If you’re getting interviews but no offers, you may be unknowingly saying something in the interview that’s keeping you from standing out as the “must-have” candidate. The whole purpose of an interview is to showcase that you’re the solution to the company’s challenges and needs. Yet candidates with extensive experience—often 15 years or more—may struggle to communicate this effectively.

The Common Misstep of Seasoned Professionals

One common issue for seasoned professionals is feeling the need to showcase their vast experience by presenting themselves as a “Jack or Jill of all trades.” They often say, “I can do this, I’ve done that,” listing a broad range of skills and achievements. While this might seem like a good strategy to demonstrate capability, it can backfire. When you’re running through a laundry list of skills, it can come across as overwhelming or even boastful—like a know-it-all, narcissist, or “bull in a china shop.”

The unfortunate result? The interviewer may perceive you as either difficult to work with or overly desperate. Think of it like trying to sell a high-end luxury car for the price of an economy model—interviewers may view it as too good to be true, which triggers skepticism instead of confidence.

Shifting Your Interview Strategy

After 15 years of experience, your interview approach should be markedly different from someone with just a few years in the industry. Instead of listing capabilities, aim to position yourself as a specialist with deep insight into the company’s needs. Here’s how:

1. Ask Insightful Questions: Take time to ask detailed questions that demonstrate a genuine interest in the company’s specific challenges. This shows that you’re attentive, not just rattling off qualifications.
2. Use Targeted Examples: Provide precise, relevant examples from your career to illustrate your expertise. Instead of stating you can handle everything, focus on specific achievements that directly relate to the role you’re interviewing for.
3. Agitate the Pain Points: At Work It DAILY we teach a technique called “agitating the pain,” which involves showcasing your understanding of the issues the company is facing. Reflect the company’s pain points back to them and show that you have experience with similar challenges. For example, you might say, “Based on what you’ve shared, here’s how I would approach this challenge. At my previous company, we faced a similar issue, and I handled it by doing X, Y, and Z. Do you think a similar approach could work here?” This kind of collaborative approach feels less like a lecture and more like a tailored solution.
4. Collaborate, Don’t Dictate: Instead of presenting your skills in a way that might feel one-sided, engage with the interviewer. Ask for feedback on your ideas and adapt them to their responses. Successful, savvy professionals do this naturally, and it’s a powerful way to build rapport.

Avoiding the “Oversell” Trap

With years of experience, you may be unknowingly overselling yourself. This can make you seem more like a “know-it-all” than a team player. By focusing on collaboration and targeted examples, you’ll present yourself as a valuable asset without overwhelming your interviewer.

If you’re over 40 or have significant career experience, you might find specific guidance helpful to adjust your interview approach. Work It DAILY offers a video tutorial inside our Interview Prep Course that’s tailored for seasoned professionals. Through our seven-day free trial, you can access this and other resources to refine your interview technique, ensuring that your experience shines in a way that lands just right with potential employers.

With these adjustments, you can transform your interview approach and become the must-have candidate who truly stands out.

Good luck! Go get ’em.