The One Thing You Must Say in Every Job Interview to Get Hired
Over the years, I've helped thousands of job seekers land their dream roles. Today, I want to share a powerful insight that came up during a recent coaching session with one of our clients, Lizzy.
Lizzy has been diligently working on her interview prep, and she asked me a question that many job seekers wonder about: "If there was one thing I must say in my next interview, what would it be?"
My answer might surprise you, but I guarantee it will make you stand out as a must-have candidate. Let's dive in!
The Power of Moments of Accountability (MOAs)
The one thing you must say in every job interview is what I call a "Moment of Accountability" or MOA. This concept is a game-changer in the world of job interviews, and here's why:
Recruiters and hiring managers are looking for candidates who can learn, grow, and adapt. They want to see that you have the self-awareness and drive to become wiser and smarter on the job. That's where MOAs come in.
What Exactly is a Moment of Accountability?
An MOA is not about admitting you did something wrong. Instead, it's about demonstrating your ability to reflect on past experiences and identify areas for improvement. It's saying, "If I could do this situation over again, knowing what I know now, here's what I'd do differently."
This approach shows that you're:
Self-aware
Open to learning
Capable of growth
Honest with yourself and others
How to Use MOAs in Your Interviews
Behavioral questions are the perfect opportunity to showcase your MOAs. These are the open-ended questions that often start with "Tell me about a time when..." Here's how to incorporate MOAs into your answers:
Describe the situation
Explain your actions
Share the outcome
Include your MOA - what you learned and how you'd approach it differently now
For example: "When I was working with a difficult co-worker, I initially tried to avoid conflict. Looking back, I realize I should have communicated more openly from the start. If faced with a similar situation now, I'd proactively schedule a one-on-one meeting to address concerns and find common ground."
Why MOAs Are Your Secret Weapon
By including MOAs in your responses, you're showing the interviewer that:
You're not afraid to be honest about areas of improvement
You actively learn from your experiences
You're committed to personal and professional growth
This level of self-awareness and commitment to improvement makes you incredibly valuable to potential employers. It sets you apart from candidates who present themselves as flawless, which can come across as disingenuous or lacking in self-awareness.
Elevate Your Interview Game
In today's competitive job market, being good isn't enough—you need to be the must-have candidate. By strategically incorporating MOAs into your interview answers, you'll significantly boost your credibility and value in the eyes of recruiters and hiring managers.
Remember, they're not looking for perfection. They're looking for someone who can acknowledge areas for growth and demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement. That's what makes a candidate truly valuable in the long run.
Ready to Master Your Interview Skills?
If you're eager to take your interview preparation to the next level, I invite you to check out our comprehensive Interview Prep Course at workitdaily.com. We offer a free 7-day trial, giving you instant access to our course materials and weekly live Interview Sandbox sessions where I personally answer your interview questions.
And don't forget to download our free resource on the "18 Most Common Interview Questions" to kickstart your preparation!
Remember, with the right preparation and the strategic use of “Moments of Accountability,” you can walk into your next interview with confidence, knowing you have the secret sauce to stand out and land that job.
Go get ‘em!
J.T. O’Donnell
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