What Is an Interview?

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, an interview is defined as "a meeting in which someone asks you questions to see if you are suitable for a job or course." This definition aligns with the idea that, much like the biblical wisdom, "Let God be true and every man a liar" (Romans 3:4), interviews often reveal the embellishments candidates make about their qualifications.

During interviews, we tend to generalize our responses. Often, we feel compelled to present ourselves positively, leading to a tendency to stretch the truth about our roles and responsibilities. Our resumes, too, are frequently inflated. Research indicates that while about 55% of people admitted to lying on their resumes in earlier studies, that number has soared to approximately 78% as of early 2023, particularly concerning past salaries, positions, and educational qualifications.

The Role of Background Checks

In Australia, specialized firms conduct thorough background checks on job applicants. Reputable placement agencies often require comprehensive verification of work history, responsibilities, and reasons for leaving previous jobs, alongside references from at least three colleagues from the past five to ten years.

However, even with such scrutiny, candidates can still mislead during interviews. This has led to the common refrain, "But he interviewed well," often referring to underperformers who manage to charm their way into a position.

Interview Techniques in Practice

My experience at a large multinational pharmaceutical company provided valuable insights into interviewing techniques aimed at uncovering the truth. We employed a panel of interviewers to reduce personal biases, recognizing that attractiveness can unduly influence judgments.

To dig deeper into candidate responses, we utilized specific questioning techniques designed to extract detailed and truthful answers.

When candidates respond to questions, they tend to provide vague answers, omitting critical details. A humorous anecdote illustrates this: a comedian once mentioned that a friend's tragic accident involved a car running over his finger. When questioned, the friend revealed he was picking his nose at the time—highlighting how important context is in understanding situations.

For instance, if asked about a project like the launch of a new Tesla, a candidate might say, "We faced tight deadlines but managed to launch successfully." This answer lacks specificity and depth.

Employing the STAR Technique

To encourage more detailed responses, interviewers can apply the 'STAR' technique:

• Situation: Ask for background details and the interviewee's role prior to the launch. What challenges were they addressing?
• Task: Inquire about the objectives of the launch and what the candidate aimed to achieve.
• Action: Explore the specific actions the candidate took. How did they overcome challenges? What were their contributions?
• Result: Discuss the outcomes. How many attendees were there? What sales figures were achieved?

To verify the integrity of their claims, interviewers should come prepared with relevant data. For example, if a candidate states they sold 2,000 cars at a launch, the interviewer might reference conflicting sales reports to test the candidate's confidence and honesty.

Identifying the Three C's

Throughout the interview process, it's essential to assess the three 'C's': Confidence, Competence, and Credibility. The STAR technique facilitates this evaluation by prompting candidates to articulate their experiences clearly.

To enhance your interview preparation, apply this technique to your own experiences. By doing so, you'll be better equipped to handle challenging questions.

Recap and Conclusion

In summary, to effectively draw out the truth, utilize the 'STAR' technique—Situation, Task, Action, and Result. This approach not only reveals a candidate's competence and credibility but also helps address gaps between their statements and their resumes.

Learn more about these techniques and enhance your interviewing skills.

The first video explores "Police Officer Reference Interview Questions," detailing how law enforcement interviews are structured to elicit truthful responses.

The second video, "How to Become a Police Officer, 2023 Interview Questions," provides insights on effective interviewing techniques for law enforcement roles.