Mastering the Interview: Strategic Insights from a Veteran Recruiting Manager

A Recruiting Manager’s Advice: What Not to Share in Job Interviews and Alternative Approaches

Bonnie Dilber, with nearly a decade’s experience in recruiting and even more as a hiring manager across education, non-profits, and tech industries, emphasizes the importance of being selective about the information shared during job interviews. Highlighting the preference of employers for candidates who pose low risk and promise high reward, Dilber advises against disclosing job search difficulties or upcoming leaves.

Dilber’s guidance for interviewees is to always be mindful of the interview context, focusing on information that is most relevant and engaging to the hiring manager. According to her, certain topics should be avoided in interviews:

1. Past Challenges and Job Search Difficulties: Revealing struggles with previous jobs or the job search process can lead hiring managers to question a candidate’s competence and fit. Instead of dwelling on past negatives, focus on future aspirations and how your skills align with the role. Suggested alternatives include expressing enthusiasm for the role’s alignment with your strengths, a desire to grow under the company’s leadership, and appreciation for the company’s culture of trust and autonomy.
2. Planned Leaves or Accommodations: Discussing upcoming parental leave, medical needs, or vacations too early can inadvertently influence the hiring decision due to implicit biases, despite legal protections against discrimination. It’s more strategic to broach these topics at later stages, like after receiving a job offer, where discussions about accommodations can occur in a context that emphasizes your value to the team.
3. Overemphasis on Compensation and Benefits: While attractive compensation packages are important, focusing solely on them can detract from your perceived passion for the job and potential impact. Instead, articulate your enthusiasm for the role itself, how your skills are a perfect match, and specific aspects of the job or company that excite you, demonstrating a commitment to contributing meaningfully rather than just benefiting from perks.

Bonnie Dilber, now leading the business recruiting team at Zapier, leverages her extensive background in various sectors to guide candidates towards making impactful impressions during interviews, enhancing their chances of securing the role.

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