Kyle Asay’s Post

The "Fit" interview is one of the most important and ambiguous interviews to prepare for. Often these interviews are conducted by a hiring manager or someone that you may be working with. As a candidate it is important that you can convey your value to the particular team you will be (potentially) working for. Here are some tips to do so: 1.) Research the company and team you are interviewing for. What is their function within the business? What are the values/mission of the firm? And most importantly how do these values intersect with your own? 2.) Have (insightful) questions prepared about the business and team you are interviewing for. I recommend you go through the exercise of writing down an extensive list of questions from really basic to really detailed. Then pick the 5 to 10 best questions on that list on have them in your back pocket for the interview. 3.) Have a structured response to behavioral questions. It is often recommended for business students seeking an entry level position to use the STAR method for answering interview question (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Practice responses to commonly asked behavioral questions so that you can work on sounding natural. Although your response is structured you don't want it to sound robotic.

Do you tend to ramble on and get sidetracked when answering interview questions? If you do (even if occasionally), then do this... not that anymore. Many times we prepare for interview questions by anticipating the questions they could ask us, identifying the best answers and then trying to memorize them to sound like experts and impress the hiring manager. And off we go, writing and rehearsing the answers to questions like: "Tell me about yourself", "Describe a challenge you had and how you resolved it", "What are your weaknesses", etc. The challenge? When we get nervous, we tend to forget those 'rehearsed' answers. Everything in our brain gets jumbled. The worst part? When they ask us questions we did not anticipate (as great psychics as we are, we can't always pick up all questions from the universe) and then... we don't know where to start. At that point, you start rambling, mentioning anything you can and trying to get your thoughts in order, make sense and stay on topic. What happens instead: 🤔 Well, instead of impressing them, this may highlight some gaps, such as: it's challenging for us to think or react on-the-spot. Or, maybe our critical thinking skills are not as strong. How do you address this then? The answer is simple. Do this 👇 instead of that ☝ (or what you've been doing that gets you nervous) I found this to be very effective in getting my thoughts in order, in calming my nerves, and make me look and sound like an expert. To respond to any interview question, think P.A.R.A. ✳ Point: Think of one point you want to make about the topic/challenge ✳ Action: Mention an action you did about it ✳ Result: Share the result to the action -highlight the benefits ✳ Ask: Ask a question back (I'd mostly ask them "Did that answer your question?" as this helps me determine if I need to add anything to my response) Here's an example: Question: "Describe a challenge you had and how you resolved it? Response: ✳ Point: Once I was leading a project to implement pricing changes to the credit cards when the team uncover a system limitation, 2 weeks before launch, that would have charged clients incorrectly at Go Live. This would've been a regulatory issue, a poor client experience and a reputational issue (notice I added more than 1 point here to add more context of why this was a challenge) ✳ Action: I immediately gathered the team, discussed root cause, alternatives and impacts. Identified 3 options which we presented to the business, along with our recommendation ✳ Result: We successfully implemented our recommended solution and avoided a big issue ✳ Ask: Does that answer your question? Note: I simplified the answer due to char limit in the post. This will help you stay focused, organize your thoughts and sound like an expert. You can use this anywhere! What frameworks do you use? What do you think about this one? Add to the conversation. Follow me for more tips, tools & hacks on interviewing & work

My all-time favorite interview question is “the steelman” (hint: the devil is in the follow-up): “Tell me about a philosophical, social or political position that you’re personally passionate about and why.” [Candidate thinks and takes a few minutes to answer] “Thanks for sharing. For the sake of this conversation, can you try articulating the strongest argument you can against your own position?” I love this question because it gets to the heart of one of Guide’s company values: “Truth over comfort.” This represents our team’s collective desire to constantly truth-seek in the face of our own intuitions, biases or preferences. I get mixed levels of signal with this question (and I’ve stopped using it as of late) but it reliably leads to some of my favorite conversations in an interview context. Question for recruiting folks: what’s your go-to interview question to assess a candidate’s cultural fit? I’m on the lookout for inspo to improve ours :) EDIT - some people seem to be reacting strongly to this so clarifying a few things that seem to have been missed in the post: 1) as mentioned, I no longer use this question due, in part, to some of the concerns mentioned; 2) the way phrased the question above isn't how I've used it in practice, which is my mistake: it's typically phrased closer to "tell me about something you're particularly passionate about" -> I suspect the "philosophical, social or political" phrasing is what most are concerned about; 3) the path to progress in science, philosophy, education and business is thoughtful debate of ideas. That's exactly the point. We want to assess a candidate's ability to think critically across both sides of a position, and determine whether the conclusion was driven by rigorous thought and consideration. It's why needed to "show our work" to get credit for a correct answer in math class. If this isn't relevant to a startup job that requires intense problem solving and creative exploration of non-obvious ideas, I genuinely don't know what is (again, I don't still believe in or use the method above, but the goal is what folks seem to be confused about).

How to end an interview to motivate them to make a faster decision. How to answer the “Tell me about yourself” question has the highest search numbers of any other interview question on YouTube… And it’s valid. You want to have a strong congruent answer for that question that’s unique to you… But the answer isn’t what matters it’s the place it comes from. In fact, the whole vibe of how you interview is what signals the Hiring Manager to think either: “Pass”  vs. “Ok ok I’m interested” Interviewers can tune out at any point during the interview. In a one-time conversation like an interview, it ALL MATTERS. And this includes how you close the interview. A Solid way to close has 3 common features. 1. A “now” energy vibe → This is letting them know that you’re actively interviewing and while you understand they’re going through their process, this is where you subtly let them know that you will not be on the market forever and *YOU* will need to decide within the next couple of weeks. (This creates closure for you even if *they* will take months to do anything). You are not required to leave that as an open loop while actively interviewing and expecting an offer to come in soon. 2. A good question that will leave their wheels turning. --> A game changer for my clients has been: “What would blow your mind for the new hire to accomplish within the next 3-6 months of this job?” 3. A non-attachment/empathy Statement. --> I recommend “Regardless of what you decide I have enjoyed meeting you and the team particularly I liked (mention something specific only to them), I know hiring can be challenging and you’ve got a tough decision to make, I have had a blast either way” Explorative and expansive conversation during the interview draws them in and strengthens their desire for you as a candidate. But ending well motivates them and at the same time lets them know you don’t “NEED” them. 📌 Which of these 3 do you like the most? = I'm a Career Coach for intuitive smart professionals. Find my featured section for: -My upcoming Free 3-day series on the subconscious mind to land offers  -Learn More About Working With Me

How can reaching for the STAR's can help you in your next interview The S.T.A.R method is the most underrated technique for nailing interviews. Why? It’s your secret weapon for turning abstract skills into tangible results that hiring managers love. Think of it like playing Red Dead Redemption. Every mission, just like every job interview, has its challenges. But the ones who ride into the sunset victorious are the ones who come prepared with a clear plan. Here’s how STAR works in interviews: 🔹 Situation: Set the scene, much like how Arthur Morgan sizes up the land before taking action. 🔹 Task: Define the objective, just like choosing between a robbery or a rescue mission. 🔹 Action: Detail your approach, similar to when you’re using a strategy to outsmart enemies in the game. What steps did you take to achieve your goal? 🔹 Result: And lastly, highlight your success, like claiming your bounty. Show how your actions led to positive outcomes, whether that’s increased revenue, solved problems, or improved team performance. Without S.T.A.R, you’re wandering aimlessly across the interview landscape. With it, you’re leading the charge like a seasoned outlaw. If you're not using STAR, you're leaving your interview success up to chance. Do me a favor, don't do that. Ready to saddle up for your next interview? Press Start with me and I will show you how to reach for the STAR's Drop a comment and tell me how you prepare for tough interview questions!

Imagine walking into an interview, feeling nervous but ready. You’ve practiced your answers to the same old questions. “Tell me about yourself.” “What’s your biggest weakness?” “Why do you want this job?” It all feels so rehearsed. Everyone gives similar answers, and the process starts to feel pointless. Wouldn’t it be better if interviewers actually tried to get to know you? Why not skip the usual script? Instead, ask questions like, "What kind of work culture do you want?" or "What management style helps you do your best work?" or "What sort of growth within the organization would you desire?" Those are the things that matter. Think about it. If someone is interviewing, it’s obvious they’re interested in the job. Maybe they need a change. Maybe they’re excited about the opportunity. Why waste time asking why they applied? Their resume already shows their skills and experience. What matters is whether they’re the right fit for the team and whether the team is the right fit for them. At the end of the day, hiring isn’t just about finding someone with the right qualifications. It’s about finding the person who will make a real difference and is excited to do it. I saw a comment on LinkedIn that really stuck with me and got me thinking about this. Someone mentioned how interviews often feel like a checklist rather than a real conversation. It made me realize how much better the process could be if it focused on understanding people beyond their resumes. I am also aware that not all companies stick to those repetitive questions, and I want to say kudos to them for breaking away from the norm. It’s refreshing to see organizations that prioritize meaningful conversations and truly get to know their candidates.

What is your least favorite interview question? I recently watched a clip of an interview where a business owner shared his favorite interview question, and I found myself disliking it immensely! That got me thinking: what interview questions do I dislike the most? I have two that I feel strongly about. 1. "Tell me about yourself." – I dislike this one because it is extremely vague. Whatever you’re hoping for in an answer, there is a better way to ask for it. I am a big proponent of creating psychological safety in interview experiences. The number one goal of an interview is to determine if the candidate is a good fit for the role you have open AND if the candidate feels the open role is a good fit for them. Therefore, the more authentic both you and the candidate can be, the better the outcome. A vague question with absolutely no context does not lead to a successful outcome. 2. "What are your weaknesses?" – This question is all over the internet, with hundreds of sites providing tips on how to answer it with a strength. The reason to ever ask this question is simply to learn if the candidate is self-reflective and has areas they would like to improve or work on. Because this question is so popular online, it is ineffective. It would be better to ask “What is the number one thing you want to learn in the next year?” or “What is something you want to improve about yourself or within your career?”. So, what is your least favorite interview question? 😉

Top 5 Common Interview Questions & Answers (With a Twist!) Ah, interviews – where you sweat bullets while trying to look like you’ve got it all together. But don’t worry, you’re not alone in this battle! Here are the top 5 common interview questions and some not-so-typical (but totally helpful) answers, sprinkled with a bit of humor to ease the nerves. 1. "Tell me about yourself." What they really want: "Can you summarize your whole life in 2 minutes without boring me?" Human Tip: Resist the urge to start with your birth date. Instead, hit them with your professional highlights like it’s a movie trailer. Example Answer: "I’m a problem-solver with a knack for turning coffee into code, reports, or solutions – depending on the situation. I’ve spent the last few years sharpening my skills in [Industry], and now I’m ready to bring my talent (and humor) to your team!" 2. "What’s your biggest weakness?" What they really want: "Give me a flaw that’s not really a flaw." Human Tip: We all know the classic "I’m a perfectionist" is worn out. Be real but spin it with a positive twist. Example Answer: "I’m a bit of a chronic ‘yes’ person. I love taking on new challenges, but I’m learning to set boundaries – because who needs extra stress wrinkles, right?" 3. "Where do you see yourself in 5 years?" What they really want: "Please don’t say ‘in your job’ or ‘rich and retired.’" Human Tip: Show ambition, but stay grounded in reality. You don’t need to know the future, just have a direction. Example Answer: "In 5 years, I see myself leading projects where I get to blend creativity and strategy – basically, making work feel less like ‘work’ and more like doing what I love." 4. "Why should we hire you?" What they really want: "Sell yourself without sounding like a robot." Human Tip: This is your time to shine, but avoid sounding rehearsed. Be confident, not cocky. Example Answer: "You should hire me because I bring a combo of skills, enthusiasm, and the ability to get things done without losing my sense of humor – because a little laughter can make even the toughest days manageable." 5. "Do you have any questions for us?" What they really want: "Please don’t ask about salary yet." Human Tip: Use this moment to stand out by showing genuine interest in the company culture or team dynamics. Example Question: "What’s one thing you’re excited about for the company’s future, and how does this role contribute to that vision?" Final Thoughts: Interviews are like first dates – you want to impress, but also be yourself. So, throw in a bit of humor, stay authentic, and remember: they’re not just interviewing you – you’re also seeing if they’re the right fit for you! #resumewriting #linkedintips #pakaresume #upahresume #resumetips #resumewriter #interviewtips #careerdevelopment #freshgrads #entrylevel #grads #newbie #interviewquestions #howtoanswer #freshgraduates

I've asked this from 150+ college students: What job application step do you most struggle with? One topic comes up more than the rest combined: Interviewing No surprise there. Interviewing requires a lot from students: • Preparation • Composure • Communication (And much more.) So, let's help them out. In the comments, tell us: → What's your best interview tip for students? — I'll go first: → When asked a complex question (eg. behavioral), ask for a moment to prep your answer (instead of blurting out the first thing that comes to mind) "That's a great question - do you mind if I take a moment to prepare a relevant answer for you?" I've shared this with dozens of students who've been prepping for interviews. Many of them say it's been a game-changer. It's such a simple and powerful, yet underused tactic. (Maybe most students think it's not "allowed" 🙂) It lets you to gather your thoughts and: • Prepare a relevant answer • Maintain your composure • Communicate with purpose I have yet to hear a student tell me about a recruiter who viewed this negatively. Quite the opposite. A few seconds to prepare can make all the difference in your answers (and the outcome of the interview).

"The interview panel asked pretty innocuous questions. For starters, the first question was: 'Tell me something about yourself'. I told them my life story, for 10 minutes!!" Mistake no. 28 in the list of Top Mistakes People Make in their Job Search : Not being prepared for the key interview question, "Tell me about yourself" and rambling on when you are asked this. In any interview, the interviewers - more often than not - start with this innocuous-sounding question: "Tell me about yourself". Interviewers start with this for a reason. They want to start with something that is easy for you to answer. When you start by answering an easy question, you "ease" into the interview. You become more confident. It is in a way like making your bed when you get up in the morning. When you accomplish that first small task, you go on to accomplish more during the day. The same is the case with this question. It gives you an opportunity to talk about yourself, ease into the interview, gather your wits, and your voice, and start talking. This is so very simple but I see so many people failing to prepare for this. I have come across so many people who did not know where to start and more importantly, where to stop. I have had instances of people telling about themselves for a full 10 minutes - even when I had tried interrupting them - even when they knew they had only 30 minutes of interview time. So what do you do? What is a better way of handling this question? Remember: you are not expected to talk about your life history. You need to treat this as a “pitch” where you give out who you are and showcase your achievements which shows the interviewer why you are the right fit for the job. Ideally, you should cover four areas in your life: your early years, education, work experience, and your current situation. Then, flow into why your skills and accomplishments make you a great fit for this job that you are interviewing for! Ensure that you keep your complete answer to about 2 minutes. 1 minute for early years + education + work experience + current situation. 1 minute for why those skills that you have gained from all that make you a great fit for this job. Remember you are there to get that job. Not to talk about your life history. Don't ramble or elaborate about your life. Remember this is the first question. Remember there is more to come. You should have practiced this so many times that you should be able to recite this in your sleep. Remember there could be different variations of this question:    •       I have your resume in front of me but tell me more about yourself. •       Take me through your resume. •       I'd love to learn more about your journey. •       Tell me a little bit more about your background. All are the same. Your answer should also be the same. Now that you know the reason why this is asked and what to do, go ahead. Practice. Get your answer ready!! #topmistakes #jobsearch #interviewmistakes