There are so many unknowns in an interview process. While you research the company and role, there’s no way of knowing exactly how the team at the company works together, exactly what they do, etc. However, one thing you can absolutely prepare for is understanding yourself as best as possible when you step into a job interview.
After you do your research on the company, role, and team, and know exactly where to go for the interview – take some time to dive into what makes you … you. Below are some Cloverleaf features you can dive into to understand yourself better and blow through the interview without having to pause on interview questions like “What are your strengths?” and “How do you work best?” types of questions:
Strengths
During your time with the hiring manager, don’t be afraid to dive into your strengths. By understanding your top strengths from StrengthsFinder and/or VIA you’ll be able to speak to what you bring not only to the workplace but what guides you in your everyday life. Think of an example of how your strengths have awesomely contributed to a past company or role.
For example, if maximizer is in your top strengths, you are likely strong in producing high-quality work.
personality
Think through how you would describe your personality and how this affects your day-to-day preferences and habits in a work setting. Read through your 16 Types results, and come up with examples of how your personality has best fit past jobs.
For example, if you are an ISTJ, you are likely focused more on reality than ideation, so meetings filled with concrete tasks that will contribute to the business are likely a good suit for you.
Team Player
Jot down some of the projects you are most proud of. Were those with a team or more heads down as an individual? Know what type of “team player” you are by reading through your DISC score.
For example, if you are a DC, you likely provide some future view to a group so that you can all prepare for what is to come.
values
Read through your Motivating Values results. Formulate exactly how you will describe how your values align with the job description and role.
Culture
Think about what company culture means to you. What questions do you have about the current company to ask during the job interview? How would you describe your ideal culture? Read through your Culture Pulse results. Be confident on your end and remember you are interviewing them, too!
For example, if you prefer loose organizational control, you likely would enjoy being in a company that does not have many strict, traditional processes or requirements.
Weakness
Be transparent about how you overcome stress. Formulate how you respond to the dreaded but common interview questions like “What are your biggest faults?” You may be able to answer with wisdom from your Enneagram results.
Looking at Directions of Growth and Stress is also a great way to see how you react under pressure, and also how to improve. Answer this question honestly and demonstrate your self-awareness and how you are trying to improve. This type of approach gives you a leg up during your job search and interview preparation, and can often lead to you getting the job offer you’re after.
