Recently, Guy Kawasaki interviewed Penelope Truck, for his article, Career Guidance for This Century,. Penelope is a columnist at the Boston Globe, author, and former software executive. She answers ten questions, ranging from “How much money does it take to be happy?” to “Do only losers live at home after college?” However, the question that caught my attention was, “How should I prepare for an interview?” In part, her answer was,

“Whether you are a stripper or a CIA agent, the answer to the question, ‘What is your weakness?’ is a story about how your weakness interfered at work – in a specific situation – and you overcame it. Most of your other answers should be stories, too. This means you need to make them up before you get to the interview. Stories of your life are memorable. Lists of your life are not. Be memorable if you want to be hired.”

First, I like the assumption that you should PREPARE for the interview. As Penelope notes, “An interview is a test you can study for.” Just as you would not expect to pass a mid-term without cracking the books, you should not expect to pass the interview without solid preparation. Too many candidates skip this stage altogether and it is painfully obvious.

“Be memorable if you want to hired.” Being memorable is one of the cornerstones of a successful interview. You bear the responsibility for how the hiring manager remembers you. Developing effective career stories (something I refer to as Memory Triggers) is critical in helping the hiring manager “see” you. The more clearer the vision they have of your value, the more likely they will extend you an offer or call back for a second interview. A well-delivered Memory Trigger will linger with the hiring manager long after the interview.