Interview Tip #1: Deploy key messages, not scripted answers

In today’s tough job market, intentional interview prep has never been more important. After your stellar resume lands you an interview, you still need to deliver a great interview to secure the job offer. 

I recently completed several trainings from the newly launched Interview Institute, hosted by the Professional Association of Résumé Writers and Career Coaches. In a series of posts here, I’ll be sharing tips from those trainings, along with insights I’ve gained from years of interviewing candidates and enabling clients to perform at their best in high-stakes interviews. Let’s get started!

There are as many approaches to interviews as there are people. Many people write out answers to anticipated interview questions in advance. Writing out and rehearsing scripted answers can be a very time-intensive and ineffective approach. It can also leave you poorly prepared to handle unexpected questions.

Performing well isn’t about prefabricating and regurgitating perfect answers to every potential interview question. It’s about responding to questions in ways that reinforce your unique qualifications for the job. Similar to a media interview, you use every question as a chance to share what you most want to highlight.

When I coach clients on preparing for interviews, I encourage them to go beyond the perceived safety of scripted answers to focus on their key messages. What are the crucial selling points about your candidacy that you need to convey? What needs does the employer have that you can deliver? What qualities set you apart from other impressive candidates?

When you hone your key messages and learn them by heart, you will know what examples will be powerful to share—precisely because they illustrate and reinforce your key messages. You’ll give answers that resonate with your potential employer, no matter what questions they lob at you. By focusing on key messages, you can reduce the anxiety that may come with feeling like you have to anticipate and prepare for every interview question.