The Art Of The Interview Part 1: Your Guide To Landing The Job

Let’s talk about job interviews. 

If you’re like most people, just reading those two words made your palms a bit sweaty. It can feel like your entire future, stability, everything, rides on those crucial minutes when you’re in the hot seat.

Here’s a reality check: the average corporate job opening attracts 250 resumes, but only 20% of candidates will get called for an interview. Meaning, if you’ve reached the interview stage, you’re already in an elite group. Now comes the real challenge. 

“Being prepared isn’t just about having the right answers – it’s about knowing how to tell your story in a way that resonates,” explains interview expert and TaskHuman Coach Shawanna Lawrence.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to:

• Conduct a self-assessment
• Research your desired company
• Leverage networking
• Craft compelling stories about your experience

Whether you’re eyeing an internal promotion, switching companies, or stepping into your first professional role, you’ll learn strategies to help you succeed. 

The best part? These aren’t just theoretical tips – they’re tested strategies that work in real-world interviews. 

After engaging with this foundational piece, learn what separates a good interview from a great one by taking your interview preparation to the next level, and setting yourself up for long-term job satisfaction.

Let’s get started.

Before The Interview: Laying The Groundwork

You know what separates a good interview from a great one? Intention.

This means taking the time to learn about the company, what it stands for, its values, and if it aligns with your personal mission—before the interview even takes place. Taking the time to do this improves your chances of success in the interview, and helps you choose the best-fit opportunities.

Self-Assessment: The Foundation Of Interview Success

Let’s go back to before you start practicing your handshake or picking out your interview outfit. 

Coach Shawanna emphasizes a crucial action many candidates miss: “I want to find out what the client is trying to gain from interview prep. Are you looking internally? Or externally?”

This question cuts to the heart of your preparation. 

Are you clear about what you want? Because here’s the truth – if you’re not clear about your goals, the interviewer won’t be either. Take time to reflect on:

• Your career trajectory and where this role fits in
• The specific skills and experiences that make you unique
• The achievements that best demonstrate your potential

Research: Your Secret Weapon

“Research what their pain points are,” Shawanna advises when getting to know the company better ahead of time. “Talk about how you can assist with those pain points.” This isn’t just about scanning the company’s website – though that’s important too. 

Try this research checklist:

1. Study the company’s recent announcements and press releases
2. Follow their social media presence and understand their brand voice
3. Research your interviewers on LinkedIn (yes, they expect you to do this!)
4. Understand the industry trends affecting their business

Here’s a pro tip: “Do your research on the people who are on the interview panel,” says Shawanna. “Share something that you saw on LinkedIn or somewhere during the interview. Find connection points with those people.” 

This kind of preparation shows initiative and helps create genuine rapport during the interview.

The Hidden Power of Internal Networks

You have a unique advantage if you’re interviewing internally, though few people use it effectively. 

Shawanna mentions a common mistake: “Expecting the company to define your career path. Coming to HR as a starting point. Not starting with a manager.”

Instead, before your internal interview:

• Connect with colleagues in similar roles
• Understand the department’s challenges from multiple perspectives
• Build relationships with key stakeholders
• Document your contributions to cross-functional projects

Shawanna emphasizes this mindset shift: “You own, we help you map.” Moving from passive candidate to active career architect can completely transform your interview presence.

The beauty of thorough preparation is that it builds genuine confidence – not the superficial kind that fades under pressure, but the deep-seated assurance that comes from knowing you’ve done the work.

Interviewers can tell the difference.

How To Craft Your Story: The Art Of Interview Storytelling

Something that might change your entire approach to interview preparation? It’s not just about what you’ve done – it’s about how you tell it. 

Think about the last time you watched a great movie or couldn’t put down a book. What made it so compelling? The story. The same principle applies to your interview answers.

The Power Of The 3 W’s Framework

Coach Shawanna introduces a game-changing approach to structuring your responses: “Focus on the 3 W’s: What was the problem, your solution, and your outcome? Be able to do this in 2 minutes or less.”

This framework is brilliant in its simplicity. Let’s break it down with an example:

❌ Weak response: “I managed a team that improved our customer service metrics.”

✅ Strong response using the 3 W’s: “We faced a 40% customer response time lag (the problem). I implemented a new ticket routing system and trained the team on prioritization strategies (the solution). Within three months, we reduced response times by 65% and improved customer satisfaction scores by 28% (the outcome).”

See the difference? The second version tells a story that’s specific, measurable, and memorable.

Breaking Free From Robot Mode

Here’s a common scenario: candidates practice so much that they start sounding like AI chatbots. Shawanna hits this nail on the head: “Being passionate is important. Sometimes when we practice, people seem robotic even if they are prepared.”

The key is finding the sweet spot between preparation and authenticity. As with anything in life, people tend to make their first impressions within a few seconds, which have a lasting impact, so make them count and kick things off on the right foot.

Be aware, purposeful, and intentional.

Making Impact Measurable

One of the most challenging aspects of storytelling in interviews, especially for senior roles, is quantifying your impact. 

As Shawanna notes: “For managers moving up or moving up to C-Suite, being able to demonstrate how you saved the company money” is crucial.

Here’s how to quantify your achievements:

• Start tracking your wins now (don’t wait until interview prep)
• Focus on numbers: percentages, dollar amounts, time saved
• Consider both direct and indirect impact
• Include team and organizational outcomes

Pro tip: Keep a “wins” document updated monthly. When it’s time to interview, you’ll have a goldmine of specific, quantifiable achievements ready to go.

The Authenticity Factor

“Being personable. Being able to showcase your passion and excitement about the things you’ve done in a storytelling way,” Shawanna emphasizes. 

This is where many candidates miss the mark – they focus so much on what they’re saying that they forget how they’re saying it.

Remember: enthusiasm is contagious. 

When you genuinely care about what you’re discussing, interviewers are more likely to engage with your answers and remember you after the interview. Genuine enthusiasm = increased odds of receiving the job offer.

Further, your stories should feel like a natural conversation, not a rehearsed speech. Practice enough to know your key points, but leave room for authentic engagement in the moment.

Final Thoughts

Throughout this guide, we’ve reviewed foundational preparation required to nail an interview.

These are your takeaways.

1. Preparation Is Your Foundation: The interview starts long before you enter the room. As we’ve discussed, thorough preparation isn’t just about rehearsing answers – it’s about understanding yourself, the role, and the company deeply enough to have a meaningful conversation about your mutual future.
2. Your Story Matters: Remember Shawanna’s powerful 3 W’s framework:

• What was the problem?

• What was your solution?

• What was your outcome? This simple structure can transform how you present your experiences.

When it comes to successful interviews, it’s not just about getting the job; it’s about finding the right fit where you can continue to grow and contribute meaningfully.

“You own, we help you map.” Your career journey is exactly that – yours. This guide has given you the tools, but the magic happens when you put them into action.

Related Reading: Taking Your Interview Game To The Next Level & Setting Yourself Up For Job Satisfaction

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