Get Results Fast: Your Motivational Interviewing Cheat Sheet

Job interviews can be a daunting experience, especially when you're competing with other candidates for the same position. How can you stand out from the crowd and show the interviewer that you're the best candidate for the job? That's where motivational interviewing techniques can help.

Motivational interviewing is a counseling approach that can be applied to a wide range of settings, including job interviews. By using a client-centered, empathic approach, job seekers can build rapport with the interviewer, demonstrate their motivation and drive, and address concerns about job fit. Our Motivational Interviewing Cheat Sheet provides a quick and easy guide to the core principles and techniques of motivational interviewing that can help you succeed in your next job interview.

In this blog post, we'll walk you through the key concepts and techniques of motivational interviewing for job interviews, including building rapport, eliciting and responding to change talk, and supporting self-efficacy. We'll also provide examples of how to use motivational interviewing techniques in real-life job interview scenarios, as well as additional resources for learning more about this powerful approach.

By the end of this post, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of motivational interviewing for job interviews and the tools you need to succeed in your next interview. Whether you're a seasoned job seeker or just starting out in your career, our cheat sheet will help you achieve better results and make a real difference in your job search.

Motivational Interviewing Techniques for Job Interviews

Motivational interviewing is a powerful approach that can help job seekers stand out in their next interview. By using a client-centered, empathic approach, job seekers can build rapport with the interviewer, demonstrate their motivation and drive, and address concerns about job fit.

In this section, we'll discuss the key techniques for using motivational interviewing in job interviews, including how to ask open-ended questions, use reflective listening, and provide affirmations. We'll also cover how to use these techniques to elicit and respond to change talk, which can help job seekers demonstrate their motivation and commitment to the position.

Asking Open-Ended Questions

Asking open-ended questions is a key technique of motivational interviewing that can help job seekers demonstrate their interest in the position and the company. Open-ended questions are questions that cannot be answered with a simple "yes" or "no" and require the interviewee to provide more detailed and meaningful answers.

For example, instead of asking, "Do you have any experience in sales?" a job seeker might ask, "Can you tell me more about the sales process at your company?" This type of question not only shows the interviewer that the job seeker is interested in the position but also allows the job seeker to learn more about the company and the job requirements.

Reflective Listening

Reflective listening is a technique that involves paraphrasing what the interviewer has said to show that the job seeker is actively listening and engaged in the conversation. This technique can help build rapport with the interviewer and show that the job seeker is interested in what the interviewer has to say.

For example, if the interviewer says, "Our company is looking for someone who can work independently," the job seeker might respond, "So, you're looking for someone who can take initiative and work on their own?" This type of reflective response not only shows that the job seeker is listening but also helps to clarify the interviewer's needs and requirements.

Providing Affirmations

Providing affirmations is a technique that involves providing positive feedback to the interviewer. This technique can help build rapport and demonstrate the job seeker's enthusiasm and interest in the position.

For example, if the interviewer describes the company's mission and values, the job seeker might respond by saying, "I really admire the company's commitment to social responsibility. It's inspiring to see a company that truly cares about making a difference in the world." This type of affirmation not only shows that the job seeker is enthusiastic about the company but also demonstrates that they share the company's values.

Eliciting and Responding to Change Talk

Eliciting and responding to change talk is a key technique of motivational interviewing that can help job seekers demonstrate their motivation and commitment to the position. Change talk refers to statements or questions that show a desire or willingness to make a change.

For example, if the interviewer asks, "Why are you interested in this position?" the job seeker might respond by saying, "I've always been interested in this industry, and I feel like this position would be a great opportunity to learn and grow." This type of response not only shows the interviewer that the job seeker is motivated but also demonstrates a willingness to learn and improve.

Overall, using motivational interviewing techniques in job interviews can help job seekers stand out and demonstrate their motivation and commitment to the position. By using open-ended questions, reflective listening, affirmations, and change talk, job seekers can build rapport with the interviewer, demonstrate their enthusiasm for the position, and address concerns about job fit.

The Core Principles of Motivational Interviewing for Job Interviews

Motivational interviewing is a client-centered, empathic approach that can help job seekers build rapport with the interviewer and demonstrate their motivation and commitment to the position. The core principles of motivational interviewing for job interviews include building rapport with the interviewer, eliciting and responding to change talk, and supporting self-efficacy.

Building Rapport with the Interviewer

Building rapport with the interviewer is a crucial first step in using motivational interviewing techniques in job interviews. Rapport refers to the sense of connection and trust that is established between the interviewer and the job seeker. By building rapport, job seekers can help the interviewer feel more comfortable and open to sharing information about the position and the company.

One way to build rapport is to use reflective listening, as discussed in the previous section. Another way is to ask open-ended questions that show a genuine interest in the company and the job requirements. Additionally, job seekers can use nonverbal cues, such as eye contact and body language, to demonstrate their engagement and interest in the conversation.

Eliciting and Responding to Change Talk

Eliciting and responding to change talk is a key technique of motivational interviewing that can help job seekers demonstrate their motivation and commitment to the position. Change talk refers to statements or questions that show a desire or willingness to make a change. For job seekers, change talk might involve expressing an interest in learning new skills, taking on new challenges, or making a positive impact in the company.

One way to elicit change talk is to ask questions that prompt the interviewer to think about the future. For example, a job seeker might ask, "What kind of impact do you see this position having on the company in the next 5 years?" This type of question not only shows the interviewer that the job seeker is thinking about the future but also provides an opportunity for the job seeker to demonstrate their own vision and commitment to the position.

Supporting Self-Efficacy

Supporting self-efficacy is a core principle of motivational interviewing that involves helping the job seeker feel confident in their ability to perform the job requirements. This can be especially important for job seekers who may feel unqualified or inexperienced in certain areas.

One way to support self-efficacy is to provide examples of past successes or achievements. For example, a job seeker might say, "In my last position, I was able to increase sales by 20% in just 6 months. I'm confident that I could bring that same level of success to this position." This type of statement not only demonstrates the job seeker's confidence but also provides concrete evidence of their ability to perform in the role.

Overall, the core principles of motivational interviewing for job interviews can help job seekers stand out and demonstrate their motivation and commitment to the position. By building rapport with the interviewer, eliciting and responding to change talk, and supporting self-efficacy, job seekers can demonstrate their enthusiasm for the position and address concerns about job fit.

Real-Life Examples of Motivational Interviewing in Job Interviews

In this section, we'll provide real-life examples of how to use motivational interviewing techniques in job interviews. These examples will cover a range of scenarios, including addressing concerns about qualifications or experience, negotiating salary or benefits, and following up after the interview.

Addressing Concerns about Qualifications or Experience

One common concern that job seekers may encounter in an interview is a perceived lack of qualifications or experience. In this situation, motivational interviewing techniques can be used to address the interviewer's concerns and demonstrate the job seeker's potential for growth and development.

For example, if the interviewer expresses concern about the job seeker's lack of experience in a particular area, the job seeker might respond by saying, "While I may not have direct experience in that area, I'm confident that I have the skills and aptitude to learn quickly and contribute to the team." This type of response not only acknowledges the interviewer's concern but also demonstrates the job seeker's willingness to learn and grow in the role.

Another way to address concerns about qualifications or experience is to provide examples of transferrable skills or relevant experiences. For example, a job seeker might say, "While I haven't worked in this industry before, I have experience working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment that requires quick thinking and adaptability. I believe those skills would be valuable in this position as well." This type of response not only shows the interviewer that the job seeker has relevant skills and experiences but also demonstrates the job seeker's ability to apply those skills in a new context.

Negotiating Salary or Benefits

Negotiating salary or benefits can be a challenging aspect of the job interview process, but motivational interviewing techniques can help job seekers approach these conversations with confidence and clarity.

One key technique is to use open-ended questions to understand the interviewer's perspective and needs. For example, a job seeker might ask, "What is the salary range for this position, and how does that reflect the responsibilities and expectations of the role?" This type of question not only shows the job seeker's interest in the position but also provides an opportunity to understand the interviewer's expectations and priorities.

Another way to negotiate salary or benefits is to use affirmations and change talk to express the job seeker's interest in the position and willingness to contribute to the company. For example, a job seeker might say, "I'm really excited about this opportunity and feel that I could bring a lot of value to the team. I'd be willing to consider a lower starting salary in exchange for opportunities for growth and development in the company." This type of statement not only demonstrates the job seeker's commitment to the position but also provides a potential solution that could benefit both the job seeker and the company.

Following Up After the Interview

Following up after the interview can help job seekers demonstrate their interest and commitment to the position. Motivational interviewing techniques can be used to approach these conversations in a way that is client-centered and empathic.

One key technique is to use reflective listening to understand the interviewer's perspective and needs. For example, a job seeker might say, "Thank you for taking the time to speak with me yesterday. Based on our conversation, it sounds like you're looking for someone with strong communication skills and a passion for the industry. Is there anything else I can provide or follow up on that would help you make a decision?"

Another way to follow up after the interview is to use affirmations and change talk to express the job seeker's interest in the position and commitment to the company. For example, a job seeker might say, "I just wanted to thank you again for the opportunity to interview for this position. I'm really excited about the company's mission and values and feel that I could make a meaningful contribution to the team. If there's anything else I can do to demonstrate my interest or qualifications, please let me know." This type of statement not only demonstrates the job seeker's enthusiasm but also provides a potential opportunity to continue the conversation and build rapport with the interviewer.

Additional Resources

Here are some additional resources to help you learn more about motivational interviewing for job interviews:

• The Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT) website offers a wealth of information on motivational interviewing, including training opportunities, publications, and research.
• The book "Motivational Interviewing in the Workplace" by Stephen Rollnick and Sebastian G. Kaplan provides a comprehensive guide to using motivational interviewing techniques in a range of workplace settings.
• The online job search platform, Glassdoor, provides a wealth of information on job interviews, including tips, insights, and reviews from real job seekers.
• The website of the National Career Development Association (NCDA) offers a range of resources and tools to help job seekers navigate the job search process, including advice on interviewing, networking, and resume writing.
• The website of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) provides a range of resources and insights on human resource management and workplace practices, including tips on effective interviewing techniques.
• LinkedIn Learning offers a range of online courses and tutorials on job interviewing skills, including courses on how to answer common interview questions, how to negotiate salary, and how to build rapport with interviewers.
• The Muse is a career advice and job search platform that offers a range of resources and tools to help job seekers navigate the job search process, including advice on interviewing, resume writing, and career development.
• The website of the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) provides detailed information on hundreds of occupations, including job requirements, skills, and work activities. This information can be helpful for job seekers in preparing for job interviews and understanding the expectations of different roles.
• The website of the American Psychological Association (APA) offers a range of resources and insights on psychological science and practice, including research on effective communication and interpersonal skills in the workplace.
• The website of the International Coach Federation (ICF) provides information on coaching and leadership development, including tips on effective communication and motivation in the workplace.

By utilizing the core principles of motivational interviewing and the real-life examples provided, job seekers can prepare for job interviews and increase their chances of landing their dream job. With the additional resources and tools available, job seekers can continue to develop their interviewing skills and succeed in the ever-changing job market. Remember, the key to success in job interviews is not only to showcase your skills and experiences but also to build rapport with the interviewer and demonstrate your motivation and commitment to the position. Good luck!