How to Interview for a Job You Really Want

"I KNOW I can do that job, but interviewing can be so stressful!"

As a career coach, I hear this from accomplished women preparing for interviews. The challenge isn't about capabilities - it's about conveying your expertise authentically.

According to recent research from the Harvard Negotiation Project¹, professionals who focus on authentic value communication are 64% more likely to receive offers aligned with their goals.

Here's how to approach interviews with genuine confidence:

Lead with Your Value Story

The most successful interviews aren't performances - they're authentic conversations about value alignment. Research from the Journal of Professional Development² shows that candidates who share concrete examples of their impact are twice as likely to be remembered positively after interviews.

Try this approach:

• Connect your experience to their needs

• Share specific examples of your impact

• Highlight your unique problem-solving style

• Focus on value creation, not just task completion

Ask Strategic Questions

A Yale School of Management study³ found that candidates who ask insightful questions about growth opportunities and impact are rated 57% higher by interviewers. This isn't just about impressing the interviewer - it's about ensuring the role truly aligns with your goals.

Questions that reveal authentic fit:

• How does this role contribute to larger objectives?

• What defines success in this position?

• How does the team approach professional development?

• Where do you see opportunities for impact?

Demonstrate Growth Mindset

Share not just what you've accomplished, but what you've learned. Research shows that candidates who demonstrate self-awareness and continuous learning are rated as having higher leadership potential.

Examples to highlight:

• Lessons from challenges overcome

• How you've evolved professionally

• Skills you're currently developing

• Future growth aspirations

Interviewing can feel like a performance, leaving many accomplished women wondering how to be professional and authentic. You can do both. Our clients see a 188% increase in interview confidence using these authentic approaches. Why? Because successful interviewing isn't about memorizing perfect answers - it's about having authentic conversations that demonstrate your real value and potential.

Let’s keep growing! 🌱

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About the Author

Dr. Erica Walls is a Women's Leadership & Career Strategist who helps professional women over 40 achieve authentic success—alignment between who you are, the work you do, and how you show up. Ready to advance your career? Explore coaching programs | Book a consultation | Connect on LinkedIn

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¹Harvard Negotiation Project, "Authentic Communication in Professional Settings," 2024

²Journal of Professional Development, "Interview Success Factors," 2023 

³Yale School of Management, "Effective Interview Strategies," 2024