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To stand out in interviewsu2014particularly for senior or leadership rolesu2014being specific is essential. Rather than relying on broad statements, highlight the exact aspects of working with people that you excel at or find most rewarding. This clarity not only demonstrates self-awareness but also makes your leadership strengths more memorable.
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“I’M A PEOPLE PERSON” WON’T CUT IT IN INTERVIEWS
If you’re preparing for an interview and planning to say, “I’m a people person” or “I enjoy working with people,” here’s a gentle nudge: please don’t. This phrase has become the verbal equivalent of white noise in interviews- vague, overused, and unmemorable. As someone who offers senior level interview coaching, I hear it all the time. But what does it actually convey? Not much. In reality, most professional roles- teaching, medicine, customer service, sales, HR, training, consulting, media, banking- require interaction with people. Saying you like working with people is akin to saying you like breathing air. It’s assumed. If you really want to make an impression in interviews, especially at senior or leadership levels, specificity is your friend. Instead of leaning on generalities, zoom in on what aspects of people-work you excel at or enjoy most.
FOR EXAMPLE: “I enjoy building consensus across cross-functional teams to deliver strategic outcomes.” “I thrive in roles where I can mentor and grow team members while aligning them to larger organizational goals.” “My strength lies in stakeholder engagement- especially navigating conflicting perspectives to drive clarity and collaboration.” This shift from generic to concrete immediately elevates your response. It signals thoughtfulness, emotional intelligence, and a clear understanding of your value. (note: follow through with actual examples, not just statements) In interview coaching, we often say: Don’t tell them you’re great (with people). Show them how. Your interview is your opportunity to paint a vivid picture, not recite a tired line.