I was talking with ipreferpi (whose username I just realized is a palindrome... I know, I'm slow) yesterday about interviewing techniques. He is a fan of turning every question in to a question. Perhaps he can elaborate here.

I would suggest reading the post I made on mirroring and paraphrasing. Beyond that I always ensure that I answered their question by asking them, "did that answer your question?" -Silly, I know, but it's effective.

I am always interviewing for sales jobs so I have to show that I'm a good communicator and that I'm able to gather information. I will come with a list of questions and if they're answered during the course of conversation, I'll cross them off my list. Then at the end I can say, "during the course of our discussion we've answered many of the questions I had. Thank you for that. However, I still have some questions regarding the position. How are you doing for time?" -A time check shows thoughtfulness and is something less mature candidates will often not do.

Be confident. MOST OF ALL BE PASSIONATE. No person in the position of hiring has ever said to themselves, "gee, I liked that candidate but they were just too passionate about what they do."

Use the quote, "A rising tide lifts all boats" and say that you've consistently been that tide in your life. BUT then you must have examples you can quickly reference when your positive actions have lifted up those around you. -Ideally in a professional or team setting. If you can, have some other quotes in your mental pocket. I will often throw out, "Abraham Lincoln famously said, 'give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening my axe.'" Then tell them how you always succeed because you work harder than your competition. You are constantly sharpening your axe. When others are goofing off, you are preparing. You find joy in action.

Bonus Points: What's the best way to answer the question, "What's your biggest weakness?"

-The wrong thing to do is to say you have no weaknesses or that "I work too hard." or "I just care too much about my career/goals." -Don't bullshit. When I get asked this question I say, "Thankfully, I've done a lot of self-reflection over the years because it's the only way you can grow personally and professionally. I expected to be asked this question and while a lot of people are afraid to answer it, I welcome it. My weaknesses are within my control to turn in to strengths. That said, to answer your question, I cannot stand busy work. If there is something clerical in nature I will put it off for as long as I can before completing it. I will always complete it, you can rest assured of that, but I will not enjoy doing so. But I know this about myself and have worked hard to overcome it." -Something like that.

Key take away regarding the weakness question is to say that you have some. Maybe even say you have many and that you love actively turning them in to strengths. -Better have some examples of this though.

One more tip, almost all major companies and agencies use the [STAR](xhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Situation,_Task,_Action,_Result) (Situation, Task, Action, Result) behavioral interviewing method in one way or another.

Be prepared to have examples of challenges you've overcome. Also, times you've succeeded at something and times you've failed. Why did you succeed and why did you fail?

I always tell every interviewer that after each meeting i have professionally, I go back out to my car and write down three things I did well and three things I would have improved upon. -You can borrow that too. -It's actually just solid advice for anyone to do.

Good luck! You're a badass and they will be lucky to have you. Remember that. Be confident and not cocky.... but definitely be confident.

Go get 'em!