Read Your Partner's Steps
Watch a master dancer at work, and you'll notice something peculiar – their eyes rarely drop to their feet. Instead, they're focused on their partner, reading micro-adjustments in posture, anticipating directional changes, feeling the subtle pressure that telegraphs the next move. Much like this intricate dance, a successful interview isn't about memorized steps or rehearsed routines – it's about mastering the art of reading and responding to your partner.
The three questions a hiring manager needs answered
Every hiring manager steps into the interview with three unspoken questions dancing in their mind. These generally won’t be explicitly asked, and it’s your job intuitively understand and address these hidden concerns:
"Can I promote this person in two to three years?" —They're looking for someone who brings their own energy to the performance, someone who shows potential for more complex choreography down the line. Your responses should demonstrate not just current capabilities, but future potential.
"Will they be responsive to guidance?" — No one steps onto the dance floor as a master. Show them you're ready to learn, adapt, and grow. Share stories about times you've incorporated feedback to improve your performance. Show that you’re coachable.
"Do I actually want to spend 40 hours a week with this person?" —Technical skill matters, but partnership requires chemistry. Let your authentic personality shine through – after all, even the most technically precise dancer can be boring to watch if they don't bring any character to their performance.
Learning the Basic Steps
Your opening number – the "tell me about yourself" question – sets the tone for the entire performance. Try this four-count approach:
Your destination (the results you want)
Your journey (relevant experience/circumstances that brought you to this point)
Your current moves (the professional actions you’re taking)
Your off-stage personality (the personal actions you’re taking)
Keep it concise – think of it as a preview of your best moves. An example might sound like:
I desire to use my design and communication skills to aid in the promotion of a non-profit organization that works with poverty-stricken populations (RESULTS). I studied Civil Services at Wisconsin University where I took classes in policy-making, sociology, and even had an internship in Chicago working with an inner-city youth organization (CIRCUMSTANCES). Since graduating, I’ve been pursuing full-time work in the non-profit sector, and have also gotten involved in a grassroots organization looking to shape policy. at a municipal level in small towns around the state (ACTIONS pt. I). When I’m not doing that, I play catcher in a recreational softball league and like to read mystery novels (ACTIONS pt. II).
The Art of Leading and Following
Every great dance requires both partners to lead at different moments. In an interview, knowing when to take the lead and when to follow is crucial. When sharing your experiences, lead with confidence. When the interviewer asks questions, follow their direction while adding your own style to the performance.
Think of your responses as dance combinations – they should flow naturally while highlighting your strengths. The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) isn't just a formula; it's a choreographed sequence that tells a compelling story.
When You Stumble
Even the most accomplished dancers occasionally miss a step. The difference between professionals and amateurs isn't in avoiding mistakes – it's in how gracefully they recover. If you need a moment to think:
Ask for clarification about the question. Example: I’m sorry, could you please clarify that question, or frame it a different way?
Reflect the question back to ensure understanding. Example: I’m hearing you ask about x, are you also asking about y and z?
Take a breath and scan your mental repertoire Example: (Breathe in, scan your resume, breathe out)
If you absolutely have lost your place, simply say so, offer something relevant, and ask to come back later. Example: I’m sorry, I don’t know why I’m having trouble understanding this. I’m happy to talk about some of the ways I do [relevant activity]. If I’m not answering your question directly, could we come back to it in a bit?
The Grand Finale
As the interview winds down, you'll hear the familiar "Do you have any questions for me?" This isn't the end of the dance – it's your solo opportunity to shine. Ask questions that show you've been an attentive partner:
"What does success look like in this role's first year?"
"How does this position contribute to the company's larger performance?"
"What challenges is the team currently facing that this role could help address?"
“Tell me more about the last person who held this role".”
The Next Steps
Like any craft, interviewing is an art that improves with conscious practice and reflection. Each interview is a chance to refine your technique, read your partner more effectively, and move with greater confidence.
The Next Steps
Think about your last interview – what "dance moves" did you miss? Where could you have better read your partner's cues?
How comfortable are you with taking the lead in professional conversations? What holds you back from showing your full capabilities?
Ready to elevate your interview performance from amateur to artiste? Our comprehensive ebook: There’s No Perfect Job offers deep-dive techniques for mastering the subtle art of professional presentation. With detailed examples, expert insights, and practical exercises, you'll learn to navigate any interview with the grace of a seasoned performer.