Forget Winning, Focus on Being Genuine in Job Interviews

In the world of job interviews, the pressure to 'win' can be overwhelming. But what if the key to success isn't about outshining your competition, but rather being genuine and authentic? That's the advice from Steve Kaufer, the former CEO of TripAdvisor, who believes that the best way to approach a job interview is to stop trying to 'win' and instead focus on being yourself.

Kaufer, who co-founded TripAdvisor in 2000 and served as its CEO for 22 years, has seen his fair share of job interviews. And while he admits that some interviewers may use 'ecret stunts' to catch candidates off guard, he believes that the most important thing is to be genuine and authentic.

So, how can you shift your mindset from 'winning' the interview to fostering a more genuine and productive conversation? Here are some tips from Kaufer and other experts:

1. Research the company and role: Before the interview, take the time to thoroughly understand the company's mission, values, culture, and recent developments. This will help you tailor your responses and show genuine interest in the position (Kaufer, 2025).
2. Prepare thoughtful questions: Asking insightful questions about the company, role, or team shows that you are engaged and curious. This can help create a more meaningful conversation and allows you to assess whether the company is a good fit for you (Kaufer, 2025).
3. Focus on storytelling: Candidates should use specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate their experiences and achievements. This approach helps to create a more engaging and genuine conversation, making it easier for the interviewer to connect with the candidate (Kaufer, 2025).
4. Be open and authentic: Candidates should strive to be open and honest about their experiences, strengths, and weaknesses. This approach helps to build trust and rapport with the interviewer, making the conversation more productive (Kaufer, 2025).
5. Show empathy and active listening: By demonstrating empathy and actively listening to the interviewer, candidates can create a more collaborative and engaging conversation. This approach helps to build a stronger connection with the interviewer and shows that the candidate is a good fit for the company culture (Kaufer, 2025).
6. Reframe the interview as a mutual exploration: Instead of viewing the interview as a competition, candidates should reframe it as a mutual exploration of whether the role and company are a good fit for them. This mindset shift can help create a more genuine and productive conversation (Kaufer, 2025).

By adopting these strategies, candidates can foster a more genuine and productive conversation during the interview, which can improve their chances of success. This approach allows candidates to showcase their unique qualities, connect with the interviewer, and demonstrate their fit for the role and company.

In conclusion, the advice from Steve Kaufer and other experts is clear: stop trying to 'win' the interview and focus on being genuine and authentic. By shifting your mindset and adopting these strategies, you can create a more meaningful conversation and increase your chances of landing your dream job.