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Acing the Job Interview: How to Persuade Others to Your Point of View

Convincing others to see your perspective is a sought-after skill that hiring managers want to see. This article provides expert insights and a proven framework to help you nail this interview question.

What is the hiring manager looking for?

Hiring managers ask this question to evaluate your communication, persuasion, and critical thinking skills. They want to see if you can effectively present your ideas, adapt to different viewpoints, and influence others in a positive manner.

How to structure your answer

Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to answer this question effectively:
1. Briefly describe the situation where you needed to persuade others.
2. Clearly outline the specific task or goal you aimed to achieve.
3. Elaborate on the actions you took to persuade others, highlighting your strategies and techniques.
4. Share the positive outcomes or results of your efforts, emphasizing the impact you made.

Tips to answer this interview question

Tips:
– Be specific and provide concrete examples.
– Show that you can adapt your approach to different audiences.
– Use active listening and empathy to understand others’ perspectives.
– Demonstrate your ability to collaborate and compromise when necessary.
– Avoid becoming overly aggressive or confrontational.

Things to avoid:
– Don’t ramble or get sidetracked.
– Don’t rely solely on your authority or position.
– Don’t attack or criticize the other person’s viewpoint.

Example interview answers to this question

Sample Answer 1:
“During a group project, I needed to persuade my team members to adopt a new research methodology. I began by actively listening to their concerns and understanding their viewpoints. Then, I presented a compelling argument highlighting the benefits and potential outcomes of the new methodology. I emphasized its alignment with our project goals and demonstrated how it could lead to more accurate and insightful results. Ultimately, the team was persuaded and agreed to implement the new approach, which resulted in a successful and impactful project.”

This answer is strong because it clearly outlines the situation, task, actions, and results using the STAR method. It demonstrates the candidate’s ability to actively listen, understand different perspectives, and present a persuasive argument. The emphasis on collaboration and the positive outcome showcases the candidate’s teamwork and problem-solving skills.

Sample Answer 2:
“In a client meeting, I needed to persuade a skeptical client to approve a revised project timeline. I started by acknowledging their concerns and showing empathy for their perspective. Then, I meticulously laid out a revised plan, explaining the rationale behind each adjustment. I emphasized the potential benefits and how the new timeline would ultimately align with their objectives. Additionally, I offered alternative solutions and showed flexibility in accommodating their needs. In the end, the client was persuaded and agreed to the revised timeline, leading to a smooth and successful project delivery.”

This answer is strong because it demonstrates the candidate’s ability to build rapport, actively listen, and understand the client’s perspective. The emphasis on providing a well-reasoned explanation, offering alternative solutions, and showing flexibility highlights the candidate’s problem-solving, negotiation, and customer-centric approach. The positive outcome showcases the candidate’s ability to effectively persuade and build trust with clients.

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