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30th Mar 2018

Simon Sinek’s ‘friends test’ is the easiest way to describe yourself at a job interview

Take note...

Alan Loughnane

Nail that job interview…

It’s called the “friends test,” and it comes from Simon Sinek, a leadership expert and hugely successful author of a number of motivational books.

Sinek recently did a Facebook Live at Business Insider and revealed the one test every person should do before they go for a job interview.

It’s simple to do.

  1. Pick a friend who you love and who loves you (not a family member)
  2. Ask that person, “Why are we friends?”

While this may seem a strange thing to do and the response might initially be quite awkward, as you’re asking one of your friends to evaluate a complicated relationship and put it into words, on the spot.

But breach through this awkwardness and try to get an honest answer after they initially reply with the inevitable, “we’re not friends.”

Eventually, they’ll start describing you in better detail and the effect that you have on them. Both of these points are very important. If your friends label you with positive traits, make sure you bring these up in your job interview when you’re asked to describe yourself.

You only get one chance to make a first impression so it’s important it’s a good one.

As for Sinek (his friend said he feels inspired by him), he would tell the interviewer:

“I wake up every single morning to inspire people to do what inspires them. I imagine a world in which the vast majority of people wake up inspired to go to work, feel safe when they’re there, and return home fulfilled at the end of the day.

“And I think that your company is devoted to that cause as well, which is why I want to work for you. I’ve met people here and they all seem on that path, which is why I feel compelled to interview here. I want to be a part of whatever it is you’re doing because I think it’ll help me fulfil my own purpose and my own cause.”