitch: Develop a concise list of 6-10 achievements that you can deliver in 90 seconds or less. Focus on quantifiable results, awards, and recognition that directly relate to the job you're seeking.

Practice delivery: Rehearse your results statement multiple times, focusing on energy and enthusiasm. Your delivery should convey confidence and passion for your accomplishments.

Examples of powerful results:

• "I was the number one salesperson for the East Coast division for e-commerce for the last three years."
• "I won the President's Award in 2014 and led two successful teams in the last year and a half."
• "I've consistently been in the top 5% of achievement over the last ten years."

3. Demonstrate your process and relationship-building skills

Understanding a person's pathway to excellence is a greater chance to create a long-lasting connection and deep relationship with them.

Explain your methods: Clearly articulate the processes you used to achieve your results. This shows the hiring manager that your success is replicable and based on solid practices.

Highlight relationships: Discuss both short-term and long-term professional relationships you've cultivated. Emphasize how these connections have contributed to your success and could benefit the potential employer.

Key areas to address:

• Collaborative skills
• Mentorship experiences (both as mentor and mentee)
• Industry connections
• Team-building abilities
• Customer or client relationships

4. Interview the interviewer with thoughtful questions

People love to talk about themselves and are moved when you care enough to listen intently.

Prepare insightful questions: Develop 4-5 questions that demonstrate your research and genuine interest in the company and position. Avoid asking about information readily available on the company website.

Examples of effective questions:

• "Tell me about some of your most successful people. What's made them great?"
• "How can I help your team? What is the best way my skills could add value?"
• "If you hired me today, what would you have me help you and your team with in the first three months?"
• "What are great things about this company that I would only hear from you and may not find in my own research?"

Listen actively: Pay close attention to the interviewer's responses, maintaining eye contact and showing genuine interest. This demonstrates your ability to engage and build rapport.

5. Close the deal by asking for the job

Many companies won't give you the job if you don't close the deal by asking for it.

Be direct: Confidently ask for the job or next steps in the hiring process. This shows initiative and genuine interest in the position.

Examples of effective closes:

• "Do you see yourself extending me an offer today before I leave?"
• "Are you recommending me for hire?"
• "Is there anything that would keep you from extending me an offer today?"
• "I've got some other opportunities I'm looking at, but I'm most excited about this company; I really hope to get an offer here."

Address concerns: If the interviewer seems hesitant, probe for any concerns or objections. Ask, "Are there any areas in my background that concern you and might be reasons why you wouldn't hire me today?" Then address those concerns directly.

6. Show humanity and build personal connections

Humanity is about connecting on a more personal level. Think of it as the cherry on top of a layer cake of connection.

Find common ground: Look for opportunities to connect on a personal level, such as shared interests or experiences. This helps create a memorable impression beyond your professional qualifications.

Be genuine: Show authentic interest in the interviewer and the company. Ask about their experiences or what they enjoy about working there.

Follow up thoughtfully: Send personalized thank-you notes to everyone involved in the interview process, highlighting specific points of connection or discussion.

7. Craft a power résumé that stands out in 6 seconds

Recruiters spend an average of just 6.25 seconds looking at a candidate's résumé before deciding whether he or she is a fit for a job.

Highlight achievements: Place your most impressive results in the first 2-4 bullet points under each job entry. Focus on quantifiable achievements and recognition.

Showcase process and relationships: Follow your results with 1-2 bullet points demonstrating your working style and key professional relationships.

Key résumé elements:

• Powerful, results-focused bullet points
• Awards and recognition prominently displayed
• Concise descriptions of processes and relationships
• Education listed at the bottom (unless highly relevant)
• Objective statement for early career or career changers

8. Navigate corporate culture to advance your career

If you want to grow or get promoted into a different department, look for ways to be useful to the people in that department.

Go above and beyond: Seek opportunities to contribute beyond your job description, especially in areas aligned with your career goals.

Build strategic relationships: Develop connections with key players in your target department or role. Offer assistance and demonstrate your value.

Maintain integrity: Avoid office gossip and maintain a professional demeanor at all times. Keep personal information private and focus on building a reputation for excellence and reliability.

Seek mentorship: Find a trusted mentor who can guide you through the complexities of corporate culture and provide valuable insights for career advancement.

9. Change careers or start fresh with strategic networking

Persistence pays off. This is the kind of thing I was referring to when I mentioned going outside the box and leaving your comfort zone.

Leverage transferable skills: Highlight successes from your current career that demonstrate valuable skills in your target industry.

Volunteer strategically: Offer your time and skills in your desired field to gain experience and build connections.

Use power networking techniques:

• Send personalized "power voicemails" highlighting your achievements and interest
• Attend industry events and seek informational interviews
• Develop relationships with gatekeepers (e.g., administrative assistants)
• Get involved in shared interests or causes with target employers

Be creatively persistent: Use thoughtful, attention-grabbing tactics to stand out, such as sending a laminated overview of your qualifications or a small, relevant gift (within appropriate limits).

Last updated: September 29, 2024