Have you ever been on a job interview and the interviewer starts talking about themselves? It’s happened to many of us. These “self-disclosures” can make you feel uncomfortable. In these stories, there often clues to the interviewers expectations of you as a job candidate.
Counselors can use self-disclosure to assist clients to better understand their presenting issue and even to provide reassurance. I have often shared personal experiences or information with clients to help create a greater connection and build the relationship. Whether in counseling or an interview, the timing of the self-disclosure can help establish its purpose.
Before the Interview: Create RapportÂ
Have you ever felt completely calm but had uncontrollable perspiration during an interview? It is possible to appear scared to the interviewer without meaning to. So an interviewer sharing a personal story can be one way to create rapport and help you relax for the interview.
During the Interview: Foreshadow the Type of Information They Want
Before you answer a question, the interviewer may share a personal story to give you clues to the type of information they are seeking. For example, situational interviews provide you with an opportunity to share how you would respond or act in a certain situation. If an interviewer shares a story with you, you should listen for behaviors, actions, or decision making strategies they imparted in the past. This will clue you to what content you should utilize in your response.
After the Interview: As Feedback on Your Question Response(s)
Behavioral interviews allow job candidates to demonstrate competency for a particular role. More specifically, interviewers are looking for how past performance may influence future behavior. These can be the most challenging as they require a high level of self-knowledge. When an interviewer shares their story with you after your response, consider it feedback. They may be giving you clues about what to do in answering future questions.
The key to recognizing the above clues will be your own interview preparation. You can consult with a career counselor to review your interview experience to learn more tips and strategies for future success.
If you have a career question, feel free to send it to me by email at career_planning at hotmail dot com.
Tristana
