Welcome to “Job Interview GPS”—conversation starters designed so you can reach your desired destination. Just like any journey, how you prepare (and begin) will establish your potential for success. For example, as you think about your viewpoint on the entire job interview process, how would you answer these questions:

• After exchanging pleasantries and introductions, who should speak first? Is there ever a time when the candidate takes the lead, and if so: why?
• Is it best to just answer their questions—or is there something more that top performers bring to the interview process?
• What can you say, or do, to establish yourself as the candidate of choice? What are the strongest icebreakers—choices you can make in the interview to build rapport and point towards your strengths?
• Are there certain actions in the job interview process that can make your story stand out amongst all the candidates?

In this post, I want to offer six icebreakers—six ideas for creating a connection and giving yourself every opportunity to succeed. (Take a look at the Five Step Story Process for more tips on making your narrative stand out). But first, another question for you: what do you think your interviewer really wants to know about you? Of course, you’re going to be asked a series of questions in an interview, whether it’s an online video interview or in-person. What questions do you anticipate - and what’s the real motivation for asking those questions? For example, if the interviewer asks “What’s your greatest weakness?” do they really want to know that you’re bad at technical writing and sometimes you lose your temper? Or is there a higher-level conversation that’s really going on?

1. “I’m guessing you’re wondering why I’m interested in this position”—a question that shows that you “get it.” Here, you’re already working to solve problems for your interviewer - you’re saying what’s top of mind, and the reason why you’re here. This simple introduction leads towards your interests, passion and desire for the role. Because wanting the role might be the first step towards getting it. Sharing your interest in a way that guides your interviewer towards your strengths, motivation and values is a great place to start. If you are interviewing for a management or leadership position, this kind of icebreaker shows you know how to lead a conversation. If you’re going to manage a team of 22 consultants or 16 customer service agents, doesn’t it make sense to show that you can take the lead in a simple interview conversation? I hope so. Point your interviewer towards your interest and your skills with this simple intro—and don’t be afraid to take the lead and initiative. Offer up the info you know they need to know.
2. “Let me go beyond what you see on my résumé”—Isn’t that what your interviewer wants, really? The interview is designed to show your values, not just your work experience. What is it in your past experience that showcases what you really value most of all? When I was vice president at a technology manufacturing company, our products were failing in the field. The failure rate was less than the 3% threshold (a standard in our industry) but for the people inside that percentage, the failures where a huge hassle—especially since our products were high-ticket items that went into consumers’ homes! I made a tough call - I suspended the production of the product in question until the issue could be sorted out. We lost revenues during our investigation but preserved the integrity of the brand. The sales team didn’t love my choice and customers were still upset about the failures - but ultimately the issues were corrected and operations resumed quickly. The one thing that was consistent through the process was my commitment to integrity, to our customers and to the company’s quality. That story isn’t on my LinkedIn profile, but it showcases some important values. What about you? What’s a story that’s not on your résumé—but it shows who you really are?
3. “You’re probably curious about why I was in my last job for less than two years”—If you’re like a lot of folks in the gig economy, you’ve probably moved positions recently. After all, a job search is a search—and sometimes you don’t find what you’re looking for. If you’ve got a short stint on your profile, come straight at it and speak honestly about the experience. Share what you were looking for and what was missing, always remembering this pivotal word: because. For example, it’s because of a bad breakup that I eventually met my wife. I’m not trashing an old girlfriend, laying blame on myself or her, or finding fault. I’m pointing to what put me on the path that I’m on today. Breakups happen, am I right? Maybe it’s time to say to yourself, “Thank god that’s over” and move on. Don’t sling mud on former bosses or employers (or dates)—because you’re the only one in the interview who will end up getting dirty. The difficult people in my life have made me a better person - how about you? Stop blamestorming and thank the past for making you who you are. Challenging times have helped me to achieve more because of what I experienced. How about you? I’m not a victim of circumstances—I’m writing this post because I’m more than the people and situations around me. Isn’t that true for you as well? Discuss your past with gratitude and show what you learned. Why? Because those circumstances are how you got to this interview!
4. “The one thing I value above all others is _________” —Here’s a powerful way to point out what matters most to you. In order to do this effectively, you have to understand how to tell a one-word story. Don’t you think that expressing your values would be important? Make sure that you have an example to support your ideas. Otherwise saying that you value relationships, customer service or business analytics is going to read like fake news. There’s a great example in this video of how a single word spurs an entire narrative. What’s that word for you?
5. “I’ll never forget the time when...” —This simple prompt introduces a specific story from your past. Utilized in the right way, it provides access to a memory - a place of authenticity that can be both powerful and compelling. This prompt accesses a place of empathy, especially if you’re describing an event that put you on the path that you are on today.
6. “How does the story I just shared fit for your goals for this position?” —Remember, the interview isn’t an interrogation. It’s a conversation. Have the courage to be curious: find out if your message is resonating, or if you need to retrace your steps. The last thing you want, in any interview, is to walk out of the room and not know where you stand. Don’t imagine that your stories are awesome just because your interviewer is smiling—courtesy is not commitment. A smile doesn’t mean you are closer to your dream job. Leaders aren’t afraid to solicit real-time feedback. Asking for guidance can help point your interview in the best possible direction.

The strongest job interview conversation is the one that comes from the heart. Taking someone through your resume in chronological order might be what you’ve been asked to do - but who says you can’t do (or say) more? Why not share what your interviewer really needs to know: your values, passion and insights. Let’s face it: the company is looking for someone who can provide a solution of some kind, right? Whether that solution impacts the space shuttle, customers at a pharmacy or the SAP practice at Boston Consulting Group, companies need people who can solve real problems. Don’t just say that you’re focused on finding solutions, demonstrate your commitment to a higher level of conversation. Leadership language isn’t just reserved for folks in the C-Suite. Take the lead in your career, and in your next career conversation, with a dialogue that goes beyond what everyone else is going to discuss. Show that you aren’t afraid to get real, and really innovate, with interaction that shows you are the best candidate for the job.