INTERVIEW PREP: Spinning Positive

Ever been in an interview where the line of questioning starts to focus on a skill set that you have little or no experience with? Have you ever wondered how you can turn that potential negative into a positive?

If so, read on.

There's a three step process I've developed called "Spinning Positive". If this method is utilized properly it will greatly increase your odds of advancing in the interview process.

Let's start with an example: The employer is looking for a resource with Windows, UNIX, and Linux admin. experience. Your experience with Windows and UNIX is deep but you're a little light with Linux. As the interview progresses you're asked about your Linux experience.

1. BE HONEST. When you've conducted as many interviews as I and your interviewer has, you develop the ability to sense individuals that are being less than truthful. Being less than truthful takes many forms, one being elusiveness in answering questions. Another being presenting yourself as a stronger resource than you really are. Sometimes this is a bluff or sometimes candidates "don't know what they don't know". Either way this can turn ugly with further questioning and can reveal that the "king has no clothes". When that happens you're sunk. Lastly, "I can learn it/learn anything" is the most common response and shows a lack of preparation, original thought, and respect for the interviewer's time.

Don't insult their intelligence. Being honest not only shows integrity and establishes credibility; it implies that you're someone that's earnest and can be taught, coached, led, you name it.

Let's apply to our example:
Interviewer: "What version of Linux do you have experience with"
You: "I have light experience with Linux Redhat"

2. SPIN IT. At this point we want to present ourselves as the next best thing to someone that has the skill in question. The way we do this is by showing a great interest and willingness to learn new skills and take on greater responsibility. Show confidence but be humble! We also enhance this effect by communicating to the interviewer that the opportunity represents a crucial component of your "big picture" career goals. This will endear yourself to them.

Here's an example:
You: "Although I don't have deep Linux experience, it's a part of my repertoire that I've been looking to improve upon for quite some time. My current position has enabled me to grow in many ways but unfortunately hasn't offered growth in the Linux realm. The fact that Linux is such an important part of the mix within your organization is one of the big reasons I'm so excited about being considered. I feel I can bring a lot of value to the table for (employer name) and also feel that (employer name) benefits me regarding what I'm trying to accomplish in my career. I'm excited to be considered.
Interviewer: "Great! We're very interested in dedicated people. Satisfied resources are more productive and stay with us longer"

3. TALK IT UP. Now that you've established integrity and credibility by being honest and have explained the importance of the opportunity as it pertains to your career path, you can "talk up" the experience you do have and not come off like you're full of hot air.

Back to our example:
You: "My main focus was Windows boxes but whenever our Linux resource was out or on vacation, I was the one that was primarily responsible for the Linux technologies. I've also created my own Linux box at home......"

Get the picture? Now you can brag a bit and it's okay because you've set the stage for it to be received well.

Let's put all the pieces together in our example:
Interviewer: "What versions of Linux do you have experience with?"
You: 1. (honesty) "I have light experience with Linux Redhat 2. (spin it) but I'd like to share with you that although my experience in that regard isn't deep, it is a part of my game that I've been looking to grow for quite some time. Matter of fact it's one of the reasons I've been so excited about being considered by (employer's name). I see this position as fitting with what I'm trying to accomplish in my greater career. I feel I can bring value to the table but also feel that this position brings a lot to the table for me as well so I think it could be a win/win.
Interviewer: "Great, we're looking for resources that can contribute and be excited about coming into work everyday".
You: 3. (talk it up) "Yes, liking what you do is important. I'm not my employer's Linux guru, but I am the go-to guy for those systems when our primary resource is out or on vacation. I made it clear to the team lead that if the opportunity presented itself, I'd like to take on more responsibility with our Linux technologies. I even set up a proof of concept Linux box at home to learn the ropes on my own so I'm very confident with the technology"

This technique is extremely powerful!

When I started as an IT recruiter, my boss said to me "all tech guys are liars". While he was being a bit over the top in his analysis, I quickly found out through interviewing hundreds of individuals that he was right regarding a good portion of those I spoke with.

The individuals that shot straight with me always left the best impressions and as a result got more exposure with our clientele.

Be honest, spin it, and talk it up! You'll walk away a much stronger candidate in the interviewer's eyes.

-Mike Reitz