LEADing Your Answers: A Winning Formula for Interview Responses

Uncover the LEAD framework for structuring your answers, ensuring they launch with impact, provide excerpts, assess interest, and establish a direct connection to the job.

In the competitive landscape of job interviews, it’s not just about what you say but how you say it. Many people are familiar with the STAR approach (Situation, Task, Action, Result). While that’s a widely touted framework, from a storytelling perspective, it has some problems. The main issue is that the most important part (the result) comes last, which dulls its impact. Early in my coaching career, I realized there was a better approach. That’s where our LEAD framework comes in.

LEAD stands for Launch with Impact, Excerpt Only, Assess Interest, and Direct Connection to the Job. It’s a powerful formula designed to help you structure your interview responses effectively, leaving a lasting impression on your interviewer.

In today’s job market, where standout candidates are sought after, mastering the art of delivering impactful interview responses is crucial. It’s not just about showcasing your skills and experiences but also about demonstrating how your expertise aligns with the needs of the position and the organization.

In this post, we’ll delve into each component of the LEAD framework, breaking down its significance and providing actionable tips for implementation. Whether you’re preparing for your first interview or looking to elevate your interview game, this will equip you with the tools you need to excel.

So, if you’re ready to learn how to LEAD your answers and stand out in your next interview, let’s dive in!

Launch with Impact

In interviews, “Launch with Impact” means starting your answer with a powerful first sentence that summarizes the main point you are trying to convey: how did you specifically contribute value? This sentence grabs the interviewer’s attention and creates a “hook” that will get them interested in the details of how, exactly, you pulled that off. Starting strong shows you’re sure of yourself, good at what you do, and clear when you talk.

Moreover, starting strong sets a positive tone for the entire interview. It conveys professionalism, preparedness, and engagement, signaling to the interviewer that you are a serious contender for the position.

A Few Examples of Opening Statements in Interview Responses

• Tell me about a time you had to address a challenging business situation?
  • “Sure. One of the biggest challenges I had to address was a technical implementation gone wrong, where I was brought in and successfully recovered a $10M account to such an extent that they increased the contract by $5M 6 months later. It started when…”
• What is your leadership style?
  • “My leadership style is focused on building high performing teams that can scale 7-figure revenue products to 8- or 9-figure products, which I’ve done 3 times over the past 5 years. Specifically I focus on recruiting…”
• What are the key technical platforms you focus on?
  • “My recent focus has been on cloud transformations where I focus on driving cost savings and faster time to market for B2B financial services. I’ve done this at AWS…”

Excerpt Only

In the interview context, the “Excerpt Only” component refers to the practice of providing a brief and concise summary of your relevant experiences or stories. Instead of delving into every detail, you focus on highlighting the key points that directly relate to the question asked. This allows you to efficiently communicate your qualifications while respecting the interviewer’s time constraints.

The Shorter, The Better

Offering a concise summary of your story or experience is crucial for several reasons. First, it demonstrates your ability to communicate effectively and efficiently, a valuable skill in any professional setting. Second, it shows respect for the interviewer’s time, as they likely have multiple candidates to interview. Finally, a succinct summary ensures that you stay on track and avoid veering off topic, thereby maintaining the relevance and impact of your response.

Practice Your 30 to 60-second Executive Summary

1. Identify Key Points: Before the interview, identify the key points of your story or experience that directly relate to the question at hand. Focus on the most relevant details that showcase your skills, achievements, and qualifications.
2. Practice Pacing: Practice delivering your summary at a comfortable yet brisk pace. Aim to cover the essential points within 30 to 60 seconds without rushing or omitting crucial information.
3. Use Clear and Concise Language: Choose your words carefully to convey your message clearly and succinctly. Avoid unnecessary jargon or elaborate explanations that may confuse the interviewer.
4. Highlight Achievements: Emphasize your accomplishments and the positive outcomes of your actions. Quantifiable results or specific examples of success can help reinforce the impact of your experience.
5. Stay Focused: Keep your summary focused on the main topic or question at hand. Avoid tangents or irrelevant details that detract from the central message of your response.

Assess Interest

The “Assess Interest” component involves gauging the level of interest or engagement from the interviewer before delving into further details or elaborations in your response. It’s about being attentive to the interviewer’s cues and determining whether they are genuinely interested in hearing more about a particular aspect of your experience or story.

Gauging the Interviewer’s Interest Before Providing Additional Details

Assessing the interviewer’s interest before diving into additional details is crucial for several reasons. First, it ensures that you are respecting the interviewer’s time and preferences by only providing information that they find relevant or valuable. Second, it allows you to tailor your response to the specific interests or concerns of the interviewer, making your answer more impactful and engaging. Finally, it demonstrates your ability to communicate effectively and adapt to the dynamics of the interview conversation.

Asking Probing Questions to Assess Interest

1. Pay Attention to Nonverbal Cues: Observe the interviewer’s body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice for signs of interest or engagement. Look for cues such as nodding, leaning forward, or asking follow-up questions.
2. Listen Carefully: Actively listen to the interviewer’s responses and questions to identify areas of interest or curiosity. Use this information to tailor your response and focus on the topics that resonate with the interviewer.
3. Ask Open-Ended Questions: Encourage the interviewer to elaborate on specific topics or areas of interest by asking open-ended questions. For example, you could ask, “Would you like me to provide more detail on how I implemented this strategy in my previous role?”
4. Seek Clarification: If you’re unsure whether the interviewer wants more information on a particular point, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification. You could ask, “Would you like me to expand on that further?”
5. Be Responsive: Respond to the interviewer’s cues and adapt your response accordingly. If you sense waning interest or a desire to move on to another topic, wrap up concisely and transition to the next question.

Direct Connection to the Job

“Direct Connection to the Job” component refers to the practice of linking your response back to the specific requirements, responsibilities, and objectives of the position for which you’re interviewing. It involves demonstrating how your skills, experiences, and accomplishments directly align with what the employer is seeking in an ideal candidate.

Tying Your Answer Back to the Requirements of the Position

Tying your answer back to the requirements of the position is crucial for showcasing your suitability as a candidate. It allows you to demonstrate a clear understanding of the job role and the organization’s needs, while also highlighting how your background and capabilities uniquely qualify you to excel in the role.

Moreover, by emphasizing the direct connection between your experience and the job requirements, you reassure the interviewer of your ability to hit the ground running and make an immediate impact if hired. This alignment fosters confidence in your candidacy and increases the likelihood of getting a favorable evaluation.

Tips on How to Connect Your Answers to the Job

In the interview context, the “Direct Connection to the Job” component refers to the practice of linking your response back to the specific requirements, responsibilities, and objectives of the position for which you’re interviewing. It involves demonstrating how your skills, experiences, and accomplishments directly align with what the employer is seeking in an ideal candidate.

Examples of How to Seamlessly Connect Your Experience to the Job You’re Interviewing For

1. Highlight Relevant Skills: Identify key skills or competencies mentioned in the job description and showcase how you have demonstrated proficiency in these areas in your previous roles. For example, if the job requires strong project management skills, you could discuss a project you successfully led from initiation to completion.
2. Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, quantify your achievements to provide concrete evidence of your capabilities. For instance, if the job involves improving operational efficiency, you could mention how you implemented a process improvement initiative that resulted in a 20% increase in productivity.
3. Align with Company Values: Research the company’s mission, values, and culture, and incorporate these into your responses to demonstrate alignment with the organization’s ethos. For instance, if the company prioritizes innovation and creativity, you could share examples of how you’ve introduced novel solutions to overcome challenges in your previous roles.
4. Show Understanding of Industry Trends: Demonstrate your awareness of industry trends and challenges by referencing relevant industry developments or market insights in your responses. This signals to the interviewer that you are well-informed and proactive in staying abreast of industry changes.

LEAD Framework

The LEAD framework is a powerful tool to help you structure your interview responses effectively, ensuring clarity, relevance, and impact. Here’s a recap of its components:

• Launch with Impact: Start your answer with a strong, attention-grabbing opening sentence that sets the tone for your response.
• Excerpt Only: Provide a concise summary of your experience or story, focusing on the key points that directly address the question asked.
• Assess Interest: Gauge the interviewer’s level of interest before providing additional details or elaborations in your response.
• Direct Connection to the Job: Tie your answer back to the specific requirements, responsibilities, and objectives of the position for which you’re interviewing, demonstrating alignment with the employer’s needs.

Tips for Practicing and Implementing the LEAD Approach

1. Role-play Scenarios: Practice responding to common interview questions using the LEAD framework with a friend, family member, or mentor. This will help you become more comfortable and confident in applying the approach during actual interviews.
2. Use Real-life Examples: Draw from your own experiences and accomplishments to craft compelling responses that align with the LEAD framework. Think about specific situations where you demonstrated key skills or qualities relevant to the job.
3. Seek Feedback: Solicit feedback from trusted individuals on your interview responses, focusing on how well you applied the LEAD framework. Use their insights to identify areas for improvement and refine your approach.
4. Stay Flexible: While the LEAD framework provides a structured approach to interview responses, remain flexible and adapt your approach based on the dynamics of each interview. Pay attention to the interviewer’s cues and adjust your responses accordingly.

As you prepare for your next interview, remember that the LEAD framework is a versatile tool that can be tailored to suit your individual strengths and the requirements of the job for which you’re interviewing. By practicing and implementing the LEAD approach, you can craft responses that effectively showcase your qualifications, experience, and fit for the role.

So, embrace the LEAD framework as your guide to interview success, and approach each interview with confidence, clarity, and purpose. With diligent preparation and strategic application, you’ll be well-equipped to impress interviewers and land the job of your dreams.

A Few More Thoughts

As you navigate the interview process, remember that preparation is key, but so is authenticity. While it’s important to practice and refine your responses using frameworks like LEAD, don’t lose sight of who you are and what makes you unique as a candidate.

Approach each interview with confidence, knowing that you have valuable skills, experiences, and perspectives to offer. Be genuine in your interactions, and strive to build rapport with the interviewer by showcasing your passion, enthusiasm, and genuine interest in the role and the organization.

Remember that interviews are not just about proving your qualifications; they’re also about finding the right fit. Trust your instincts and be discerning in assessing whether the company culture, values, and expectations align with your own.

Lastly, don’t be discouraged by setbacks or rejections. Each interview is an opportunity to learn and grow, regardless of the outcome. Use feedback constructively, continue to refine your approach, and keep striving towards your goals with determination and resilience.

Above all, believe in yourself and your abilities. You are capable, you are deserving, and you have what it takes to succeed. Go forth with confidence, and may your next interview be the stepping stone to your next great opportunity.